Best Campgrounds in the US! (52 Incredible Destinations)

Check out these Best Campgrounds in the US before your next getaway!

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a good old fashioned camping trip.

Taking in the beautiful scenery, building those campfires, and enjoying your Creative Camping Recipes just can’t be beat! Honestly… there are so many fun memories to be made each time you go camping in a tent or RV!

Now, if you’re ready to go camping but aren’t quite sure where to go, you’ve come to the right place!  From the deserts of the Southwest to the rolling hills of the East to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, you’re going to love this ultimate list of the Best Campgrounds in the US!

So what are you waiting for?  Go check out these incredible campgrounds and start planing your next adventure today…

Best Campgrounds in the US

Arizona {Best Campgrounds in Arizona}

#1: Patagonia Lake State Park

Located deep in southern Arizona near the old mining town of Patagonia, this beautiful state park protects the lush area surrounding Patagonia Lake.  There are great boating, fishing and birding opportunities in the park as well as some beautiful hiking trails!

The Patagonia Lake campground has 105 spots with fire rings and picnic tables.  There are electric hookups at all but two of the sites.  Best of all, it’s one of the best Pet friendly campgrounds, so you can take your furry friends along.

#2: Catalina State Park

Located thirty minutes north of Tucson and just outside of Oro Valley, beautiful Catalina State Park showcases a lush desert landscape at the base of the towering Santa Catalina Mountains.  This state park has miles of extensive hiking trails and a wide array of wildlife!

There are 120 sites at the Catalina campground.  Electric and water hookups are available at all sites, and there is an RV dumping station as well.

#3: Usery Mountain Regional Park

This stunning mountain park is located east of Mesa and boasts some of the most beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery in the greater Phoenix Area.  There are trails which go around the lower part of the park and also ascend Usery Mountain.

There are 73 sites with water and electric hookups at this park.

#4: Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Located 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant truly lives up to its name as a beautiful oasis in the desert!  Surrounded by iconic Sonoran Desert scenery with the Bradshaw Mountains looming in the distance, you’re going to love camping at this beautiful paradise.

The Lake Pleasant Park has 148 sites which include a picnic table, ramada, barbecue, and a fire ring.  25 of these sites have sewage and electricity hookups for RVs.

• For more things to see and do in the Phoenix Area check out my Phoenix Arizona Travel Guide.

#5: Cave Creek Regional Park

This beautiful park is conveniently located just 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix and a half-hour drive from North Scottsdale.  Covering a scenic hilly portion of the Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix, there are plentiful hiking trails in this beautiful park!

There are 72 campsites equipped with a barbecue grill, fire ring, and picnic table.  There are also water and electric hookups for RVs.

#6: Woods Canyon Lake

Sitting above the Mogollon Rim at 7,600 feet, the forested campground at Woods Canyon Lake is perfect for either a relaxing or adventurous getaway!

When you’re not taking advantage of the great hiking, biking and fishing opportunities at the lake, you can take a day trip up to the nostalgic Route 66 town of Holbrook and the arid Petrified Forest National Park, which are about 1 1/2 hours away.

#7: Lynx Lake

Located at over 5,600 feet in the northern end of the Bradshaw Mountains, this forested campground is the perfect retreat from the desert!  Located by a small but scenic lake, you can try out hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and more!

Another great thing about Lynx Lake is that while you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’re actually just 15 minutes from Downtown Prescott, which has an abundance of shopping and restaurants available!

There are 35 campsites at Lynx Lake, which include a picnic table and steel fire ring.  There are no RV hookups.

#8: Manzanita Campground

Just north of Sedona lies Manzanita Campground, a small, tent-only campground with access to Oak Creek.  You’re also just south of Arizona’s famed Slide Rock State Park, as well as all of Sedona’s beautiful hikes and attractions!

• For more things to see and do in Sedona check out my Sedona Arizona Travel Guide.

#9-10: Grand Canyon National Park – Mather Point Campground and Desert View Campground

The main draw of camping at the Grand Canyon is, well, the fact that you can walk from your campsite to one of the seven natural wonders in the world!  No, seriously, nothing beats camping at the Rim.

Between watching the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets you can hike or bike along the Rim Trail, climb up to the Desert View Watchtower, catch the bus to Grand Canyon Village, or hike the South Kaibab Trail down to Cedar Point.  There is so much to see and do here!

