Best Camping Places In The US

With over 40 million Americans enjoying camping, there’s certainly no shortage of great camping spots in the United States. The East and West Coast are blessed with amazing places to camp, so it’s just a matter of finding one nearby and heading off on the adventure.

This country is home to such diverse terrain, so it’s really up to the camper to decide what they want to explore when camping across America. We have it all if you’re looking for vast deserts, rocky mountains, sandy beaches, or fresh lakes. Here are our top choices for the best places to camp on the East Coast and the West next time you want adventure.

The Best Camping Locations on the East Coast

The East Coast offers a varied range of camping locations, from mangrove swamps to sandy beaches. Here are our picks for the best places to pitch a tent.

Chester State Park, South Carolina

This is one of the larger camping sites in the USA, with over 3,000 campsites and an additional 220 cabins. Chester State Park is a big hit with families thanks to the many activities, including horseriding, paddling, and even historic tours that show you the rich history of this amazing landscape.

The scenery is versatile here, with beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains to explore. Some breathtaking sights will make your camping trip worthwhile whether you take one of the many hiking trails or just look around.

Anastasia State Park

One of the first of a few great Florida State Parks, Anastasia State Park is by far one of the most loved by campers. Located on a Peninsula of the Atlantic Coast, it can offer scenery like you never expected on a camping trip. Anastasia State Park covers around 1,600 acres, so there’s plenty to explore and lots of wildlife to see and interact with.

This is the ideal campsite for those who like to relax and unwind, as there are sandy beaches and dunes to kick back on and so many scenic moments you can enjoy. If you are looking for a bit of fun, there is canoeing, fishing, hiking, and swimming, all available from the Anastasia State Park, and plenty to keep your kids entertained.

Burlingame State Campground, Rhode Island

You can’t go wrong with the Burlingame State Campground for the camper who prefers a rocky woodland setting. This is a popular choice for many, so it’s not ideal if you’re a solitude camper, but those with families will probably love how busy it can get. There are loads of amenities including showers, kitchens, playground arcade and more.

This area has 3,100 acres to explore so you’ll never get bored, and you can even find a freshwater beach. There are loads of hiking trails and canoe rentals for the camper who likes a bit of adventure, or you can simply unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this mountain retreat.

Cayo Costa State Park, Boca Grande

If you’re looking for a secluded beach getaway on your next camping trip, you have to pay a visit to the Cayo Costa State Park in Boca Grande. This amazing place is only accessible by private boat or a public ferry. You can be guaranteed that you’ll get more isolation than a standard camping ground.

The water is so warm and crystal clear here that it’s perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. There are loads of amenities available for campers, but you’ll be required to bring your food and drink supplies. This is a little out of the ordinary for campsites, but one worth checking out.

Acadia National Park, Maine

For the camper who likes a unique experience, why not check out Acadia National Park in Maine? You can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. If you can make it there at dawn, you’ll be the first person in the country to see the sunrise.

This park is located on Mount Desert Island and showcases everything Maine offers, with forests, lakes, and ponds everywhere you turn. There are three campgrounds to choose from in the park, so you can find one that suits you best. depending on your skill level and how you like to camp, you might prefer a rustic vibe, a hiker’s paradise, or something surrounded by water.

The Best Camping Locations on the West Coast.

The West Coast certainly has a lot to offer for the camping enthusiast, with no shortage of parks, forests, hiking trails, and adventures. We’ve narrowed down the list to bring you some of our top picks for the best camping places on the West Coast so you can find one that suits your camping style.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

This amazing lake was made from a crater formed over 7,700 years ago during a massive volcano eruption. The lake forms the center of the park with a 1,943-foot-deep crystal clear water that gives you countless opportunities for enjoyment and stunning views.

People visiting Crater Lake National Park have no shortage of things to do. Many families and solo travelers enjoy hiking, swimming, and exploring. Surrounding the lake are ponderosa pines and sheer cliffs that you can climb to the top for a spectacular view. This park is home to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, so it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a good hike while camping.

