25 of America's Best Campsites
Spend the night in some of the country's most beautiful locations.
It's tough to beat a good old fashioned camping trip and there are thousands of campsites in amazing places across the country. We know - it's a lot to choose from. We've narrowed the list down to 25 of America's best campsites in hopes that you'll be inspired to head out to your favorite camping spot, get in that summer camping trip before it's too late, or embark on an epic, cross-country camping road trip. Either way, you'll want to check this list out before making your plans.
1. Wild Willy Hot Springs | California
This spot is a short drive from Mammoth Lakes and makes for easy car camping. Not to mention the best part of all, the hot springs. Learn more.
2. Zion’s Watchman Campground | Utah
Camp under one of Zion National Park's most iconic structures, The Watchman, and you'll also have a great basecamp for adventures within the park. Learn more.
3. Assateague Island | Maryland
The island offers beach camping, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, paddle-boarding, crabbing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, biking and ocean kayaking. That should be plenty to keep you busy. Learn more.
4. Sparks Lake | Oregon
This lake has pretty unbelievable views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains and there is plenty to explore in the area surrounding the campgrounds. Learn more.
5. Bear Rocks | West Virginia
The short hike (1 mile) into this beautiful campground will be well worth it and if you want to get further out, there are more campsites to hike to. This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. Learn more.
6. Lake McDonald | Montana
This is the largest lake in all of Glacier National Park and Sprague Campground has lots of amenities making it a great family camping destination. Learn more.
7. Round Bald | North Carolina
Photo: Steve Yocom
A short hike (.5 miles) in to this campsite in the Appalachian Mountains makes for a great intro to backpacking and an amazing place to spend the night. Learn more.
8. Wonder Lake | Alaska
Take in the mountains of Denali National Park at this beautiful campsite and get a sense for just how big Alaska is. Learn more.
9. Joshua Tree’s White Tank Campground | California
White Tank Campground is quintessential Joshua Tree and serves as the perfect basecamp for all your adventures in the park. Learn more.
10. Gros Ventre Wilderness | Wyoming
Catch incredible views of the Tetons, escape the crowds, and keep an eye out for wildlife - bears, moose, elk, fish, and a whole slew of marmots. Learn more.
11. Wildwood State Park | New York
Head to one of the campsites at Wildwood State Park and set off exploring the beach for beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. Learn more.
12. Takhlakh Lake | Washington
This is a great camping destination for boaters and families. There are 53 sites and plenty of options for hiking and exploring. Learn more.
13. Polihale State Park | Hawai’i
If falling asleep to waves crashing and sleeping on the sand sound nice, this campsite on Kauai is the spot for you. Learn more.
14. Death Valley’s Wildrose Campground | California
Explore the sand dunes and gaze at the desert sky from this campground in Death Valley National Park. Learn more.
15. Treehouse Point | Washington
If you want the feeling of getting away from everything, but would prefer to do it with a roof over your head, we've got something for you. Live your childhood dream and spend the night in one of these awesome treehouses. Learn more.
16. Albion Basin | Utah
Albion Basin has the best of Utah mountain scenery and if you time it right you'll catch a display of wildflowers like you won't believe. There are also some great hikes nearby, like Cecret Lake. Learn more.
17. Beg Bend’s Nugent Mountain | Texas
Explore the beautiful desert landscape of Big Bend National Park from this backcountry car camping spot. Learn more.
18. Whitewater State Park | Minnesota
If you need plans for a fall camping trip, Whitewater State Park has an incredible display of autumn leaves you won't want to miss. Learn more.
19. Yellowstone’s Clarks Fork | Wyoming
Great fishing, swimming, and camping await at this tranquil, riverside campsite in Yellowstone National Park. Learn more.
20. Coyote Yurts | Idaho
Here's another spot that's definitely on the "glamping" end of the spectrum. These cozy yurts serve as the ideal basecamp for hiking, skiing, and mounatin biking. Learn more.
21. Timber Creek | Colorado
The Timber Creek Campgrounds are beautiful and provide easy access to backpacking trips in the surrounding area. Learn more.
22. Steep Ravine | California
Photo: Sean Hoyer
These bare-bones cabins are perfect for families. They're less than an hour outside San Francisco and have access to a secluded beach. Learn more.
23. Mongollon Rim | Arizona
This site comes with expansive views over Arizona's Coconino National Forest. There is plenty of space to explore during the day and unbelievable stars at night. Learn more.
24. Nordhouse Dunes | Michigan
This spot along along Lake Michigan is known for being an ideal hammock camping area and has an ample supply of wildlife. Learn more.
25. Clubhouse Beach | Florida
This backcountry site on the Florida coast is a beautiful place to spend the night and take in a sunset looking over the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more.
Please remember to follow local regulations regarding campsite use and practice Leave No Trace ethics on all of your adventures.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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