Camping in the United States

Discover the magic of towering redwoods, pristine lakes, and vast desert vistas, all under an endless American sky.

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5 Best Campgrounds in the United States

  • Many Glacier Campground

    Location MarkerGlacier National Park, MT

    Nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Campground offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks and pristine alpine lakes. This coveted campground provides access to some of the park's most spectacular hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing including bears and moose, and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

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  • Tuolumne Meadows Campground

    Location MarkerYosemite National Park, CA

    Situated in Yosemite's scenic high country at 8,600 feet elevation, Tuolumne Meadows Campground offers a cooler alternative to the valley floor. Surrounded by granite domes and meandering rivers, it provides access to high-altitude hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and serene alpine meadows. Its location makes it perfect for stargazing and escaping summer crowds.

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  • Upper Pines Campground

    Location MarkerYosemite National Park, CA

    Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.

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  • Jenny Lake Campground

    Location MarkerGrand Teton National Park, WY

    Jenny Lake Campground, situated at the base of the Teton Range, is one of the most scenic campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park. This tent-only campground offers stunning views of the mountains reflected in Jenny Lake. Its location provides easy access to hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

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  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    Location MarkerBig Sur, CA

    Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's Environmental Campground offers one of the most dramatic coastal camping experiences in California. With only two sites available, this hike-in campground provides unparalleled views of the Big Sur coastline and the 80-foot McWay Falls plunging directly into the ocean. Campers can explore redwood groves, hidden coves, and enjoy world-class sunsets.

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Hardest to Book Campgrounds in the United States

  • Kalalau Beach Campground

    Location MarkerNapali Coast State Wilderness Park, HI

    Accessible only by a strenuous 11-mile hike or by kayak, Kalalau Beach Campground offers one of the most remote and breathtaking camping experiences in Hawaii. Nestled at the base of towering sea cliffs along a pristine beach, this campground provides unparalleled views of the Napali Coast. Visitors can explore hidden waterfalls, lush valleys, and enjoy world-class stargazing.

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  • North Pines Campground

    Location MarkerYosemite National Park, CA

    North Pines Campground, situated in the iconic Yosemite Valley, is one of the most sought-after campsites in the park. Its location along the Merced River offers stunning views of Half Dome and easy access to popular trails. The campground's central location makes it perfect for exploring Yosemite's famous waterfalls, granite cliffs, and meadows.

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  • Bright Angel Campground

    Location MarkerGrand Canyon National Park, AZ

    Bright Angel Campground, located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon along Bright Angel Creek, offers a unique backcountry camping experience. Accessible only by hiking or mule ride, this campground provides a serene base for exploring the inner canyon, with opportunities for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the Colorado River up close.

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  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Location MarkerCarmel, CA

    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called the 'crown jewel' of California's state parks, offers a limited number of environmental campsites for those seeking a truly immersive nature experience. These primitive sites provide access to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sea otters, seals, and whales. Campers can explore hidden coves, kelp forests, and windswept cypress groves.

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  • Fishing Bridge RV Park

    Location MarkerYellowstone National Park, WY

    As the only campground in Yellowstone with full hookups, Fishing Bridge RV Park is highly sought after. Located near the shores of Yellowstone Lake, it offers easy access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the park's geothermal wonders and diverse ecosystems.

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Best RV Camping in the United States

  • Mazama Campground

    Location MarkerCrater Lake National Park, OR

    Mazama Campground in Crater Lake National Park accommodates both RVs and tents, offering a perfect base to explore America's deepest lake. Surrounded by old-growth forests, the campground provides easy access to hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and boat tours on the stunningly blue waters of Crater Lake.

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  • North Beach Campground

    Location MarkerPismo State Beach, CA

    Located directly on the Pacific coast, Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground offers RV campers a rare opportunity to camp right on the sand. With full hookups and ocean views, it's perfect for beach activities, surfing, and exploring nearby dunes. The campground's location also provides easy access to the charming town of Pismo Beach and its famous clam chowder.

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  • Morefield Campground

    Location MarkerMesa Verde National Park, CO

    Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park offers RV sites with full hookups, allowing visitors to camp in comfort while exploring the park's ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. Surrounded by canyon views and pinyon-juniper woodlands, the campground provides easy access to hiking trails and evening ranger programs about the park's rich cultural history.