Honey Bear Campground, Ophir

If you like to get out and enjoy backcountry camping but don’t want to stray too far from civilization, the Honey Bear Campground and RV Resort might be the spot for you. This campground is home to an authentic chalet. With a German deli on hand and other rustic features, as if you stepped into some quaint European town from years gone by.

The Honey Bear Campground offers a range of options for the camper to pitch their tent. You’ll even be able to see the ocean right from your tent. If you like a spot for fishing, you’ll be pleased to know that plenty of ponds are perfect for the angler. On some summer nights, you can even enjoy music and dancing. It’s best to book for Honey Bear as there are limited spots, but it’s well worth the planning once you get there.

Salt Point State Park, Northern California

There’s nothing quite like heading to the ocean for your camping fix, and even better when you can visit somewhere just as spectacular as Salt Point Park. This amazing park features 6,000 acres of coastal wonders, including open grasslands, rolling surf, and hidden coves to explore. If you’re looking for something different from your usual forest camping adventure, this is a great choice.

Salt Point has much history behind it, too, as the sandstone from this park was used to make the streets of San Fransisco. You can still spot some quarried rocks along the beach if you keep your eye out. Two different camping grounds are available here, each with its unique scenery. For the camper who likes adventure, Salt Point offers horseback riding, hiking mountains, exploring underwater areas, and more.

Van Damme State Park, Little River

Being a popular campground, you must make camping reservations to get a seat at the Van Damme State Park. As the most remarkable feature here, you’ll camp among towering ferns and redwoods. This campground gives a truly authentic American camping vibe. Although popular with campers, it’s easy to find a place of serenity. Thanks to the trees, you’ll find it extremely relaxing to set up camp here.

There are plenty of activities to do at Van Damme. These include countless hiking trails that take you through the forest, a small and picturesque bay where you can fish or launch sea kayaks, and a paved road that lets you cycle or jog to your heart’s content. This is the ideal camping ground for the forest lover who enjoys being with Mother Nature.

Denali National Park, Alaska

No camping list would be complete without an entry from Alaska, and Denali National Park has to be their most amazing space yet. This is a massively sized campground with over six million acres of open land and six separate campgrounds. Riley Creek is the only campground accessible by car, so unless you plan on hiking, this is your best option.

Denali National Park is home to some amazing wildlife you only see in this part of the country. It has activities and hikes to suit all skill levels. Denali is home to Mount McKinley which is North America’s highest peak. This is the major drawcard for campers coming to the area. Ensure you’re confident of your hiking skills if you attempt to tackle it because some areas can be difficult.

Yosemite National Park, California

Ask anyone on the West Coast, and they’ll no doubt be able to tell you about a time they camped at Yosemite. With 13 different campgrounds to choose from, this site is always busy. You’ll understand why once you get there and look at the scenery. Yosemite has some of the tallest and most majestic trees, flowing lakes, and rivers. This makes it one of the most beautiful to look at all year round.

Yosemite is popular with campers who like to hike, as there are countless trails for all skill levels and ages. Up to 95 percent of this park is free from roads, buildings, or structures. It’s a complete wilderness if you want to escape the concrete jungle. Be cautious, though, that many camping grounds require you to get there by foot, so research before you head off.

The Ideal Country For All Types Of Camping

As you can see, we truly do have it all in this country. There’s no need to venture overseas just for a great outdoor adventure. The United States is home to such diverse landscapes and varying weather, so you can experience camping in all types of terrain. Whether you prefer to hike and set up camp or take the whole family for a vacation, there’s no shortage of quality camping grounds at home.

Always be mindful of the natural resources and wildlife when camping in our amazing parks and landscapes. We have plenty of amazing natural wonders to explore. But an act as simple as turning over a rock can devastate the fragile ecosystems that live here. Leave everything as you found it. Likewise, leave no trace behind so that these amazing spots can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Resources:

Greatist
TheGuardian
Statista