Do you love camping? Well, you’re not the only one! Around 40 million people in America head out into the wilderness to go camping every year.
Clearly, this is one popular pastime. That fact should come as no surprise though…
Aside from the simple joy of spending the night under canvas, this incredible country is blessed with some of the best places to go camping in the entire world. From east to west, there’s no shortage of picturesque outdoor environments to pitch a tent and have an unforgettable adventure.
However, the endless array of camping opportunities in the US can be a mixed blessing. There’s almost too much choice! Picking one stunning spot over another can feel impossible.
Need some help deciding the ideal destination for your next camping trip? Keep reading to discover 5 of the best camping spots in the US.
1. New York’s Minnewaska State Park
Tired of the chaos of New York City living and busting for a break in the great outdoors? Well, the Minnewaska State Park reserve would be an amazing place to go. It’s only 94 miles away from the city, but a world away in terms of the peace, tranquillity, and natural beauty on offer.
Located on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, you’ll be 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by stunning views as a result. This rocky landscape is blessed with a wealth of walking tracks, waterfalls, lakes, and valleys to explore. You can swim, bike, hike, and climb until your heart’s content.
Head to the Shawangunk Gateway campground to get back to basics and wake up in this natural paradise. Be aware that it’s a tents only site, though. Any individuals, couples, or families in an RV will need to look elsewhere.
2. Maryland’s Assateague Island National Seashore
Head to Assateague for wonderful wild horses and unending expanses of sandy beaches and untouched coastline. This barrier island isn’t as big or remote as other camping destinations on this list. But it is an unparalleled opportunity to pitch a tent on the sand, awaken to the sound of the surf, and witness the wonder of wild horses with your own eyes.
You can visit the island throughout the year and pitch up at a number of designated sites. However, expect to pay for both entry and camping on these official spots. For a more adventurous experience, get yourself a budget-friendly permit that opens the door to backcountry camping instead. Either way, you’ll enjoy a unique camping experience in a delightful part of the country.
3. Arkansas’ Ozark National Forest
The bountiful countryside in Arkansas is oft-overlooked by campers in the US. However, with hundreds of thousands of acres of land, hundreds of miles of hiking tracks, and countless bodies of water, it’s time for that to change!
With dispersed camping available throughout this 1.2 million-acre National Forest, it’d be an awesome place for hard-core campers. You can pitch your tent anywhere you like, away from amenities (and other campers), and wake up in the heart of the wilderness. Of course, there’s also a range of official campsites available to cater to anyone who wants a bit more ‘luxury’.
Wherever you camp, you can expect to wake up to every outdoor activity under the sun. Hiking, climbing, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating…You name it, and you can do it in Arkansas National Forest.
4. Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest
Want to go camping in a vast, mountainous expanse of green, open land? Vermont has got your covered. Green Mountain National Forest is a haven for hikers, campers, and anyone else who wants to get lost in nature.
One of Green Mountain National Forest’s major selling points is the thru-hike that runs along the ridge here.
At 270-miles long, Vermont’s aptly-named ‘Long Trail’ is one of America’s oldest long-distance tracks and an epic challenge for anybody who likes to hike. Whether you do a section of it or the entire thing, you’re sure to love the remoteness and natural beauty on display at every turn.
Even better, there are no fees involved. You can enter the park and pitch a tent on most campsites without spending a dime. Oh, and dispersed camping is permitted too.
5. Alaska’s Denali National Park
The great outdoors doesn’t get much greater than Denali National Park. There are 6 million (yep, 6 million) acres of wild terrain here. Expect unbelievable fauna and flora, wonderful wildlife, and unlimited hiking opportunities.
Oh, and then there’s Mount McKinley to check out! Otherwise known as Denali (hence the name of the National Park), it’s the highest mountain in North America and nothing short of wondrous to behold. If you’re into your mountaineering, then this is the place to come.
With 6 campgrounds and backcountry opportunities to boot (grab a free permit first!), Denali also offers some of the best camping in the US by far. Make sure you have enough experience if you want to go deeper into the park though. This is remote and technical terrain, which means you need to know what you’re doing (and have all the essential things to take camping) to stay safe.
Don’t Forget the Best Places to Go Camping In America
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to camping in America. With endless National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty to enjoy, there are epic camping opportunities everywhere you look. In fact, with so much choice on offer, the tricky bit is picking one place to camp over another.
That’s why we decided to put this post together. With a selection of the best places to go camping at your disposal, it should be easier to choose the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. Pitch a tent anywhere on this list and you’re sure to have an extraordinary camping trip!
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