The great outdoors are calling. Every year, nearly 50 million families in the US decide to spend their time camping, either as a regular, or just giving it a try. With endless campgrounds to choose from, it’s a daunting task picking one as your first, or next destination. If you’re thinking of pitching a tent or hitching a trailer, keep watching. Here are the best campgrounds in America
White Tank, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Located in the weird and wonderful Joshua Tree National Park, White Tank is a small campground offering tent and RV sites. With no water, electrical hook-ups, or shower facilities, White Tank seems barebones at first. But what it lacks in amenities, it supplies in authenticity.
What makes White Tank one of the best campgrounds in America is its proximity to nature. Located in one of the darkest night-time areas of the Joshua Tree National Park, the clear skies will be practically unlimited at night. Without the distractions of better equipped grounds, there will be nothing between you and a genuine connection to nature and your fellow campers. And during the day, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore for bouldering, climbing, hiking, slacklining, and nature-watching.
Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park
Nestled in the sprawling and iconic Glacier National Park, Montana, is Apgar Campground. The largest camping site in the park, Apgar is situated close to the banks of Lake McDonald, and has 194 sites to camp on. Unlike other campgrounds on this list, Apgar has some amenities and facilities. The campground has potable water and ablution facilities, and the campground is close to the visitor center, restaurants and shops.
But don’t let that fool you, this is the great outdoors. And it hardly gets greater than Glacier National Park. From your campground you have access to over 700 miles of trails, stunning alpine scenery, lakes, rivers, and, naturally, glaciers. And be sure to pack your camera, the views of Lake McDonald are dramatic and stunning. There’s plenty to do from Apgar Campground, and it’s well worth a visit.
Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a spectacular destination for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Offering a range of landscapes, from mountains, to rivers, to the Mojave desert, anyone looking for adventure in the great outdoors will be at home here. And the best way to experience as much of the park as possible will be from the Watchman Campground, located at the foot of Watchman Peak and close to the Virgin River.
The campground has hundreds of sites, and plenty of amenities including modern restrooms and many electric hook ups. Pass the heat of the day at the river or in the shade of the cottonwoods, and explore the endless trails and hikes of Zion National Park. The campground is also close to the park’s shuttle service, saving you time in planning your adventures. For a unique experience, try canyoneering, a type of climbing straight up a narrow slot canyon. It’s worth noting that several of the most popular trails are paved, and fully accessible to anyone. So if you’re looking for wheelchair accessible camping and hiking, this is the best one for you.
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North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited and iconic sites in the US, with more than 5 million travellers visiting it every year. If you still haven’t seen it, be sure to stay the night at North Rim Campground to soak in even more of the amazing scenery. Here you’ll have the chance to stay close to the edge of the canyon, surrounded by tranquil pines and a jaw-dropping landscape.
North Rim Campground offers 87 sites, and while there are no RV hookups, you’ll welcome to bring one. The area is surrounded by several hiking trails and a variety of wildlife, so it’s worthwhile lacing up your boots and going exploring. And even if you’re not a serious camper, North Rim Campground is one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon by slowing your journey down so you can enjoy this icon at your own pace.
Haena Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii
Camping isn’t likely the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine a trip to Hawaii. But if you want to appreciate The Aloha State differently than most travellers, be sure to visit Haena Beach Park. Not only is the cost tiny in comparison to any hotel on the island, but you’ll be closer to the spectacular beauty that Hawaii is iconic for.
Located on the Na Pali shore, Haena Beach Park’s campgrounds put you first in line in the morning to hit the trails of the park. Hike to waterfalls, discover hidden valleys, and take in the gorgeous coastal jungle environment. While swimming here isn’t an option, Tunnels Beach is just a short walk away, and offers snorkelling, swimming, and surfing. The next time you visit Hawaii, or even the first time you go, why not get closer to nature at Haena Beach Park campgrounds?
