Embrace nature and sleep under the stars in some of the country's great national parks. The parks’ thousands of campsites offer something for everyone.
Families set up home away from home with multiroom tents and campfire feasts at well-appointed campsites, while backpackers find solace at isolated backcountry spots. Here are some of the best national park campgrounds to explore.
Beach Camping - Assateague Island, Maryland
At Assateague Island, sandy beaches meet serene camping. Pitch a tent at an ocean-side site on this barrier island, where campsites are just steps from the water. Days can be spent swimming, fishing, collecting shells, or simply relaxing in the sand. While the park spans Maryland and Virginia, camping is only available in Maryland.
Drive-in and Walk-in Sites
Dear Lykkers, drive-in sites allow parking right next to tents, while walk-in sites are a mere 200 yards from parking.
Essentials to Bring
Firewood, long tent stakes for stability in strong breezes, and extra bug spray are highly recommended to combat summer mosquitoes.
Backcountry Camping - Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park offers a paradise for hikers, with towering mountains and alpine lakes spread across over a million acres of pristine wilderness. Backcountry camping allows immersion into this natural wonderland.
Remote Campsites
Backcountry campsites include spots for tents, pit toilets, and designated areas for food preparation and storage.
Preparation Tips
Plan ahead by reviewing the updated Backcountry Camping Guide, obtaining permits, and packing lightly. Supplies must include clean water and methods to secure food from wildlife, such as bears and mountain lions.
Forest Camping - Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is famed for its rocky spires called hoodoos and its elevation, which creates three distinct forest areas. These forests, featuring spruce, Ponderosa pines, and Pinyon pines, provide a lush setting for camping.
Sunset Campground
This campground, located near some of the park's best hiking trails at Sunset Point, features 100 campsites. Twenty of these can be reserved in advance for $20.
Accessible Hiking
The paved Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points offers easy paths with breathtaking views of the park’s amphitheater.
RV Camping - Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is ideal for road-tripping RV travelers seeking the comforts of home. The park features 10 campgrounds accommodating RVs and trailers.
Amenities
Although utility hookups are not available, amenities include bathrooms, fire pits, and food lockers.
Prime Camping Spots
In Yosemite Valley, RVs can settle at Upper, Lower, and North Pines campgrounds, offering stunning views of iconic rock formations and easy access to hiking trails leading to Yosemite Falls.
Reservation Tips
Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season from April through September, so early reservations are essential.
Isolated Camping - Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park offers remote camping experiences for those seeking solitude. With over 200 campsites accessible only by boat, it provides a peaceful escape into nature.
Campground Features
Each site includes a food locker, fire ring, and picnic table for a comfortable outdoor experience.
Planning Ahead
Permits are required and can be obtained from visitor centers or self-register stations near boat-launch facilities. Packing essentials is critical, as there are no nearby shops for forgotten items.
Group Options
Two large group sites are available for reservations, while other sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without fees.
These picturesque campgrounds offer unforgettable outdoor experiences, from sandy beaches to alpine forests and remote lakeside retreats.