There are two campgrounds at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon: Mather Point Campground (near Grand Canyon Village) and the Desert View Campground (near the famed Desert View Watchtower).  Mather Point takes reservations, whereas Desert View is first-come-first-serve.  Neither have RV hookups.

• For more tips for your visit, check out my Arizona Grand Canyon Travel Tips.

California {Best Campgrounds in California}

#11-12: Joshua Tree National Park – Jumbo Rocks Campground and Hidden Valley Campground

Joshua Tree National Park is truly California’s greatest desert landscape.  The funny looking Joshua Trees dot the arid desert landscape alongside massive granite boulders, all underneath towering mountain peaks.

While there are actually quite a few campgrounds in Joshua Tree, the best two are Jumbo Rocks Campground and Hidden Valley Campground.

The Jumbo Rocks Campground boasts 124 sites suitable for tent or RV camping.  Although there aren’t any hookups or amenities at the campground, there are plenty of stores in the town of Twentynine Palms just 13 miles away.  The campsites are nicely separated by the massive boulders giving you a little extra space between your neighbors!

The Hidden Valley Campground has 44 sites which are located by some massive granite boulders and Joshua Trees.  Again, there aren’t any amenities but Twentynine Palms is just 21 miles away from this campground.

#13: Campland on the Bay (San Diego)

Located north of San Diego along Mission Bay, Campland on the Bay is truly one of the greatest urban campgrounds!  With convenient access to Mission Beach, Seaworld, Mission Valley and downtown San Diego, this is definitely a place worth staying when in San Diego!  Check out more details Here.

#14-15: Sequoia National Park – Potwisha Campground and Lodgepole Campground

Located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains lies Sequoia National Park, home to the largest trees on the planet.  There are plentiful hiking trails through the sequoia groves as well as sweeping viewpoints and even waterfalls!

There are 36 sites at the Potwisha Campground in Sequoia.  Each campsite has picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers.  While there are no RV hookups, there is a dump station available.

The Lodgepole Campground is located along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, just 2 miles from the General Sherman Tree – the largest in the world.  With a whopping 214 sites, this campground is centrally located in Sequoia and is also a great jumping point to adjacent King’s Canyon National Park, an hour’s drive to the north.

• For more things to see and do in Sequoia check out my Sequoia National Park Travel Guide.

#16-17: Yosemite National Park – Upper Pines Campground and Lower Pines Campground

There is no place on earth quite like Yosemite.  Magnificent forests, towering granite walls, majestic waterfalls – in other words, this is a really great place to go!

There are two centrally located adjacent campgrounds in Yosemite: the Upper Pines Campground and the Lower Pines Campground.  Combined the campgrounds boast 238 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers.  There is an RV dump station, but no hookups.  Right from the campground you can hike the John Muir trail up to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, or catch a bus to Glacier Point for sweeping views over the Valley!

#18: Twin Lakes

Located just outside of the ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes, camping here may seem like an odd way to spend the summer months.  But don’t be fooled: this area, which is located just east of Yosemite is home to some stunning terrain!

While you’re already located in a beautiful pine forest next to two lakes and just outside of town… you can also easily drive to the nearby Devil’s Postpile National Monument showcasing a column-like rock formation; or to the stunning Mono Lake; or even to Bodie, the largest ghost town in America!

#19: Lassen Volcanic National Park

The southernmost volcano in the Cascade Mountains, Lassen Peak underwent a series of eruptions from 1914 – 1918, dramatically changing the area around the mountain.  Lassen Volcanic National Park was created to preserve the fascinating volcanic landscape which is home to over 300 volcanic domes, snowy mountains, old growth forests, waterfalls, bubbling sulphur pots and rugged rocky volcanic terrain.

At the northern entrance of the park is Manzanita Lake Campground, which is home to 179 sites with bear-proof food storage lockers and an RV dump station.

#20: Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Albee Creek Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to 40 campsites by a creek in one of the most incredible displays of Redwood Trees in northern California!  There are numerous hiking and biking trails nearby.

Colorado {Best Campgrounds in Colorado}

#21: Saddlehorn Campground, Colorado National Monument

Located in Colorado National Monument just outside of Grand Junction, the Saddlehorn Campground offers 79 pristine campsites in one of the Southwest’s most beautiful landscapes.  Within Colorado National Monument there are miles of beautiful hiking trails as well as rock climbing, mountain biking, and the historic Rim Rock Drive which offers unparalleled views.

