Camping is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature, unwind, and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re into hiking, stargazing, or simply relaxing by a campfire, countless camping destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the top camping destinations to help you plan your next adventure in the wild:
15 Top Camping Destinations for Scenic Getaways & Fun
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Perfect for wilderness lovers, Yosemite unveils stunning panoramas of lofty granite formations, cascading falls, and colossal sequoia groves.
Paradise for nature lovers, Yosemite presents awe-inspiring vistas featuring soaring granite peaks, cascades, and massive campgrounds ranging from primitive to more developed; it’s ideal for beginners and experienced campers. Yosemite’s famous spots, like El Capitan and Half Dome, are within reach, and the park offers great hiking trails, wildlife watching, and stargazing opportunities.
Pro Tip: Book your campsite well in advance—spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
The park showcases rugged summits, pristine lakes, and picturesque hiking paths. Campgrounds such as Apgar and Many Glacier provide direct access to the park’s splendour, with opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and boating. Don’t miss the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape.
Pro Tip: Mountain weather can shift rapidly—bring layers and be ready for chilly evenings, even during summer. Early birds get the most stunning views (and skip the crowds) on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Tucked between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a misty, mountain-filled escape that feels straight out of a dream. Its fog-draped ridges, dense woodlands, and thriving wildlife make it a scenic sanctuary for hikers, a filled escape that feels straight out of a dream. Its fog-draped ridges, dense woodlands, and thriving wildlife make it a scenic sanctuary for hikers, campers, and shutterbugs alike. Highlight shutterbugs alike. Highlights include Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point, which has panoramic views, and Cades Cove, a peaceful valley teeming with wildlife and historic charm. With unmatched biodiversity and postcard-worthy vistas, the Smokies are a top-tier destination for anyone craving a deep breath of nature.
Teeming with wildlife and historical charm. With unmatched biodiversity and postcard-worthy vistas, the Smokies are a top-tier destination for anyone craving a deep breath of nature.
Pro Tip: Book early—especially in fall when the foliage puts on a stunning show. And don’t skip Cades Cove for epic sunrise views and a good chance at spotting wildlife.
4. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places to camp. Turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, create postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you camp in one of the park’s established campsites or venture into the wilderness, there’s something about waking up to such stunning views. Hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing are some of the top activities.
Pro Tip: Campsites near Lake Louise fill up fast—book months in advance. And for fewer crowds with just as much beauty, try hiking in the early morning or exploring less-travelled trails like Larch Valley.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California
For a more unique camping experience, Joshua Tree offers an otherworldly desert landscape filled with iconic Joshua trees, striking rock formations, and vast, open skies. The park is known for its excellent stargazing and quiet solitude. Campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley provide easy access to popular hiking trails, rock climbing spots, and birdwatching and desert exploration opportunities.
Pro Tip: Desert temperatures swing wildly—bring warm layers for chilly nights and sun protection for daytime hikes. And done, don’t forget plenty don’tter—Joshua Tree is beautiful, but it’s also bone-dry.
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is renowned for its majestic sandstone cliffs, expansive canyons, and stunning viewpoints. Camping here means being close to incredible hiking trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, which challenge the body and the mind. The park offers several campgrounds, including Watchman and South Campground, with breathtaking views and the chance to experience the red rock desert environment up close.
Pro Tip: Zion’s popular hikes can get crowded fast—start early and snag a shuttle ticket in advance if needed. And if you’re doing The Narrows, rent proper footwear and a walking stick—you’ll thank yourself mid-stream.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
For a coastal camping experience, Acadia National Park offers a unique mix of mountains, forests, and rocky shorelines. The park’s campgrounds, Slackwoods, and Seawall provide access to the beauty of the Atlantic coast, along with activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Acadia also offers stunning views of Cadillac Mountain, where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean.
Pro Tip: Pack layers—even in summer, coastal Maine can be cool and breezy. Make campground reservations early; Acadia is a popular destination, especially in fall when the foliage turns fiery.
8. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
These neighbouring parks are famous for their towering giant sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume. The gardens also boast rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and crystal-clear streams, offering an authentic wilderness experience. Campgrounds like Lodgepole and Dorst Creek provide a convenient base for exploring the parks’ hiking trails, camping holes, and beautiful vistas.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or visit midweek—parking and campgrounds fill up fast, especially in peak summer. And don’t forget to store food properly—this is bear country, and they’re not hey’re ntheyt’reuthey’res
9. Everglades National Park, Florida
For those seeking a more unique camping experience, the Everglades offer an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether you want to camp in the park’s backcountry or park’s developed sites like Flamingo, this park is great for wildlife watching, kayaking, and canoeing. The Everglades are a sanctuary for alligators, manatees, and a wide array of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Bring strong insect repellent and wear lightweight, long sleeves—even the mosquitoes are locals here. And always check the weather and tide conditions before heading into the backcountry!
10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a four-season escape, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes and a wide range of outdoor adventures throughout the year. You can camp by the lake or nearby forests in the summer, enjoying hiking, boating, and swimming. In the winter, the area transforms into a ski resort, but camping around the lake is still a peaceful experience for those who prefer a quieter adventure. Popular campgrounds include D.L. Bliss State Park and Fallen Leaf Campground.
Pro Tip: If you’re camping in the summer, book early—Lake Tahoe is popular, and campgrounds fill up fast. In winter, come prepared with four-season gear and check the conditions regularly.
11. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
For the adventurous and experienced camper, Death Valley offers a stark, beautiful landscape of dunes, salt flats, and rugged mountains. Summer temperatures can be extreme, so the best time to visit is during the cooler months. Camping here provides a sense of isolation, making it ideal for stargazing and photography. Furnace Creek Campground is the most developed, but there are also numerous backcountry sites for those seeking solitude.
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water and know your limits. Suppose you’re camping in the summer, you’re always camping at higher elevations, or you visit in the fall or spring when temperatures are more manageable.
12. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah offers easy access to the Appalachian Mountains and is an excellent destination for family-friendly camping. With more than 200,000 acres of protected land, the park is home to scenic overlooks, peaceful streets, and abundant wildlife. The campgrounds are accessible, and there are plenty of hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially along the iconic Skyline Drive.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife watching—black bears, deer, and wild turkeys are commonly spotted!
13. Olympic National Park, Washington
From lush rainforests to rugged coastlines, Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks in the U.S. Whether you prefer the solitude of backcountry camping or the amenities of more developed sites like Kalaloch or Sol Duc, Olympic is something for everyone. You can hike through the Hoh Rain Forest, explore tide pools along the Pacific Coast, or relax near one of the park’s natural hot springs.
Pro Tip: Pack waterproof gear for the rainforests—it’s a rainforest for a reason!
14. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park offers a remote and peaceful camping experience along the Rio Grande River. The park is celebrated for its striking desert scenery, rugged canyons, and rich variety of ecosystems. Whether you camp along the river or in the Chisos Mountains, you’ll enjoy spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing in one of the least crowded national parks.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water—temperatures can soar, especially during the summer months!
15. Custer State Park, South Dakota
For a family-friendly camping experience, Custer State Park in the Black Hills offers a variety of campgrounds, including options for tent camping and RVs. The park is known for its wildlife, including a bison herd that roams freely throughout. Hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, like the Needles Highway, are just a few of the activities you’ll enjoy in this beautiful area.
Pro Tip: Make sure to catch the annual buffalo roundup—it’s a one-of-a-kind event that turns the park into a Wild West spectacle you won’t forget!
Embrace the Wild and Make Memories
Whether you’re chasing the Rockies, basking in desert solitude under a galaxy of stars, or soaking in coastal sunrises from a forested bluff, there’s a campsite out there with your name. Each destination offers its kind of magic—be it the hush of ancient sequoias, the thrill of narrow canyon hikes, or the splash of a paddle through mangrove waters. And that’s the beauty of camping, that’s invites you to slow down, unplug, and find joy in the simple things—like a crackling fire, a sky full of stars, or your morning coffee with a view.
So go ahead, roll out that sleeping bag and chase the horizon. The wild is waiting—and it doesn’t mind if you arrive with no shoes and mismatched socks.
