On a camping trip, nature lovers can enjoy the fresh air, stunning mountains, and crystal-clear lakes and streams. These are some of the best places for camping in the US, from serene beaches in Florida to majestic mountains in Alaska to picturesque woodlands in Maine.
Choosing the best camping in the United States can be challenging given the varied - not to mention enormous - landscape that makes up this nation. Every state has a wealth of natural treasures worth arranging an overnight trip.
There are a lot of options, as we all know. We've whittled the list down to the top 10 camping spots in America, hoping you'll be motivated to visit one of your preferred camping locations. Furthermore, it is suggested that you take a Jackery Solar Generator during your camping trip to charge all your electric essentials with solar energy.
Top 10 Places to Camp in The US
One of the most distinctly American activities is camping. Although it may not have originated in the colonies, wide-open spaces, the expansive prairie ranges, different temperatures, and fantastic wildlife have turned many regions of the United States into popular tourist destinations.
There is no shortage of fantastic US campsites if you're an outdoor enthusiast who wants to set up a tent and sleep beneath the stars, from a waterfall paradise in New York to the red rock mesas in Nevada's Valley of Fire. One of the top ten camping sites in the US will be ideal for you, whether you enjoy setting up a tent, swinging in a hammock, or relaxing on a bedroll.
1. Denali National Park | Alaska
Location: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
Phone: 907-683-9532
Website: Denali National Park
When to Visit: May to September
Best Campsites: Riley Creek Campground
Alaska's Denali National Park is the wildest, roughest, and most breathtakingly beautiful region on Earth. Six million acres of untamed land make up Denali, divided by a single road ribbon. The relatively low-elevation taiga woodland gives way to high alpine tundra, snowy mountains, and North America's tallest peak as one travels along it.
This remote tent-only campground is located beside a lake in the expansive Alaskan tundra, surrounded by red dwarf birch plants, and is reachable by a shuttle bus. Many people see Denali as an opportunity to escape into the wilderness and see real Alaska.
Backpackers can hike and camp in a section of nature all to themselves in Denali thanks to the tight regulations and permits, even if it's just for a few days. Since there are few approved hiking paths in the park, backcountry hiking over wide-open areas like gravel riverbeds and tundra ridges is the primary method of foot exploration.
"Denali is amazing at the height of Fall. The colors are stunning but only last a couple of weeks. I went at the end of August, and the colors were vivid. I also saw caribou and a grizzly bear."
2. Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado
Location: 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970-586-1206
Website: Rocky Mountain National Park
When to Visit: November to April
Best Campsites: Moraine Park Campground, Longs Peak, Aspenglen Campground
The breathtaking mountains are within Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles. There is something for everyone to discover, from meadows in the montane living zone to shimmering alpine lakes and towering mountain summits.
With its 415 square miles of dramatic scenery, tall, craggy mountains, beautiful lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant animals, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our country's most spectacular national parks.
You can take tranquil strolls, thrilling treks, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, picturesque drives, horseback rides, rock climbing, photography, backpacking, and much more while you're here. You might also encounter some of the park's inhabitants, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, pikas, and other wild animals.
There is no better way to experience pure wildness than by camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fortunately, there are numerous options for how to spend the night in these beautiful places, including backcountry campsites, tent villages, and a few RV sites, so no matter how you want to camp, you can still feel at home with nature.
"We don't usually travel to the same place more than once as this is a big world. However, we enjoyed our first visit to RMNP so much that we decided to return a second time. The park is breathtaking!"
3. Bahia Honda State Park | Florida
Location: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Phone: 305-872-2353
Website: Bahia Honda State Park
When to Visit: March to May, December
Best Campsites: Buttonwood Campground, Sandspur Campground, Bayside Campground
The uninhabited island of Bahia Honda Key became a popular tourist destination thanks to Henry Flagler's audacious plan to construct a train to Key West in the early 1900s. The Bahia Honda Park is renowned for the mild sea breezes that caress the coasts year-round and its iconic Florida beauty, including palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
Bahia Honda State Park, located at mile marker 37 in the Florida Keys and with an award-winning beach and historic bridge, has grown to be a popular spot for visitors to our island paradise.
Shorebirds and wading birds can be seen in great numbers at Bahia Honda. On the island's ocean side, there are shallow sand flats where birds can feed and rest during low tide. Because boaters may access the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, boating is quite popular in Bahia Honda.
There are primarily three campgrounds, and each can hold a range of camping equipment, from big RVs to little tents. Gravel sites with electricity, water, grills, and picnic tables are available.
"Great beaches and park. This place is wonderful. The water was refreshing; the beaches were perfect. Clean bathroom facilities. We liked the Sandspur beach the best."
