The Top 10 Best Campgrounds In America
The United States has an incredible geographic diversity, which means there are tons of amazing place to camp in the country. Click here to take a look at 10 of the best campgrounds in America.
Over 130 national park campgrounds are in the United States.
Trying to cover all of them may take a lifetime. And, depending on where you live, it may take weeks to travel to one.
But you can narrow down your search to the best campgrounds. Every camper should take time to visit the famous ones.
Let’s talk about them.
1. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas
Ozark National Forest is 1.2 million miles worth of beautiful woods, water, and adventure. Vistors to the park often horseback ride or kayak.
Hiking options are also abundant in the Ozarks. The forest is home to 395 miles worth of hiking options.
The Ozark Highlands Trail is this park’s longest trail and stretches 165 miles. Hikers will cross the Buffalo National River and several other water sources.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous parks in the United States. And it’s easy to see why.
With over 300 miles of hiking trails, you’ll see why it’s easy to get lost adventuring Colorado. And if you want to take a break from the hiking, visit Trail Ridge Road.
Trail Ridge Road climbs to a 12,183-foot elevation. This drive will give you a spectacular view of everything the Rockies have to offer.
Before visiting, take the weather into consideration. The temperature alone can range anywhere from -35 to mid-80’s.
3. Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park in Florida is unlike any other destination. Unlike the dry mountains of the west, you should prepare for a subtropical habitat near the ocean.
Plan your trip with care, and you’ll be able to pitch your tent right on the beach. Hiking options are minimal here. But the water explorations are what make this national park worth visiting.
For example, you can take a 99-mile waterway canoe trip, and you could visit a missile base or tour the Florida Bay. Whatever you do, though, make sure to look for manatees and crocodiles.
4. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park’s name comes from the natural arches inside the park. You can see over 2,000 of these stone arches during your visit.
You can do all hiking trails in the park within a day. The most difficult trail, Primitive Trail at Devil’s Garden, is 7.2 miles, and every other trail is shorter.
But many more activities are in store. Try stargazing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even canyoneering.
If you don’t take time to indulge in activities, visiting arches is always worth your time. And of course, camping in Arches is always an option, but you should reserve your space months in advance.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
Tired of the West? Try visiting Maine for your camping needs.
With over miles of hiking and driving destinations, Acadia National Park is a great visit. Rangers take visitors on boat tours and hikes throughout the park.
And if the summer months are too busy, make your visit during the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, and ie fishing are all options during those months.
For camping, check out Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut. This location is perfect for an island adventure.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
We all know and love Yosemite National Park. As one of the most beautiful locations in the United States, this has to be on your list of parks to visit.
Camping is one of the main reasons people visit Yosemite. All 13 camping spots cost a daily fee to use, and you need to reserve spots for many of the locations.
Because the location is so popular, you should even reserve backpacking options. And to beat the traffic, you’ll need to arrive early to go hiking.
7. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are a perfect place to visit if you live in the Southeast area. The Smokies are home to 150 official trails, and many of them cross state lines.
Trails throughout the Smokies also have plenty of waterfalls and fishing options. You may even see a black bear or white-tailed deer.
Camping in the Smokies is also an exciting option. These campgrounds can be anywhere throughout the two states.
8. Camp Blanco State Park, Oregon
In Oregon, camping is a must.
Camp Blanco State Park has some of the best campgrounds to offer. While this isn’t a national park, the views are still hard to beat.
One of the biggest attractions of this park is the historic lighthouse and home. You can tour both during the right time of the year.
Camp Blanco only has eight miles of hiking. But a visit to the shore or rock climbing will fill your desire for adventure.
Camping is another way to enjoy this park. Rates for this park are higher than national parks, but the privacy you’ll find will be worth it. Less than 38,000 people visit Camp Blanco each year.
9. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is full of activities throughout the whole year. Don’t limit yourself to hiking and camping.
Adventure through photography, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and more. And, if you visit during the winter, make sure to go skiing.
Plenty of campgrounds sit in Olympic National Park. Before going, though, make sure to check availability. Between its popularity and unpredictable weather, it may be hard to get a spot.
10. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Don’t let the name fool you. Badlands National Park is a must see on your list.
Two campgrounds are in the park, and you can stay for up to 14 days. Like any park, you should reserve your spot in advance.
Plenty of hiking is available in the Badlands, but be careful. Temperatures can range from -40 to 116 degrees.
If you have an archeology interest, you can visit the Badlands to see its paleontology lab. Visitors can watch paleontologists work to find the next great discovery.
Go See the Best Campgrounds!
Now that you have a short list of the best places to visit, get going. There are plenty more to visit afterward!
Check our blog for more travel tips, and please contact us with any questions.
