Camping has exploded in popularity and more than 80 million Americans participate in the greatest outdoor activity ever imagined. And with so many diverse sites available around the nation, there are plenty of great campsite available. Where are the best campgrounds in the United States?
Camping information and booking app The Dyrt has released the 10 best places to camp in the US for 2023 based on user ratings and reviews by actual campers. These have been identified out of thousands of camp sites across the US.
Here are the 10 best camp spots in the US.
Best Campgrounds in the United States: Where to Go Camping
1. Denali National Park — Alaska
The Teklanika River Campground at Denali National Park offers visitors an experience of a lifetime while being situated in the foothills of America’s tallest peak. It’s in a remote location, surrounded by untainted wilderness, and gives visitors a chance to connect with nature in a way that’s getting harder and harder to find.
Numerous nearby activities, including fishing and wildlife viewing, are available at the campground. It serves as the starting point for numerous well-traveled hiking trails, additional backcountry camping, and park bus excursions. Visitors to Denali National Park get a unique opportunity to experience Alaska’s unmatched natural beauty.
Location: Denali Park, AK
Campground Details
Price: $33.25
Number of sites: 53
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed:yes
Pets allowed:yes
2. Voyageurs National Park — Minnesota
Every campsite at Voyageurs National Park needs to be reached by water. Four of Voyageurs’ large lakes have 147 frontcountry sites that can be reserved. After the watercraft drop-off, the 14 backcountry sites require a mile-long hike. Some of those locations still require a post-hike canoe ride!
You can walk 52 miles of lovely trails while exploring Voyageurs National Park and its 2.8 billion-year-old bedrock, some of the oldest exposed rock in the world. You can also use a kayak, canoe, sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or tour boat if you’d rather explore while floating.
Location: International Falls, MN
Campground Details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 161
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed:yes
Pets allowed:yes
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas
The second-largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro Canyon, is situated in the Texas Panhandle. You can choose from tent, horseback riding, or backpack camping sites. There are four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor and three cabins on the canyon rim.
There are more than 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits. Taking in the scenery while geocaching, watching birds, or just relaxing. Enjoy a live performance of TEXAS Outdoor Musical during the summer. For ceremonies, gatherings, or meetings, pavilions can also be rented.
Location: Canyon, TX
Campground Details
Price: $12-$26
Number of sites: 80
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed:yes
Pets allowed:yes
4. Goblin Valley State Park — Utah
The labyrinth of hoodoos, also known as “goblins,” which are rock formations created over millions of years by erosion, is the main draw of Goblin Valley State Park. Goblin Valley State Park is among the most beautiful places to camp in the country thanks to the hoodoos that are scattered throughout the area and create an otherworldly landscape.
There are conventional campsites, yurts, and RV sites in the park. These lodgings offer guests a cosy and practical home base from which to explore the park’s numerous hiking trails and picturesque vistas. You can go hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and viewing wildlife at Goblin Valley State Park. Additionally, day trips to nearby attractions like Capitol Reef National Park and the San Rafael Swell are made easy by the park’s convenient location.
Location: Green River, UT
Campground Details
Price: $45
Number of sites: 25
RV sites: no
Fires allowed:yes
Pets allowed:yes
5. Many Glacier Campground — Montana
This campground is situated in the centre of Glacier National Park and is surrounded by imposing mountains, clear lakes, and unspoiled forests. The area’s picturesque surroundings offer campers countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and photography. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers because it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
The Many Glacier Campground provides tent and RV camping options as well as rustic cabins for those who would rather camp in luxury. Additionally, it is well furnished with contemporary conveniences like running water, restrooms, and picnic areas. Many of the park’s well-liked attractions, such as the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead and the Many Glacier Hotel, are conveniently accessible from the campground.
Many Glacier Campground is a special place to experience one of America’s most beautiful national parks, whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-time visitor.
Location: Browning, MT
Campground Details
Price: $23
Number of sites: 109
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
6. Alabama Hills Recreation Area — California
The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a geological wonderland with breathtaking natural beauty. Alabama Hills is well-known for its striking rock formations that rise from the desert floor and form a labyrinth of canyons, arches, and spires. The area is also home to a number of hiking trails that let visitors explore the region’s distinctive geology and take in the local flora and fauna.