4. Long Key State Park | Georgia
Location: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Phone: 706-657-4050
Website: Cloudland Canyon State Park
When to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
Best Campsites: Cloudland Canyon Park Campground, West Rim Campground
One of the state's biggest and most beautiful parks is Cloudland Canyon, situated on the western slope of Lookout Mountain. The park offers many outdoor activities due to its sandstone cliffs, thousand-foot-deep canyons, wild caverns, waterfalls, cascading creeks, lush forests, and plentiful wildlife.
The park's height ranges from 800 to 1,980 feet, and it is situated on each side of a wide gorge that Sitton Gulch Creek carved into the mountain. You may see the most breathtaking view into the canyon near the picnic area parking lot.
The recently constructed Five Points Recreation Area and the Cloudland Connector Trail offer mountain riding opportunities. Also, the park provides picnic areas, horseback riding routes, fishing ponds, disc golf, and viewpoints. The walk-in campsites offer great solitude for tents, while the cottages are close to the canyon's edge. The breathtaking environment in this park is a must-see for nature lovers.
"This is an amazing place to visit. The views are simply stunning. The trails are well-signposted and easy to follow. We did the west rim trail, which was 5 miles and moderately challenging."
5. Wai’anapanapa State Park | Hawaii
Location: Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713
Phone: 808-248-4843
Website: Wai'anapanapa State Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Maui-X Campground
Its name, Wai'napanapa, translates to "glistening seas," Paola is known for its famed black sand beach and breathtaking coastal views. On land, the green jungle's hills and valleys give way to a striking, rough coastline made of black basalt lava. The white cresting waves and the deep blue ocean out at sea are violently blasted into spray and mist as they crash on the sharp rocks.
Some of the most impressive vistas you'll ever see are at Waianapanapa State Park, situated off Hana Highway at the end of Waianapanapa Road. You can encounter a black sand beach next to the ocean because it is one of Maui's volcanic-sand beaches.
The breathtaking environment includes hiking trails, strolls, a blowhole, ocean caves, sea arches, islets, cliff diving, and more. Unquestionably, one of the top campgrounds in Maui is Wai'anapanapa. We strongly advise an overnight adventure because it offers excellent swimming, hiking paths, and breathtaking morning views.
"We go for the lava tube and the cliffs. The lava tube has a low entrance, but you can stand up once inside. It's short but ends at the ocean entrance where you can watch the small waves roll in."
6. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area | Illinois
Location: Herod, IL 62947
Phone: 618-658-2111
Website: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
When to Visit: April to October
Best Campsites: Pharaoh Campground
The Garden of the Gods Wilderness is protected as a wilderness area in the US. Sandstone cliffs and rock formations from millions of years ago can be found in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
Today, a lush forest and picturesque surroundings surround the unusual constructions. The quarter-mile observation route allows access to particular areas and panoramic views of the neighboring Garden of the Gods Wilderness.
You can picnic, hike, camp, and observe wildlife in the recreation area. The geological past is explained by interpretive signage. It takes roughly an hour to traverse the natural sandstone 1/4-mile trail.
There are several opportunities to locate rock formations and give them unique names independently. Additionally, several breathtaking vistas provide a good view of the Shawnee and the surrounding environment.
"This place is spectacular if you want a nice hike with beautiful scenic views. As I remember, our trail was mostly paved and easy to navigate."
7. Natural Bridge State Park | Kentucky
Location: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Phone: 540-291-1326
Website: Natural Bridge State Park
When to Visit: Early May to September
Best Campsites: Middle Fork Campground
Cedar Creek chiseled a valley in the limestone that is the 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge. The park is more than simply the bridge; lovely woodlands and rolling meadows highlight the region's karst environment, and views of the nearby mountains and the James River valley reflect the beauty of nature.
The Monacan Village is a history demonstrating how Aboriginal people lived in 1699. It is usually open from April 1 until the Thanksgiving holiday. Observe reenactors preparing meals, tanning skins, erecting buildings, weaving fishing nets and baskets, cooking, gardening, and creating pottery.
A brand-new Children's Discovery Play Trail offers engaging entertainment to inspire even more wows. A half-mile hike leads to a vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains and pollinated fields. An international dark sky park is Natural Bridge, State Park. Many visitors from urban areas need the opportunity to see the night sky.
"This was my first visit here, and the majestic nature of the bridge blew me away. Nature is truly awesome and awe-inspiring. We did the one-mile hike to the waterfall after the bridge, which was beautiful."
8. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Michigan
Location: P.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 49862
Phone: 906-387-3700
Website: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
When to Visit: Late Spring to Mid-Autumn
Best Campsites: Chapel Beach Campground, Pictured Rocks RV Park
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore entices visitors with its sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, dunes, inland lakes, dense woodland, and wild shoreline. Lake Superior's power impacts every park's ecosystem, which also influences the park's coastal characteristics, resulting in a unique environment.
