Oh, the great outdoors!
There’s nothing like being one with nature. There are those who want nothing more than to hike out in the woods. There are those who would rather sleep in a tent rather than a five-star hotel and vacation in the forest rather than the beach.
If this sounds like you, you’re a natural camper.
Camping is also rising in popularity, and it’s becoming a preferred vacationing trend for millennials. If you’re planning an awesome camping trip, you need to pick the best places to go camping.
If you’re in the United States, you’re in the mecca of camping luxuries. Here are the 9 best camping destinations in the United States.
The Best Places to Go Camping in the U.S.
From mountain trails to unique landscapes, here are the best camping destinations in the United States.
1. Arches National Park, Utah
Utah is one of the most beautiful states in America. Utah offers unparalleled natural beauty with towering red mountains, scenic backroads, unique hoodoos, and incredible salt flats.
Utah also offers many challenging hiking excursions for those who love backpacking.
If you want to mix a good hike with some eye-popping scenery, choose Arches National Park in Utah. You’ll experience some of the most incredible sights in the state.
Keep in mind, this camping and hiking destination is recommended for those with experience.
2. Ludington State Park, Michigan
Ludington State Park offers more than just an incredible forest and a convenient camping experience. This is the perfect family camping destination. Ludington State Park offers many forms of entertainment for children of all ages.
If you love the beach, the park is located between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, so you can engage in many lake activities, such as canoeing and fishing.
The trails are perfect for hikers and are bike-friendly. They even have wintertime activities if you would rather camp out in the snow!
3. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is one of the most well-known camping destinations in Washington State. With its myriad of ecosystems, it’s a favorite for hikers. On an intense hike, you can see everything from rainforests to breathtaking lakes.
Olympic National Park is most famous for the Olympic Mountains, most notably Mt. Olympus. Climbers love trying to conquer this glacier-clad mountain. Be advised, this is a challenging hike and climb!
If you decide to have a winter excursion, visit Hurricane Ridge which is a popular spot for skiing.
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
When you think of Hawaii, what do you think about? Fantasy beaches, surfing, and luaus, right? Actually, Hawaii hosts some incredible camping sites. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of them.
This park is located on Hawaii Island, or the “Big Island.” You’ll experience natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else—specifically, an active volcano. The volcano is Kīlauea and is the most active of all volcanoes on the Hawaii island.
Hiking is a must here. You’ll see unusual rock formations you’ve never seen before. If you’re not a hiker, get in a car and drive the Chain of Craters Road where you’ll see real lava flows!
5. Everglades National Park, Florida
Like Hawaii, many people think of beaches and Disney World when Florida comes to mind. But many people don’t know about the swampy parts of Florida. The Everglades is the most famous location.
The Everglades consists of 1.5 million acres of wetlands in south Florida.
Everglades National Park is perfect for those who love fishing. You can catch a myriad of different fish such as Snook, Tarpon, Trout, and Redfish.
Unfortunately, you may run into some less-than-desired critters. This includes gators, poisonous snakes, and mosquitoes.
6. Joshua Tree National Park, California
When you think of incredible camping destinations, the desert is probably not an ideal location. Unless you’re camping at Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll see a mind-blowing array of unique vegetation and landscapes.
Rock climbers and hikers will also get their fix at this destination with the weaving trails at the Hidden Valley and the myriad of boulders.
The best aspect about Joshua Tree National Park is, since it’s in California, the winters don’t get too cold. If you’re an off-peak camper who hates the cold, this park is a good option.
The park is also not far from Los Angeles and Anaheim if you want to get your LA and Disneyland fix in.
Keep in mind, you are in the desert. You’ll need gear like an awning to protect you from the sun. Find this and more here.
7. Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, Wisconsin
This forest is one of the most beautiful forests in America. There are many trails you can walk that let you bask in the incredible vegetation.
This forest is also home to many animals. Different bird species flock to this tree haven, such as owls, woodpecker, and hawks. Wyalusing Hardwood Forest is also popular amongst hunters.
You’ll find plenty of game animals such as turkey and deer.
Overall, this forest is perfect for those who don’t want the hustle and bustle that comes with camping. You’ll immerse yourself in nature, feeling calm and at ease.
8. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
This is one of the most undiscovered gems in America. Nebraska isn’t a state known for its scenery or camping experiences. But Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest reservoir and hosts some of the most beautiful beaches.
Since you’re not putting up with a large crowd, you can relax at the shore or fish and boat on the lake.
If you don’t like the “roughing it” aspect of camping, the campgrounds are accessible to restaurants and other conveniences.
9. Glacier National Park, Montana
While hiking and climbing are important camping activities, Glacier National Park hosts a favorite pastime—joyriding. That’s because this expansive site hosts some of the most beautiful sights, and you won’t see all while walking on foot.
In particular, you should drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road stretches on the Rocky Mountains with incredible views of the mountain peaks.
If you insist on getting some hiking in, don’t forget to take the route that leads to the Hidden Lake.
Is Camping Not Your Thing?
After reading about the best places to go camping in America, are you convinced camping isn’t for you? You probably prefer staying in hotels. We review some of the best hotels. Here are our picks for Beverly Hills.