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  • Hunting Island State Park Campground

    Location MarkerBeaufort, SC

    Hunting Island State Park Campground offers a unique coastal camping experience on one of South Carolina's most popular state parks. With sites just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, campers can enjoy miles of pristine beaches, a historic lighthouse, and a maritime forest. The campground provides full hookups for RVs and is known for its excellent fishing, birding, and sea turtle nesting observation opportunities.

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  • Cougar Rock Campground

    Location MarkerMount Rainier National Park, WA

    Cougar Rock Campground, located in the southwest section of Mount Rainier National Park, offers RV sites without hookups in a forested setting. Its proximity to Paradise, one of the most popular areas in the park, makes it an ideal base for hiking among subalpine wildflower meadows and accessing trails with views of glaciers and the iconic Mount Rainier.

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Best Tent Camping in the United States

  • Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

    Location MarkerRedwood National and State Parks, CA

    Gold Bluffs Beach Campground offers a unique coastal camping experience within view of towering redwoods. This remote campground allows visitors to pitch tents mere steps from the Pacific Ocean, with opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk on the beach. Nearby Fern Canyon, with its 50-foot walls draped in ferns, provides a magical hiking experience.

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  • Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

    Location MarkerAnza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

    Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, situated in California's largest state park, offers a unique desert camping experience. Surrounded by rugged badlands and palm oases, the campground provides access to numerous hiking trails, including the popular Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. During spring, visitors can witness spectacular wildflower blooms and enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Southern California.

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  • Furnace Creek Campground

    Location MarkerDeath Valley National Park, CA

    Furnace Creek Campground, located in the heart of Death Valley, offers tent campers a chance to experience the raw beauty of America's lowest, driest, and hottest place. Despite its harsh name, the campground provides a surprisingly diverse array of experiences, from sand dunes and salt flats to rugged canyons and spring-fed oases.

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  • Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    Location MarkerJohnson City, TX

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, located in the Texas Hill Country, offers a scenic camping experience along the Pedernales River. The campground provides access to unique geological formations, swimming holes, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Visitors can explore the park's namesake falls, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy some of the darkest night skies in Texas.

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  • Sheep Creek Campground

    Location MarkerKings Canyon National Park, CA

    Sheep Creek Campground, nestled in a forest of cedar and ponderosa pine, offers a tranquil camping experience in Kings Canyon National Park. Its location near the Kings River provides opportunities for fishing and scenic hikes. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's deep canyons, towering sequoias, and high country wilderness.

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Camping in the United States guide

Overview

The United States is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and camping experiences. From the rugged Pacific coastline to the towering Rocky Mountains, and from lush forests to stark deserts, the US provides a wealth of natural wonders for campers to explore. States like California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Montana each offer unique landscapes and outdoor adventures, making the region a premier destination for camping enthusiasts of all types.

Where to go

California

California offers an incredibly diverse range of camping experiences. In the north, you'll find the towering redwoods of Redwood National and State Parks, while the central coast boasts the dramatic cliffs and beaches of Big Sur. The Sierra Nevada mountains are home to iconic destinations like Yosemite National Park, with its granite monoliths and waterfalls, and Sequoia National Park, featuring the world's largest trees. In Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique desert landscape with its namesake trees and boulder formations.

For those seeking urban proximity, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco all offer nearby camping options. The Bay Area provides easy access to both coastal and inland camping experiences. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border.

Oregon and Washington

The Pacific Northwest offers a wealth of camping opportunities amidst lush forests, volcanic peaks, and rugged coastlines. Oregon is home to the stunning Crater Lake National Park, featuring the deepest lake in the United States. The state also boasts excellent camping in its national forests, such as Mount Hood National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, and Willamette National Forest.

Washington state is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park to the active volcano of Mount Rainier National Park. The rugged wilderness of North Cascades National Park offers spectacular alpine scenery. Campers can also explore the vast Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest for a range of camping experiences.

Colorado and Utah

The Rocky Mountain states of Colorado and Utah offer some of the most dramatic mountain and desert landscapes in the country. Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park provides alpine camping experiences with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. The state also features unique geological wonders like Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. History buffs will appreciate camping near Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings.

Utah is renowned for its "Mighty Five" national parks, each offering unique camping experiences. From the towering sandstone formations of Zion and Bryce Canyon to the otherworldly landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands, and the remote beauty of Capitol Reef, Utah's national parks provide unparalleled desert camping opportunities. The state's numerous national forests and state parks offer additional options for campers seeking to explore Utah's diverse terrain.