One of Pictured Rocks Park's most incredible vistas may be at Grand Portal Point. Suppose you opt to sail past Grand Portal leisurely and the point it makes along the lakeshore. In that case, you will feel startlingly small because of the abundance of tunnels, unusual formations, a suspended archway, and a large rock wall.
There are several choices for backcountry camping if you're feeling daring. Park camping is a simple affair - a regular campground at Pictured Rocks with an upper and lower portion. The distance from your campground to the coast of Lake Superior can be as little as a minute in the lower area.
"The Pictured Rocks Cliff area was a great spot. Easy walk to the high overlook and downhill with steps to the lower overlook. Both were easy walks. Highly recommend."
9. Great Basin National Park | Nevada
Location: 100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV 89311
Phone: 775-234-7331
Website: Great Basin National Park
When to Visit: Summer
Best Campsites: Wheeler Peak Campground
Great Basin National Park contains a taste of the enormous diversity of the larger Great Basin region, ranging from the 13,063-foot top of Wheeler Peak to the sage-covered foothills.
There are many other things besides the desert. Nevada is known for its numerous breathtaking vistas, but Great Basin National Park demonstrates the Silver State's geographic diversity all in one location. The state's lone remnant glacier, cascading mountain streams, alpine lakes, and the ancient bristlecone pine can all be found on some of the tallest peaks in Great Basin National Park.
You can do several outdoor activities in the Great Basin besides camping and hiking, including horseback riding, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Scenic Drive is a proper name for the most popular driving route in Great Basin National Park. Beginning in Baker, Nevada, Scenic Drive ascends 4,000 feet and travels through so many different habitats that the 12-mile journey's elevation change is comparable to driving from Nevada to the Yukon.
"Love this not-crowded national park! Lehman Caves were awesome. Hike to the bristlecone pine trees was challenging but worth it. Wheeler scenic drive was very nice."
10. Adirondack Mountains | New York
Location: 1002 Adirondack Loj Road Lake Placid, NY 12946
Phone: 518-523-3441
Website: Adirondack Mountains
When to Visit: May to August
Best Campsites: Lake George Campground, Park Mountain Campground
Northeastern New York's Adirondack Mountains are a massif whose borders closely match Adirondack Park's. Within a half-drive day of New York City lie the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York State.
The Adirondacks, which cover an area of more than 2.4 million hectares, offer mountains for trekking, lakes for boating, and countless chances for adventure in the state's vast wilderness. Visit towns and villages that have played a significant role in the history of New York State.
The Adirondack region in northeastern New York provides camping to reconnect with nature while staying relatively close to civilization. Refresh your senses by taking in the calming sounds in the woods, the crackle of a campfire, or the trilling call of loons. Going camping is the best way to unwind after climbing one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.
"The Adirondacks have gone to great lengths to keep a natural, quaint atmosphere everywhere you look. No strip malls or conglomerate hotels - just beautiful lakes, forests & rivers with raging rapids."
Camping in US Essentials
One of the most distinctly American activities is camping. Nothing compares to going camping. You do need a few things, though, to have fun!
For more details, see this list of camping must-haves guides. Camping is available in the US at county, city, state parks, national parks, state forests, state recreation areas, and private campgrounds. You should, therefore, be ready for camping in the US initially.
- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood
- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator 500
- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food
- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves
- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel
- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops
A portable solar generator is necessary to pack when camping in the US. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. Learn more about the Jackery Solar Generator in the following section.
Jackery Solar Generators for Camping in The US
You can try the Jackery Solar Generator to charge your electronics for hours or days while camping or away from the power grid. The portable generator is about the size and weight of a small toaster and gives off a stable stream of electricity without the noise or exhaust of a gas-powered generator.
Jackery Solar Generators use a pure sine wave inverter and an innovative BMS system to protect charging devices in 12 ways. Because they're 30% lighter than comparable products with the same capacity, they're great for camping in the US.
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
Jackery introduces a compact and lightweight Solar Generator 300 Plus that easily fits into a backpack. Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a powerful and convenient solution that combines the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station and the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels.
With a weight of only 11 lbs, it is an ideal power solution for those seeking off-grid options. This essential power companion boasts a cutting-edge dual PD 100W design, ensuring lightning-fast charging for your appliances and meeting the demands of our fast-paced modern world.
The Solar Generator 300 Plus is a must-have for any adventurer, offering unrivaled portability and a lightweight design. Whether camping, hiking, or enjoying the great outdoors, the solar generator is the perfect companion for your small devices. It covers everything, from smartphones and laptops to lights and cameras.