Florida {Best Campgrounds in Florida}

#22: Camp Gulf – Destin

Located near Destin and about halfway between Pensacola and Panama City Beach along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Camp Gulf is simply an incredible place to camp!  With sites right on the white sand beach for tents and RVs and conveniently located right outside of town, camping here is the ultimate getaway!

Idaho {Best Campgrounds in Idaho}

#23: Farragut State Park

There are 73 campsites in Farragut, 69 of which have electric and water hookups.  Located at the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille, this former Navy Training Camp is now state-owned land with disk golf courses, a museum, swimming area, miles of hiking trails and more!

#24: Lions Head Campground, Priest Lake

Located just south of the Canadian border on the shores of 30 mile-long Priest Lake, Lions Head Campground is truly spectacular.  There are nearby natural water slides, hiking, and boats to the remote grizzly territory.

Kentucky {Best Campgrounds in Kentucky}

#25: Lake Cumberland

Located alongside scenic Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky, Kendall Campground has 115 beautiful sites which all have picnic tabes, fire rings, lantern posts and water plus electric hookups.

Massachusetts {Best Campgrounds in Massachusetts}

#26: Winter Island

Just outside of Salem, Massachusetts is the Winter Island Campground, home to 22 tent sites and 28 RV sites along the water.  Nearby you can explore the surrounding park areas beaches!

Missouri {Best Campgrounds in Missouri}

#27: Cape Fair Marina

Reader Angie writes: “Cape Fair Marina in Missouri is beautiful”

Sitting alongside Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, Cape Fair Marina has 82 reservable campsites just 45 minutes away from Branson.  There are tremendous fishing, boating, and camping opportunities at the lake.

Nevada {Best Campgrounds in Nevada}

#28-29: Valley of Fire State Park – Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground

The terrain at the Valley of Fire is unlike anywhere else in the Southwest region.  Basically, it’s like driving into a sea of red and white rocks surrounded by the barren Mojave Desert.  There are miles of beautiful hiking trails in this remote park, which is conveniently just 1 hour away from Las Vegas and near the northern part of Lake Mead!

There are two campgrounds at the Valley of Fire: Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground, which combined have 72 sites.  Both campground are practically adjacent, though they are separated by towering red rock terrain.  All campsites have shaded tables, grills and access to bathrooms with showers.  There are water and power hookups for RVs, as well as a dumping station.

• For more information on what to see and do in the Valley of Fire, check out my Valley of Fire State Park Hikes and Tips.

Ohio {Best Campgrounds in Ohio}

#30: Winton Woods Campground

Conveniently situated just half an hour north of downtown Cincinnati, Winton Woods Campground has 123 campsites by a lake with modern amenities like showers, bathrooms, full RV hookups and more!

#31: Mosquito Lake Campground

There are 234 campsites along scenic Mosquito Lake in northeast Ohio, near the Pennsylvanian border.  Less than 1.5 hours away from Cleveland, Akron, and Pittsburgh, Mosquito Lake is the perfect getaway for anyone living in the region or traveling through the area!

Oregon {Best Campgrounds in Oregon}

#32: Waxmyrtle Campground

Located just nine miles south of Florence, Waxmyrtle Campground has 57 beautiful campsites right at the base of the Oregon Dunes  As it sits in a section where motorized vehicles are not allowed to drive, it’s safe to walk on the dunes.  You can even walk over the dunes to the beach!

Pennsylvania {Best Campgrounds in Pennsylvania}

#33: Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania

Located along stunning Raystown Lake amid the rolling hills of south central Pennsylvania, the Seven Points Campground has a whopping 261 sites with nearby access to hiking, boating, fishing and more!

Utah {Best Campgrounds in Utah}

#34: Zion National Park

With dramatic red cliff walls, beautiful slot canyons, thundering waterfalls, dreamy hikes, and incredible wildlife, Zion National Park is truly an incredible sight to behold!

For campers, the Watchman Campground in Zion National Park is the place to go.  With a total of 184 sites there are no shortage of incredible places to camp here.  There are no RV hookups but there is a dump station.  From the campground you’re a short walk to the visitor’s center, where you can catch a bus up the canyon to all of the incredible hikes.

• For more information on what to see and do in Zion National Park, check out my top Zion National Park Hikes and Tips.

