There’s nothing quite like sleeping outside under a summer night’s sky, surrounded by nature and all its beauty. As someone who has spent many summer nights under the stars, I can confidently say that camping in the summer is one of the very best ways to experience nature. After all, summertime uncovers a whole new world of camping possibilities, from beachside campsites to mountain views.
Whether you are looking for a rugged adventure or a relaxing weekend getaway, I’ve curated a special list of the best locations for camping this summer. This list is perfect for both experienced campers and those new to the game. So, grab your tent, pack your bags, and let’s discover the top five places to go camping this summer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Destination
Just like many other things in life, a good camping experience can hinge on planning and preparation. So, before you choose your camping destination this year, here are a few factors to consider:
Weather
Summer camping means embracing the warmth of the sun, but it’s crucial to be prepared for high temperatures. I’ve found that places like the Pacific Coast offer a more temperate climate, while areas in the southwest can get scorchingly hot during the day and cool at night. Always check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Experience Level
The number one thing that will make any camping trip a bust is being unprepared. If you’re new to camping, it’s best to start with a destination that has easy terrain and amenities such as running water and bathrooms. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced camper looking for a challenge, consider a remote location with more rugged terrain.
Activities
Your camping destination should align with the activities you enjoy. If you’re like me and love a good hike, national parks like Grand Teton National Park offer incredible hiking trails. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of lakes and rivers in parks like Yellowstone. Make sure your destination offers the activities that excite you the most.
Needs of Campers
Consider who you’re camping with. If you’re bringing kids, you’ll want family-friendly campgrounds with amenities like clean restrooms and nearby water sources. For solo campers or adventurous couples, more remote sites might be appealing. Always check for the facilities you need to make sure it is a comfortable stay.
Travel Distance
Decide how far you’re willing to travel. For a quick weekend getaway, I often choose spots within a few hours’ drive. For extended trips, destinations like Glacier National Park in Montana or Acadia National Park in Maine are worth the journey. They offer stunning landscapes and plenty of activities to fill your days.
Top 10 Summer Camping Destinations
Without further ado, here are some of the top summer camping destinations to consider for your next trip. Each of these places holds a special place in my heart and will offer you a unique and memorable camping experience.
1. Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon
Stretching along the Pacific Coast from Tillamook to Coos Bay, Siuslaw National Forest is a coastal gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty. From expansive sandy beaches to dense, lush forests, the area provides a variety of stunning scenery to explore.
The mild coastal climate is perfect for summer camping, making it a comfortable destination even in the hottest months. As you fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, you’ll appreciate the serene backdrop that makes Siuslaw such a special place.
One of my favorite spots in the forest is Cape Perpetua, where you can find amazing tide pools. These natural pools are teeming with marine life, and exploring them is like stepping into another world. Make sure to bring a guidebook or app to help identify the various sea creatures you’ll encounter.
2. Joshua Tree National Park, California
We know you’ve heard of Joshua Tree. This popular national park is located in southeastern California and is a desert wonderland known for its striking landscapes. Joshua Tree’s stark desert environment, punctuated by its iconic Joshua trees and dramatic rock formations, is a sight to behold. Better yet, the park’s clear, dark skies make it one of the best places in the country for stargazing.
Camping here feels like an adventure on another planet, with the added bonus of some of the most stunning night skies you’ll ever see. The desert can be unforgiving, so always bring plenty of water and plan your hikes early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and check out our blog on keeping cool while camping in summer.
Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds provide easy access to hiking trails and are great for spotting wildlife. Jumbo Rocks Campground, with its iconic boulder formations, is perfect for stargazing and photography.
Hidden Valley Campground, popular among rock climbers, offers close proximity to popular climbing routes. Indian Cove Campground provides a more secluded experience with dramatic desert scenery. All campgrounds offer basic amenities, and some require reservations, especially during peak season. With its stark desert beauty and clear, dark skies, Joshua Tree is a must-visit for camping enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: One of my favorite hikes is the Hidden Valley trail, which offers a manageable trek for beginners with amazing rock formations and views.