It is the perfect location for stargazing due to its remoteness and generally clear skies. With a front-row seat between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains, visitors can pitch a tent and take in the Milky Way galaxy, its shooting stars, and other celestial objects.
Location: Lone Pine, CA
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: no
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Michigan
Nearly 100 miles of trails connect the forests, dunes, beaches, solitude, stunning views, and inspiration at Pictured Rocks. No matter the time of year, Lake Superior’s southern shore is home to the first national lakeshore in the nation.
It goes without saying that summer is the season for beaches and boats. The autumn season brings out the foliage and a tonne of hunting and fishing opportunities. The freezing temperatures of winter transform waterfalls into curtains, fishing into ice fishing, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing into the designated modes of transportation. The thaw of spring attracts both birdwatchers and birds!
Location: Munising, MI
Campground Details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 100+, plus dispersed
RV sites: no
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: no
8. Cathedral Pines Campground — Maine
As its name suggests, Cathedral Pines Campground is surrounded by tall red pine forests and is located deep in the Maine woods just 26 miles from the Canadian border. Campers can take advantage of the many hiking trails, go fishing at nearby Flagstaff Lake, or just unwind in a setting that is distinctly Maine.
The swimming pond at the campground, canoeing and kayaking, volleyball, and horseshoes are all available as recreational activities. Additionally nearby is Sugarloaf Mountain Golf Course.
Location: Eustis, ME
Campground Details
Price: $37-$45
Number of sites: 115
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
9. Cherokee Rock Village — Alabama
The village of Cherokee Rock is perched atop Lookout Mountain and provides sweeping views of the surroundings. Climbers and hikers from across the nation come to the area to explore the rock formations, which include sandstone cliffs, boulders, and rock spires. A number of hiking trails are available in the park, including a 4.6-mile loop trail that takes visitors through various rock formations and provides views of the valley below.
Cherokee Rock Village is primitive camping at its best, offering guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in nature. It is a tranquil and remote location. The campgrounds are situated in a wooded area that provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life.
Location: Leesburg, AL
Campground Details
Price: $0-$35
Number of sites: More than 100 primitive sites and 15 RV sites
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
10. Keuka Lake State Park — New York
In the upstate New York wine region of the Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake State Park is a popular destination. The ideal getaway is set by vineyard-covered slopes, shimmering water, and a clear blue sky. One of the warmer Finger Lakes is Keuka, which makes it the perfect location for swimming and beach lounging.
Aside from fishing, Keuka Lake State Park is a great place to go hiking, swimming, boating, and other outdoor recreational pursuits. One of the top fishing spots in upstate New York is the lake.
Location: Keuka Park, NY
Campground Details
Price: $18-$25
Number of sites: 150
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
More Top-rated Camping Spots in the US
Looking for even more great camping spots? Here are more top rated camping spots in the United States, based on The Dyrt’s 2022 findings.
11. Sierra Vista — New Mexico
Sierra Vista, the top-ranked campground in the US, is a great place to watch the sunrise as it spills over the magnificent Organ Mountains of New Mexico. This campground offers unmatched views and the convenience of being close to Las Cruces while maintaining accessibility.
Sierra Vista has some amenities typically found in paid campgrounds, such as noise restrictions and routine check-ins by BLM Rangers, despite being a free, dispersed campground. When you’ve had enough of the view from your campsite, there are trailheads nearby, and White Sands National Park is only a short drive away. Few other campgrounds provide such easy access to our nation’s most stunning and wild locations while remaining this unspoiled.
Price: free
Number of sites: dispersed
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
12. Many Glacier Campground — Montana
At the top campground in the Mountain West region, you can stay right in the thick of things. Swiftcurrent Lake, which is encircled by five of Glacier National Park’s most famous peaks, can be seen in all its glory from Many Glacier Campground, which also provides access to the park’s numerous amenities like a restaurant and a grocery store. With so many trailheads and outdoor activities accessible right from camp, you’ll probably want to stay longer.
