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If you’re looking for the best places to camp in the United States, you’re in luck because there are so many great options across the country. Some of the best camping spots in the US are, of course, in national parks, but you’ll also find beaches, state parks, and individual campgrounds on our list.
Comfort and camping experience are two things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the best place to go camping in the US. Some of the most beautiful camping sites in America have very developed campgrounds with full restroom and shower facilities, as well as RV hookups.
Others have more basic campsites or backcountry camping where you can do some of the best tent camping in the US. You may even be able to do some glamping or stay in a lodge or cabin at some of these sites. Just make sure that the camping spot you pick has all the amenities you’ll need.
Ready to start planning an amazing American camping trip? Let’s get into it!
1. Yosemite National Park, CA, home to some of the best campgrounds in the US
It probably comes as no surprise that one of the best camping destinations in the USA is Yosemite National Park in California.
This national park has 13 campgrounds: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley; Wawona and Bridalveil Creek, which are south of Yosemite Valley; and Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows, which are all north of Yosemite Valley.
1. Yosemite National Park, CA, home to some of the best campgrounds in the US
Some of these US camping sites allow RVs, while others are for tents and walk-ins only, so be sure to check the individual campground features so you know which ones have what you need. I’ve camped at Camp 4, which is open year-round and has 61 sites for walk-ins and tents, and can confirm that it’s one of the best places to stay in Yosemite.
Keep in mind that campground reservations are required from April to October. During this busy season, reservations fill up fast, so you’ll want to try to book as far in advance as possible. Reservations are also always required for backcountry camping.
Yosemite is full of lots of different wildlife, including bears, so be sure to bring bearproof storage containers if the campsite where you’re staying doesn’t have any. I also recommend reading our guide on how to avoid a bear attack, since you may very well encounter a bear while camping.
- Number of campgrounds: 13
- Reservations required: Yes, from April to October and for backcountry camping
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $10-$36 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
2. Yellowstone National Park, WY, one of the best places to go camping in the US
Another of the top camping sites in the USA is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, which features a wide variety of tent, RV, and backcountry camping options.
On top of the 12 developed campgrounds, you’ll also find 293 backcountry campsites, which are perfect for camping under the stars and enjoying the peaceful wilderness. If you want to know where to stay in Yellowstone, I really enjoyed my stay at the Canyon Campground, which has 40 campsites, showers, toilets, and a dump station.
2. Yellowstone National Park, WY, one of the best places to go camping in the US
I’ve also stayed at Mammoth, which has 30 campsites and toilets, and Norris, which has 50 campsites and toilets. Except for Mammoth, all campgrounds (Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, Madison, Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall) require reservations year-round.
Backcountry camping also requires a reservation and permit. However, it’s totally worth it, as there are so many great things to do in Yellowstone, including seeing the Grand Prismatic Spring and going bison spotting. Being in such close proximity to so many natural wonders is exactly what makes Yellowstone one of the best places to camp in America.
- Number of campgrounds: 12
- Reservations required: Yes, except for Mammoth, which has first-come, first-served sites from October 15th to April 1st
- Backcountry camping: Yes, 293 backcountry campsites
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $20-$99 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
3. Joshua Tree National Park, CA, one of the best camping destinations in the USA
Joshua Tree National Park in California is another one of the best places to camp in the USA, especially if you enjoy camping in the desert and want to see the iconic Joshua trees up close.
Of the park’s 8 campgrounds, 5 (Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan) require reservations year-round. The other 3 (Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle) are first-come, first-served, so you’ll want to get there as early as possible to secure a spot.
3. Joshua Tree National Park, CA, one of the best camping destinations in the USA
Still, with 500 total campsites in the park, you have a good chance of finding a spot for the night, which is especially important since there’s no backcountry camping inside the park. If you’re a bigger group of 10-60 people, be sure to snag a reservation at one of the group campsites at Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Sheep Pass.
Horseback riders can stay at the designated horse camps at Black Rock and Ryan with a reservation.
- Number of campgrounds: 8
- Reservations required: Yes, at Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $15-$25 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
4. Assateague Island National Seashore, MD, one of the top 10 places to camp in the US
Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland is the best place to camp in the USA if you want to see the wild horses of Assateague up close.
