Campers, we are going coast to coast and then some for this one! Get ready to find the very best campsites in every state. Discover the best places to pitch your camping tent. Save them in your maps for later, or start planning your dream camping trip today!
Top Campsites by State
If you’re hoping to discover a new home-state spot or venture somewhere totally new, this is the go-to list. Read on to discover your next camping destination.
Alabama
Dismals Canyon
This National Natural Landmark in northwest Alabama is a hidden gem. Explore mossy caverns, swimming holes, and discover twinkling bioluminescent secrets of the canyon. Camping inside the area is limited to six reservable sites.
Alaska
Wonder Lake Campground, Denali National Park
This campground on mile 85 of Denali Park Road offers spectacular views. On a clear day, take in the Alaska Range and Mt McKinley in all their glory. Enjoy access to the McKinley Bar Trail, Wonder Lake, and Reflection Pond. It’s a tent-only campground, so bring your best camping tent and get cozy!
Arizona
Bagley Flat Campground, Tonto National Forest
Camp right along the banks of Saguaro Lake. The incredible campground has ten sites on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s open year-round with direct lake access for fishing and boating. For an oasis in the desert vibe by the majestic Saguaro cactuses, choose Bagley Flat!
Arkansas
Cove Lake, Ozark National Forest
Relish 160 acres of swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. It’s a comfortable and accessible location for families and groups. Boat and jet ski on this lake from dawn till dusk. With an outstanding view of Mount Magazine, you can’t go wrong for a summer vacation here!
California
Pfieffer Big Sur State Park
Camp amongst the redwood trees and peaceful river banks. Visit the Ewoldsen Nature Center to learn about the local flora and fauna. Witness the beautiful wildlife and serenity of Pfieffer! It’s super popular and fills up six months in advance.
Colorado
Box Canyon Falls Park, Ouray
Camp in the San Juan Mountains by the Box Canyon Falls. Thistledown or Ampitheater campgrounds are popular spots to stay near the canyon. The park is nationally recognized as a birding hotspot. Walk miles of hiking and interpretive trails.
Connecticut
Rocky Neck State Park
Have the beachside camping trip you’ve always dreamed of. This scenic campground features white sand beaches, ancient glacial terrain, and more. Camp in the open fields or shaded spots. Fill your days with hiking, picnics, and swimming.
Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park
If the seashore is calling your name, you must go! Camp along pristine sandy beaches full of local wildlife. Explore by bike paths, visit the Seaside Nature Center, and bask in the old forests. This park spans over 5,000 acres of land– you can’t go wrong!
Florida
Myakka River State Park
For a true Florida experience, wander through untouched, dense wetlands, prairies, and forests. View osprey and limpkins, alligators, and turtles along the river. Boat, fish, and kayak in the river. Or if land is more your style, hike and bike through miles of this gorgeous green paradise.
Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore has five campgrounds. This is a highly remote and extremely popular area– for good reason! No more than 300 people are allowed on the island at a time. Witness wild horses, turkeys, and even armadillos.
Hawaii
Waianapanapa State Park, Maui
Also known as the “Black Sand Beach” along the Road to Hana. Enjoy tropical hikes, views, and volcanic terrain. Be sure to make reservations in advance. Pay special note to non-resident fees if you’re visiting from the mainland.
Idaho
Lava Flow Campground, Crater of the Moon
Prepare for an otherworldly experience! Campsites are in one of the youngest lava flows in the park. This campground is located right near the visitor center and multiple trailheads. Explore the caves, trails, and wildflower blooms.
Illinois
Pharoah Campground, Garden of the Gods
In the Shawnee National Forest lies a treasure trove of rock formations. Known as the Garden of the Gods, this area features hikes, backpacking trails, and horseback riding. Tent and RV camping at Pharoah is open year-round with amenities.
Indiana
Dunewood Campground, Indiana Dunes National Park
Camp just a mile south of Lake Michigan, along Beverly Shores. Campers will enjoy combing the beach, biking, swimming, birding, hiking, and much more. No matter what time of year it is, outdoor enthusiasts will love the accessible adventure.
