Camping Spots
Recommended Camping Spots in the United States
This is a highly subjective topic of discussion, and depends greatly on your individual likes and dislikes but, it seems that anytime we go camping at a commercial camp ground where there are lots of people, the conversation with neighboring campers usually involves an exchange of our favorite camping spots. The reason for this (in my belief) is that it’s a very effective way to avoid wasting time, and money, traveling to an undesirable location.
Obviously, another big deciding factor in picking our favorite camping spots is our geographic location. And, since most people won’t be traveling across country to go on camping trips (although I would recommend it), we have organized a list of awesome camping spots for you to explore.
To do this, we broke the United States into four groups (regions), and list the 2 best camping spots (in our opinion) by name and state. However, the camping locations listed below are based on our personal camping experiences, and does not include every recommended campground in the USA, just the best ones by State that we have experienced:
Northwest Region – United States
1. Washington State Parks:
Possibly one of the most beautiful states in the United States, Washington has a little bit of everything. With mountains on either side of the state, and desert in the middle, you can go from one extreme to another in a very short period of time. There’s no shortage of rugged terrain, and this is definitely a state you could get lost in. When I’m there my top 2 camping spots are:
- Top Pick – Deception Pass State Park
- Runner Up – Fields Spring State Park
2. Oregon State Parks:
Oregon, like its northern neighbor Washington, and its southern neighbor California, is blessed with a bounty of exceptionally beautiful scenery. Oregon also has an unmatched coastline featuring cliffs with an open view of the ocean, and whale watching to get you started. Our favorite camping spots in Oregon are:
- Top Pick – Cape Perpetua in the Siuslaw National Forest
- Runner Up – Cascadia State Park
3. Montana State Parks:
Montana is called “Big Sky Country” for reasons you’ll find obvious upon arrival there. With the Rockies on one side and open plains on the other, Montana is the scene of some breath taking views. Our picks for camping spots in Montana are:
- Top Pick – Spruce Park on the River
- Runner Up – Bear Canyon Campground
4. South Dakota State Parks:
South Dakota gives us another famous national landmark, Mount Rushmore. This Presidential Memorial is nestled deeply in the Black Hills National Forest on the west side of the state. there’s a preserved mining town close by where locals put on shows and demonstrations of how things were done 100 years ago. Further to the east you’ll find The Badlands National Park. If you’ve never been there, it’s a thing of unique and awesome beauty… Put it on the list. My two favorite camping spots are (no surprise):
- Top Pick – Badlands National Park
- Runner Up – Black Hills National Forest (Mount Rushmore area)
5. Wyoming State Parks:
Being a man who appreciates the beauty of nature, I love Wyoming. Home of the National Treasure we call Yellowstone National Park, there are endless wonders waiting on you there. From the mountains, to the abundant wild life, geysers and hot springs, you be amazed at what you eyes behold in Wyoming. Our top camping spots here are:
- Top Pick – Yellowstone National Park (Teton National Forest)
- Runner Up – Thunder Basin National Grassland
Southwest Region – United States
1. California State Parks:
California is said to be the state that has it all. A place where you can go snow skiing in the morning, rock climbing in the afternoon, and swimming in warm ocean water all in one day. If you happen to be a history buff, you’ll have plenty to do here. Although I love to visit there, the state as a whole is a little too liberal for me, and at times it can be hard to find someone who speaks English. The heavy cross border traffic of illegals is also a concern for me but, if you’re headed that way, here are two hot camping spots to visit:
- Top Pick – Sequoia National Park (Three Rivers, CA)
- Runner Up – Mendocino National Forest
2. Utah State Parks:
For some reason, when I mention my love for camping in utah to people who have never been there, most say they had never considered it. But let me tell you right now, that would be a mistake. utah is another state with diverse landscapes of mountains mixed with desert flatlands and if you’ve never been there you better add it to your bucket list. 2 camping spots to visit are:
- Top Pick – Dead Horse Point State Park
- Runner Up – Bryce Canyon National Park
3. Colorado State Parks:
Colorado, as much as I hate to say it, is the last state I’m going to list in the Southwest region due to the lack of border security with Mexico. However, I still feel plenty safe camping in the mountains of Colorado. This is the home of the mile high city, Denver. The air can be a little thinner then you might be used to, but this state has plenty to offer in regards to beauty and wildlife. If you find yourself headed that way, 2 winning camping spots to visit are:
- Top Pick – Rocky Mountain National Park
- Runner Up – Glacier Gorge, Estes Park
Northeast Region – United States
