30 Of the best National Parks for camping lovers
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Camping is really a very fun-filled recreational activity that you can enjoy with your family and friends. This activity gives you plenty of time to bond together with your children and spouses. Camping also gives you a great opportunity to spend some pleasant days surrounded by nature. This recreational activity can really rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
During a camping trip, you can also enjoy various other recreational activities like hiking, trekking, swimming, boating, picnics, and mountain climbing with your whole family. RV camping is also a popular option which you can consider.
30 Of the best National parks for camping lovers
Many tourists go from one theme park to another when they visit the USA. However, the country’s national parks are even more beautiful and exciting.
Most of these have many, excellent campsites, too, which are great places to spend the night during camping holidays in the USA.
Below stated are some great camping National Parks that you can select for a fun-filled experience.
#1 Crater Lake National Park – Oregon
Unless you have a backcountry permit, camping in Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is limited to the Mazama and Lost Creek campgrounds, which are only open during the summer months.
The former takes reservations and can accommodate RVs while the latter is open to tents only on a first-come, first-served basis.
#2 Acadia National Park – Maine
Travelers planning an overnight camping trip. In Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island would be wise to make reservations in advance, as the campgrounds here are extremely popular, especially during the warmer months from May to October.
Blackwoods campground is open year-round, while sites at Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor campgrounds are available seasonally.
#3 Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Scenic Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is home to five gorgeous campgrounds, including Matthews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, loft mountain, and Dundo Group Campground.
The latter is ideal for large groups as it boasts 3 sites that can accommodate anywhere from 7 to 20 campers.
#4 Adirondack Mountains – New York
Adirondack Mountains are home to countless campgrounds, so your options truly are endless.
Take your pick from traditional camping, backcountry camping, RV camping, island camping, or even glamping.
#5 Ricketts Glen State Park – Pennsylvania
This beloved Pennsylvania’s State Park spans more than 13,000 acres and boasts plenty of eye candy ranging from Lake Jean to the seven-plus mile-long false trail loop.
The latter features a series of free-flowing waterfalls and has been recognized as one of the best hikes in the state.
#6 Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland
Maryland’s Assateague Island National Seashore is a unique camping experience.
As visitors will be just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, and in the midst of wild ponies and other coastal wildlife.
#7 Denali National Park and Preserve – Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a massive swath of wilderness spanning 6 million acres, so there’s no shortage of places to set up camp.
Keep in mind that Riley creek campground is the only campground in the park that’s open year-round. Playing a summer visit from mid-May to September and your options will increase 6-fold.
#8 Joshua Tree National Park – California
California’s Joshua Tree National Park is among the most popular camping spots in the country, so your best bet to secure a site is to plan.
There are at least 9 campgrounds in the park, but many operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, consider making reservations at Black Rock, Indian Cove, or Cottonwood group campgrounds.
#9 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – California
To the northwest, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s stellar sights and sounds make it an incredibly popular camping destination. Despite there being dozens of RV and tent camping sites near the Big Sur River, reservations tend to fill up months in advance.
Be sure to secure your site online well ahead of time to ensure you’ll be able to see what all the fuss is about.
#10 Olympic National Park – Washington
Like many national parks across America, Washington’s Olympic National Park can get crowded in the summer.
So, consider making reservations at Sol Duc campgrounds in advance because the rest are first-come, first-served.
#11 Glacier Bay National Park – Alaska
Bartlett Cove Campground is where you’ll want to stay the night inside Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park.
The free walk-in campground is maintained by the National Park Service and features helpful amenities like a warming shelter and free firewood all within proximity to feeding whales.
#12 Napali Coast State Park – Hawaii
The Kalalau trail along Hawaii’s Napali Coast is among the most satisfying in the US. While camping here isn’t exactly easy, it’s not impossible.
Keep in mind that experienced backcountry campers and hikers will have an easier time securing a permit to spend the night under the stars.
#13 Big Bend National Park – Texas
Big Bend National Park near the US-Mexico border in Texas offers both developed campground and backcountry camping opportunities.
Depending on the time of year, reservations are accepted at both the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village campgrounds, all two dozen sites at the Cottonwood campground are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
#14 Zion National Park – Utah
Utah’s first national park is as beautiful as they come. The clear blue sky supplies the perfect backdrop for Zion national parks humbling sandstone cliffs.
The jaw-dropping formations are every bit as impressive under the stars. Campers will especially fall in love with the Watchman campground, which is open year-round and available via reservation from March through October.