Nevada, Arizona, and Montana

Nevada, often overlooked for its natural beauty, offers unique camping experiences in places like Great Basin National Park, with its ancient bristlecone pines and limestone caves. The state's vast desert landscapes provide ample opportunities for solitude and stargazing.

Arizona is home to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park, offering camping on both the North and South Rims. The state's diverse geography ranges from the Sonoran Desert to the pine forests of the Mogollon Rim, providing varied camping environments. Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer distinctive desert camping experiences.

Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," is a camper's paradise. Glacier National Park, with its rugged mountains and pristine lakes, is a highlight for many visitors. The state's vast wilderness areas, including portions of Yellowstone National Park, offer unparalleled opportunities for backcountry camping and wildlife viewing.

Diverse Camping Experiences

The United States caters to all types of campers. Traditional tent camping is available in most parks and forests, often with amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. For those seeking more comfort, many areas offer glamping options, combining the beauty of nature with luxury amenities.

RV enthusiasts will find numerous campgrounds equipped with full hookups and facilities. Backcountry camping is widely available for those seeking solitude and a more rugged experience. Many areas also offer unique camping options, such as yurts, fire lookout towers, and beach camping along the Pacific coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best states for camping in the United States?

The United States offers a diverse range of camping experiences. Some of the best states for camping include:

  • California: Known for its diverse landscapes, from coastal beaches to redwood forests.
  • Oregon: Offers beautiful coastal campgrounds and lush forests.
  • Washington: Features stunning mountain ranges and Pacific Northwest beauty.
  • Colorado: Renowned for its Rocky Mountain camping experiences.
  • Utah: Home to unique desert landscapes and numerous national parks.

Each of these states offers unique outdoor experiences, from beach camping to mountain adventures.

What are some popular national parks for camping in California?

California is home to several iconic national parks that offer excellent camping opportunities:

These parks offer a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

What are some popular camping destinations near major cities in California?

California offers numerous camping options near its major cities:

  • San Francisco: Nearby camping in the Bay Area includes spots in Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
  • Los Angeles: Angeles National Forest and Santa Barbara area campgrounds are popular choices.
  • San Diego: Offers beach camping options and nearby mountain campsites in Cleveland National Forest.
  • Santa Cruz: Features beautiful coastal camping and redwood forest sites.

These destinations provide a perfect escape from city life, offering a range of environments from beaches to forests.

What are some popular national parks for camping in Oregon and Washington?

Oregon and Washington offer spectacular national parks for camping:

These parks showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and provide unforgettable camping experiences.

What are some popular national forests for camping in the Western United States?

The Western United States is home to numerous national forests that offer excellent camping opportunities:

These national forests provide diverse camping experiences, from developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites.

What are some unique camping experiences available in the United States?

The United States offers a wide range of unique camping experiences:

These diverse options cater to various preferences, from luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts, ensuring memorable outdoor experiences across the country.

Camping Tips for the United States

When camping in the United States, keep these tips in mind for a safe and enjoyable experience:

  • Reservations: Many popular campgrounds, especially in national parks, fill up quickly. Make reservations well in advance, particularly for summer months.
  • Weather Preparedness: The US experiences diverse weather conditions. Pack layers for temperature fluctuations, especially in mountain areas where nights can be cold even in summer.
  • Fire Safety: Always check local fire regulations. Wildfires are a serious concern in many states, particularly during dry seasons.
  • Wildlife Awareness: Store food properly and be aware of local wildlife. Many areas have bears, mountain lions, and other large animals.
  • Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of these areas for future generations.
  • Water Conservation: In desert areas, bring plenty of water and be prepared for limited water sources at campsites.
  • Sun Protection: The sun can be intense at high altitudes and in desert regions. Bring adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Altitude Considerations: If camping at high elevations, be aware of the signs of altitude sickness and allow time for acclimatization.

Conclusion

The United States offers an incredibly diverse array of camping experiences, from the coastal redwoods of California to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and from the deserts of Utah to the rainforests of Washington. Whether you're seeking solitude in the wilderness, family-friendly campgrounds, or unique glamping experiences, the US has something for every type of camper. By planning ahead, respecting the environment, and being prepared for the diverse conditions you may encounter, you can create unforgettable memories in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.