There are two main campgrounds: Oceanside and Bayside. The drive-in sections of both campgrounds accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, and have picnic tables and fire rings. The walk-in section of Oceanside has tent-only sites. Both campgrounds have toilets, showers, and drinking water, so you won’t have to totally rough it.
4. Assateague Island National Seashore, MD, one of the top 10 places to camp in the US
We’ve camped here and think it’s one of the best places to go camping in the US because of the incredible ocean views. Larger groups can stay at one of the tent-only group camping sites, and there are also two horse camping areas that are available from October to April.
What’s important to know is that two-thirds of Assateague Island is located in Maryland, while one-third of it is located in Virginia. Backcountry camping is permitted, but only in the Maryland portion, as no camping of any kind is allowed in the Virginia section.
- Number of campgrounds: 2
- Reservations required: Yes, from March 15th to November 15th
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $0-$25 + campground fee of $40-$80 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
5. Monument Valley, UT, our favorite place to go tent camping in the US
Our personal favorite for the best tent camping in the USA is Monument Valley in Utah, where we’ve camped many times. It’s also where we stay for a few days before our Monument Valley photography workshops each year.
We always book at The View Campground, one of the top places to stay in Monument Valley. There, you’ll find both dry RV sites and wilderness tent camping sites. The RV sites have no hookups, can accommodate RVs of up to 24 feet in length, and get incredible sunset views.
5. Monument Valley, UT, our favorite tent camping in the US
The wilderness campsites are located on a cliff-side, so they’re one of the best places to camp in the USA since you get spectacular views of the park. One tent of up to 5 feet by 8 feet is allowed per site, and all campers have access to a full restroom and shower facility. If you’d prefer something even more luxurious and comfortable, The View also has cabin and hotel room options.
- Number of campgrounds: 1
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Starting at $39.95 per night for tent camping and $59.95 per night for RV sites
- Amenities: Dry RV sites with no hookups and wilderness campsites with full restroom and shower facility
6. Brooks Camp, AK, one of the most beautiful camping sites in America
Brooks Falls, in Alaska, is one of the best places to camp in the USA. However, reserving a spot at its campground is quite difficult. They open the reservation site each year on January 5th at 8 a.m. Alaska Time for all vacancies for the same year. Usually, all spots are gone in the first 5 minutes, so you must be fast and lucky to secure a spot.
Last year, we managed to book a site at the campground, so we stayed there 4 nights after our Alaska photo tour. Seeing the brown bears fishing for salmon in the world-famous waterfall was amazing, and we can’t wait to return!
6. Brooks Camp, AK, one of the most beautiful camping sites in America
Brooks is located in Katmai National Park, which is free to enter. However, apart from the campground fee, you will need to pay for the expensive boat or plane ride to get there. The best option is to fly from Anchorage to King Salmon on a commercial airline like Alaska Airlines and then fly or take a boat from King Salmon to Brooks Camp using one of the park’s authorized transportation providers.
The amenities are pretty simple and include cooking shelters, fire rings, a food and gear storage cache, potable water, and toilets. Of course, there is an electric fence protecting the campground because you will see bears everywhere, walking to the waterfall’s platform or to the lodge nearby, where we had lunch and dinner most days.
- Number of campgrounds: 1
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: $10-$18 per night
- Amenities: Cooking shelters, fire rings, food and gear storage cache, fuel storage locker, toilets, potable water from June 1 to September 18
7. Everglades National Park, FL, the best place to camp in the USA for warm weather
One of the top 10 places to camp in the US is Everglades National Park. Here you can find 45 chickee huts that are accessible only by water, providing a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Florida wilderness. These elevated wooden platforms, set against the backdrop of the lush, subtropical ecosystem, offer a rustic and serene camping adventure surrounded by diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a plethora of bird species.
We camped at the Hell’s Bay wilderness campsite, and got there by canoe, so it made for a wonderful adventure. Our chickee was pretty simple, with a vault toilet and an area to set our freestanding tent, but others also include picnic tables too.
