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Are you searching for the best places to go camping in the U.S.? We've got you covered!
Whether you’re in search of secluded backcountry sites or well-maintained places with access to toilets and picnic tables, the US has no shortage of great places to pitch a tent and enjoy a relaxing holiday in the great outdoors. If you’re feeling in need of a serious recharge, camping in one of America’s most splendid campsites is one of the best things you can do to unplug and clear your mind.
But with thousands of private and public campgrounds to choose from, it can be a little difficult narrowing down your choices. To plan your escape a little easier, we’ve created a list of 10 stunning places to go camping in the U.S.
Related: How to choose a campsite?
Here are the 10 best camping spots in America.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
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Price: $12 – $25 per day
For a really relaxing “get away from it all” camping holiday, consider visiting the Acadia National Park. Stretching 47,000 acres, Acadia National Park has an unrivaled off-the-grid camping atmosphere complemented by its woodlands, lakes, mountains, and ocean shoreline. Blackwoods is Acadia’s most popular campground. This park is open to campers throughout the year. But if you plan to camp here between the months of March to May then don’t forget to pack in waterproof gear. Bathrooms with flush toilets are located nearby most camping sites. There are also trails in the park for hiking and mountain biking. Contact the park for information on fees and reservations, as they fluctuate based on timing and location.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
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Price: $26 – $50 for Family/Group Reservation
Yosemite National Park is a great camping destination for nature lovers. With 13 campgrounds to choose from, the active camper will surely be awestruck by this park. Aside from its scenic splendor, the Yosemite National Park plays host to an amazing variety of outdoor adventures. There’s a lot of competition for campsites in the peak summer months. But luckily, camping sites in Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines can be reserved ahead of time. Upper Pines Campground is the largest campground of the park. All campgrounds in the Yosemite National Park, except Camp 4, are pet-friendly. There are bear-resistant food storage lockers available in all of Yosemite’s campsites. In summer, the park offers plentiful options for hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
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Price: $10 – $20 per day
Named after the slow-growing Joshua tree, this national park is full of charming campgrounds where you can experience the magnificence of a truly clear starry night, without interference from big city lights. The boulder-strewn landscape with its otherworldly rock formations gives this place a remote feel. Joshua Tree National Park is open throughout the year. There are a total of nine campgrounds in the park. Whether you pitch a tent or park your big rig RV, the campgrounds in this park offer both year-round and seasonal accommodations. Most camping sites are almost always full on weekends from October to May. So, it’s best to arrive as early in the week as possible.
Want to go camping in style? Then take an RV vacation in the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park. I'm sure you'll love it! And if you want to learn more about RV camping in Joshua Tree National Park then you can check out this blog post by Your RV Lifestyle. It has got everything you need to know to prepare for a fun RV trip.
4. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Maryland
Price: $75 – $300+ per day
Boredom is never a problem here in Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Hagerstown! Located in the foothills of Maryland, the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the best family-friendly camping site in all of America. It is open from Apr 12 to Dec 1 and offers a really nice wooded campground with a waterpark that is full of many exciting things to do. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. There are plenty of options for dining and grocery shopping in the park. The only major drawback of this place is that it charges hefty fees to its visitors and is very pricey especially during peak season.
5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
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Price: $7 – $15 per day
Do you want to see some of the earth’s oldest exposed rocks? Then consider camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Each and every corner of the Black Canyon is ideal for camping. Although it only receives a fraction of the visitors compared to the Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is truly a sight to behold. With its incredible sheer black cliffs and abundant wildlife, it comes as no surprise why thousands of American families decide to come here for camping each year. While camping here, you can go for short nature walks and even try out horseback riding. Keep in mind that campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills.
6. Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, Wisconsin
Price: Free
For the photography-obsessed wanderers, the Wyalusing Hardwood Forest is the go-to destination for pitching a tent. Wyalusing Hardwood Forest is like no other place on earth. Camping here is nothing less than spectacular, with scenic campgrounds spread all over on an area covering 2,628 acres of wilderness rich land. Wyalusing State Park has two family campgrounds, one indoor group camp, and one outdoor group camp. Most camping sites are set in the woods & have shade. State park admission is needed to camp here. Also, kayaking opportunities are abundant here. It’s best to arrive on Thursday or early Friday morning to reserve your site.
7. The Vineyards Campground and Cabins, Texas
Price: $8 – $10 per day
Third, on the list is the Vineyards Campground and Cabins. It is one of Texas’ most well-known campsite which offers lovely grounds with peaceful atmosphere and lakefront views. You can go fishing on Grapevine Lake or hike around the campsite on a private nature trail. There’s a variety of entertainment venues available here for people of all ages. Enjoying a campfire is a must. This campsite is open all year round but be sure to make reservations beforehand. There are local outdoor gear shops nearby most of the campsites. So, if you don’t have your own camping supplies, you can easily rent everything you’ll need once you arrive at your campsite.
8. Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts
Price: Free
Boston Harbor Islands is another famous camping site in the U.S. which offers tons of recreational activities for adventure seekers. History buffs will get a kick out of this area. Because camping here means you not only get to explore Civil War-era forts but also visit America’s oldest lighthouse. If you enjoy learning the history of the United States then the Boston Harbor Islands is a place to go this summer. You can find families camping, fishing and picnicking year round. To reach the islands, you can take a 45-minute long ferry from downtown Boston. Make sure to call ahead of time for campsite reservations especially during peak seasons between May to July.
9. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
Price: $5 per day
Do you want to spend a night under the stars and wake up to a mesmerizing view of a lake? Then you should head off to Lake McConaughy in Western Nebraska. You can find campgrounds scattered all around the lake, including areas where you can pitch a tent right on the water’s edge. Lake McConaughy is also a great place to bring your children for fun camping trips. From building sand castles to exploring the scenic sandy coastline, there’s plenty to do in Lake McConaughy. But do keep in mind that glass containers and alcoholic beverages are all banned on the lake.
10. Ludington State Park, Michigan
Price: $8.40 per day
The scenic natural landscape of Ludington State Park makes it one of the best places to go camping in the United States. Ludington State Park offers 347 campsites that are open all year round. There are also 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. Ludington State Park is home to numerous species of rare flora and fauna so you may encounter some wild animals during your trip here. In addition to camping, visitors can also spend their free time hiking, biking, and fishing in and around the park. Remember most campsites in Ludington State Park fill fast so call early in the season for reservations. Campers are not allowed to camp here after 15 consecutive nights. Also, leaving a campfire unattended is strictly prohibited. And you must keep your pets on a 6-foot leash all the time.
Conclusion:
We do hope you check out these 10 best US campsites in your lifetime where you can enjoy nature’s beauty by sleeping under the stars. Any of these sites would make for an amazing trip. But do remember to follow camping regulations and practice ‘Leave No Trace’ ethics on all of your adventures.
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