The Most Popular Campgrounds in the United States: Your Ultimate Guide to Top Spots 🏕️
Camping is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the outdoors. With so many incredible campgrounds across the United States, picking the right one for your next adventure can be a challenge! To help you out, here’s a list of the most popular and beloved campgrounds in the country.
1. Mather Campground – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 🏜️
Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Mather Campground offers one of the most iconic camping experiences in the U.S. It’s a prime spot for exploring the Canyon’s breathtaking vistas and taking in spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The campground is open year-round, but it fills up fast, so reservations are a must!
2. Jellystone Park – Multiple Locations Nationwide 🏕️
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks are a popular family-friendly choice, with locations in states like California, Ohio, and South Carolina. These parks offer tons of amenities, including water parks, mini-golf, themed activities, and even bear-shaped cabins for a cozy stay. If you're traveling with kids, Jellystone is the perfect place for a fun-filled camping adventure.
3. Campsite at Yosemite Valley – Yosemite National Park, California 🏞️
The stunning Yosemite Valley Campground, located in the heart of Yosemite National Park, offers incredible views of the park's iconic granite cliffs and waterfalls. This campground provides easy access to famous hiking trails, including the Mist Trail and Half Dome, and is a perfect base camp for your Yosemite adventure.
4. Cedar Point Campground – Sandusky, Ohio 🎢
If you’re looking for a mix of outdoor fun and amusement park thrills, Cedar Point Campground is the place to be. Located next to the world-famous Cedar Point amusement park, you can camp out in a tent or rent a cabin and enjoy both nature and the excitement of roller coasters, water rides, and all the park’s attractions.
5. Campground at Acadia National Park, Maine 🌲
Acadia National Park’s Blackwoods Campground is one of the most sought-after spots for campers in the Northeast. This campground offers easy access to scenic coastal views, hikes up Cadillac Mountain, and the peaceful beauty of Bar Harbor. It’s perfect for those seeking both outdoor adventure and serene landscapes.
6. Zion National Park Campground, Utah 🌄
Zion National Park’s South Campground is a popular choice for those exploring the park’s stunning red rock formations and dramatic canyons. The campground is just minutes from Zion’s main trailheads, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, this campground offers easy access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
7. Glacier National Park Campgrounds, Montana 🏔️
With its towering peaks and glacial lakes, Glacier National Park’s campgrounds are among the most popular in the U.S. Apgar Campground, located near Lake McDonald, is especially popular due to its proximity to the water and incredible mountain views. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in one of the most picturesque places on Earth.
8. Big Sur Campground – Big Sur, California 🌊
If you’ve ever dreamed of camping near the Pacific Ocean with stunning cliffs and beaches as your backdrop, Big Sur Campground is the perfect spot. Located along California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, this campground offers access to spectacular ocean views, coastal hikes, and the serene beauty of Big Sur.
9. Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds, Virginia 🍂
Shenandoah National Park, located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a prime spot for fall camping, thanks to its breathtaking views of the changing leaves. Big Meadows Campground is one of the most popular in the park, offering easy access to Skyline Drive and plenty of nearby hiking trails.
10. Lake Tahoe Basin Campgrounds, California/Nevada 🏖️
Lake Tahoe, known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding pine forests, offers some of the most stunning campgrounds in the U.S. Sites like Fallen Leaf Campground and Camp Richardson are popular for their lake access and stunning alpine views. Whether you’re into swimming, kayaking, or hiking, camping by Lake Tahoe is an unforgettable experience.
11. Mammoth Lakes Campground – Mammoth Lakes, California 🏔️
Mammoth Lakes Campground, nestled in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, is known for its picturesque lakes and outdoor activities. It’s a favorite for those who love fishing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Mammoth Mountain, a popular destination for both winter sports and summer hiking.
12. Fort De Soto Park Campground, Florida 🏝️
If you're looking for a tropical camping experience, Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersburg, Florida, is the perfect spot. This campground is located right on the water, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can enjoy beach activities, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the park's historic fortifications.
13. Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds, Washington 🌲
With its snow-capped peaks and vast wilderness, Mount Rainier National Park is a camper's paradise. The Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds are among the most popular, providing access to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable views of Mount Rainier.
14. Redwood National and State Parks, California 🌳
Redwood National and State Parks offer the chance to camp under the towering trees that are some of the tallest in the world. Jedediah Smith Campground is a popular spot for those looking to hike, bike, or simply experience the beauty of the redwood forest.
15. Joshua Tree National Park, California 🌵
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique desert landscapes and the iconic Joshua Trees that dot the park. The Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the most popular, offering easy access to bouldering, stargazing, and the park’s famous rock formations.
From iconic national parks to beachside retreats, the U.S. is home to an incredible variety of campgrounds that offer something for every type of camper. Whether you’re looking for a rugged backcountry adventure or a family-friendly spot with plenty of amenities, these top campgrounds will provide the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor getaway! 🌲🌄
