Escape the City and Embrace Nature: Where to Go Tent Camping

According to the United States Census Bureau, over 80% of the U.S. population resides in a city. That’s over 270 million people. From the fast-paced lifestyles and noise pollution to the lack of fresh air and natural scenery, city life has more than a few downsides. The good news for city dwellers? Nature is closer than you think – and odds are you could benefit from embracing it! 

Why You Need to Get Outside

The benefits of immersing yourself in nature are well-documented by researchers, as seen in articles from Yale, UC Davis, and the American Psychological Association. After all, don’t you feel better putting your phone down and taking a walk around a park after a busy day? The benefits are wide-reaching and have effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Here are just a few ways embracing nature improves your well-being:

• Boosts cognitive functions like creativity and problem-solving
• Provides increased relaxation for the mind and body
• Decreases stress and mental health issues like anxiety 
• Improves fitness with greater opportunities to hike, bike, and get involved in other outdoor activities
• Exposure to natural light helps to correct circadian rhythms for better sleep

Getting your dose of nature can look different for everyone. Maybe you take a bike ride through a city park, make the drive to a nearby hiking location for the day, or pack up your things and spend a few nights under the stars.

If you’re looking for a true escape from the city and full immersion in nature, tent camping is the way to go. But what’s the best place to go outside of your city?

Where to Tent Camp Outside of These U.S. Cities

One sure thing about the United States: we don’t lack when it comes to phenomenal campsites. No matter what city you’re in, there’s a good chance you have a variety of camping options within a 2-hour drive. 

As a full-time city resident, however, you may need to hop online and search for camping tents for sale before your excursion. You’ll have the option between quite a few tent styles, so do your research to find the best fit for your camping needs. 

While you’re free to pitch any shape (so long as it follows campground rules), bell tents and cabin tents will be your best bet for a quick but comfortable trip out of the city. If you want to level up on comfort, make special note of the materials of each tent. The most common materials you’ll find will be synthetics like nylon and polyester, and natural fibers like cotton. While there are pros and cons to both, canvas cotton is known to be the more durable, comfortable option. You can’t go wrong with a canvas bell tent from White Duck Outdoors.

Once you’ve secured your shelter, and any other camping gear you deem necessary, it’s time to pick the location of your camping escape. Read on to find the top tent-camping destinations outside major cities across the country!

Chicago: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Hugging a 15-mile stretch of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes offer a unique and whimsical retreat from Chicago city life. Pitch a regatta bell tent and enjoy days at the beach, bird-watching over the lake, or hike the 50+ miles of trails winding through the diverse landscape.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 1-hour drive

Price: $25/night

Season: April – October

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

Columbus: John Bryan State Park

Featuring a limestone gorge recognized as a National Natural Landmark, John Bryan State Park attracts visitors year-round to marvel at the park’s natural beauty. Come to hike, rock climb, mountain bike, or simply enjoy the natural landscape at their amenity-rich campgrounds. 

Good to Know 

Getting there: 50-minute drive

Price: $24/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

• 2024 TIP: John Bryan State Park is within the range of totality for the April 8th Solar Eclipse! If you’re looking for a nature getaway with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is the destination for you.

Denver: St. Vrain State Park

Denver may be the mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, but you may not want to drive far for a quick nature escape. With breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park, St. Vrain is the perfect in-between for city dwellers looking for a breath of fresh air. Pitch a tent on one of the many ponds and spend your weekend fishing, biking, swimming, or viewing the variety of native wildlife.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 40-minute drive

Price: $41/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

Houston: Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Known for its warm summer and mild winters, Lake Houston Wilderness Park is the perfect year-round escape from city life for Houstonians. Pitch a cabin tent and spend your days hiking the miles of trails, kayaking in Lake Houston, or even horseback riding. As the only city park that permits camping, this will be your go-to if you’re looking to scratch your overnight outdoor itch.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 35-minute drive

Price: $7/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

Los Angeles: Malibu Creek State Park

Situated around the 14-mile stream, Malibu Creek State Park is just a quick drive from Los Angeles, taking you to a hidden oasis among the hills. Enjoy scenic views of rock gorges, natural pools, and the iconic Malibu Canyon. If geology is your niche, marvel at the fields of Conejo Volcanics famous in the Santa Monica Mountains. 

Good to Know 

Getting there: 45-minute drive

Price: $45/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Sometimes (dependent on fire level safety)

Nashville: Bledsoe Creek State Park

If you’re a Nashville native, you’re probably familiar with the extensive camping options outside of the city of Gallatin. Bledsoe Creek State Park is a top pick for tent camping thanks to its abundance of campsites. Swimming and hiking are just two of the many activities you can dig into while reconnecting with nature at Bledsoe.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 50-minute drive

Price: $36/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

New York City: Harriman State Park

As the second-largest state park in New York, Harriman boasts 200+ miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes, and 2 campground options. Escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple and enjoy the fresh mountain air surrounding Beaver Pond Campgrounds. 

Good to Know 

Getting there: 1-hour 30-minute drive

Price: $18/night

Season: April – October 

Pet friendly: No

Campfire friendly: Yes

Philadelphia: Blue Rocks Family Campground

A camping gem located northeast of Philadelphia, Blue Rocks is a privately owned campground perfect for family retreats into nature. Nestled deep into the Pennsylvania forests, you’ll enjoy the miles of hiking and the large variety of family-friendly campground activities.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 1-hour 30-minute drive

Price: $44/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Campfire friendly: Yes

Phoenix: Lake Pleasant Regional Park

As the largest lake in the Phoenix metropolitan area, this camping experience is the ultimate getaway for water recreation enthusiasts. Go for a swim, bring out the canoes, or hike nearby park trails during your stay. This reservoir has undergone considerable development, so make use of the amenities, restaurants, and rentals available to visitors.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 45-minute drive

Price: $30/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Fire Friendly: Sometimes (dependent on season)

San Francisco: Angel Island State Park

A unique city getaway for locals, Angel Island State Park requires a short ferry ride through the San Francisco Bay before being immersed in nature. Thanks to its prime location, you’ll enjoy 360 views of the city amongst various hiking trails within the park. Aside from its beautiful natural landscape, the island served as an immigration hub during the early 20th century, granting visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a piece of San Francisco history during their stay.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 40-minute drive + 15-minute ferry ride

Price: $35/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: No

Campfire friendly: No

Washington D.C.: Shenandoah River State Park

Just outside of the similarly-named National Park, Shenandoah River State Park is the lesser-known but just as serene alternative. With over 1,600 acres along 5+ miles of river shoreline, you’ll experience a mix of scenic mountain and river views. If your nature-worshiping involves hiking, kayaking, or fishing, this is the park for you to pitch your cabin tent in.

Good to Know 

Getting there: 1-hour 30-minute drive

Price: $25/night

Season: Year-round

Pet friendly: Yes

Fire friendly: Yes

Time to Embrace Nature 

It’s easy to get caught up in city life when there seems to be a never-ending cycle of things to do, work to be done, and hustle and bustle to participate in. While there’s a reason many of us settle in major cities, it’s important to remember the benefits nature has on our well-being. 

Now that you’ve found a great campsite outside of your city, it’s time to gather your gear and hit the road!