7. Everglades National Park, FL, the best place to camp in the USA for warm weather
If you’d prefer to stay at a more developed campsite, there are also two campgrounds in the Everglades: Flamingo and Long Pine Key.
Flamingo has a year-round camp store, dump stations, potable water, grills, picnic tables, and showers. There are also RV hookups and group campsites. Long Pine Key has a dump station, potable water, and trash and recycling collection.
This is one of the best camping spots in the United States for fishing, hiking, and canoeing, and it’s a really beautiful location where you can spot lots of different wildlife.
- Number of campgrounds: 2
- Reservations required: Yes, for wilderness camping
- Backcountry camping: Yes, 45 wilderness campsites (“chickees”)
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + either $33 and up for campgrounds or one-time $21 administrative fee for wilderness camping + $2 per person per night wilderness camping fee
- Amenities: Check individual campsites
8. Valley of Fire State Park, NV, another one of the best places to camp in the United States
Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is by far one of the best places to go camping in the USA because of the stunning views of the red sandstone rocks. We’ve camped here before and loved waking up to this incredible natural landscape.
Backcountry camping is not allowed but there are two main campgrounds in the park with 72 campsites in total, and reservations are required. Amenities include a dump station, showers, shaded tables, restrooms, potable water, and grills. Some sites are great for RVs with power and water hookups, and there are also three group-use sites, which can accommodate up to 45 people each.
8. Valley of Fire State Park, NV, another one of the best places to camp in the United States
We loved camping in Valley of Fire and consider it one of the best US campgrounds for budgets since it only costs $25 for non-Nevada vehicles and $20 for Nevada vehicles per night. RV sites with hookups cost just $10 more.
- Number of campgrounds: 2
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: $20 per vehicle per night ($25 for non-Nevada vehicles) + $10 for sites with utility hookups
- Amenities: Shaded tables, grills, water, restrooms, dump station, showers, RV sites with water and power hookups, group-use campsites
9. Olympic National Park, WA, one of the best camping spots in the US
If you’re looking for one of the top 10 campgrounds in the US on the West Coast, look no further than Olympic National Park in Washington.
The park has 15 campgrounds in total, and backcountry camping is also allowed. Some of the campgrounds are first-come, first-served: Deer Park, Dosewallips, Graves Creek, Heart O’ the Hills, North Fork, Ozette, Queets, and South Beach.
Fairholme, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, Mora, and Staircase require reservations from May 23rd to September 23rd. Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground and Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground require reservations whenever they’re open.
9. Olympic National Park, WA, one of the best camping spots in the US
Each campground has different features and amenities, so you have lots of options. For example, Deer Park has mountain views, Dosewallips is quiet and secluded, Fairholme is by Lake Crescent, and Graves Creek is located in the Quinault Rainforest.
If you plan on bringing an RV, every campground except Deer Park, Dosewallips, Graves Creek, North Fork, and Queets can accommodate you. There are also group camping sites available at Kalaloch and Sol Duc.
- Number of campgrounds: 15
- Reservations required: Yes, for Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Staircase, and Hoh Rain Forest from May 23rd to September 23rd and for Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground and Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground when they’re open
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $0-$44 a night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
10. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, more of the best tent camping in the USA
Another one of the top camping sites in the USA that will come as no surprise is Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
We’ve camped at Mather Campground, one of the most popular year-round Grand Canyon South Rim campgrounds that has flush toilets, campfire rings, potable water, and a dump station. The other year-round campground in South Rim Village is Trailer Village, an RV campground with full hookups.
10. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, more of the best tent camping in the USA
There are also four seasonal campgrounds that are some of the most beautiful camping sites in America: Desert View and Tusayan Montane at the South Rim, and North Rim and DeMotte at the North Rim. Reservations are required or recommended at all campgrounds, so be sure to book as far in advance as possible, especially during peak season. Backcountry camping, including at Bright Angel Campground, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is also allowed, although you will need a permit.
Outside of booking campgrounds in advance, one of my best Grand Canyon tips is to book a Grand Canyon helicopter tour so you can see amazing bird’s-eye views of the canyon. This tour is my favorite one because it offers wonderful views of the North and South Rim, the Kaibab Forest, and the Colorado River.
