Best Places to Camp in All 50 States

Learning about the best places to camp in all 50 states can help travelers experience the USA in the best way. A great campsite is hard to find sometimes.

Alabama-Dismals Canyon Campgrounds

The stunning views in this campground are enough to make it one of the best places to camp. Visitors can swimming holes, waterfalls, and a species of bioluminescent worm that’s interesting to watch.

Alaska-Wonder Lake Campground

One will have to take a bus to get to this campground, but it’s worth it since you’ll get to see plenty of wildlife and amazing views. The price alone makes this one of the best places to camp, but the views, huh boy, they’re spectacular.

Arizona-Blue Ridge Campground

At an elevation of almost 7 thousand feet, this place is great for those seeking to escape the heat. Between the epic forests and miles and miles of trails, this place is a haven for hikers and campers.

Arkansas-Ozark Campground

Plenty of people talk about the Ozarks, in good or unflattering terms. But this campground is one of those that offers a plethora of things to see and do. You can explore caves, canoe down the river, or just watch wildlife for a very reasonable price.

California-Flint Ridge Backcountry Camp

It’s tough to pick the best spot in California since there are so many that offer a lot of great amenities. But this site is great for those who want to get away from it all.

Colorado-Trappers Lake Campground

Like many campsites, this place is first-come, first-served. Offering up plenty of game trails, lakes and rivers, and other activities, this is one of the best places you could hope for.

Connecticut-Housatonic Meadows Campground

This place has a large number of campsites to choose from, and reasonable prices to start with. As one of the best places to camp in the country, it offers boat rentals and other amenities that people will love.

Delaware-Delaware Seashore State Park

Two different inlets allow people to fully enjoy this spot. You can windsurf, paddleboard, or just take in the sights if you so choose.

Florida-Ginnie Springs Campground

Privately owned and run, this place is a decent drive from Gainesville and offers tent camping. There’s plenty to do, such as kayaking, scuba diving, and even paddleboarding.

Georgia-Cumberland Island National Seashore

It does require a ferry ride to reach this location, but it’s worth it since the view is amazing. From that point, you can enjoy 17 miles of protected beach that gives a person plenty to do.

Hawaii-Wai’anapanapa State Park

Located on the island of Maui, this place doesn’t have a whole lot of amenities. But if you’re looking for a spot to get away from it all and just relax, this is it.

Idaho-Glacier View Campground

When it’s time to get your salmon and trout fishing on this is a great place to visit. There’s also room to hike, bike, and just take in the sights.

Illinois-Pharoah Campground

Imagine, a campground that was 320 million years in the making. Those who love to witness odd rock formations will no doubt enjoy this place fully.

Indiana-Indiana Dunes National Park

Interesting fact, this place was designated as a national park in 2019. But for the locals and whoever is interested, this place has been a popular site for many years.

Iowa-Backbone State Park

This is Iowa’s first state park and has been around since 1920 in its current designation. The Six Pine site is typically for those who don’t look for amenities and just want to rough it.

Kansas-Wilson State Park

The midwest is typically known for long, sweeping views of prairie. But thankfully, it has plenty of areas to camp that offer different views and opportunities for fun.

Kentucky-Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Anytime chance you get to visit the Appalachians is one you should take. The trails in this campground are more than enough to pay a visit, but there’s so much more.

Louisiana-Grande Isle State Park

Near the Gulf of Mexico is a great place to head off into the blue for deep-sea fishing. On top of that, the hiking trails are also worth taking note of.

Maine-Acadia National Park

The camping sites here are known to be coveted by many people, which is why they’re hard to get. But if you get that chance then there’s plenty to enjoy from hiking trails to views that you’ll never forget.

Maryland-Assateague Island National Seashore

There are many reasons to visit Maryland, but if you’re a camper this is the best one. Of all the places to camp in this part of the USA, this largely protected island is one of the best.

Massachusetts-Tully Lake Campground

This is where you can take kids or first-time campers and have a ball. It’s rustic, but it’s also an adventure you don’t want to miss out on if you get the chance.

Michigan-Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A great family spot, this place is a beach vacation that is paired with old forests that offer great hiking trails. You can reserve campsites here, and the price is quite nice.

Minnesota-Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Walleye fishing and canoeing, that sounds like a good time. But waking up to epic sunrises and watching beautiful sunsets is the idea of heaven for many people.

Mississippi-Clear Springs Recreation Area

Whether you’re biking, hiking, or fishing, this spot is a great campsite to visit. As one of the best places to camp in the USA, it stands out thanks to the spring-fed lake that’s great for swimming.

