17 Best Summer Camping Destinations in the United States

Summer is the perfect time to explore the outdoors and enjoy camping under the stars. The United States offers a wide variety of camping spots, each with its own unique features. From mountain ranges to desert landscapes, there is something for every nature lover. Many of these destinations provide easy access and well-maintained facilities. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your camping experience this summer.

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Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California and covers over 1,100 square miles. It offers numerous camping areas suitable for tents and RVs. Visitors can reach Yosemite by car via Highway 140 or Highway 120, with shuttle services available within the park. Nearby attractions include Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, with entrance fees around $35 per vehicle.

The park features stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves. Campsites fill quickly in summer, so reservations are recommended well in advance. Amenities vary by campsite but generally include restrooms and water sources. Yosemite provides a classic outdoor experience for all ages.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park spans over one million acres in northern Montana, offering vast wilderness for camping. Campgrounds like Many Glacier and Apgar Lakeside provide scenic spots by lakes and forests. The park is accessible by car, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking views. Admission costs around $35 per vehicle for seven days.

Campers can explore hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife watching. Glacier’s rugged terrain and alpine meadows are a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Facilities vary, with some campgrounds offering showers and others more primitive. The park is ideal for visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee or North Carolina

This park covers over 500,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is the most visited national park in the U.S. It has multiple campgrounds accommodating tents and RVs, such as Cades Cove and Elkmont. Access by car is straightforward via several highways, with shuttle options for certain areas. There is no admission fee to enter the park.

The Smokies are known for mist-covered mountains, diverse wildlife, and historic buildings. Hiking, fishing, and scenic drives are popular activities near campgrounds. Reservations are recommended for peak summer months. The park offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural history.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s rugged coast, covering about 49,000 acres. It offers campgrounds like Blackwoods and Seawall, both near scenic ocean views. Visitors typically arrive by car or ferry from nearby towns. Entrance fees are around $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Campers can enjoy coastal trails, rocky beaches, and mountain summits. The park has limited but well-maintained facilities in campgrounds. Nearby towns offer dining and shopping options. Acadia combines forest, mountain, and ocean experiences in one destination.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Spanning over 415 square miles in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park has several campgrounds such as Moraine Park and Glacier Basin. The park is accessible by car from Estes Park or Grand Lake. Entrance fees are about $35 per vehicle for a week. Nearby attractions include Trail Ridge Road and alpine lakes.

Campgrounds offer stunning mountain views and opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. Sites range from basic to those with electrical hookups. Reservations are advised during summer due to high demand. The park provides cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree covers about 800,000 acres in Southern California’s desert landscape. Popular campgrounds include Jumbo Rocks, Ryan and Hidden Valley, which cater mostly to tent camping. The park is reachable by car, with nearby airports in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. Entrance costs $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.

The park is famous for its unique Joshua trees and rock formations. Stargazing and rock climbing are favorite activities among campers. Campgrounds offer basic facilities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Summer nights can be warm but desert days are hot.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains and covers around 200,000 acres. Campgrounds like Big Meadows provide spaces for tents and RVs. Access is mainly by car via Skyline Drive, which offers scenic overlooks. Entrance fees are approximately $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Shenandoah is popular for hiking trails, waterfalls, and fall foliage. The park has developed campgrounds with showers and water. Nearby towns offer restaurants and shops. The mountain air and peaceful setting make it ideal for summer camping.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park covers nearly one million acres with diverse ecosystems from coastlines to rainforests. Popular camping spots include Hoh Rain Forest and Kalaloch Beach. The park is accessible by car and ferry, with Seattle as the nearest major city. Entrance fees are about $30 per vehicle for a week.

Campers can experience beaches, mountains, and lush forests all in one place. Facilities vary from primitive to more developed campgrounds. Nearby towns provide additional services and supplies. Olympic offers a rich outdoor experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend covers over 800,000 acres along the Rio Grande in southwest Texas. Campgrounds like Rio Grande Village offer desert and river views. Access is by car, with the nearest airports several hours away. Entrance fees are around $30 per vehicle for seven days.

The park features canyons, hot springs, and desert wildlife. Campers should be prepared for hot summer temperatures and limited shade. Facilities include basic restrooms and water stations. Big Bend provides solitude and rugged beauty.

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Glacier Bay is a vast wilderness area covering over three million acres in Alaska. Campers can stay in backcountry sites accessible by boat or kayak. The nearest town is Gustavus, reachable by plane or ferry. Entrance fees are around $15 per person per day.

The park features glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. Camping here offers a remote and pristine experience. Facilities are minimal, requiring preparation for wilderness conditions. Glacier Bay is perfect for adventurous campers.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park covers over 236,000 acres in Washington state. Popular campgrounds include Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh. The park is accessible by car from Seattle and Tacoma. Entrance fees are about $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Campers enjoy mountain views, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails. Facilities vary from basic to full-service campgrounds. The park offers cooler temperatures in summer. Mount Rainier is ideal for nature lovers and hikers.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park covers over 1.5 million acres of wetlands in southern Florida. Campgrounds like Long Pine Key are accessible by car from Miami. The park entrance fee is approximately $30 per vehicle for seven days. Nearby attractions include boat tours and wildlife viewing.

Campers experience unique ecosystems with alligators, birds, and mangroves. Facilities are basic, encouraging visitors to prepare accordingly. The warm climate makes it a year-round destination. Everglades offers a different kind of camping adventure.

Death Valley National Park, California or Nevada

Death Valley spans over 3 million acres across the California and Nevada deserts. Popular campgrounds include Furnace Creek and Mesquite Spring. The park is accessible by car, with Las Vegas and Los Angeles as nearby cities. Entrance fees are about $30 per vehicle for a week.

Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley offers striking landscapes and starry skies. Summer temperatures can be extreme, so campers must prepare carefully. Facilities include basic amenities and shaded areas. The park is a unique destination for experienced campers.

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches covers over 76,000 acres known for its natural sandstone arches. The Devils Garden Campground provides camping near famous rock formations. The park is reachable by car via Moab, Utah. Entrance costs about $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Campers can explore hiking trails and breathtaking views. Facilities include restrooms and water, but no hookups. Summer can be hot, so early morning hikes are best. Arches offers a stunning desert experience.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands covers over 244,000 acres of rugged terrain in South Dakota. The Cedar Pass Campground offers tent and RV sites. The park is accessible by car from Rapid City. Entrance fees are about $25 per vehicle for seven days.

The park features dramatic rock formations and rich fossil beds. Campgrounds provide basic amenities and shaded areas. Wildlife such as bison and prairie dogs are common sights. Badlands is perfect for nature and history enthusiasts.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin is a lesser-known park covering over 77,000 acres in eastern Nevada. Wheeler Peak Campground offers sites near alpine forests. The park is reachable by car, with Ely as the nearest town. Entrance fees are about $15 per vehicle for seven days.

Visitors enjoy starry skies, caves, and mountain hikes. The campground has basic facilities including restrooms and water. Summer days are warm, with cool nights. Great Basin is a quiet retreat for nature lovers.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale is a remote island park in Lake Superior, Michigan, covering over 200,000 acres. Camping requires a boat or ferry ride from Michigan or Minnesota. Entrance fees are around $7 per person. The island offers backcountry camping with a few developed sites.

Campers experience wilderness lakes, forests, and wildlife like wolves and moose. Facilities are minimal, requiring preparation and permits. The park is open mostly from late spring to early fall. Isle Royale is perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Exploring top summer camping spots across the United States offers a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Each location provides unique scenery and activities that appeal to campers of all levels. Planning your trip carefully ensures a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Keep in mind that admission fees may vary depending on the park and season.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.