- Number of campgrounds: 6
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $3-84 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
11. Kalalau Beach, HI, the best place to go beach camping in the US
Kalalau Beach in Hawaii is definitely one of the most unique and best camping spots in the US. After all, it’s not every day that you get to camp on the beach in Hawaii!
However, amenities are limited, so be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bag, cooking stove, water filter or purification tablets, and rain gear. Camping areas are shaded, which is perfect for keeping cool during the summer, and located by a stream, so you’ll still have access to drinking water. Kalalau also has composting toilets.
11. Kalalau Beach, HI, the best place to go beach camping in the US
In terms of getting to the beach, you’ll have to hike 11 miles along the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach, one of the best beaches in the US, through Hanakoa Valley to Kalalau. You’ll also need to have a camping permit. There are only a limited number available, so be sure to book as far in advance as possible – permits can be reserved up to 30 days in advance.
There are also a limited number of walk-in camping permits available at the Kauaʻi State Parks Office in the State Office Building in Līhuʻe. These permits are first-come, first-served and can be picked up between 8:00 and 11:00 AM, Tuesday through Thursday, every week during the summer.
- Number of campgrounds: No campgrounds – wild camping on the beach only
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: $25-$35 per person per night
- Amenities: Composting toilets
12. Crater Lake National Park, OR, one of the best campgrounds in the US for families
Another one of the best camping places in the US is Crater Lake National Park in Oregon because there are so many great camping options. Free backcountry camping permits are available throughout the year, so you can even camp in the snow.
The park also has two developed campgrounds: Mazama and Lost Creek. Mazama is only open during the summer and requires reservations from July to September. It’s located in a beautiful old-growth forest and has electric hookups for RVs, picnic tables, bear-resistant food lockers, fire rings, potable water, a dump station, camp store, toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. With all these amenities, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best campgrounds in the US for families.
12. Crater Lake National Park, OR, one of the best campgrounds in the US for families
On the other hand, Lost Creek is first-come, first-served and has tent sites only. For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a room at Crater Lake Lodge within the park. Some rooms have lake views while others overlook the park’s stunning forests.
Alternatively, book one of the cabins at Mazama Village for a great compromise between camping and luxury.
- Number of campgrounds: 2
- Reservations required: Yes, for Mazama Campground from July to September and backcountry camping
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $5-$42 per night or free backcountry camping permit
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
13. Glacier National Park, MT, one of the best year-round camping spots in the US
One of the best campsites in the US for year-round camping is Glacier National Park in Montana, where some campgrounds are open in all seasons.
Half of the campgrounds are first-come, first-served: Bowman Lake, Cut Bank, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, Quartz Creek, and Rising Sun. The other half require reservations for at least half of the year: Apgar, Avalanche, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, St. Mary, Sprague Creek, and Two Medicine. Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so be sure to come prepared for a wide variety of temperatures and conditions.
13. Glacier National Park, MT, one of the best year-round camping spots in the US
If you’re interested in roughing it, backcountry camping is allowed with a permit.
- Number of campgrounds: 13
- Reservations required: Yes, for Apgar, Avalanche, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, St. Mary, Sprague Creek, and Two Medicine, and for backcountry camping
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $0-$30 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
14. Arches National Park, UT, the best campground in the US to enjoy the Utah desert
One of the best things to do in Utah is to camp at Arches National Park, one of the best places to go camping in the US.
There’s only one campground in the park, Devils Garden, so be sure to book your campsite as far ahead as possible, especially between March and October, when spots are especially limited. The campground has spaces for both RVs and tents, and amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, firewood for sale, grills, and both flush and vault toilets.
14. Arches National Park, UT, the best campground in the US to enjoy the Utah desert
We’ve spent a lot of time in Arches during our Utah photography workshop, and it’s truly the best campground in America if you want to see the Milky Way in the US. If you’re not able to secure a campsite in Devils Garden, there are still other options for staying in the area.
Backcountry camping is always possible as long as you have a permit, or you can stay outside the park in another Moab area campground.