3. Acadia National Park, Maine
Nestled on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a quintessential New England outdoor experience. Acadia is renowned for its breathtaking mix of ocean views, forested mountains, and tranquil lakes.
If you like hiking, this is your spot. It’s a hiker’s paradise, with trails that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re scaling the granite peaks or strolling along the coastline, the park’s natural beauty is sure to impress. Make sure not to miss the opportunity to catch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. As one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise, it offers a truly great start to your day.
Campground, open year-round, is perfect for easy access to major attractions. Seawall Campground provides a more rustic, quieter experience on the island’s west side. Schoodic Woods Campground on the less-visited Schoodic Peninsula features modern amenities and stunning coastal views.
For the adventurous, limited backcountry camping is available on outlying islands with a permit. Nearby Bar Harbor also offers convenient accommodations, blending comfort with the great outdoors. Acadia’s mix of ocean views, forested mountains, and tranquil lakes makes it a hiker’s paradise.
4. Big Bend National Park, Texas
If you are looking for solitude and adventure, Big Bend is your place.
Located in the remote southwest corner of Texas, Big Bend National Park is a vast expanse of desert beauty. The park’s vast desert landscapes and deep river canyons are both awe-inspiring and humbling. The Lost Mine Trail offers spectacular views and is a great way to experience the park’s rugged beauty without overheating.
The Rio Grande River provides opportunities for rafting and kayaking, adding a splash of excitement to your camping trip. The desert heat can be intense, so make sure to explore the cooler mountain trails or take a refreshing dip in the river. Also, think about getting a really good tent air conditioner and good tent fans for your stay.
Camping options include primitive campsites, RV hookups, and even backcountry camping for those looking to truly disconnect from the modern world. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and tours to help you better understand the unique landscape and wildlife of Big Bend.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Your mind may not immediately jump to Florida when you think about camping, but this spot is on the list due to its remoteness and visual splendor.
About 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat or seaplane, adding to its allure. This park is a haven for those who love snorkeling and history. The remote islands feature crystal-clear waters perfect for exploring coral reefs and marine life.
I recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear and spending the day diving into the vibrant underwater world. The clear waters around the fort are teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures, making it a snorkeler’s heaven.
For those interested in history, a visit to Fort Jefferson is a must. Built between 1846 and 1875, this unfinished fortress was once used as a military prison during the Civil War. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the fort and learn about its fascinating past.
Aside from its natural beauty and historical significance, Dry Tortugas National Park also boasts an impressive array of bird species. From magnificent frigatebirds to brown pelicans and snowy egrets, birdwatchers will be in paradise here. The park is also home to sea turtles and other endangered species, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Camping here can be hot, so make sure to check out our blogs on the best tents for hot weather.
6. Arches National Park, Utah
There are few places more breathtaking than Arches National Park. Near Moab, this park is world famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches.
These unique geological formations have been shaped by millions of years of erosion, creating a stunning and otherworldly landscape. Hiking is the best way to explore the park, with trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
The vibrant red rock against the blue sky is a sight that never gets old. The hike to Delicate Arch at sunset is an absolute must. The iconic arch is stunning at any time, but seeing it at sunset, with the rock glowing orange and red, is a truly unforgettable experience. Bring your camera for some of the best photo opportunities in the park.
Camping in Arches National Park, Utah, centers around the Devils Garden Campground, the park’s only campground. Open year-round, it offers 51 sites with stunning views and direct access to popular trails like Landscape Arch.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, dispersed camping is available on nearby BLM land, offering solitude and starry skies. Facilities at Devil’s Garden include potable water, picnic tables, and flush toilets. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
7. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking expanse of mountains and lakes. The dramatic peaks of the Teton Range, pristine lakes such as Jackson Lake, and abundant wildlife make Grand Teton a premier destination for nature lovers.
Camping here is permitted, but the park also offers a range of lodging options, from rustic cabins to luxury lodges.
