The benefit of having an SUV is that you can go traveling in it to the places which you will not get to in other ways. And traveling around the US you can visit tons of beautiful nature reserves from coast to coast. Here we have collected a list of the best camping spots where you can spend a beautiful vacation with your family. From Alaska to Utah and Arizona, there is definitely something to see in each state: waterfalls, rock formations, barrier islands, clear springs, you name it. The campsites are different. Some are super modern with all the conveniences, the others are simple with just a place to pitch your tent and park your vehicle. You can spend a weekend at one of such places or go on a long vacation spending time fishing, mountain climbing, bird watching, or swimming. The activities you can enjoy are numerous. So, pack your vehicle, take your family and start a beautiful journey around the country.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Alaska can boast of some of the most beautiful scenery in the States. Denali National Park is six million acres of land. There are mountains and beautiful trails, and lots of wildlife to see. Among the most interesting sites is Mount McKinley – the tallest peak in North America. There are six big campgrounds, one of them – Riley Creek – works all year round. The other campgrounds are open from the middle of May to the middle of September when the weather and conditions of the roads allow it. If you prefer tent-only camping, you can find it at three of the campgrounds —Wonderlake, Igloo, and Sanctuary River.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
The park occupies 800 000 acres, and there are several campsites there. Jumbo Rocks Campground has a big boulder rock that protects the site from winds. Altogether, there are 124 campsites at this campground and an amphitheater where sometimes local musicians come to perform. This park is mostly visited from October to May. The Skull Rock Nature Trail is a popular hiking trail through the desert to the granite formation.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park has campgrounds that are located next to the ocean and some that are situated in the rain forest. There are campgrounds next to the lakes and rivers. There are 14 campgrounds in the park. Most of the sites are simple and are suitable for tent camping. The campgrounds differ in size. There are small ones which only have 9 campsites, and big ones with up to 170 campsites. The facilities differ by the campground.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park offers views of red rocks covered with snow, pine forests, desert wildflowers, and picturesque trails. The park has only one campground with 50 campsites – the Devils Garden. If you are into hiking, there is an awesome Delicate Arch Trail where you can take tons of beautiful pictures. The Broken Arch Trail starts at the campground. If you are physically prepared you can sign up for a guided hike Fiery Furnace that goes through areas reminding a labyrinth.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park boasts of beautiful mountains and alpine lakes. The park has 13 campgrounds with over 1000 campsites. If you are into hiking, there is something to choose from here – more than 700 miles of trails that go through forests, mountains, and meadows.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The climate in the Badlands National Park is rough but the beauty is breathtaking. There are numerous rock formations and between them, you will find prairies. The park occupies 224 000 acres. The Sage Creek campground is simple, with no running water. The Cedar Pass campground has amenities such as electricity and water. The Cedar Pass is perfect for families with kids and RV camping. Fires are not allowed but there are charcoal grills and camp stoves. There is an amphitheater where regular events take place.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is a great place for active rest. You can enjoy such activities as kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. There are numerous trails along the mountains, deserts, and rivers. There are three campgrounds at the park and one RV campground. The Rio Grande Village Campground is situated near the river and offers views of the Chisos Mountain Range. The Cottonwood Campground has many shade trees. The Chisos Basin Campground is surrounded by rocky cliffs.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Assateague Island National Seashore offers 37 miles of beaches for camping and sea activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, etc. If you want to go here you need to plan your trip in advance – up to 6 months. You can choose between the campsites on the bayside or the oceanside. The campground is open all year round. There are two herds of wild horses in the park.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive from Washington D.C. There are five campgrounds to choose from where you can spend a vacation in spring, summer, and fall. There are many hiking trails with views of beautiful forests and waterfalls. The central campground is the Big Meadows campground, it has many facilities and is very close to three waterfalls. The biggest campground is Loft Mountain. There are all kinds of facilities in the park, including laundry rooms, restrooms, and showers, etc.
Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York
The park offers 50 campsites, some are for tents only. It is surrounded by rocks and has lots of trails for hiking and biking. There are 26 walk-in campsites and 24 drive-in campsites. The camping season in the reserve is from the middle of May to the middle of November.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, and Maine
White Mountain National Forest is for those who enjoy rugged hikes. It is situated in the north of the Appalachian Valley. The campgrounds are different – some have all modern facilities, and some are pretty rough with full immersion into the wildlife. There are three sections in the park: the Saco District, the Pemigewasset District, and the Androscoggin District. In some areas of the park, campfires are allowed.