The Best Places to Camp in the USA in 2019
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Spencer sher
For this list, we're looking at national parks, preserves and forests across the United States that offer the perfect combination of beauty, adventure and tranquility for your camping trips in 2019.
The Best Places to Camp in the USA in 2019
Don’t forget the marshmallows! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for The Best Places to Camp in the USA in 2019
For this list, we’re looking at national parks, preserves and forests across the United States that offer the perfect combination of beauty, adventure and tranquility for your camping trips in 2019.
#10: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Home to nine different campgrounds - many of which charge just $15 a night - Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors stunning views, and a pleasant climate, for a price that won’t break the bank. Seeing as how you’ll be camping in a desert, the best time to visit is between October and May; and you’d be wise to make a reservation, because spots fill up quick. However, in the summer months, when things are a little quieter, the campgrounds operate on a first come, first serve basis. Encompassing parts of two separate deserts – the Colorado and the Mojave – Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its massive boulders, scenic mountain peaks and of course, the trees that give the park its name.
#9: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
If you’re looking for a wide range of camping options, unadulterated natural beauty and wildlife of all shapes and sizes, then Yellowstone National Park should be on your camping bucket list. With iconic landmarks like the Old Faithful Geyser and the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this national park is guaranteed to make your jaw drop. Nightly fees range from $15 to $31 and most sites operate on a first come first serve basis. However, with more than 2000 sites spread across 12 campgrounds, you won’t have a hard time finding a place to stay. There’s a 6-person limit per site, so if you’re travelling in numbers, be sure to call ahead to reserve a group site.
#8: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire/Maine
More than 800 campsites dot the roughly 800,000 acres that make up the White Mountain National Forest, located in the Northeastern United States. Open year round, the park is criss-crossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ensuring that campers will never have to walk past the same tree twice. For those looking to get even further off the beaten trail, there are plenty of backcountry campsites and cabins to choose from. The park is also a fantastic place for rock climbing, fishing and hunting. Home to a portion of the world-renowned Appalachian Trail, not to mention some of the highest peaks in the region, the White Mountain National Forest is ideally suited to play host to outdoorsmen (and women) of all sorts!
#7: Big Bend National Park, Texas
The lone star state may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of camping. However, Big Bend National Park’s diverse landscape offers visitors a wide range of camping options, many of which allow for total immersion in the environment. The park has officially sanctioned campgrounds to choose from, but if you’re looking to truly get away from it all, we recommend getting a backcountry camping permit. The permit costs $12 and allows you to pitch a tent just about anywhere, making it the ideal option for backpackers, nomads and anyone else looking for solitude under the stars. With its vast swathes of land, not to mention the presence of the mighty Rio Grande, you’ll be happy you paid Big Bend a visit.
#6: Olympic National Park, Washington
Split into four diverse regions boasting three ecosystems teeming with all sorts of picturesque flora and fauna, Olympic National Park is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest in 2019. Set up camp along the coast and do a little sunset whale watching or find a quiet nook in and marvel at the Quinault Rain Forest. There are hundreds of sites to choose from, with costs ranging from $15 to $22 per night. The park is quite large (922,650 acres in all), and you’ll want to make the most of your time there, so be sure to rent a kayak or join a guided tour to ensure you see it all.
#5: Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Alaska…for camping? Oh, yes! Not only is Denali National Park one of America’s most scenic, it’s also one of its oldest and largest, and is the home of the highest peak in all of North America. Established in 1917, the park is spread across a mind boggling six million acres, all but guaranteeing that you’ll be able to find a secluded piece of land on which to set up the ultimate camp site. Camping costs fluctuate between $12 and $27 per night. For our money, your best bet is to make a reservation at Savage River Campground, one of the park’s most beautiful and fire-friendly spots. While the weather may deter some campers, it’s worth enduring for Denali’s spectacular natural beauty.