- Number of campgrounds: 1
- Reservations required: No, but recommended between March 1 and October 31
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $25-$250 per night
- Amenities: Fire rings, firewood for sale, staff on site, amphitheater, flush and vault toilets
15. Ricketts Glen State Park, PA, the best place to go camping in America during fall
We have a soft spot for Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania, which is one of the best camping destinations in the USA. We camped here so many times when we lived in Pennsylvania and especially recommend staying there during the fall foliage peak. We also used to run a Ricketts Glen photography workshop and really miss it.
The park itself has two campgrounds, one with 120 tent and trailer sites and another for group tent camping. The main campground has showers, flush toilets, shaded campsites, and a dump station, while the group campground has picnic tables, water, and flush toilets.
15. Ricketts Glen State Park, PA, the best place to go camping in America during fall
The main campground also has five deluxe cottages that are available to book between April and October. These cabins are heated and have a full kitchen, bunk beds, a porch, and nearby shower house, which is perfect if you’re not the biggest fan of tent camping.
- Number of campgrounds: 2
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Campground fee of $16 and up per night
- Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, sanitary dump station
16. Havasu Falls, AZ, one of the top campgrounds in the USA
Although Havasu Falls in Arizona is one of the best hikes in America, it can’t be done as a day trip because all visitors must have at least a one-night reservation to access the trail, so everyone who hikes the trail also stays overnight.
However, the reservation process is quite competitive, so it’s best to try to book a campsite as soon as reservations open on February 1st. The campground and Lodge are open from February to November, but both tend to fill up quite quickly.
16. Havasu Falls, AZ, one of the top campgrounds in the USA
The campground is located on both sides of Havasu Creek by Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, and has no assigned campsites, which makes it some of the best tent camping in the USA, since you can set up your tent anywhere within the designated area. Campground amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables.
If you’d prefer not to stay in a tent at one of the best campgrounds in the US, there’s always the Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village.
- Number of campgrounds: 1
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Campground permit fee of $455 per person for 3 nights
- Amenities: Store, cafe
17. Death Valley National Park, CA, a place with some of the best camping in the United States
If you want to do some of the best camping in the United States, Death Valley National Park in California is a great place to go. Just be sure to avoid camping here in the summer, since it gets unbearably hot.
We’ve camped here several times after our Death Valley astrophotography workshop finishes, and one of the highlights of our trip is always seeing the incredible night skies, since it’s one of the best camping places in the US for stargazing.
17. Death Valley National Park, CA, a place with some of the best camping in the United States
You’ll have your pick of 15 campgrounds, which are some of the best places to stay in Death Valley. The majority of these campgrounds are developed, and have water, toilets, and trash removal: Furnace Creek, Texas Springs, Sunset, Stovepipe Wells, Emigrant, Wildrose, and Mesquite Spring.
There are also a few primitive campgrounds which are only accessible by 4×4 vehicle and have no amenities: Thorndike, Mahogany Flat, Eureka Dunes, Homestake, and Saline Valley. In addition, there are three privately-owned campgrounds: Stovepipe Wells RV Park, The Ranch, and Panamint Springs Resort.
If you’d really like some peace and quiet, backcountry camping is allowed as long as you camp along a dirt road at least one mile away from that road’s junction with a paved road or “day use only” dirt road.
- Number of campgrounds: 15
- Reservations required: No, but recommended
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $0-$80 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
18. Grand Teton National Park, WY, one of the best US campgrounds to see wildlife
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is another one of the best camping spots in the US. I particularly recommend it if you want to go wildlife spotting since this is one of the top things to do in Grand Teton.
The park has 6 campgrounds: Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, Lizard Creek, and Headwaters. I’ve stayed at Jenny Lake and enjoyed having incredible views of Teewinot Mountain, Cascade Canyon, and Mount St. John. The campground is fairly small, but has a camp store, toilets, potable water, and coin-operated showers, so it’s one of the best places to stay in Grand Teton.
18. Grand Teton National Park, WY, one of the best US campgrounds to see wildlife
Besides these campsites, which are some of the best campgrounds in the US, you can also stay at the Colter Bay RV Park, which has full RV hookup sites, toilets, showers, and a dump station, or Colter Bay Tent Village, which has tent cabins, water, toilets, and showers.
