Summer is around the corner which means it is officially camping season! Start planning your camping trips with these 11 amazing camping destinations in the USA.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to enjoy bonfires, smores and snuggling in tents. To help you plan the most perfect camping trips, I have partnered with some of my travel blogging friends and put together this list of awesome camping destinations in the USA.
Scroll through them and get excited to explore these seven beautiful camping areas.
12 Amazing Camping Destinations In The USA
1. Jones Pass
Located just 40 minutes outside of Denver (along Highway 40), camping at Jones Pass is one of the ultimate ways to experience Colorado’s alpine beauty right from the comfort of your tent! Its closeness to Denver makes it one of the best Colorado road trip stops if you’re keen to get fully immersed in the state’s picture-perfect mountain scenery without having to plan a long backpacking trip. Pro tip: visit Jones Pass during the summer, the entire area turns into a wonderland of wildflowers!
What’s best? Camping at Jones Pass is absolutely free, and while there aren’t any amenities, there are tons of things to do nearby, including hiking to the top of the pass for sweeping views of the Colorado Rockies, taking a scenic drive for sunset, or putting on some sturdy hiking shoes on and hiking all the way to Long’s Peak, which is one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain peaks!
By Meg from Fox in the Forest
2. Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park in Cape Cod is one of the best Massachusetts state parks for camping. Nickerson state park is nearly 2000 acres set in Brewster, one of the nicest towns in Cape Cod. Renting a hotel or even a bed and breakfast in the area will be a considerable cost of your summer vacation in Cape Cod. Camping at Nickerson though is significantly cheaper even if you choose a glamping option like a yurt. It is definitely cheaper if you are a Massachusetts state resident (as determined by the license plate on the car you are driving).
There are hundreds of places that allow tent camping or RV camping at this state park which has lots of amenities like hiking, cycling and fishing. Nickerson State Park has a biking trail that connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a popular 25 mile rail trail. You will also have the beauty of lower and upper cape cod at your disposable. The magnificent Cape Cod National Seashore is nearby (but does not allow camping). There are also the towns and beaches of Chatham, Harwich and Brewster to explore, too. By saving your money by camping in Cape Cod, you can spend more money on activities like excursions to see the seals in Monomoy Island or dolphin-watching cruises.
3. Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the most incredible and remote camping you’ll find in the country. The mountain range crosses the Alaska and Canada border and offers a chance to explore Root Glacier and the historic Kennicot Mine. Incredible backcountry camping awaits those willing to take a flight deep into Alaskan wilderness but my favorite adventure yet is in Wrangell St. Elias National Park is hiking across Root Glacier to see the Stairway Icefall. You’ll find the root glacier trail
You can camp just about anywhere in the national park or pick one of the sites near Kennicott with a view of Root Glacier. You can see two incredible mountains in the background Blackburn and Donoho from the campsite and I highly recommend booking a Root Glacier tour to safely explore the area.
Kennicot Mine is a National Historic Landmark so you’ll need to stage your trip from McCarthy. The hike to and around Root Glacier is quite easy but toughest part is getting there. McCarthy is an 8 hour drive from Anchorage or Fairbanks. Many visitors book an air taxi to get there and around McCarthy anyway. I know I plan to hire one for a backcountry trip on my next visit.
By Mike at LiveTravelTeach
4. Great Basin National Park
There are plenty of reasons to visit Great Basin National Park in Nevada and camping is one of the best ones for a few reasons. You get to escape the desert heat since you’re in the mountains, you’re already in the park and depending on which campground you’re at, some of the best trails in the park are just a short walk from where you woke up, and it makes stargazing that much more convenient.
There are six campgrounds to choose from in the park depending on what you want and how early you get there since it’s all first-come, first served. The Upper Lehman Creek Campground is a personal favorite since it’s kind of in the middle between the closest town, Baker, and Wheeler Peak where most of the popular hikes are.
While you’re visiting, make sure to do a Lehman Cave tour, hike the Bristlecone trail, see the only glacier in Nevada, do some stargazing, and hike the Alpine Lake Loop. It’s a hidden gem park in the middle of nowhere, but it’s well worth the effort to get to.
By Megan from Red Around The World
5. Sedona, Arizona
At sunset, the red rocks surrounding Sedona, Arizona change from rose to amber to dark maroon. The desert town is a hub for hundreds of hiking trails that weave through rust-colored canyons to the tops if impressive buttes. Some visitors flock to Sedona for its famed vortices (colloquially called ‘vortexes’), which are said to be spirals of energy radiating from Sedona’s dust.
There are a range of RV parks and campgrounds within the Sedona region, though it’s possible to camp within the Coconino National Forest borders. Many official campgrounds have showers, drinking water, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Or, for intrepid campers, dispersed camping where you set up camp wherever you like is allowed within the National Forest borders.
During a camping trip to Sedona, don’t miss venturing to the top of Cathedral Rock for sunset, walking across Devil’s Bridge, or deciding for yourself whether the Sedona vortexes are real or not.
By Chantae from Chantae Was Here.
6. Hither Hills State Park
Drive through the summer playground of the rich and famous known as the Hamptons and arrive at the scenic Hither Hills State Park in Montauk. Hither Hills State Park is located on Old Montauk Highway and within a short walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean.
This N.Y. State Park offers visitors a breathtaking sandy ocean beach, scenic picnic areas, sport fishing, equestrian trails, biking, paddleboarding, hiking, and much more. Showers as well as campsites, cabins, and lodging are available.
What is particularly unique about this campsite for the walking dunes of Napeague Harbor. The dunes are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has bridle paths, hiking trails, and cross-country ski trails during the winter. You may frequently see seals lounging on the beach November through March.
Notable sites nearby are the Montauk Point Lighthouse, Ditch Plains Beach, and Second House Museum.