#4: Acadia National Park, Maine
A yearly staple on ‘Best Places to Camp in America’ lists, Acadia National Park can be found on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. With its rugged beauty, plethora of hiking trails and numerous mountains, rivers and lakes to explore, the park is perfect for adventurous campers in search of something a little different. There are private campgrounds, larger group sites for up to 14 people, as well as island campgrounds that are only accessible by boat. While it’s possible to hike the entirety of Acadia National Park, camping is restricted to certain areas, so find out in advance where the best places to stay are. Finally, some sites are open year-round, so if winter camping is your thing, you’re in luck!
#3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now the most popular national park in America. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park truly comes alive in the summer, when the more than 1500 species of flowers, trees and shrubs are in full bloom. However, if you’re planning on camping, you’d be wise to come in the Spring or Fall, as it gets extremely busy in the summertime. There’s no entrance fee but it’ll cost you between $17.50 and $25 to stay at one of the park’s 10 developed campgrounds. Home to a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the park is a hiker’s dream, with 850 miles of trails and roads throughout. Popular yes, but for very good reason!
#2: Zion National Park, Utah
Utah is renowned for its rugged beauty, arid deserts and otherworldly views, all of which can be found in Zion National Park. While Arches National Park to the northeast is equally impressive, Zion takes the cake thanks to the sheer number of things you can see and do while camping there. Spots fill up quick, so you’d be wise to get there in the morning. While it’s not uncommon to find free places to pitch your tent, be prepared to pay between $10 and $25 for a site. From sandstone cliffs that will take your breath away, to the overwhelming stunning Zion Canyon, this national park requires multiple days to be properly experienced and enjoyed. Thankfully, a seven-day entrance fee will only set you back $30.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
#1: Yosemite National Park, California
From Half-Dome and El Capitan to the Yosemite Valley and Bridalveil Fall, this iconic national park is jam-packed with sites guaranteed to leave you awestruck. While it’s possible to camp without a reservation, your best bet is to call ahead, especially if you’re planning on camping in the summer. Sites can be booked for as little as $6 a night, while a seven-day park pass will set you back $30 per vehicle. The park has 13 campgrounds to choose from and backcountry camping is free, provided you have the right paperwork. Established in 1890, Yosemite National Park remains a bucket list attraction for rock climbers, hikers and campers the world over.
Don’t forget the marshmallows! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for The Best Places to Camp in the USA in 2019
For this list, we’re looking at national parks, preserves and forests across the United States that offer the perfect combination of beauty, adventure and tranquility for your camping trips in 2019.
#10: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Home to nine different campgrounds - many of which charge just $15 a night - Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors stunning views, and a pleasant climate, for a price that won’t break the bank. Seeing as how you’ll be camping in a desert, the best time to visit is between October and May; and you’d be wise to make a reservation, because spots fill up quick. However, in the summer months, when things are a little quieter, the campgrounds operate on a first come, first serve basis. Encompassing parts of two separate deserts – the Colorado and the Mojave – Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its massive boulders, scenic mountain peaks and of course, the trees that give the park its name.
#9: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
If you’re looking for a wide range of camping options, unadulterated natural beauty and wildlife of all shapes and sizes, then Yellowstone National Park should be on your camping bucket list. With iconic landmarks like the Old Faithful Geyser and the mighty Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this national park is guaranteed to make your jaw drop. Nightly fees range from $15 to $31 and most sites operate on a first come first serve basis. However, with more than 2000 sites spread across 12 campgrounds, you won’t have a hard time finding a place to stay. There’s a 6-person limit per site, so if you’re travelling in numbers, be sure to call ahead to reserve a group site.
#8: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire/Maine
More than 800 campsites dot the roughly 800,000 acres that make up the White Mountain National Forest, located in the Northeastern United States. Open year round, the park is criss-crossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ensuring that campers will never have to walk past the same tree twice. For those looking to get even further off the beaten trail, there are plenty of backcountry campsites and cabins to choose from. The park is also a fantastic place for rock climbing, fishing and hunting. Home to a portion of the world-renowned Appalachian Trail, not to mention some of the highest peaks in the region, the White Mountain National Forest is ideally suited to play host to outdoorsmen (and women) of all sorts!