In terms of backcountry camping, there are mountain camping zones and lakeshore sites, as well as the Northern Canyons. Just be sure to secure a permit before you head into the wilderness.
- Number of campgrounds: 6
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $13-$117 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
19. Alabama Hills, CA, home to some of the best campsites in America
Alabama Hills in California has some of the best camping sites in the US for campers who want to venture outside of the national parks.
We’ve stayed here a few times after our Death Valley and Alabama Hills photography workshop, and the view of the mountains and rock formations is just stunning. There are around 48 total campgrounds in the area, but the best known are the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground, Lone Pine Campground, and Portuguese Joe Campground.
19. Alabama Hills, CA, home to some of the best campsites in America
Tuttle Creek has 83 RV and tent sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern holders, along with a dump station, potable water, group camping, and horse camping. Lone Pine features 42 single campsites, a double campsite, and a group campsite, along with toilets and firewood for sale. Last but definitely not least, Portuguese Joe has fire rings, potable water, toilets, grills, and a stream.
Backcountry camping is not allowed, but with so many campgrounds to choose from, you have a great chance of finding a good location to spend the night.
- Number of campgrounds: 48
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Campground fee of $10-$80 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
20. Adirondacks, NY, the most adventurous camping destination in the USA
The Adirondacks in upstate New York have a wide variety of some of the best campgrounds in the US.
The area boasts 30 campgrounds, all with different features and amenities. Some of the top campgrounds in the area include King Phillip’s Campground and Resort, which features tent camping, trailer campsites, and RV sites, along with a pool, laundromat, convenience store, and arcade; the Lake George Campsites, which have cottages, tent sites, and RV sites, as well as a pool, playground, camp store, and laundry; and the Riverside Pines Campsites, which offer sports like tennis and horseshoes, hot showers, and on-site laundry.
20. Adirondacks, NY, the most adventurous camping destination in the USA
If you want to get away from the campgrounds and experience a bit more solitude, try backcountry camping or staying in an Adirondack lean-to. We’ve camped in the lean-tos, and they’re a great way to meet fellow campers and share stories around the campfire. Just keep in mind that lean-tos are first-come, first-served, so always bring a back-up tent in case the lean-to you’ve chosen is full.
- Number of campgrounds: 30
- Reservations required: No, but they are recommended
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Campground fee of $0-$270 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
21. Mt. Hood National Forest, OR, one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the USA
Another one of the best places to camp in the USA is Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, where you’ll see all kinds of gorgeous old-growth trees, including Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, hemlocks, and maples.
The forest is home to 84 campgrounds that are spread out across the forest’s four districts: Barlow, Clackamas River, Hood River, and Zigzag. Trilium Lake stands out as a top campground in the United States because it’s family-friendly and offers fantastic views of Mt. Hood. It also has RV and tent sites with tables and campfire rings, as well as toilets and drinking water.
21. Mt. Hood National Forest, OR, one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the USA
Of course, if you want great views of Mt. Hood, you should also check out Timothy Lake – Hoodview Campground. This campground very much lives up to its name and provides unbeatable views. It also has restrooms and potable water.
Lost Lake is another top campground since it provides easy access to hiking and biking trails, as well as a resort store. Campers can choose from campsites, cabins, yurts, or lodge rooms, and amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and drinking water.
- Number of campgrounds: 84
- Reservations required: Check individual campgrounds
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Campground fee of $10-$51 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
22. Big Bend National Park, TX, some of the best camping in the USA for stargazing
One of the best places to camp in America and see stunning night skies is Big Bend National Park in Texas.
Besides backcountry camping, which is allowed throughout the park, there are 4 main campgrounds: Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, Cottonwood, and Rio Grande Village RV Park. If you stay at Chisos Basin, be sure to watch the sunset through The Window mountain opening. The campground also has a year-round camp store, dump station, toilets, and potable water.