Since the campsite is near the ocean, it can get quite cold at night from the brisk ocean breeze. Please note that unfortunately pets are not allowed at the campsite.
Camping is $35 per night and $70 per night for non-New York State residents.
By Vanessa at East End Taste Magazine
7. Florida Everglades
For a unique wilderness camping experience, consider camping in the Florida Everglades — pitching your tent there is a wet and wild adventure in a pristine natural environment.
The Glades have camping options that are available in both the wild backcountry and the front country. Most backcountry sites are only accessible by kayak, canoe, or motor boat although some can be reached by hiking during the dry season.
Tent camping can be done at both beach and ground sites. Or for a bit more adventure, pitch your freestanding tent on an elevated platform called a chickee hut, a popular option reachable only by kayak or canoe. No fires are allowed but there is a compostable toilet at most sites. Most chicken huts are found in the southern Everglades.
For beach or wilderness camping a camping permit is required. To reserve a campsite, you have to register in person at either the Gulf Coast or Flamingo Visitor Centers to get a permit. If you need an electric hook-up, Flamingo is definitely the better choice.
By Lori at Naples Florida Travel Guide
8. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a great park for camping. With its woods, seashore, islands, and lakes, it is a camper’s paradise.
The national park has three main sections, and each has at least one campground. The main part of the park is on Mount Desert Island and there are two campgrounds. Blackwoods Campground is open all year and Seawall Campground is open May – October. Both campgrounds are especially lovely, set in the woods and with easy access to the park’s hiking trails and shorelines.
On the Schoodic Peninsula is Schoodic Woods Campground, open May – October. This is a great option is you prefer to be away from the crowds. Finally, the tiny Isle au Haut, reached only by boat, has the small Duck Harbor Campground, with just five primitive sites (open May – October). This is perfect if you want to stay on a small island off the beaten path and get back to basics.
There are also several private campgrounds just outside the park, so there are no shortage of camping options for Acadia National Park.
James Ian from Parks Collecting
9. Door County
Door County is one of the best places for camping in Wisconsin. Situated on Lake Michigan, the unique formation of Door County Peninsula has created a gorgeous terrain for outdoor camping. I love Door County because it offers a camping experience to everyone. It is a calm, remote and rustic area that offers couple and family-friendly amenities. People should visit Door County because it is Wisconsin’s most popular destination and offers art galleries, towns, orchards, breweries, and more. You can explore all of it while enjoying a stay at cabins in Door County.
Insider Tip*
People living in Chicago can consider Door County as an escape from city life for one day or more. The peninsula is in small proximity to Chicago and they can visit here on a day trip.
There are a lot of things to do in Door County for families, couples, adventurers, and everyone. The peninsula has a lot of history and a lot of beaches. All of its locations are close to water no matter where you are. You can enjoy boating or walk along the shorelines. The popular shorelines include Europe Lake, Mink River, and more. Apart from that, you must enjoy the local breweries at popular beaches.
By Paulina from Paulina On The Road
10. Grand Teton
Whether you’re pitching your tent under the stars in Grand Tetons’ backcountry or staying at an established campsite in the park, the tent sites among crystalline lakes, granite peaks, dense pine forests, and the wildflower fields of Wyoming is like no other in the United States.
The campsite with the best location in Grand Teton is by far the Jenny Lake Campground. It’s conveniently located right inside the park close to a variety of different trails: Cascade Canyon, String Lake, and Leigh Lake. If you’re hiking the Teton Crest Trail, this is the most ideal campsite to book before and after your backpacking trip since this is where the trail ends and it’s where you’ll grab walk-up permits!
If you don’t luck out with Jenny Lake, the two next best spots for established sites are the Gros Ventre and Colter Bay Campgrounds. These are dotted on the northern and southern ends outside of Grand Teton National Park. Another favorite is the Signal Mountain Lodge Campground on the northern end. When it comes to picking a camping destination here, you’ll never have a bad view no matter where you go! Which is one of the reasons why I love camping in the Tetons so much!
My personal favorite campgrounds that I stayed at in Grand Teton National Park were the backcountry camping spots on the Teton Crest Trail: Holly Lake, Death Canyon Shelf, North Fork Cascade Canyon, and a lesser-known BLM campground, Atherton Creek. Atherton Creek has basic amenities, it’s quiet, and it’s right on a lake where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or sunbathe. It’s in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, so it’s very quiet and generally has availability in the high season since it’s not always listed on maps!
Wyoming is one of the BEST camping destinations in the USA because you’ll never camp with a bad view, sites are affordable, and they’re in the most beautiful National Park in the states, Grand Teton!
By Aaren
11. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
One of the most frequented state parks in New York is Watkins Glen State Park. Located in the Finger Lakes region it is known for its natural beauty and 19 waterfalls. This makes it a perfect camping destination in US amidst natural beauty and adventure.
The campground in the State Park has around 300 campsites and wooden cabins to spend the night at. Each campsite is spacious and equipped with a fire pit, benches and tables and ample parking for cars.
The best part is the campground is surrounded by lush green trees, fresh air and serenity to enjoy. Watkins Glen Camping is an experience that will be cherished forever.
The campsite has facilities like clean restrooms, showers, dumping station and firewood shop making it very convenient.
The day can be spent by hiking the scenic Gorge trail that traverses the waterfalls through the park. There are other trails as well that are connected from the campsite area. Exploring the Seneca or Cayuga lakes nearby is also a great option.
The fee for the campsite ranges from $18 – $30 with some additional booking charges. The non-residents of New York state pay an additional $5. The reservations for the campsite can be made well in advance through the State Park official website.
From Neha at Travelmelodies
I hope you get a chance to enjoy some or all of these amazing camping destinations in the USA.
Wishing you a lifetime full of outdoor adventures,