#7: Big Bend National Park, Texas
The lone star state may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of camping. However, Big Bend National Park’s diverse landscape offers visitors a wide range of camping options, many of which allow for total immersion in the environment. The park has officially sanctioned campgrounds to choose from, but if you’re looking to truly get away from it all, we recommend getting a backcountry camping permit. The permit costs $12 and allows you to pitch a tent just about anywhere, making it the ideal option for backpackers, nomads and anyone else looking for solitude under the stars. With its vast swathes of land, not to mention the presence of the mighty Rio Grande, you’ll be happy you paid Big Bend a visit.
#6: Olympic National Park, Washington
Split into four diverse regions boasting three ecosystems teeming with all sorts of picturesque flora and fauna, Olympic National Park is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest in 2019. Set up camp along the coast and do a little sunset whale watching or find a quiet nook in and marvel at the Quinault Rain Forest. There are hundreds of sites to choose from, with costs ranging from $15 to $22 per night. The park is quite large (922,650 acres in all), and you’ll want to make the most of your time there, so be sure to rent a kayak or join a guided tour to ensure you see it all.
#5: Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Alaska…for camping? Oh, yes! Not only is Denali National Park one of America’s most scenic, it’s also one of its oldest and largest, and is the home of the highest peak in all of North America. Established in 1917, the park is spread across a mind boggling six million acres, all but guaranteeing that you’ll be able to find a secluded piece of land on which to set up the ultimate camp site. Camping costs fluctuate between $12 and $27 per night. For our money, your best bet is to make a reservation at Savage River Campground, one of the park’s most beautiful and fire-friendly spots. While the weather may deter some campers, it’s worth enduring for Denali’s spectacular natural beauty.
#4: Acadia National Park, Maine
A yearly staple on ‘Best Places to Camp in America’ lists, Acadia National Park can be found on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. With its rugged beauty, plethora of hiking trails and numerous mountains, rivers and lakes to explore, the park is perfect for adventurous campers in search of something a little different. There are private campgrounds, larger group sites for up to 14 people, as well as island campgrounds that are only accessible by boat. While it’s possible to hike the entirety of Acadia National Park, camping is restricted to certain areas, so find out in advance where the best places to stay are. Finally, some sites are open year-round, so if winter camping is your thing, you’re in luck!
#3: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now the most popular national park in America. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park truly comes alive in the summer, when the more than 1500 species of flowers, trees and shrubs are in full bloom. However, if you’re planning on camping, you’d be wise to come in the Spring or Fall, as it gets extremely busy in the summertime. There’s no entrance fee but it’ll cost you between $17.50 and $25 to stay at one of the park’s 10 developed campgrounds. Home to a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the park is a hiker’s dream, with 850 miles of trails and roads throughout. Popular yes, but for very good reason!
#2: Zion National Park, Utah
Utah is renowned for its rugged beauty, arid deserts and otherworldly views, all of which can be found in Zion National Park. While Arches National Park to the northeast is equally impressive, Zion takes the cake thanks to the sheer number of things you can see and do while camping there. Spots fill up quick, so you’d be wise to get there in the morning. While it’s not uncommon to find free places to pitch your tent, be prepared to pay between $10 and $25 for a site. From sandstone cliffs that will take your breath away, to the overwhelming stunning Zion Canyon, this national park requires multiple days to be properly experienced and enjoyed. Thankfully, a seven-day entrance fee will only set you back $30.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
#1: Yosemite National Park, California
From Half-Dome and El Capitan to the Yosemite Valley and Bridalveil Fall, this iconic national park is jam-packed with sites guaranteed to leave you awestruck. While it’s possible to camp without a reservation, your best bet is to call ahead, especially if you’re planning on camping in the summer. Sites can be booked for as little as $6 a night, while a seven-day park pass will set you back $30 per vehicle. The park has 13 campgrounds to choose from and backcountry camping is free, provided you have the right paperwork. Established in 1890, Yosemite National Park remains a bucket list attraction for rock climbers, hikers and campers the world over.
