Embarking on a camping adventure in the United States offers outdoor enthusiasts a myriad of options, each promising a unique and unforgettable experience. The Best Places to Camp in The United States showcase the nation's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine beaches and dense forests. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice looking to connect with nature, these top destinations cater to every camping preference.
Yosemite National Park in California stands out as one of the Best Places to Camp in The United States, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, towering sequoias, and granite cliffs. Camping amidst this natural wonderland allows visitors to wake up to the sounds of rustling leaves and the scent of pine, creating a truly immersive outdoor experience.
Best Places to Camp in The United States
For those seeking an otherworldly camping adventure, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a must-visit. Camping along the rim of the canyon provides unparalleled views of the vast, awe-inspiring landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset. The rugged terrain and starry night skies make it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts.
Heading east, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offers a diverse ecosystem and numerous camping opportunities. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and diverse flora and fauna, it's a haven for nature lovers. Camping here allows visitors to connect with the Appalachian wilderness and witness the park's renowned mist-covered peaks.
For coastal camping bliss, the Olympic National Park in Washington boasts diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests, alpine peaks, and pristine coastal areas. Campers can wake up to the soothing sounds of ocean waves and explore tide pools or hike through old-growth forests, making it one of the Best Places to Camp in The United States for those seeking a unique coastal experience.
01. Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is the Pine Tree State's natural jewel. The park boasts nearly 50,000 acres of forests, 24 lakes and ponds, and 158 miles of hiking trails, offering a scenic backdrop for all your adventures.
You'll also find five campgrounds to set up your tent: Blackwoods (close to Bar Harbor), Seawall (less touristy), Schoodic Woods (situated on the Schoodic Peninsula), Duck Harbor (located on Isle au Haut and only reachable from the mainland by mailboat) and Wildwood Stables (available to guests with stock animals only).
Reserve campsites online ahead of time up to 60 days in advance. All campgrounds close seasonally during the winter, though they reopen in May for spring, summer, and fall camping.
02. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine
If you're up for a rugged hike, look no further than the northernmost section of the Appalachian Valley, located near the start of the Appalachian Trail (or the end, depending on which direction you're hiking). The sights in White Mountains National Forest are particularly magical during the fall when leaf-peeping season is at its peak.
Here, you'll find several campgrounds and cabins, from fully developed campsites fit for families to stark backcountry spots better suited to those who enjoy wilderness camping.
The Barnes Field and Hancock campgrounds are open year-round — Barnes Field sites must be reserved ahead of time from mid-May to mid-October but are available on a first come, first served basis during the winter, while group sites at the Hancock campground can be booked anytime.
03. Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York
Just 94 miles from New York City, Minnewaska State Park Reserve sits on Shawangunk Ridge more than 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by rocky terrain. That's a lot of space to hike, bike, and — especially — enjoy the view.
Reservations for the Sam F. Pryor III Shawangunk Campground can be made online starting each year in March, as it's closed during the winter months.
There are 50 tent sites (24 walk-in sites and 26 drive-in sites), as well as five car-camping sites, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, coin-operated showers, and communal fire pits and picnic pavilions.
04. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
About a 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of trails, including the popular but strenuous 9.4-mile trek up Old Rag Mountain that's a must-do for avid hikers (book your day-use ticket ahead of time online).
This glorious park, spread out over 199,200 acres, offers plenty of views of lush forests and waterfalls. Its facilities are open in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are five campgrounds to choose from.
Note that while most campsites can be reserved online up to six months ahead, you must actually be there to book one of the first come, first served campsites — people tend to book long weekend stays starting on Thursday or Friday, so plan your trip accordingly. Text SHENCAMP to 888777 for the latest updates on first come, first served campsite availability.
05. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
The Assateague Island National Seashore campgrounds are about nine miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, with 37 miles of beaches for camping, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, crabbing, biking, kayaking, and spotting wild horses. Though Assateague Island National Seashore is located in both Maryland and Virginia, camping is only available on the Maryland side.
Campers are not allowed to bring in firewood from outside Maryland, and if you're bringing any furry friends along, you'll need to ensure they're up to date on all their shots and sign a pet policy agreement. Campsites can be reserved ahead of time online from mid-March to mid-November and most come with picnic tables and a fire ring.
06. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
You can have one of the world's largest barrier reefs right outside your tent when you go camping at Dry Tortugas National Park, located just off the coast of Key West in South Florida. Campers can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War.
This area is also great for stargazing at night and bird-watching during the day, so pack a pair of binoculars. All campers are advised to plan ahead and bring everything they'll need (including tents, fresh water, ice, food, and fuel), carry out all trash, and book their ferry transportation from Key West as early as possible, as tickets tend to sell out months in advance.
07. Big Bend National Park, Texas
If you're looking for a great place to go rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande in Texas is an excellent choice. There are also trails along the park's desert, mountain, and river landscapes for hiking or backpacking.
You'll find three developed campgrounds (Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood), an RV camping area, and plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping. All require advance reservations, while backcountry permits are required for river trips and approved backcountry use at the park's primitive sites.
08. Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas
Arkansas has loads of countryside that is often overlooked. In the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, you'll find 1.2 million acres of recreational space, home to nine beaches, many lakes and streams, and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Campers can choose between a number of developed campgrounds for RV and tent camping, some of which, including Cove Lake, Redding, and the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, are open year-round.
Other campgrounds, such as Long Pool, Storm Creek, Shores Lake, and Lake Wedington, are open seasonally from May through October. Primitive camping within the five wilderness areas is also permitted — just remember to bring some water (or a water filtration device) and leave no trace.
09. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Don't underestimate the beauty of the Badlands. The climate may be rough, but it's still gorgeous. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park, you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils.
There are two campgrounds within the park. The first, Cedar Pass, offers 96 campsites, scenic views of the various rock formations, and amenities such as running water and electricity. The other, Sage Creek, is a smaller campground with 22 first come, first served sites and no running water, although you can usually see the bison wandering around.
10. Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho
The steep Smoky Mountains offer stunning views, reminiscent of something out of a Bob Ross painting. There are dozens of campgrounds throughout this 756,000-acre wood, but one of the best spots is Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It's a fantastic place to go hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, rafting, boating, trekking, or cycling, and just get back to nature.
While half the sites are available on a first come, first served basis, reservations can be made online ahead of time, with camping season taking place each year from late-May to mid-September.
11. Glacier National Park, Montana
There are 13 developed campgrounds and more than 1,000 sites so you can stay and bask in the beautiful views of Montana's magnificent Glacier National Park. Hikers can also enjoy more than 700 miles of trails through forest, meadow, and mountain terrains.
Several of Glacier National Park's campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis, while others require advance reservations. Check the website to see which of them will be open if you plan on doing some wintertime wilderness camping; otherwise, the main camping season happens spring through fall each year.
12. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Just north of Jackson Hole, you can peek at the Rocky Mountains and see plenty of wildlife and lakes. Grand Teton National Park is also located next to the National Elk Refuge, where you can spot hundreds of elk, depending on when you go. While you can stay at one of the six campgrounds inside the national park, Signal Mountain in particular has the best reviews.
An RV park and a village with tent cabins are also available should you prefer something beyond traditional tent camping. Whatever you do, reserve as far ahead as you can, since online reservations for campsites open up to six months in advance and tend to fill up quickly. Keep an eye out for roaming bison, mule deer, and moose, as well as the occasional bear.
13. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado
With more than 3,000 miles of trails and three million acres of public land, you're guaranteed a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.
You'll see a variety of landscapes among the 59 campsites, including open meadows, evergreen forests, mountains, and lakes. Most are open seasonally, while a select few stay open all year long — check the website for road conditions beforehand if you plan to camp during the winter months.
14. Arches National Park, Utah
Nothing beats waking up on a cold morning to see fresh, white snow set against the red rocks of Arches National Park. One of the park's most popular hikes, the Delicate Arch Trail, takes you on an amazing trek full of photo opportunities. Note that Arches only has one campground, The Devils Garden, which offers a modest 51 campsites, although there are other places to camp nearby in the Moab area.
Due to its size and the number of people who visit the park during the busier months, reservations are required for stays between March 1 and October 31 — campsites are available on a first come, first served basis from November to February.
15. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Located about a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas within Valley of Fire State Park, the Arch Rock Campground is a quiet camping oasis surrounded by dramatic red sandstones. One of just two campgrounds inside the park, Arch Rock offers 29 sites that are open during the busier months (spring through fall), while the other, the Atlatl Rock Campground, has 44 sites and is open year-round.
All sites are first come, first served. Established in 1935, the park is home to 2,000-year-old petroglyphs, curious rock formations, and gorgeous vistas featuring its signature red sandstone.
16. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
There's no place like the Grand Canyon if you want a stunning view. Reservations are recommended for two of the three developed campgrounds during the summer. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit. While the South Rim is easier to get to, it can get a little crowded.
For a more secluded stay, try the North Rim. Just be aware that it'll take about four more hours to reach it from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. There's a reason it's called the Grand Canyon, and you'll need to drive a little over 200 miles to reach the opposite side.
Also note that North Rim campgrounds are only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, while several sites along the South Rim are open year-round, including the Mather Campground and Trailer Village in South Rim Village. Two other South Rim spots, Desert View and Ten–X, are only open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October and mid-May through September, respectively.
17. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Keep in mind that timed entry reservations are required for anyone who wants to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While most ranger-guided tours at Carlsbad Caverns National Park remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, you can book a spot on the 1.5-hour King's Palace Tour, which offers a look at the unique rock formations found inside the cavern, such as helictites, soda straws, and draperies, among others.
The park is also a great place to spot bats in the caves in late summer and early fall. Note that only backcountry camping is available within the park, and every camper is required to secure a permit from the park's visitor center upon arrival (camping facilities and other accommodations can be found seven miles away in Whites City or 20 miles away in Carlsbad).
Be sure to ask about the park's seasonal Bat Flight Programs and Night Sky Programs while you're at the visitor center, as these only happen at certain times of the year.