Keep an eye out for wildlife while taking in the sunrises and sunsets that sparkle over the mountain peaks. Bears and moose can frequently be seen directly from camp, so be sure to follow the rules of wildlife Leave No Trace.
Price: $23
Number of sites: 110
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
13. “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands — South Dakota
At “The Wall”, your campsite is likely to feel like your own private piece of nature with views of the Badlands on one side and the open Buffalo Gap National Grasslands on the other.
Sunsets will be a highlight of your trip because they illuminate the recognisable Badlands rock formations right from camp! It takes only a few minutes to get to Badlands National Park, and the town of Wall is a great place to get supplies if you run out. In the Great Plains region, this campground holds the top spot.
Price: free
Number of sites: dispersed
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
14. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — Minnesota
One of the most popular lighthouses in America is located on the rocky shores of Lake Superior. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is pleasing to the eye and calming to the soul. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches, and picturesque hiking trails. Some of the campsites at this top-rated campground in the Midwest region offer views of the lighthouse, which is now a National Historic Landmark and was constructed in the early 20th century to aid ships on the choppy Lake Superior.
The salmon and trout fishing are excellent, and there are many hiking trails that lead through forests, next to waterfalls, and close to lakes. Watch for lynxes, bobcats, loons, and other fascinating wildlife. It’s a fantastic summer getaway, but it’s also accessible all year.
Price: $16 – $20
Number of sites: 46
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
15. White Star Campground — Colorado
White Star Campground is the perfect base camp whether you prefer a leisurely day on the lake or a thrilling hike to the top of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. You’d be hard-pressed to find an outdoor activity you couldn’t do here with access to world-class mountain biking, fishing, hiking, sailing, and more. A few campsites even have direct access to the water, and Twin Lakes Reservoir is close by.
This campground, which is ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West area, is very popular and can be challenging to reserve. You won’t regret making a reservation, though, if you’re fortunate enough to get one. Rolling every six months, individual campsites become available for reservations.
Price: $24
Number of sites: 65
RV sites: no
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
16. Fort De Soto Campground — Florida
Are you looking for camping near the ocean where you can see amazing wildlife? The best campground in the Southeast is Fort De Soto, which is exactly what you need. This campground is the ideal summer retreat with seven miles of white sand beaches and coves that serve as feeding areas for dolphins and other wildlife.
The park was recognised by Tripadvisor as America’s top beach in 2008 and 2009! Once you’ve had your fill of the marine life, look up at the sky and keep an eye out for the more than 300 different bird species that call the park home.
Price: $34 – $45
Number of sites: 236
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
17. Kalaloch Campground — Washington
Due to the Kalaloch area’s status as a marine sanctuary in Olympic National Park, a variety of animals can be found living in this extraordinary coastal environment of sandy beaches and rocky headlands.
The nearby Tree of Life, whose exposed, bare roots span a cliff gap, is a major attraction all by itself. There are many trailheads up and down Highway 101 that lead to various beaches, and there is excellent access to the beach and tide pools below.
Price: $24
Number of sites: 170
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
18. Letchworth State Park — New York
Letchworth State Park is a vast river canyon frequently referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and it is the top-ranked campground in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Letchworth is a must-experience outdoor destination because of its 66 gorgeous miles of hiking trails and numerous cascading waterfalls. With activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and even hot air ballooning above the gorge, this park can be enjoyed during any of the four seasons.
Price: $24 – $26
Number of sites: 270
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
19. Coconino National Forest Road 525 — Arizona
The most ideal dispersed camping experience can be found on Coconino National Forest Road 525, which is only 20 minutes from the centre of Sedona while still maintaining a remote wilderness feel.
Enjoy the endless miles of hiking trails that surround this campground while taking in unrivalled stargazing. There are almost no amenities, like in any dispersed campground, but with the breathtaking views this campground offers, who cares?
Price: free
Number of sites: dispersed
RV sites: yes
Fires allowed: yes
Pets allowed: yes
If you enjoyed reading this story, we predict that you will also enjoy this one on outdoor water parks.