Iowa
Palisades-Kepler State Park
At Palisades-Kepler State Park, enjoy riverside camping with a historical twist. Mammoth fossils in the Cedar River and Indian Mounds shed light on the land’s ancient roots. Fish, hike, and picnic in this scenic location.
Kansas
Fall River State Park
A mountain biker’s paradise, Fall River is the place to camp! Canoe or fish on the water, hike and bike miles of trails, and come back to the campfire at the end of the day! With over 8,000 acres of public wildlife area, there is never a dull moment.
Kentucky
Kincaid Lake State Park
Get out of town and slow down at Kincaid Lake. Find yourself surrounded by dense forests. Not only does the campground have lake and trail access, but also a golf course and other sports courts! Go in the spring and fall for mild weather and smaller crowds!
Louisiana
Fontainebleau State Park
Just 10 minutes from Mandeville, this area is an icon of Louisiana’s history. It features two crucial historic markers. Check these out and visit the Visitor Center. It’s an ideal location for hiking, birding, and swimming.
Maine
Seawall Campground, Acadia National Park
This woodsy campground is located only four miles south of Mount Desert Island. Catch stellar views of the sunrise over Great Cranberry Island. Sites are only a ten-minute walk from the beach!
Maryland
Ridge Rider Campground, Little Orleans
From luxury cabins to primitive sites. Ridge Rider is perfect for whatever outdoor experience you prefer. With tons of amenities, hiking trails, games, and even movies! This is a great outdoor family escape.
Massachusetts
Dune’s Edge Campground, Princetown
Getaway to the sand dunes and pine trees! This is a family-friendly campground with tennis courts and hiking trails. It’s just minutes from the gorgeous Cape Cod beaches. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin here!
Michigan
Lake Macatawa Campground, Holland State Park
Enjoy grassy campsites and bike paths that take you right to the beach. Soak up unique views of the “Big Red” lighthouse and colorful sunsets. The area has a boat launch, paddling, and fishing opportunities.
Minnesota
Tettegouche Baptism River Campground, Tettegouche State Park
This campground gives campers a rugged experience. Between challenging hikes and rushing waterfalls, this area offers a true sense of adventure. Enjoy high peaks and views of dense foliage.
Mississippi
Percy Quin State Park
Just 30 minutes from New Orleans, let this be your getaway from the city life. Camp on the rolling hills under magnolia trees in this historic park. Catch sunset on Lake Tangipahoa. Stay in primitive campsites, with amenities, or in various cabins.
Missouri
Weston Bend State Park
This state park hosts a wealth of outdoor recreation activities as well as historical experiences. In between hiking and biking, attend a historical site tour. Visit Civil War battlefields and see where Mark Twain was born.
Montana
Rising Sun Campground, Glacier National Park
As its name suggests, campers have a lovely view of sunrises over Red Eagle Mountain. Choose from wide-open campsites or those protected by trees. This is a great campground for day hikes east of Logan Pass.
Nebraska
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
This park seriously has it all. Biking trails, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are just the beginning. Campers will enjoy mini golf, a theater, trail rides, and even a ropes course!
Nevada
Wheeler Peak Campground, Great Basin National Park
Get ready for your ears to pop! This is the highest campground in the National Park System. It’s the ideal campground for exploring the alpine region amongst the aspen trees. This is a chilly campground, even in the summer.
New Hampshire
Big Rock Campground, White Mountain National Forest
This unique area was formed by fallen glacial boulders. Camp in a cozy, wooded campsite near Otter Rocks and the Visitor Center. Hike popular trails along the Kancamagus Highway.
New Jersey
Stokes State Forest
This area has five major campgrounds. Each offers a family-friendly experience with amenities. Visit the Geology Interpretive Trail to learn about the ancient glaciers of the area. Hike to waterfalls, and enjoy almost 13 miles of the Appalachian Trail!
New Mexico
Magdalena RD, Cibola National Forest
This massive (over 1.6 million acres) national forest offers five ranger districts. One of these being Magdalena. Camp at any of the five campgrounds here. They all offer opportunities to hike, bike, ride horses, climb, and more.
New York
Riverside Pines, Adirondack State Park
In beautiful upstate New York, camp on the banks of the Schroon River. Enjoy the pet-friendly, wooded sites. Enjoy luxury amenities including fire rings, cable TV, a restaurant, and more.
