10 Most Scenic Camping Sites In The United States

Camping is an essential part of many people’s summer vacations, and indeed within the United States, there is an abundance of great places to hitch up your trailer or tent. With close encounters with nature, great access to bodies of water, hiking trails, and more, America’s campgrounds are awaiting adventure. Among the best campgrounds in the US, these are the most scenic camping sites, with spectacular views and plenty of wildlife.

Jedediah Smith Campground, California

Located within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this campground gives its visitors personal encounters with California’s amazing giant Redwood trees. Set up your tent or RV amidst these colossal natural sentinels and marvel at their majesty, all while enjoying the tranquil solitude. In addition, you can observe plenty of wildlife here including black bears, coyotes, and even mountain lions, just be sure to maintain a safe distance. Finally, spending time at the nearby Smith River is always a delight, while beautiful trails surround this free-flowing body of water.

Salmon River Campground, Idaho

Near the town of Stanley, and within the Sawtooth National Forest lies the pristine Salmon River Campground. Surrounded by the stunning and jagged Sawtooth Mountains and on the banks of the Salmon River, this campground is a haven for the outdoor lover. Enjoy opportunities for rafting, fly fishing, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding in a picturesque ambiance. Sighting wildlife always makes the visit special, where views of elks, bears, and wolves provide awesome photographs.

North Rim Campground, Arizona

Within the Grand Canyon National Park, the North Rim Campground offers its visitors some of the very best views of this awesome construct of nature. With wide vistas, rocky cliffs, and stunning glimpses of desert plants and wildlife, this Campground is a visual marvel. Stop by the Bright Angel Point Trail for some of the most impressive views and a spectacular sunset. Despite its popularity, the spacious sites mean it also offers plenty of moments for solitude and quiet reflection all while surrounded by some of the most exquisite natural surroundings in America.

Kayenta Campground, Utah

Near the city of Moab, the Dead Horse Point State Park and the Kayenta Campground give some of the best desert views in the entire state of Utah. Stand in awe of spectacular panoramas of the Colorado River and red and rugged cliffs or take in the scenery as you bike or hike the many trails. With 14 kilometers of available trails, there is always a unique angle to take in all the wonder of this Utah national treasure.

Lincoln Creek Campground, Colorado

Only about 17 kilometers from the town of Aspen, the Lincoln Creek Campground has a plethora of campsites perfect for the solo camper or the traveling family. Immersed within the rugged Colorado wilderness, majestic views of the Rocky Mountains, tall forest trees, and wildlife in their natural habitat make this one of the most beautiful camp locations in America. With 22 different camp spots, Lincoln Creek Campground is a great place for quiet solitude and close meeting with the outdoors, without the distraction of city life. Go hiking, biking, or stroll along the rustling creek. Camping here is a special and memorable experience.

Apgar Campground, Montana

Montana’s Apgar Campground is near Glacier National Park and the famed glacier-fed Lake McDonald. Surrounded by the mountains of the Continental Divide, this popular camp destination offers some of the very best lake and mountain vistas of any campsite in the United States. Busy with tourists throughout the year, the Apgar Campground is not the place to search for quiet and solitude. However, with its breathtaking panoramas, it more than makes up for the crowds. At the nearby Apgar Village, campers can enjoy plenty of tasty restaurants, boutique shopping, and rental centers for boats, cabins, and RVs.

Twelvemile Beach Campground, Michigan

Featuring a landscape dotted with hiking trails, sandstone cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls, the Twelvemile Beach Campground is on stunning Lake Superior. A part of the larger Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this exquisite campsite is a photographic gem. Marvel at the great sandy beaches, hike and bike along the water’s edge, or explore the abundance of wildflowers. Camping out at Twelvemile is truly a beautiful trip.

Kalaloch Campground, Washington

To experience one of the most unique campsites in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State’s Kalaloch Campground is a must-visit. Along the state’s rugged coastline and forming part of the Olympic National Park, campers here can explore the sublime beauty of temperate rainforests. Both Hoh and Quinault offer lush winding trails. In addition, strolling along the beaches is a great spot for shell collectors, while birdwatching is always a popular activity. Catch glimpses of the Puffin bird colonies on the rocky shores, or perhaps even see dolphins and whales who occasionally poke their heads above the surface.

Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, Oregon

A great place to go camping throughout the calendar year, the Jessie M. Honeyman State Park offers something unique for each season. Admire the blooming rhododendron flowers in the spring, pick wild berries in the autumn, explore the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area in the winter, and of course swim, hike, bike, and more in the summertime. Located on the central coast of Oregon, this campground also offers three kilometers of sand dunes that reach up to the Pacific Ocean.

Arch Rock Campground, Nevada

The Arch Rock Campground in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park features some of the best rock and sandstone formations in the Western United States. With 29 campsites to choose from, visitors to Arch Rock will discover where the site gets its name from. Featuring an abundance of arched formations, sandstone cliffs, and ancient petroglyph designs, spending time here is like traveling through the earth’s geologic history. Furthermore, a trek or a bike ride through any of the various trails offers a quiet and visually stunning excursion, sure to create lasting memories.

The United States is full of great opportunities for camping and exploring the splendor of raw nature. With so many places to visit, it is no wonder that camping is such a popular activity for solo travelers and families alike. The campgrounds on this list reflect the great diversity of natural history and scenic beauty found across America, all while sharing the commonality of being truly must-visit camp destinations.