Missouri-Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

It’s interesting to note how the rock in this place corrals the river into various spots. There are plenty of walk-in sites that a person can use for camping as well.

Montana-Glacier National Park

How many people know how lakes and rivers were formed? This first-come, first-served location offers plenty of hiking, even up to the Grinnell Glacier.

Nebraska-Smith Falls State Park

Yes, Nebraska does have waterfalls. This site will show you some of the highest the state has to offer.

Nevada-Thomas Canyon Campground

Taking a drive down Interstate 80 will allow you to notice the Ruby Mountains near Elko. The remote road that leads to this site is a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it for the hiking and the fishing.

New Hampshire-Umbagog Lake State Park

This place is a little more labor-intensive since you do need to paddle out to reach the best campsites. But being remote has made these campsites even more popular.

New Jersey-Washington State Forest Campground

It might sound a little confusing to hear Washington in the title of this park, but it’s been around long enough to make sense. Plus, the moment you get a view of the trails and the sunrises over this location you’ll probably forget about the name.

New Mexico-Sunnyville Hot Springs Resort

This isn’t exactly roughing it, but there are a lot of amenities to keep people happy. Climbing, trail running, mountain biking, and plenty of other interesting hobbies are available at this location.

New York-Catskills

Most places that serve as campgrounds offer great scenic views that make them more appealing. From hiking to swimming and kayaking, this place is one of the best.

North Carolina-Pisgah National Forest

A family-oriented place, this campground is great for just about everything you can imagine. It’s the type of spot you can use to make great memories for kids early on.

North Dakota-Jamestown Campground

Mountains are great, and so are lakes and rivers. But being able to see the night sky in the Great Plains is priceless.

Ohio-South Bass Island State Park

This is a fairly well-balanced state park and a great campground. From the view of Lake Erie and the swimming and boat launch to massive oak trees, this place is great.

Oklahoma-Robber’s Cave State Park

There’s a legend regarding Jesse James and this location. You can’t pitch your tent in the caves, but you can pick a spot from the many different campsites that are available.

Oregon-Samuel H. Boardman State Park

The southern Oregon coast makes it tough to pick one campground since there are a lot of great sites along this way. But this one in particular is great since offers scenic views and a great stretch of beach to enjoy.

Pennsylvania-Dingman’s Campground

Ah yes, the Appalachians. This is the type of place you go to for several things, from hiking to the sheer experience of visiting this part of the nation.

Rhode Island-Fishermen’s Memorial State Park

Anyplace on the coastline would have a place in my heart as a coastal boy. But this place is just magical with the views and the overall feel it gives off.

South Carolina-Table Rock State Park

This place does serve RVs and tent campers, and there’s plenty to see and do. The trails are a great walking experience, and only 20 minutes away is a great lake for fishing and boating.

South Dakota-Cedar Pass Campground

The rugged rock formations coupled with the grasslands are an odd picture for certain. But it does allow people to enjoy very different aspects of camping.

Tennessee-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Millions of visitors find their way to this campground every year, but locals still consider it a secret. Hiking and biking are great hobbies to experience here, but just enjoy the view, it’s worth it.

Texas-Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Climbing is a great pastime at this park, and it also offers some of the greatest views you could ask for. It’s whoever gets there first though, so don’t bother trying to reserve a spot.

Utah-Dead Horse State Park

When someone tells you to book this place in advance, don’t question it, just do it. The scenery is great, the hiking and biking are awesome, but it fills up quickly.

Vermont-Branbury State Park

If you’re looking for a place to engage in summer activity, this is it. From swimming to hiking to fishing, this place has what you need.

Virginia-Shenandoah National Park

Believe it or not, driving the length of the park is one of the best things to do around her. But if you’re into biking, hiking, or visiting the waterfall, they’ve got you covered.

Washington-Wenatchee National Forest

Rock climbing and backpacking are two of the greatest reasons why this is the best place to camp in Washington. There’s a little bit of road noise, but it’s not enough to deter a person from picking this site.

West Virginia-Monongahela National Forest

The twin fins of sandstone that rise 900 feet from the forest are the biggest reasons for coming here. But with the trout fishing and hiking one can do, there are a lot of other things to do.

Wisconsin-Devil’s Lake State Park

Of all the places to camp this is one of the most beautiful. Plus, there are a lot of things to do and many ways to stay busy.

Wyoming-Grand Teton National Park

Some of the hiking trails around this park are not for beginners or those who want a leisurely walk. But the views are undeniably worth it.