North Carolina
Arrowhead Campground, Uwharrie National Forest
Hunters will enjoy excursions to this area. Fishing, hunting, and trapping with appropriate licensing is permitted here. Camp at Arrowhead for access to a boat launch, mountain biking, and more.
North Dakota
Icelandic State Park Campground
Camping at this North Dakotan gem offers incredible hiking trails and lakeside spots. Immerse yourself in the local history. Visit the pioneer and homesteading museums and natural preserve for an educational time!
Ohio
Mohican State Park Campground
For a cozy, wooded camping trip packed with adventure, camp at Mohican. From Lyon’s Falls, Fork Gorge, and Swinging Bridge, you will never run out of incredible things to do. Pleasant Hill Lake is perfect for boaters and paddlers alike!
Oklahoma
Lake Texoma
This state is full of surprises– it’s not all Great Plains! Camp at Lake Texoma, one of the largest in the U.S., right on the Texan border. Fishing, wildlife viewing, and birding are popular activities here.
Oregon
Nehalem Bay State Park
Just outside of the beautiful Manzanita, get away for a coastal weekend. This family-friendly campground offers direct beach access. Play on miles of sandy beaches, surf, and hike into the forests!
Pennsylvania
Promised Land State Park
This park is located on the Pocono Plateau. It’s surrounded by the dense, diverse Delaware State Forest with two lakes to fish and swim at. Enjoy miles of hiking and exploring.
Rhode Island
Burlingame State Park
This expansive, green campground is just the escape your family needs. Surrounding Watchaug Pond, enjoy lounging by outdoor fireplaces, hiking, hunting, and swimming. This luxurious campground is great for families and friend groups!
South Carolina
Devil’s Fork State Park
Camp on the shores of Lake Jocassee and the base of Musterground Mountain. Enjoy fishing, canoeing, geocaching, and even scuba diving! Backcountry campers can boat-in to their destination, too.
South Dakota
Sage Creek Campground, Badlands National Park
Camp right in the Badlands for an immersive experience. Start at the visitor center and chat with paleontologists. Then spend the day hiking, spotting wildlife, and watching the stars.
Tennessee
Cades Cove Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This campground is tucked at the edge of the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Bring your hiking boots, bike, and swimsuits! Get the feeling of the backcountry with modern conveniences at this campsite.
Texas
Dog Canyon Campground, Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyons, dunes, and desert make up this national park. Sleep under the stars and spend hot days in the cool shade of overhanging cliffs of Dog Canyon.
Utah
Fruita Campground, Capital Reef National Park
Fruita is the only developed campground in the park. It offers scenic trail access, amenities, and more. At the base of Red Rock Canyons, absorb rich history and geological wonders.
Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground
This summer and fall destination is perfect if you desire a dense, forested getaway. This historic campground lies in the Green Mountains. With access to the visitor center and miles of scenic highway, adventure lies at every turn!
Virginia
Big Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park
This is the perfect location for adventure lovers visiting Virginia. It’s right in the middle of the park, allowing access to popular hiking trails, waterfalls, and Big Meadows.
Washington
White River Campground, Mt Rainier National Park
This summer spot offers access to Sunrise and is ideal for hikers and climbers. Camping riverside in Washington requires rain gear! A plastic tarp, rainfly, and rubber boots make this a waterproof adventure.
West Virginia
Grandview Sandbar Campground, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Camp in the newest national park this summer! Grandview Sandbar offers shady, riverside sites. Rock climb, whitewater raft, bike, and hike. Visit incredible viewpoints, waterfalls, and so much more. This is a laid-back location for campers of all styles.
Wisconsin
Ice Age Campground, Devil’s Lake State Park
Only one mile from the lake, Ice Age Campground is known for access to iconic hiking trails. Trek to Devil’s Doorway and other gorgeous views. Ice Age is a peaceful, shaded camping area, perfect for escaping on hot summer days outdoors.
Wyoming
Gros Venture Campground, Grand Teton National Park
Wake up to pristine views of the Teton Range. This camping spot is near the Gros Ventre River and other hiking trails. Some impressive species reside here. By the lake, spot moose, bison, mule deer, and a range of bird species.
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