Camping Across the Us: A Bucket List Guide

Intro

Are you ready for an adventure? There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the United States than to go camping! Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice, this post will give you the rundown of some of the best places to camp in the US. From stunning mountain vistas to pristine beaches, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of must-visit campsites across the country. Get ready to start planning the camping trip of a lifetime!

National Parks to Camp in

If you're an outdoor enthusiast and a camping lover, national parks should definitely be on your camping bucket list. From the stunning views to the unique experiences, national parks offer some of the best campsites in the country. Here are a few national parks that you can't miss when planning your next camping trip.

Yellowstone National Park:

Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the country, located mostly in Wyoming with small parts in Montana and Idaho. It's known for its geothermal wonders, such as geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as its abundance of wildlife. Yellowstone offers over a dozen campgrounds with various amenities, such as fire pits, picnic tables, and electrical hookups. However, most campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan ahead.

Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite is located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. It offers thirteen campgrounds, with some only accessible by foot or horseback. The most popular campground in Yosemite Valley, but be prepared for large crowds and reservations that sell out quickly. For a more secluded experience, check out the less-crowded campsites in Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point.

Grand Canyon National Park:

The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona and is one of the most iconic national parks in the country. It offers three campgrounds on the South Rim and one on the North Rim, each with its unique views of the canyon. Mather Campground on the South Rim is the largest, offering over 300 campsites, but it can be difficult to find a vacancy during peak season. Plan your trip ahead and consider staying at the North Rim, which offers a more secluded camping experience.

Rocky Mountain National Park:

Rocky Mountain is located in Colorado and offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. It offers five campgrounds with over 250 campsites, some with electricity and some without. The park's two most popular campgrounds, Moraine Park and Glacier Basin, are both located in the eastern part of the park, making them easily accessible. However, for a more rugged camping experience, consider the backcountry sites.

These are just a few of the amazing national parks across the US that offer great camping opportunities. Make sure to research and plan your trip ahead, as many campsites book up quickly during peak season.

State Parks to Camp in

When it comes to camping, state parks can offer a great alternative to the sometimes overcrowded national parks. Not only are state parks typically less crowded, they often provide unique amenities and activities. Here are some state parks across the US to add to your camping bucket list:

1. Grayson Highlands State Park - Virginia

Located in southwestern Virginia, Grayson Highlands State Park boasts some of the best views in the state. The park is home to the Appalachian Trail and is famous for its wild ponies that roam free. There are several campsites available, including tent and RV sites, as well as cabins.

2. Custer State Park - South Dakota

Custer State Park is a favorite among many campers, especially those interested in wildlife viewing. The park is home to a herd of free-roaming bison, as well as pronghorn antelope, elk, and more. There are several campgrounds available, from primitive sites to RV hookups.

3. Goblin Valley State Park - Utah

If you're looking for a unique camping experience, look no further than Goblin Valley State Park. The park is filled with hoodoos, or mushroom-shaped rock formations, that make for great hiking and exploring. The campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as yurts for rent.

4. Bahia Honda State Park - Florida

Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a great spot for beach camping. The park offers both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. The beaches here are some of the best in the Keys, and there are plenty of water activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

5. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - Michigan

For those who love hiking and the great outdoors, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a must-visit. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the park offers backcountry camping, as well as tent and RV sites. The park is home to over 90 miles of hiking trails, as well as waterfalls and stunning vistas.

No matter where you choose to camp in the US, there's sure to be a state park that fits the bill. From mountain views to beachfront campsites, state parks offer a great alternative to national parks and other campgrounds.

Coastal Campgrounds to Visit

The beauty of the coast is unmatched, and there’s no better way to experience it than by camping at one of the many coastal campgrounds throughout the US. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches or rugged cliffs, there’s a coastal campground for you.

1. Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington

Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, this park has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and offers both tent and RV camping. Activities include beachcombing, fishing, and hiking.

2. Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina

Known for its pristine beaches and historic Atalaya Castle, this park offers camping in both RVs and tents. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and even golfing.

3. Big Sur, California

This stretch of the California coastline is one of the most beautiful in the country, and there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Kirk Creek Campground are all popular options.

4. Acadia National Park, Maine

Located on Mount Desert Island, this park has stunning views of the rocky coast and the ocean. Blackwoods Campground is a popular choice for campers, and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking.

5. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia

This unique island is home to wild horses and offers both beach camping and bay camping. Visitors can swim, fish, and bike on the island, and even take a guided horseback tour.

No matter where you go, camping along the coast is a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and enjoy all that the ocean has to offer!

Mountain and Forest Campsites to Explore

For those seeking an escape to nature surrounded by towering trees and mountain views, look no further than the mountain and forest campsites throughout the United States. These campgrounds offer a serene and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from the outside world.

Some popular mountain and forest campsites to consider include:

1. Yosemite National Park in California: This iconic park is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and vast wilderness. With 13 campgrounds to choose from, including four that are open year-round, you'll have plenty of options to enjoy this breathtaking destination.

2. Acadia National Park in Maine: If you're looking for a campsite with ocean views and lush forests, Acadia National Park is the perfect spot for you. There are three campgrounds to choose from, each with its unique set of amenities.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina: With over 800 square miles of wilderness, this national park offers ample opportunities for camping. Choose from one of the park's ten campgrounds to explore the area's stunning mountain ranges and dense forests.

4. Sequoia National Forest in California: Home to the largest trees in the world, Sequoia National Forest offers a unique camping experience. There are several campgrounds to choose from, including the popular Buckeye Flat campground, which offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

5. Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina: This forest spans over 500,000 acres and is home to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Choose from one of the park's numerous campgrounds, such as the peaceful Davidson River campground, which offers river access and a tranquil setting.

Whether you prefer to camp in the mountains, near the ocean, or deep within the forest, the United States offers a vast array of opportunities to explore. No matter which campsite you choose, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Off the Beaten Path Campgrounds for Adventure Seekers

For those looking for a bit more excitement during their camping trip, there are plenty of off the beaten path campgrounds across the United States. These campgrounds offer unique experiences that cater to the adventurous spirit in us all.

1. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada:

Located just an hour outside of Las Vegas, this park is home to stunning red rock formations and petroglyphs. Camping here allows for stargazing opportunities and hiking through the desert landscape.

2. Lost Coast, California:

The Lost Coast offers a truly wild camping experience along a remote stretch of California coastline. The rugged terrain is perfect for backpacking, surfing, and exploring tide pools.

3. Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas:

For those seeking a quiet camping experience in the midst of the woods, Ouachita National Forest is a perfect choice. There are plenty of trails to hike and lakes to paddle on, with little to no crowds.

4. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska:

The most remote national park in the United States, Gates of the Arctic offers true wilderness camping opportunities. Visitors can hike, fish, and hunt in the untouched landscape of Alaska.

5. San Juan National Forest, Colorado:

For those who love to mountain bike, San Juan National Forest has plenty of trails to explore. The campground at Molas Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

No matter what your preferred type of adventure is, there is a campground in the United States that will offer the experience you're looking for. So pack up your gear and hit the road to explore some of these off the beaten path campgrounds.

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