Top 10 Places to Go Camping in the US

Part 2 of my camping series is here!

Disclaimer: With the uncertainty of current times, some campgrounds and parks may be closed/running under restricted times, so be sure to check in with specific places you want to stay beforehand!

Today I bring you some of the best places to go camping. I have not been most of these places, but a lot are on my bucket list and I have heard such good things about, so I wanted to share with you! Pack your bag with items from last blog post (which was must haves for a camping trip- find it here!) and find your next destination down below!

1. Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Photo Creds: westallrealestate.com

This one is DEFINITELY on my bucket list. This lake sits between the Nevada and California border, and provides a picturesque view unlike no other. Not to mention the beautiful mountains in the background 😍 such a nice place to go camping!

There is a South Lake Tahoe side and a North Lake Tahoe side, so there are plenty of campground options available. Also, both sides offer options to suit both tastes: the “South” side offers more nightlife and action packed activities, while the “North” side offers a quieter community and smaller crowds.

Be sure you look into renting a clear kayak while you’re there, so you can not only kayak, but look down into the beautiful clear waters below while doing so.

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Everyone talks about how gorgeous this national park is, and for good reason too. It provides waterfalls, mountains, valleys, you name it. There are also trails to hike with different levels of difficulty to suit your taste. If you get the opportunity to camp here, definitely take it!

There are 13 campgrounds located within the park (although currently, it appears only Upper Pines at 50% capacity and Wawona Horse Campground are open). There are also campgrounds located outside of the park so check those out as well if you plan on camping soon or if Yosemite is booked up!

3. Acadia National Park, Maine

This picturesque national park has campgrounds along the coast, and gives off that classic “Midwest” vibe that is so gorgeous. There is an island you can visit that has 4 towns located on it: Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont. If visiting the island, you should check out the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (located in Tremont) and Carriage Road.

There are 4 campgrounds located here (Blackwoods-close to Bar Harbor, Seawall-close to Southwest Harbor, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor, which is located on Isle au Haut and is not accessible by automobile.) As of right now, it appears of of these campgrounds are closed for the 2020 season 😦 However, there are a few other campgrounds outside of Acadia National Park you can check out for camping!

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

I have been here multiple times throughout my life, and I have to say it’s gorgeous. It has something for everyone as well. Do you love nature? There are many trails, waterfalls, mountains (obviously) for you. Do you like to be more in the city and have things to do? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are “tourist” destinations close by that are jam packed with fun things to do. So even while camping and enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds you, you can also shop, play, dine out, and have FUN.

There are many campgrounds located here, including ones for groups of 8 or more, horse camping, and backcountry camping (hiking to get to your campsite; you need a reservation and permit beforehand!) There are also outside campgrounds as well located in the surrounding towns.

5. Wenatchee River, Washington

Photo Creds: westernrivers.org

This place, located in Washington, is not as well known but just as beautiful. Here, you can camp, fish, hike, kayak, and more, all with the mountain views in the background.

There are many campgrounds located here, and most of them that are located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are first come, first serve, so be sure to check beforehand!

6. Glacier National Park, Montana

Okay…have you SEEN the water?? It’s so picturesque. This is another that’s definitely on my bucket list.

There are 13 campgrounds available at Glacier National Park, and there are campgrounds located outside the park as well (however, all may not currently be open!)

If you go, hike along the Highline Trail (11.4 miles) and to the Iceberg Lake (9.6 miles), the latter which takes you to the blue waters of the lake filled with (you guessed it) icebergs. Also, check out the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that showcases amazing scenery and wildlife, and Lake McDonald, which has the PRETTIEST colored pebbles at the bottom.

7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California

Photo Creds: ibtimes.com and Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

*immediately adds to bucket list after seeing pictures*

This place looks so cool. I’ve heard of it before, but have only recently seen pictures and I immediately knew it needed to be on the list. It houses the world’s largest trees, and also has some pretty awesome mountains, creeks, caverns, and views.

14 campgrounds are located within the park, however current closures may be in place for some of these campgrounds. Additionally, there are campgrounds you can find outside of the national park that may be currently open as well.

8. Zion National Park, Utah

This national park provides amazing red rock formations and arches, canyons, waterfalls, and some unique wildlife (including mountain lions and desert bighorn sheep).

There are 3 campgrounds in Zion National Park, 2 of which are currently open as of the time of this post (South Campground and Watchman Campground). Of course, there are probably campgrounds you can find outside of the park that are within pretty close range.

9. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Photo Creds: visitpottertioga.com

This place is PERFECT for all the stargazers (like myself). It is supposedly one of the best places to see the stars (given that it is a fairly clear night). Pretty cool, right?

There seems to be only one campground on the park’s property, with 30 campsites available. However, it is important to note that pets are not permitted on the campground.

10. Salt Pond Beach Park, Hawaii

Located in Kaua’i, this spot is located along beautiful crystal blue waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling in, or just laying out if that’s more your style.

There is one campground here, in which you will need to buy a camping permit for along with the nightly fee. However, as of right now, it appears that this campground and others around Kaua’i are closed. (be sure to check back!)

I hope this post has helped you find some great destinations to go camping. Of course, this is just 10 out of the thousands of beautiful campgrounds out there to explore (in the US and otherwise)! So if you would like for me to do another post of places to go camping, let me know in the comments below!

Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram here and my Pinterest here 🙂

Published by Cheyenne

travel and lifestyle blogger from Kentucky

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