1. Maine State Parks:
Maine also offers staggering beauty. And, not unlike the other northeastern states, you can find a tremendous amount of historical landmarks and locations to visit while camping there. Maine is also a great place to camp in the summer time due to its far north positioning and cooler temperatures. Because of the rocky shoreline, you can also find some interesting lighthouses to tour. For the best camping spots, try:
- Top Pick – Hermit Island Campground (tent camping only)
- Runner Up – Acadia National Park
2. Pennsylvania State Parks:
About two thirds of the state of Pennsylvania is covered by the Appalachian Mountain Range, producing incredible sunsets and sunrises over the rolling hills and mountain tops. The mountains on the East Coast can’t really be compared to the mountains on the West Coast so, if you’re coming east from out west you’ll be disappointed if you’re coming to see mountains like you have at home. However, every state seems to have its own unique beauty and Pennsylvania is no different. If you find yourself in the Keystone state, the best camping spots are:
- Top Pick – Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir
- Runner Up – Woodcock Creek Lake
3. Ohio State Parks:
Although Ohio is usually thought to be more of a farming state than a camping state, that really isn’t true. Ohio has some beautiful lakes, and streams, waterfalls, cliffs, and plenty of friendly people. With Lake Erie on its northern border, and the Ohio River running down its eastern border, there’s lots of watercraft activities as well. Whenever we go camping in Ohio we always have a good time. Your best camping spots are:
- Top Pick – Hocking Hills State Park
- Runner Up – South Bass Island State Park
4. New York State Parks:
New York’s camping spots are located mostly in the upstate New York area. My favorite places are in the Niagara Falls area and deliver incredible views of scenery and wildlife. You’re limited by how close you can camp to the falls but, there’s lots to do there. At nighttime they turn lights on behind the waterfalls to create a view unlike any other you’ve seen. I must say, there are also some great places to eat there. My picks for camping locations are:
- Top Pick – Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging
- Runner Up – Fourpeaks – Adirondack Backcountry Camps
5. Maryland State Parks:
Maryland is a great state. Marshlands, woods, cliffs, and golden sandy beaches all come together to make a great place to go on vacation. There are plenty of camping options for RVs and tent campers alike. You can tour a number of old lighthouses then chow down on some of America’s best seafood. And if you’re camping, as you should be, you’ll be saving a fortune in motel costs so live it up. 2 camping spots to check out our:
- Top Pick – Elk Neck State Park (Chesapeake Bay Area)
- Runner Up – Green Ridge State Forest
Southeast Region – United States
1. North Carolina State Parks:
North Carolina basically offers two types of camping. The first is mountain camping, and the other would be beach camping. Although North Carolina’s mountains are gorgeous, I prefer camping on or near a beach and spending my time beachcombing. But the mountains are something to behold as well. Everyone is always super friendly, and I love how fast everyone drives in the South. The Outer Banks are very unique and I would recommend visiting there if you’re in the area. We are of course only listing 2 picks but, there are many great places to go camping in North Carolina. We think the best camping spots are:
- Top Pick – Carolina Hemlocks
- Runner Up – Fishers Landing (tent camping only)
2. Tennessee State Parks:
When I think of Tennessee, I think of great fishing. Tennessee is loaded with some of the most beautiful, well stocked lakes you’ve ever seen. Then, you have the Tennessee River and the Hiwassee River for even more great fishing (if you’re in to that). On the east side you have the incredible Smoky Mountains, which is where my favorite camping locations are:
- Top Pick – Chickamauga Lake
- Runner Up – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
3. Alabama State Parks:
Alabama is an action-packed state for vacationers. You can find everything from beaches to heavily wooded forests and mountains. There are many places where you can get guided tours of the mountain trails, or take your long hikes by horseback (more my style). Boating, swimming, hiking, camping, biking, golf, just about anything you can think of to do is there. All that, and a whole bunch of down-home Southern hospitality. Here are the best camping spots:
- Top Pick – Talladega National Forest
- Runner Up – Gulf State Park
4. Louisiana State Parks:
Louisiana rocks! And, they can use all the tourist dollars they can get after the massive BP oil spill. Again, you get the best of both worlds in Louisiana with sandy (now clean) beaches and majestic tree covered mountains for a maximum of options. A warm Southern climate ensures comfortable evenings early in the spring through late fall. The other perk of camping in Loisiana is being surrounded by killer Cajun cooking. What can I say? I’m a sucker for comfort foods …
Louisiana’s best camping spots are:
- Top Pick – Kisatchie National Forest
- Runner Up – Grand Isle State Park
