In a staggering statistic, half of all Americans don’t use all of their paid vacation time from work. And with how little vacation we get compared to the rest of the world, that is even more shocking. Most individuals claim they simply can’t afford to take a vacation, as the price of airfare and travel accommodations is too high.
Camping, one of America’s favorite past times, is a great solution to the expensive vacation problem. It’s fun, economical and brings you closer to nature. There is something for everyone when it comes to choosing a campsite—a beach, lake, desert, whether it’s isolated or kid-friendly, there are lots of options to choose from. With so many beautiful campsites across America, it might be hard to narrow down the best spot. Read ahead to see some of the best camping spots in the U.S. to help guide your next outdoor adventure.
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Desert Camping
Where: Joshua Tree National Park in California is home to its namesake, the Joshua Tree, and combines two different ecosystems, the Colorado and Mojave deserts within its 800,000 acres. There are plenty of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and great for adults and kids alike. Rock climbing is a popular sport here, but only if you know what you’re doing, since some peaks are as high as 5,000 feet in elevation.
When: Although the park is open year-round, October through May are the most popular months, and some sites require reservations. Make reservations and check out all of the various campsites before setting out.
Cost: Joshua Tree has nine different camping spots to choose from. Entrance to the park costs $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, and campsites vary from $15- $20 per day based on water availability.
Lake-Front Camping
Where: If you are looking to enjoy some lake fun during your camping adventure, your ideal destination is Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Scientists and tourists alike marvel at this beautiful lake formed by the collapse of an erupting volcano over 7,000 years ago. With beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and plenty of water fun as well as forest trails, this is a great escape from daily life.
When: Camping sites here are open during the summer months through October. There are two main sites to choose from—Mazama is open to both RV’s and tent camping and takes reservations, while Lost Creek is for tents only, doesn’t take reservations and comes with fewer amenities.
Cost: Mazama will run you $22 per night for tents and $31 per night for RV’s. Lost Creek is $10 per night.
Easy Family Resort Camping
Where: Yogi Bear Jellystone Park camping grounds are extremely family friendly with cabin, RV and tent areas as well as water parks, pre-planned kids activities, scavenger hunts and more. This campground is all about having fun and a little less about getting down and dirty in nature.
This is a perfect place to start for the camping novice. There are more than 70 Jellystone family campgrounds, but the one in Hagerstown Maryland seems to be a favorite. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Hagerstown, Maryland is a great, easy camping experience for all involved.
When: Prime time for this campground is June 15th – Sept 3rd, but spring and fall weekends are also available with special activities for Spring Break and Halloween. Reservations must be made.
Cost: You have lots of options to stay at Yogi Bear, from premium cottages to primitive tent sites, prices range between $37 to $175 per night. Some activities cost extra.
True Wilderness Camping
Where: If you are really trying to get away from it all, Yosemite National Park is where you want to pitch your tent. Waterfalls abound in this 95% designated wilderness park with no cars, structures or electricity allowed. You will really be off the grid here, but there is plenty to keep you busy without an internet connection. There is a lot of natural beauty to explore in Yosemite with valleys, meadows and giant sequoia trees within a 1,200 square mile radius. There are 13 campgrounds throughout the park. Planning ahead is highly encouraged as it is a popular destination.
When: Open all year; the most popular times are April- September with reservations strongly recommended. Some campsites only operate seasonally.
Cost: $30 per vehicle during peak season plus $6-$26 per night depending on camp site.
Exotic Camping
Where: Alaska may be a little out of the way for most people, but its natural beauty is unrivaled. If you really want an adventure and you are an experienced camper, check out Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. As the name suggests, the park is lined with breathtaking glaciers, but it is also home to mountains, rainforests and wild coastlines. Remember many paths are unmarked and this is not the place for the novice camper.
When: Most people visit May to September with peak season starting in July. Although the park is open all year round, many services are limited during the rest of the year.
Cost: This is a free camping area, but requires a permit before setting up camp.
Beach Camping
Where: If you want some sand and surf near your tent, Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico is the place to be. Although technically not part of the U.S., it an American territory, so it’s close enough. Some say this is one of the most beautiful places in the world with warm water and white sand beaches. You can snorkel, sunbathe and swim in the ocean by day and pitch a tent on the sand by night.
When: Open year round with summer being the most popular time. Reservations are suggested during the high peak summer season.
Cost: $20 daily rate for up to six people per tent.
Gearing Up
Whichever campsite destination you choose, your experience will all depend on your level of preparedness. The most important items you need for roughing it are of course a tent, sleeping bags, food and water storage and medical essentials.
If you want to take your camping adventure to the next level, check out Camping World for all of your RV needs, including rentals. Many national parks have RV parking areas with water and electric hookups for an extra fee. Having an RV can truly allow you to enjoy the nature and beauty with less worry about accommodations.
Whatever your camping style or preference, there’s plenty of America the Beautiful out there to explore.
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