The park’s diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas are perfect for hiking, boating, and wildlife watching. Take a boat trip on Jackson Lake. The views from the water are incredible, and you’ll have the chance to spot moose, deer, and other wildlife along the shore. It’s a peaceful way to take in the grandeur of the Tetons.
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park in Montana boasts over a million acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, perfect for exploring the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the most popular hikes in Glacier is the Highline Trail, which offers stunning views of glacial valleys and wildlife sightings along the way. For a unique experience, take a ride on one of the historic red buses that have been ferrying visitors through the park since the early 1900s.
As far as camping, Glacier offers a variety of campgrounds and backcountry camping options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature including Apgar, Many Glacier, and St. Mary campgrounds, each providing stunning views and access to hiking trails. For a more remote experience, try backcountry camping with a permit. Facilities vary, so check availability and make reservations during peak season.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to take a scenic drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through the heart of the park.
9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California
Along California’s iconic Highway 1 in the Big Sur region, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a coastal treasure. Towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and picturesque waterfalls make Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a must-visit for campers. The park offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking and photography. The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a highlight. This easy hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall, providing a refreshing break and a perfect photo opportunity.
The main campground provides 189 sites for tents and RVs, some along the Big Sur River. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. For a more rustic experience, hike-in campsites are available. Popular trails like the Pfeiffer Falls Trail are easily accessible, offering beautiful views and a refreshing waterfall. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot in this picturesque park.
10. Olympic National Park, Washington
My personal favorite summertime camping spot, located in the northwest corner of Washington state, is Olympic National Park. This park boasts stunning mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and rugged coastlines. With over 600 miles of hiking trails, there is no shortage of adventures to be had.
The main campground at Olympic National Park offers 63 sites for tents and RVs, as well as group campsites. Amenities include restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. For a more backcountry experience, the park also offers wilderness camping permits for backpacking trips. Popular hikes in this park include Hurricane Ridge and Sol Duc Falls.
One unique feature of Olympic National Park is its hot springs. After a long day of exploring, relax in the natural mineral hot springs located near the Sol Duc River. Just remember to bring your own towels and bathing suits.
Hoh Rainforest, located in the western part of the park, is a must-visit for nature lovers. Walking through this lush, green landscape feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The Hall of Mosses Trail is particularly enchanting, with its towering trees and thick moss covering.
Final Thoughts on Camping this Summer
Whatever your camping style, there is a place for you somewhere in the USA. From the rugged mountain peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the crystal-clear waters of Acadia National Park, there is no shortage of stunning destinations to choose from.
I hope you enjoyed this guide! Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie, I hope this has inspired you to plan your next outdoor adventure. Just remember to always plan ahead and follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure that these natural wonders remain for generations to come. So pack your gear, grab your friends or family, and hit the road for a summer full of adventure and unforgettable memories. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is too hot for camping?
Camping in temperatures above 90°F can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially if you’re not prepared. In areas like Yosemite National Park, summer heat can be intense. Always stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and use strategies to stay cool, such as wearing light clothing and setting up your tent in shaded areas.
What is the newest trend in camping?
One of the newest trends in camping is “glamping,” which combines the adventure of traditional tent camping with added comforts like cozy beds and electricity. This trend allows campers to enjoy the beauty of state parks and national parks without sacrificing comfort. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a camping adventure with a touch of luxury. VRBO and AirBnB offer several unique vacation rentals near national forests or parks for this purpose. You can find Yurt, A-Frame rentals, and even canvas huts on these sites.
Where to camp in CA in the summer?
California offers numerous excellent camping destinations in the summer, including Yosemite National Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Both parks provide stunning natural scenery and a variety of activities. Yosemite is renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs and waterfalls, while Big Sur offers coastal beauty and redwood forests.
Is it too hot to camp in Arizona?
Arizona can be very hot in the summer, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F. While tent camping in these conditions can be challenging, higher elevation areas like the Grand Canyon’s North Rim or Flagstaff’s state parks can offer cooler temperatures and more comfortable camping conditions. Always plan to stay cool by camping at higher elevations and bringing plenty of water.