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus can easily be recharged using the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels, taking just 9.5 hours to charge fully. It also offers the convenience of recharging through an AC outlet (2 hours), a carport (5.5 hours), and USB charging (2.8 hours). That's why you can rest assured that you won't run out of electricity during your camping trip, even without sunlight.
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Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus |
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Image |
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Capacity |
288Wh |
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Life Cycle |
3000 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
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Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
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Recharging Methods |
Explorer 300 Plus + SolarSaga 40W: 9.5H; AC Adapter: 2H; Car Adapter: 5.5H; USB Charging: 2.8H |
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Output Ports |
1*AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 300W (600W Peak); 1*USB-A Output: 15W Max 5V⎓3A; 1*USB-C Output: 15W Max 5V⎓3A; 100W Max, 2*USB-C Output: 5V⎓3A (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Car Port: 12V⎓10A |
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Input Ports |
1*AC Input: 100V, 60Hz, 15A Max; 1*DC Input: 12-27V⎓5A, 100W Max |
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Working Hours |
Mini Fridge (350W): 0.7H; Tablet (30W): 7.7H; Phone (10W): 23H; Portable Speaker (60W): 3.8H; Camera (150W): 1.5H; Drone (90W): 2.6H; Portable Fan(40W): 5.8H; Projector(300W): 0.8H |
Jackery Solar Generator 500
The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a highly portable lithium rechargeable battery generator perfect for charging home and outdoor appliances. This package includes the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station and the SolarSaga 100W solar panels, allowing you to harness the sun's power and convert it into electricity.
An ideal battery backup for outdoor camping should be lightweight, compact, and convenient to transport. With its built-in handle and compact design, the Jackery Explorer 500 is ideal for campers. The screen intuitively shows the power input, output, and the state of charge. With multiple charging ports, you can quickly charge different devices simultaneously.
Compared to the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, it boasts a higher capacity of 518Wh, allowing for prolonged power supply to various appliances. Using the Explorer 500, you can charge a 60W portable speaker for 7.4 hours, while the Explorer 300 Plus can only charge it for 3.8 hours.
Introducing the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel - harness the sunlight and convert it into clean, renewable energy with this high-quality monocrystalline solar panel. With a fantastic solar conversion efficiency of 24.3%, it is ideal for camping or other outdoor activities. The ETFE-laminated case significantly increases the durability of the solar panel.
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Jackery Solar Generator 500 |
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Capacity |
518Wh |
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Life Cycle |
500 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
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Battery Cell |
NMC |
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Recharging Methods |
Explorer 500 + SolarSaga 100W: 9.5H; AC Adapter: 7.5H; 12V Car Adapter: 7.5H |
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Output Ports |
1*AC Output: 110V, 60Hz, 500W (1000W Peak); 2*DC Output: 12V⎓7A; 3*USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A; 1*Car Port: 12V⎓10A |
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Input Ports |
1*DC Input: 24V⎓3.75A |
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Working Hours |
Mini Fridge (350W): 1.3H; Tablet (30W): 14.7H; Phone (10W): 44H; Portable Speaker (60W): 7.4H; Camera (150W): 2.9H; Drone (90W): 4.9H; Portable Fan(40W): 11H; Projector(300W): 1.5H |
Camping in US Tips
If you've ever thought about camping at one of the well-known national parks in the US, the procedure could seem tricky. In-park camping is available at many national parks, although the spaces that require reservations are frequently taken months or even a year in advance. Others must consider additional rules, such as that camping is only permitted during specific months of the year.
- If possible, reserve your space in advance—even a few months. The best campground nearest to your point of interest will have space available for you. The reservation may be canceled, just in case.
- Campgrounds are frequently found in convenient yet distant areas of National Parks. You should not be startled if your phone loses signal. These are typically excellent locations to observe the night sky or the next lunar eclipse.
- Most campgrounds are conveniently accessible by automobile. Most of them are challenging to reach by public transportation. Compare rental vehicle pricing for your trip if you still need to reserve one.
Final Thoughts
Camping is a fantastic, rejuvenating way to spend those vacation days in the US, whether pitching a tent in the far-off woods or glamping closer to civilization. Camping is available in many locations around the US for those who like the great outdoors. Camping is a pleasant way to enjoy nature and get away for a time, but choosing a location may be challenging. The post recommends the best camping in the US, camping in the US essentials, and camping tips.
A portable generator can enable you to live more comfortably outside while camping. The Jackery portable solar generator converts solar energy into electrical power and stores it for later use. As a backup power source in case your electricity goes out for RVs and campers. A solar generator offers a dependable and eco-friendly power supply for camping.
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