#35-36: Bryce Canyon National Park – North Campground and Sunset Campground

While Zion National Park mainly revolves around the dramatic Zion Canyon, with towering walls shaded in hues of red and white, Bryce Canyon is much different.  The name “Canyon” is actually a bit of a misnomer, as Bryce is actually a series of massive amphitheaters filled with eroded orange rock pillars called hoodoos.

As for campgrounds, Bryce Canyon has the North Campground and Sunset Campground.  Neither campgrounds have RV hookups, but there is a dumping station for waste in the North Campground.

• For more information on what to see and do in Bryce Canyon National Park, check out my Bryce Canyon Travel Tips.

#37: Coral Pink Sand Dunes

There are 22 sites surrounded by juniper trees and surrounded the the coral pink sand dunes, equipped with picnic tables, showers, a dump station and drinking water.  Surrounded by dramatic red cliffs, the coral pink sand dunes are the only dune field on the Colorado Plateau, a massive swath of high land covering Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.  When you’re not hiking around the dunes you can drive to Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, all of which are less than two hours away!

#38: Capitol Reef National Park

Located along the flowing Fremont River amid verdant orchards beneath towering red cliffs, the Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah is truly something of an oasis in the desert!  There are 64 tent and RV campsites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and an RV dump station.

#39: Arches National Park

Located in the stunning Arches National Park, Devil’s Garden Campground boasts 52 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables.  There are no RV hookups.

• For more information on what to see and do in Arches + Canyonlands National Parks, check out my Arches National Park Hikes.

#40: Goose Island Campground

Goose Island Campground is four miles north of Moab along the Colorado River.  Here you’ll find 18 incredible beautiful sites featuring great views of the river and canyon walls!  Plus, you’re situated just between Moab and the Arches entrance!

#41: Williams Bottom Campground

Another great campground in the Moab area is Williams Bottom.  Here you are just a few miles west of Moab along the Colorado River.  Also, you’re right in the vicinity of some great rock climbing opportunities and the Corona Arch hike.  One of my favorite hikes of all time, Corona Arch is truly impressive and shouldn’t be missed!

#42: Canyonlands National Park

Way up in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands lies the Willow Flat Campground, home to 12 pristine sites.  You can easily access the Green River Overlook and drive to other hikes like Mesa Arch and Grand View Overlook!  You’ll be about 45 minutes from Moab and the Arches entrance gate.

Washington {Best Campgrounds in Washington}

#43-44: Salt Creek Campground + Crescent Beach RV Park

Salt Creek Campground is located near Port Angeles the northern end of the Olympic Peninsula.  When you stay here you can easily visit the nearby tide pools, Fort Warden and Olympic National Park.  There is also a sandy beach at Crescent Beach.

Adjacent to Salt Creek Campground is the Crescent Beach and RV Park.  This is the place to go if you’re traveling with your RV!  Both campgrounds are 25 minutes from Port Angeles.

#45: Lake Chelan State Park

#46-47: Upper Johny Creek Campground and Lower Johny Creek Campground

Another beautiful place to camp are the Upper Johnny Creek Campground and Lower Johnny Creek Campground.  Both are located right on Icicle Creek 12 miles outside of Leavenworth.

#48: Eightmile Campground

With 45 campsites along Icicle Creek outside of Leavenworth, Eightmile Campground is certainly one you don’t want to miss!

#49: Rock Island Campground

Rock Island Campground is located further down from Icicle Creek from Leavenworth than Eightmile Campground.  As a result, there are fewer people here staying here!  There are campsites on both sides of the creek with a bridge connecting the two sides.

#50: Horseshoe Campground

Alongside Baker Lake in Western Washington lies Horseshoe Campground, which has 38 campsites along the shores of the lake.

#51: Panorama Point Campground

Also located on Baker Lake, Panorama point has 15 stunning campsites overlooking the lake and mountains.

Wisconsin {Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin}

#52: Sherwood Forest Campground

Just one hour north of Madison lies beautiful Sherwood Forest Campground, just outside of Wisconsin Dells.  Set among a pine forest, there are sites suitable for both tents and RVs.

Now that you’ve seen these best campgrounds in the US, go check out even more camping tips below…

Camping Essentials Guide

Best Camping Recipes

American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

California Road Trip Itinerary

Road Trip on a Budget

Most Incredible National Parks

Bucket List Trips

Don’t miss out!  Follow along with Never Ending Journeys for more fun Travel Tips and Insider Tricks!

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