22. Big Bend National Park, TX, some of the best camping in the USA for stargazing
On the other hand, Rio Grande Village has flush toilets, coin-operated showers, running water, grills, overhead shelters, and picnic tables, and features both tent and RV sites. Cottonwood is a remote and quiet campground with limited spots, as well as a camp store, potable water, and toilets. For campers with RVs, Rio Grande Village RV Park is your best bet, since it has the only full hook-ups in the park.
Ultimately, though, no matter where you stay in Big Bend, you’ll be able to experience some of the best camping in the USA.
- Number of campgrounds: 4
- Reservations required: Yes
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $16-$36 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
23. Shenandoah National Park, VA, another one of the best campgrounds in America
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is another one of the best places to camp in the USA. This area has four campgrounds, and backcountry camping is allowed.
Big Meadows is a reservation-only campground that accommodates tents and RVs, and has a camp store, dump station, laundry, potable water, toilets, and coin-operated showers. On the other hand, Lewis Mountain is fully first-come, first-served. This small, private campground has flush toilets, showers, firewood and ice for sale, laundry, and potable water.
23. Shenandoah National Park, VA, another one of the best campgrounds in America
The other two campgrounds, Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain, offer a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Both campgrounds have dump stations, potable water, and toilets. Loft Mountain also has coin-operated showers, laundry, a camp store, and ice and firewood for sale.
You’ll need a permit for backcountry camping, which will allow you to camp pretty much anywhere within the park, although the park recommends staying at a pre-existing campsite established by fellow visitors if possible.
- Number of campgrounds: 4
- Reservations required: Yes, for Big Meadows and some sites at Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15-$30 + campground fee of $30-$75 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
24. Dry Tortugas National Park, FL, one of the best places to camp in the USA
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is home to one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the USA, Garden Key, which is located right on the beach.
The campground is first-come, first-served, so you’ll need to come early to secure a spot, but the incredible ocean views make it one of the best places to camp in the USA. It is a primitive campground, so you’ll have to bring supplies like a tent, fresh water, fuel, ice, and food. However, there are a few amenities, including picnic tables, elevated grills, hooks for hanging items off the ground, and composting toilets.
24. Dry Tortugas National Park, FL, one of the best places to camp in the USA
If you plan to camp, this is the only place to stay in the park, since backcountry camping is not allowed.
- Number of campgrounds: 1
- Reservations required: No, first-come, first-served
- Backcountry camping: No
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $15 + campground fee of $15-$30 per night
- Amenities: Picnic tables, grills, toilets
25. Zion National Park, UT, another one of the best camping places in the USA
Zion National Park in Utah is home to some of the best campgrounds in the US, as we know from the many times we’ve camped there.
Of the park’s 3 campgrounds, we’ve generally stayed at South, which is currently closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. However, the other two campgrounds, Watchman and Lava Point, are also great places to stay in Zion.
25. Zion National Park, UT, another one of the best camping places in the USA
Watchman is open year-round and accommodates tents, RVs, and large groups. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, potable water, toilets, and trash collection. Lava Point is open from May to September and has 6 primitive campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and toilets available to reserve.
More adventurous campers may want to look beyond these sites and go backcountry camping instead. As long as you have a permit, there are lots of different options for wilderness camping: 13 sites along the La Verkin Creek Trail, two campsites along the Hop Valley Trail, in dispersed areas along the Wildcat Canyon and Connector Trails, 9 backpacking sites along the West Rim Trail, 12 sites along the Virgin River Narrows, 6 sites along the Southwest Desert Trails, and at certain points along the East Rim Trail.
- Number of campgrounds: 3
- Reservations required: Yes, for Lava Point
- Backcountry camping: Yes
- Cost: Park entrance fee of $20-$35 + campground fee of $10-$50 per night
- Amenities: Check individual campgrounds
Map of best places to camp in the USA
With that, you have everything you need to experience the best camping in the United States! Be sure to have a look at the map of the best US campgrounds below so you’ll know which campsites are easiest to add to your itinerary.
Whether you stay in a national park or in the middle of a forest, you’ll definitely have the experience of a lifetime at any of the places on our list. If you have any questions about the best camping spots in the United States, leave a comment below, and I’ll happily get back to you! Happy camping!
