Camping is the most popular recreational activity in The United States, and the best part about the country is there are plenty of stunning places for camping. Adventurers and nature lovers can enjoy fresh air, mighty mountains, clear lakes, musical streams, and the thrill of their camping trips. You can avail the facilities of tenting, hiking, fishing, swimming, weekend picnic, and many more activities within the wide wilderness.
Here is the list of the ten most beautiful locations to camp in The United States. Get your camping gear and be prepared for the best outdoor experience of your life.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park situated on Mount Desert Island is the campers’ favorite with the scenic beauty of almost 50,000 acres of mountains, 17 million acres of forest, 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 6,000 lakes and ponds. There are several campgrounds within this park, but Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods are the most popular campgrounds. There is also a campsite on Isle au Haut, an island off the coast of Maine, called Duck Harbor Campground. This is one of the thrilling sites, only reachable by mailboat.
Minnewaska State Park Reserve
Only 94 miles away from New York City, Minnewaska State park reserve is situated on Shawangunk Ridge, 2,000 feet above sea level, and surrounded by rocky terrain. There are plenty of spots to hike, bike, camping, and enjoy the breathtaking scenario.
Yosemite National Park
Internationally recognized for its biological diversity, Yosemite National Park spreads over several countries in Northern California, extending up to Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are 13 campgrounds inside the park, plus mesmerizing views of waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and Sequoia groves. Most of the campground needs reservation during peak season, which is between April and September.
Shenandoah National Park
An hour and a half drive from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a paradise for passionate hikers. The park features 500 miles of trails, including an 8-mile hike up Old Rag Mountain. The park also boasts several scenic views of forest and waterfalls. Shenandoah National Park has 5 campgrounds, and the facilities are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Don’t forget to bring your survival gear!
Big Bend National Park
Although one of the least-visited National parks in the United States, Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande is an excellent place for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. The park has trails along with its desert, mountain, and river landscapes for hiking and backpacking. Big Bend National Park has multiple campgrounds, including the Chisos Basin Campground, which is located near the park’s most popular trails. There is Rio Grande Village RV campground with 25 campsites and Cottonwood Campground nearby Santa Elena Canyon. Tourists of this park are limited to 28 nights of camping in the park per calendar year.
Sawtooth National Forest
Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho boasts stunning views of the steep Smokey Mountains. The forest has more than 81 campgrounds; among them, Sawtooth National Recreational Area is the best spot for camping. Backcountry camping, backpacking, hiking, and horse-riding are also available here. Redfish Lake in Sawtooth Valley has a lodge with a marina and hot springs across the forest, also a 111 degrees Fahrenheit pool at Baumgartner Campground. These facilities are open for visitors.
Arches National Park
Imagine waking up on a cold breezy morning to experience the spectacular view of white snow against red rocks. Arches National Park in Eastern Utah, with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, offers you this stunning view. The Delicate Arch trail, among the most popular trails, takes you on an Instagram-worthy fantastic hike. The park’s only campground, The Devil’s Garden, has 50 campsites. Also, there are other places to camp near the Moab area.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in Arkansas are actually two different forests — Ozark and St. Francis. There are a total 23 campgrounds between these two forests, along the rivers, lakes, and mountains. Primitive camping is also allowed anywhere in the forest except the places where signs are posted prohibiting it. There are swimming areas and nearly 400 miles of hiking trails within the campgrounds. Some of these campgrounds open all around the year, and some are open from May to October.
Crater National Park
In Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States and home to the country’s deepest lake and sleeping volcano. With plenty of Instagram-friendly spots, campers are allowed to choose between two campgrounds — Mazama (for RV and tent camping) and Lost Creek (tents only). Both are open in summer only, and each campsite features a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a metal box for food.
Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison National Forest covers parts of five different countries in Colorado. The forest boasts 3,000 miles of trails and 1.6 million acres of public land, plus, offers a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. Gunnison also boasts numerous scenic landscapes within its 30 campsites, including the one with open meadows, green forests, mountains, and right by the lakes. The campgrounds can accommodate campers, tents, and small trailers for a 14 days limit.
