5 Spring Break Camping Destinations for Families

The sun is finally back out, and it’s time to celebrate with a family camping trip! We’ve compiled a list of the best 5 destinations for family camping trips of all kinds. And for a little extra help, we’ve included some tips for packing and activities. Entertaining the whole family on spring break doesn’t have to be stressful! Knowing your needs and adding the perfect outdoor backdrop to it, with a little planning and prep, you’re ready for a memorable family vacation!

Best Spring Break Campgrounds: Where to Make Family Memories!

After being cooped up all winter, spring break is a great time to get outside and make some memories. Here’s the rundown on our top 5 favorite locations to camp with the whole family!

1. Ocala National Forest

Let’s get scenic in central Florida for spring break! The Ocala National Forest offers that sunny spring break getaway we are all craving. This is a great way to have a tropical experience without ever leaving the country. The Ocala National Forest is a dense, ecologically diverse area with so much to offer. Spend warm days swimming and paddling through crystal clear springs. And hike through miles of the lush, wild wilderness!

Where To Camp in Ocala

There are tons of awesome campgrounds for all kinds of campers. From RV adventurers to tent camping champions. Hipcamp has numerous resources for finding and booking the perfect camping spot for you and your family. You can truly curate the outdoor living experience you desire. Ocala has 14 campgrounds with accommodations, in addition to dispersed camping, cabins, and more. Some of the top-rated campgrounds include Juniper Springs and Seminole Springs. Check out the US Forest Service site for even more camping details.

2. Moab, Utah

Time for some rugged desert camping experiences! Moab, Utah, hosts two of the Mighty Five national parks– Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It also encompasses Dead Horse Point State Park and Manti-La Sal National Forest. There is so much variety here– something for the whole family. In the spring, Moab’s iconic red rocks are dusted in leftover snow, making a beautiful backdrop to awesome adventures. Enjoy sunny days of hiking, biking, historical sites, and river rapids!

Where To Camp in Moab

There are numerous camping options. From BLM lands to private campgrounds, you can decide how rugged or relaxed you want your outdoor living experience to be here. From Moab Under Canvas glamping experiences to BLM camping along the Colorado River. Check out Moab Adventure Center for details about where to set up your tent!

3. Shenandoah National Park

If you crave getting out of the city this spring break, take the family to Shenandoah National Park. It’s just 75 miles outside of Washington D.C. and offers an incredible outdoor experience. Rolling green hills of wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife cover this abundant land. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, the entire family will enjoy the endless sights. The iconic Skyline Drive is renowned as the ultimate scenic highway that runs through the park. Stargazing, fishing, biking, ranger events, and more are all at your fingertips here!

Where To Camp in Shenandoah

Within the park, there are designated campgrounds and backcountry camping. This is such a great park to try out backpacking with the whole crew! There are four main campgrounds in the park: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. All open just in time for break.

Glamping opportunities are also available near the park at private sites if that’s more your style. Check out Front Royal Outdoors for opportunities and incredible yurt tents near Shenandoah.

4. Cape Lookout National Seashore

Nothing says spring break like a little beach time! For the ultimate family primitive camping experience, head to the East Coast. On the coast of North Carolina is the serene, storybook-like shores of Cape Lookout. This National Seashore is home to an incredible herd of wild horses– a rare sighting. Families can enjoy sunny beach time, swimming, and stargazing on this remote, historic shoreline!

Where To Camp at Cape Lookout

While camping is not permitted right here at Cape Lookout, families can stay in permitted areas along the North and South Core Banks. This is considered primitive camping, as there are no designated campgrounds or amenities. Vehicle and tent camping is permitted along both of the Core Banks. This is the ultimate chance to have a beautiful, remote camping experience as a family– all while enjoying the sun and sand!

5. Pinnacles National Park

This may be the “sleeper park” of the beautiful state of California, but it’s one you won’t want to miss. It’s an easy, accessible destination for family camping and other activities. Pinnacles is home to the California condors– a highly endangered but recovering species. High Peaks Trail takes you along some of the most iconic rock formations in the area. Get the whole crew into climbing, spelunking, and endless wildlife viewing at this park. Not to mention, Pinnacles is relatively close to the coast. Make a day trip out to Monterey for some coastal sites! See the recovering California condors soaring the coastline, then witness them come back to Pinnacles to roost!

Where To Camp in Pinnacles

There is one designated campground inside the park on the east side. It’s quite spacious and requires a reservation in advance. The sites include firepits with nearby bathrooms. There are a number of BLM lands around the surrounding areas. Check out other camping situations here for alternative options!

What to Bring For The Ultimate Family Camping Adventure

When it comes to planning the ultimate family camping trip, packing the right gear makes all the difference! Let’s skip the stressful parts and make this a fun-filled, well-prepared adventure. It all comes down to the details. From choosing a spacious tent to packing entertainment for the kids. The right essentials ensure everyone stays happy, healthy, and comfortable. Whether you’re a seasoned family camper or new to this whole thing, this is everything you need to know about packing for a family spring break!

Family Camping Tent

Having the right tent is the key to a great spring break camping trip! Consider the size of your group and the gear needed for all your planned activities. A large family camping tent is perfect for active groups! It should be spacious enough to accommodate various sleeping arrangements. There’s even room for your furry camping companions!

Family Glamping Tent

If glamping is more your crew’s style, call a yurt tent “home” this break. Whether you’re renting a glampsite or creating one yourself, this is a luxurious twist on classic camping. Especially for large groups or small children, glamping can offer ease and simplicity. That way, you can focus more on bonding in the outdoors!

Camping tent accessories

Tent accessories can enhance your overall experience of living outdoors. Especially with groups like families, the right accessories can make things a little easier. A canvas tarp or plastic tarp is a great multipurpose item to bring on a family camping trip. These can be used as rain flies, footprints, tablecloths, and temporary shelters. For chilly nights at higher elevations, a tent stove can come in handy. This heats your entire tent while acting as a place to cook! Keep all other gear items organized and clean in a durable canvas camping bag, and you’re set to go!

Games & Activities

Camping with the family is the perfect excuse to play your all-time favorite games! Bring along some decks of cards, and your favorite lawn games, and feel free to get creative! Sometimes, the best games and memories are made without any equipment. Most national parks include ranger-led activities for all ages. But when in doubt, nature scavenger hunts, long games of I Spy, and telling funny stories around the campfire never get old! 

Start Planning Your Next Adventure Today!

This spring break, take the family on the camping trip of a lifetime! Whether you fancy a sunny, warm tropical trip to Ocala or the picturesque, primal coastlines of North Carolina. Perhaps the kids want to bike along the rolling hills of Shenandoah. Or, traverse the rugged Moab desert and the high peaks of Pinnacles!

Wherever you decide to go, plan ahead and be prepared for anything! Make reservations today for the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer to glamp, camp, or backpack into a backcountry location. Having the right family camping tent and accessories can enhance your overall experience. Make sure your shelter is spacious enough for everyone and whatever gear you choose to bring. Be prepared with plenty of games, activities, and gear for optimal fun! 

This spring, get outside with the family and kick off a year ahead of outdoor adventures!