Assateague Island Campgrounds, Maryland
From one oceanside campsite to another, although the Assateague Island Campgrounds will offer an altogether different camping experience. Located on the Assateague Island National Seashore, this unique barrier island is divided between Maryland and Virginia. There are plenty of campsite options, and tents, trailers, and RVs are welcomed. There are even a limited number of horse camping sites in case you’re traveling by horseback.
Assateague Island Campgrounds are one of the best campgrounds in America thanks to the unique island. With miles on miles of beach, coves, wetland areas, and 37 miles of hiking trails, exploring the coastal biome has never been easier. Go fishing, crabbing, bird watching, swimming and canoeing. And as an added bonus, the island has a population of wild ponies roaming freely, so be sure to watch them in their natural environment, and maybe try for a few photos of them on the beach at sunrise.
Kirk Creek Campgrounds, California
Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kirk Creek Campgrounds is part of the iconic Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins. It offers a different experience, favoring dramatic ocean views and rocky beaches over Big Sur’s towering redwoods. With it’s access sandy beaches, forests, and mountains, it’s clear why Kirk Creek Campgrounds is popular with so many campers.
The campground offers 33 sites, most of which are tent only, but trailers and RVs of up to 56 feet can be accommodated. There’s no drinking water or electricity on site, so plan accordingly. The campground overlooks a rocky beach, and is just 5 miles away from Big Sur’s largest sandy beach. Activities include hiking in the Los Padres National Forest, biking, watersports, horseback trails, bird watching, and stargazing.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Small scale, usually booked more than a year in advance, and totally unlike anything else in this list, staying at the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida may be one of the most unique camping experiences of your life. Located on Garden Key, 2 hours by ferry from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park has just 10 campsites. There’s no water, showers, or electrical hookups, but what it offers more than makes up.
Located near Fort Jackson, and nestled in the mangroves, the primitive campgrounds make for an excellent point to explore the beaches, fort, and the waters nearby. The warm waters are great for snorkelling, and marine life including rays, turtles, and dolphins are common sights. With clear skies at night, and clear waters in the day, what’s not to love!
Kalaloch Campground, Olympic National Park, Washington
Overlooking the Pacific ocean, and surrounded by the Olympic National Park, Kalaloch Campground is a tranquil slice of the Pacific Northwest. Kalaloch Campground has 170 sites, RV spaces, as well as potable water and restrooms. The rugged coast is ideal for exploring, and visitors can watch whales, birdlife, and even otters. Where else could you watch bald eagles and colonies of puffins?
Inland, you have several rainforests to hike through, with guided tours offered as well. Olympic National Park has some unbelievable scenery, and you can explore it through one of several hikes, mountain bike trails, or boat and paddleboard. There’s even a hot springs resort to soak away your aches from your adventures, before enjoying a barbeque and night under the stars.
Cade’s Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
With more than 10 million visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in America. Sprawling across Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is home to all manner of birds and wildlife, and is a place of incredible scenic beauty. So why limit yourself to a day trip, or stay in a hotel, if you’re visiting? Pitching a tent and immersing yourself in the great outdoors is the best way to experience America’s best national park.
There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Some are ideal for mountain biking, like Deep Creek Campground, while others are quieter and are great for fishing, like Cataloochee Campground. But our pick is Cades Cove Campgrounds. This is the biggest and best outfitted campground in the park, making it an ideal, no-stress destination for first time campers or camping trips with a family. The campground has toilets, is RV accessible, and is part of the Cades Cove Loop. This 11 mile one-way road features a huge number of historic buildings, and offers a chance to see the abundance of nature in the park. After a few adventures, you’ll find out why so many people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and why Cades Cove Campgrounds is one of the best campgrounds in America.
If you’re looking to pitch a tent or hitch a trailer, where would you go camping? Which campgrounds makes you a happy camper? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want to see more from us, be sure to subscribe to ViewCation, click the like button, and ring the bell for notifications.