Last Updated on November 3, 2020 by Dean Anderson
The summer is upon us! And with that comes the annual migration from suburban homes to one of the many campgrounds located around the US.
Who can blame anybody for wanting to get away from it all and relax? Camping is the ultimate outdoors experience. It offers relaxation and rest, but also quality time in the great outdoors to let your inner adventurer run wild.
Are you an experienced camper looking for a new place to explore? Or maybe you’re a first-time camper looking for a nice place to build great memories.
Whatever your reason for packing your camping gear, you want to make sure you pick a destination that will not disappoint.
Keep reading to see the best campgrounds you should consider this summer–or anytime you want to get away from it all.
1. Ludington State Park, Michigan
When you think of camping, you may not initially think about Michigan.
Yet, Michigan is home to the beautiful Ludington State Park. Within it are three modern campgrounds and locations that offer you the ultimate break.
It’s a place that caters to campers of all experiences and perfect vacation ideals. With eight hiking trails covering everything from shoreline to sand dunes to marshlands to the forest, you can explore for days on end.
2. White Mountain National Forest, Vermont
The Appalachians in general are a camping paradise, but this section in New Hampshire offers some fantastic locations.
With 800 campsites spread over two dozen campgrounds, you can find a place that’s as popular or as secluded as you desire.
For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during the fall. The rugged hiking and the stunning range of colors on the trees make for an unforgettable experience.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Do we really need to say anything else? I mean, it’s the Grand Canyon!
If the views themselves aren’t enough to get you packing your bags, then maybe backcountry hiking around the northern rim or white water rafting down the Colorado River will convince you.
A fantastic family camping opportunity for year-round camping (along the south rim), a trip to the Grand Canyon is one of those camping trips you’ll treasure forever.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
If you’re looking to great camping ideas, look no further than Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
This is one of the best places to find stunning, unspoiled campgrounds. With over 500 miles of trails to hike and everything from waterfalls to untouched wilderness, this is a great camping location.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not check out the scenic and challenging hike up Old Rag Mountain? The views from the top are worth it!
5. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia
Beach camping is a must for everybody interested in spending time outdoors.
Assateague Island is one of the best campgrounds to try it out. The barrier island offers sandy beaches, coastal bays and inlets, forests and salt marshes. It’s also split between two different states: Maryland and Virginia.
It’s a great spot to hike by day and drift away to the gentle lapping of the waves each night. Bonus: You’ll get the chance to see the herds of wild horses that live on the island!
6. Jellystone Park Campgrounds (Nationwide)
If you have a family, then Jellystone Park really is a must do camping adventure.
Currently, there are 79 themed campgrounds spread across 30 states, so there’s sure to be one near you. This themed camping experience with Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo will help your kids fall in love with nature.
Not sure how they will react to a tent? Jellystone offers a range of sleeping options, from cottages and yurts to teepees and safari tents. If you’re looking for camping ideas the whole family will love, then this is the place for you.
7. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
If you like the stars and looking at the night sky, Badlands National Park is a place you’re sure to love.
Amidst the endless miles of prairie terrain, you’ll find all manner of stunning rock formations. As far as state campgrounds go, this one is challenging but greatly rewarding.
Be on the lookout for fossils too, because Badlands offers one of the greatest fossils deposits in all of North America.
8. Denali National Park, Alaska
If you’re willing to travel to get to your campground, then the Denali National Park is a must-visit camping destination.
Alaska state campgrounds provide a truly unique experience. With six million acres to explore and trails for every skill set, Denali offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking vistas.
Home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the US, mountaineers especially love this park.
9. Olympic National Park, Washington
Not many state campgrounds can offer you access to three totally different ecosystems in one space.
Olympic National Park is one of those places. A visit here will take you from glaciers and mountains to treks through rainforests and remote beaches.
During certain times of the year, you could even be lucky enough to spot whales migrating along the Washington coast. It’s a delightful location for a trip that will spark the imagination and forge a love for the outdoors.
The Best Campgrounds Are the Ones that Live on in Your Memories
When all is said and done, it’s not just the campground that makes a place great. It’s what you do while you’re there.
If you’re with the best group of people and having the time of your life, the memories you build will be remarkable regardless of what the campground offers.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tent and head out into the great wide yonder today.
And before you go, don’t forget to check out the rest of our site for cool camping ideas and gear.
Eight years ago, I took a risk and left a miserable office job to follow a lifestyle career that involved my love for the great outdoors. I’ve taken my love for camping, hiking and travel to the next level by running my small campground with a friend near Portland, Oregon. It’s for way less money but this has truly been a dream come true and the running involves lots of family and friends.
The next evolution of that was to get online and start allcampingstuff.com. At our campground, I spend a lot of time setting up camping equipment for customers and disposing of the garbage products they leave behind. If I can help just a few people with advice on good camping gear, then this website venture will be worth it.
So, if you want to avoid the duds and spend your money wisely you’ve hopefully come to the right place.