#15 Glacier National Park – Montana
Montana’s breathtaking Glacier National Park is home to more than a dozen drives and campgrounds.
Most of these campgrounds are first-come-first-served. If you want to guarantee you’ll have a spot to unwind look into Fish Creek, St. Mary, many glaciers, and a peer group campground for reservations.
#16 Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming
Located not far from Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park is a nature lover dream come true.
During the summer when travelers flocked to Northwest Wyoming to hiking, fishing, and of course go backcountry camping, otherwise, there is at least 5 front country campground you can stay at.
#17 Sawtooth national forest – Idaho
Sawtooth National Forest covers more than 2 million acres in Idaho and Utah and draws millions of visitors each year.
Thanks to its 80 plus campgrounds plentiful hiking and biking trails and unparalleled photo opportunities. Whatever you decide to don’t leave without exploring redfish lake.
#18 Ludington State Park – Michigan
Situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake on the shores of Western Michigan, Ludington State Park features a unique mix of forest and dunes and offers visitors different campgrounds to choose from including Cedar, Beechwood, and Jack Pine.
#19 Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Most visitors camping at the Grand Canyon tend to stay on the South Rim which is open year-round and easier to access.
The North Rim on the Utah site is ideal for a more secluded stay; however, the elevation limits the season to the summer months. Regardless of which route you go, you’ll want to make reservations
#20 Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee North Carolina border offers camping opportunities to suit every style.
Whether it’s backcountry, front country, group camping, or horse camping, there are at least 10 developed campgrounds including locations at Abrams Creek and Cades Cove among others.
#21 Badlands National Park – South Dakota
The spring is arguably the best time of the year to spend a couple of nights in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. The Cedar pass campground is open from April 1st to October 31st.
Conveniently located near a visitor center and charges affordable rates starting at $22 per night for a two-person site.
#22 Ozark National Forest – Arkansas
If you prefer solitude in a more primitive style of camping, Ozark National Forest in Arkansas should be at the top of your list, as it’s home to multiple wilderness areas where you’ll be able to pitch a tent and unwind in nature.
Nonetheless, visitors can also experience the Ozarks via RV, cabin, or develop campsites.
#23 Everglades National Park – Florida
Florida’s Everglades National Park has bounced back quickly from Hurricane Irma and visitors to the scenic wetlands preserved will be happy to find all areas of the park are once again open.
Backcountry campers can head to the flamingo visitor center or the Gulf Coast. Visitor contact station to obtain a free permit for an overnight stay in the park.
#24 Yosemite National Park – California
There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from inside Yosemite National Park, but they all tend to fill up quickly from April to September, so reservations are highly recommended.
In addition to planning well in advance, consider a campground outside of the popular Yosemite Valley to secure a more natural site with fewer crowds.
#25 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Colorado
Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison national park comprises 12 miles or 1/4 of the jaw-dropping black canyon of the Gunnison River, including the deepest section.
Campers will want to set up shop in the South Rim campground which boasts 88 sites
#26 Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park spans 3 different states, so it should come as no surprise that there are a lot of camping options here.
The mammoth campground is open all year long, while 11 others are open during the warmer spring and summer months beginning in April and May.
#27 Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas
The best camping experience in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park can be found at Gulpha Gorge campground, which can accommodate RVs and tents on a first-come-first-served basis.
The campground is pet-friendly and close to scenic hiking trails.
#28 Arches national park – Utah
Arches national park is named for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches that will have campers feeling as if they’re on an entirely different planet.
Notable attractions include the delicate arch, balanced rock, and landscape arch. Be sure to reserve your site at the Devils Garden campground months in advance of visiting March through October.
#29 Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota
Camping at Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park is a little more challenging than other places, as campsites here are only accessible by watercraft.
If you don’t own a boat and don’t want to rent one you can camp via tent or RV just outside of the park.
#30 Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
Camping season at Mount Rainier National Park kicks off in late May and continues through September.
Cougar Rock and White River campgrounds are the first to open in late spring while primitive camping at Mount which lake is available starting in early July. both cougar rock and oven at gush accept reservations.
Final Thoughts
The USA is home to 423 national parks, meaning there are plenty of destinations to choose from when planning camping trips or adventure holidays across the Atlantic.
You can expect to find some stunning countryside and unusual wildlife in the parks, along with the kind of testing terrain that you will be keen to tackle if you are an intrepid holidaymaker.
Whether you are taking a two-week holiday or planning a gap year in the USA, some of the national parks stand as perfect destinations.