18. Olympic National Park, Washington
There's nothing like camping next to this beautiful coastline, marked by several sea stacks. Olympic National Park has 14 different campgrounds, some next to the ocean and others in the rain forest, so you can enjoy a variety of landscapes. Check the Campground Status page on the park's website before you go to see if there are any seasonal or weather-related closures.
While most are first come, first served, you can reserve a spot ahead of time online during the summer at the Mora, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Fairholme campgrounds, as well as the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort RV Park & Campground and Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground.
19. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is home to the United State's deepest lake (1,943 feet!) and a sleeping volcano, so there are plenty of photo opportunities for nature lovers. Campers can choose between two campgrounds: Mazama, for RV and tent camping from June to late September, and Lost Creek, which remains closed in 2023 but is normally open from July through mid-October for tents only. And yes, there's also backcountry camping with a permit.
20. Joshua Tree National Park, California
There are nine campgrounds located throughout Joshua Tree National Park, including Jumbo Rocks, which is known for its big boulder rocks that shelter sites from the wind. It is highly recommended that you book your campsite ahead of time online — especially during the busy season, which happens between November and May, as well as on holidays, weekends, and any spring day — as most of them can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Be aware that certain sections of the Cottonwood, Black Rock, and Indian Cove campgrounds may be closed during the summer — those campgrounds as well as Ryan and Jumbo Rocks require reservations year-round, while the others are available on a first come, first served basis.
21. Yosemite National Park, California
Everyone who loves nature has to go to Yosemite National Park at some point in their lives, especially for a good camping trip. Nearly 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness, and there are 13 popular campgrounds within its 747,956 acres, as well as backcountry camping for people who really want to rough it.
Note that the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is expected to remain closed for renovations through 2023 or possibly 2024 depending on the construction schedule. Visit the campground page on the park's website to learn more about when to make reservations and enter the North Pines Campground early access lottery.
22. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Want to see some of the biggest trees in North America? Look no further than Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where you can set up camp among any of 14 scenic campgrounds.
Choose from several different areas throughout the parks — Grant Grove Village, the foothills of Sequoia National Park, the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas, Cedar Grove, and the Mineral King area — and make your reservations in advance. All campgrounds are open spring through fall, while just the South Fork, Potwisha, and Azalea sites are open all year long.
23. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park is known for its 10,023-foot dormant volcano, which is a great spot for the best views of Maui's natural landscape. Designated campsites are available in the Kīpahulu and Hosmer Grove campgrounds, while additional lodging is available thanks to the park's historic wilderness cabins.
Those seeking something a little more natural can try the Hōlua and Palikū primitive wilderness camping areas. No matter what style of camping you're into, you must make reservations ahead of time to camp here throughout the year and are only allowed to stay three nights per 30-day period.
24. Denali National Park, Alaska
If you've never been to Alaska, you're missing out, as some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States can be found here. Denali National Park offers 6.1 million acres of land full of wildlife, beautiful trails, and plenty of plants, creeks, and mountains, including Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak.
Choose from five established campgrounds — not counting the Wonder Lake campground, which will be closed through 2024 — and be sure to reserve your spot online as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
FAQ
Q1: What are some popular camping spots in the United States?
A1: The United States offers a variety of popular camping spots, including Yosemite National Park in California, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Q2: Can you recommend family-friendly camping destinations in the United States?
A2: Certainly! Family-friendly camping destinations in the United States include Acadia National Park in Maine, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and Glacier National Park in Montana.
Q3: What should I consider when planning a camping trip in the United States?
A3: When planning a camping trip in the United States, consider factors like the weather, permits, and campground facilities. Research the specific regulations of the chosen location and ensure you have the necessary equipment for a comfortable stay.
Q4: Are there any coastal camping options in the United States?
A4: Yes, there are several coastal camping options in the United States. Some notable ones include Olympic National Park in Washington, Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina.
Q5: How can I make reservations for camping at popular national parks?
A5: To make reservations for camping at popular national parks in the United States, visit the official website of the National Park Service or use authorized reservation platforms. Ensure you book well in advance, especially for peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Conclusion: in the heart of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping at high elevations provides a chance to witness the breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Hiking trails cater to various skill levels, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
For a desert camping experience like no other, Joshua Tree National Park in California beckons with its unique landscape of twisted Joshua trees and rugged rock formations. Campers can revel in the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, explore hiking trails, and enjoy unparalleled stargazing opportunities in this designated International Dark Sky Park.
In the southeastern United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offers a diverse ecosystem and numerous camping opportunities. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and diverse flora and fauna, it's a haven for nature lovers. Camping here allows visitors to connect with the Appalachian wilderness and witness the park's renowned mist-covered peaks.
The Best Places to Camp in The United States are as diverse as the country itself. From the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon to the coastal beauty of Olympic National Park, each destination provides a unique camping experience. Whether you're seeking mountain vistas, coastal serenity, or desert wonders, these top camping spots cater to all preferences, making the United States a camper's paradise. So, pack your gear, set up your tent, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await in these Best Places to Camp in The United States.
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