11 Of America’s Most Idyllic Camping Sites

While much of our country has been paved over with a Mcdonald’s or Walmart, there ARE still some places that remain untouched and give you a glance of what the country used to look like before industrialization erased America’s natural habitats.

Camping across the United States comes in many shapes and forms. From lakeside vistas, coastal shorelines, desert valleys,  national parks, and vastly wooded forests, you’re probably searching for a picturesque adventure that you and your family will never forget.

Whether you’re an avid camper that doesn’t mind getting a little dirty while surrounded by nature, or you want a little more style being out in the wild, these are some of the most beautiful campsites across the US.

Hidden Valley Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California

If you’re looking for an “out of the box” type of camping experience, you will want to check out Joshua Tree. Just imagine relaxing around the campfire, sitting under the stars, and surrounded by rock formations and cacti.

The park is named after the twisted and slow-growing Joshua trees. Placed between the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, it is a scenic camping spot. The campground is pinned down right in the middle of the National Park, so besides enjoying the panoramic view, you are closely located to popular hiking and climbing trails.

You won’t want to miss the sunset with the different colors against the immeasurable terrain.

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai, Hawaii

Whether by camper, tent, or even yurt, being in Hawaii makes it an incredibly unique camping experience. Known as one of the most picturesque coastlines globally, Nāpali Coast is a spectacular location on the northwest side of Kauai island.

Formed to protect the Kalalau Valley, adventure seekers can spend their nights at the Hanakoa campsite, Kalalau, or camp at Milolii. Camping here, you will feel like you’re in an isolated paradise.

Deep valleys, misty cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and flowing streams all connect at sea, surrounding this photogenic island. Hiking the famous Na Pali Coast, kayaking, admiring the waterfalls, and stargazing, are just some of the exciting activities to do near the campsites.

Hither Hills State Park, Montauk, New York

Thanks to the Long Island State Park Commission, what was supposed to be a line of hotels and casinos, is now a state park where adventure awaits. Located just three hours away from NYC, Montauk is the perfect getaway for sun worshipers to pitch a tent and enjoy beach-front camping right in New York.

Hither Hills State Park gives you a scenic camping region with sand dunes, a freshwater lake, 2 miles of sandy beach, and ocean-front sunrises. Besides your everyday water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, the park offers horseback riding, hiking, biking, and nightly campfires with a perfect backdrop of Montauk.

Echo Park Campground, Dinosaur, Colorado

Based on the name, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that this area is filled with dinosaur fossils. The park’s topography, wild landscapes,  paleontology, geology, and history make it a unique resource for science and recreation. Campers can enjoy the natural landscape while learning about the archaeological record of this Colorado destination.

Set at the base of towering cliffs, Echo Park Campground will give you a camping adventure like no other in Dinosaur National Monument. On the canyon walls, you will see Fremont petroglyphs, and roaming around, you’ll encounter mule deer and bighorn sheep. For hikers, the trails will lead you to the Green and Yampa Rivers.

Tahuya Adventure Resort, Belfair, Washington

If you’re searching for more of a glamping experience, this next spot is for you. Travelers who prefer to glamp have log cabins and deluxe tent alternatives with additional amenities to add an extra layer of comfort. You can book a furnished safari tent at this resort and explore 23,000 acres of woodlands.

Before returning to the lodge at night, you have 300 miles of trails and fishing spots to choose from. If roughing it is more your pace, you can pitch a tent right in the middle of the northwest forest.

In Belfair, whether your choice is camping or glamping, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and even ride around on ATVs.

Log Cabin Wilderness Lodge, Tok, Alaska

While traveling through Alaska, you may want to check out this Wilderness Lodge. They also have an RV park and camping sites. The staff is amicable and are happy to share their stories, trails, secret fishing spots, and more with their camping guests.

Glamping is also an option here, and their tents include a custom-made wood stove perfect for this size tent for any season, complete with mosquito netting. Interestingly this location’s claim to fame is about how legendary John Wayne trekked this Alaskan wilderness and stayed at the Inn around the 1940s. John and Jill Rusyniak, the Lodge owners, boast hearty home-cooked meals and a variety of activities.

In the winter, you have cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. While summers, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and bird watching. But no matter the season, you always experience great mountain views and frequent wildlife sightings.

Kentucky Horse Park Campground, Lexington, Kentucky

You’re probably familiar with the Kentucky Horse Derby. But did you know you can camp in this area as well? The campground offers two bathhouses, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts,  and a grocery store and gift shop. Hiking and biking are also options for campers, and of course, we can’t forget about the horses.

Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy live equine demonstrations, including the Hall of Champions Show, Parade of Breeds, and the Big Barn Stall-Side Chat.

Besides horseback riding and pony rides, you can walk through the International Museum of the Horse (IMH),  a Smithsonian Affiliate! Here you’ll find the roles of horses throughout history. In addition to the featured exhibits, you can explore a collection of equine art from artists worldwide.

Letchworth State Park, Finger Lakes, New York

Recognized as the “Grand Canyon of the East” because of the rock walls of the 550ft gorge, Letchworth State Park is a magical area to camp, located by the Genesee River, which booms over three incredible waterfalls with cliffs as high as 600 feet in certain places.

Campers can pick between cabins or campsites in concealed areas, with access to amenities including showers, pavilions, food concessions, picnic tables, a playground, playing fields, and a swimming pool. Many of these areas are pet-friendly. Near lush forests, hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails, with other paths available for horseback riding and biking and plenty of activities all in one location.

Letchworth also offers kayaking, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, and a museum.

North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Seeing as this next place is one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon needs no introduction, but you might not know of the campground on site. Located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, you are met with sweeping, rustic views of the canyon, shaded by towering Ponderosa pines.

Worth noting is that the North Rim is not as busy as the South Rim, so if you’re looking for a more discreet place to relax, this campground is your best bet. Among other wildlife, it is home to wild coyotes and deer.

While hiking the Grand Canyon is doubtlessly the most popular activity, campers can also enjoy biking, picnicking, and rafting. With 277 miles of the mighty Colorado River,  the canyon is about a mile deep at specific points and 18 miles wide.

Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana

You will relish in nature here with the vast formation of pristine forests, lakes, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. Visiting Montana is a hiker’s paradise, and Apgar Campground is no different.

Located just three miles from the scenic mountain road through the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be in the same backyard as many wildlife, anything ranging from mountain goats to grizzly bears. With guided horseback riding, kayak rentals, and hiking, you will be able to take a dip in Lake McDonald after a long and hot hike in the gorgeous mountains. The scenery isn’t bad either!

If time permits, drive the famed Going to the Sun Road after dark to enjoy more animals and an incredible view of the stars.

Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah

Watchman Campground is located a quarter-mile from the south entrance of Zion National Park in Utah. It is surrounded by massive sandstone cliffs, piñon pine, tall rocky peaks, woodlands of juniper, and sagebrush. Near the campgrounds runs the mighty Virgin River, giving campers access to bike trails along the riverbank and hiking to a nearby archaeological site.

Camping in Zion, Utah’s first National Park, offers a full range of fascinating geological history and extraordinary sunsets that turn the peaks bright orange and red. You may be interested in knowing that you have just a short walk across the river into the incredibly touristy town of Springdale with its many restaurants, shops, and bars.