2024 Best Places to Camp in the United States
If you're in the United States and searching for the best places to camp, you've come to the right place. America isn't only known for its buzzing cities and insanely high skyscrapers. It's also got plenty of places that will excite anyone who loves nature, particularly camping.
Beautiful mountains, clear lakes and rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil forests—there's no shortage of places for camping lovers to enjoy nature's scenic beauty. Whether you're tired from work and want to relax in a peaceful place or just simply want to see what the US nature has to offer, it's time to explore.
In 2023, 84.8% of people in the US went camping. That's one in four Americans, according to the 2024 Camping Report presented by the All-New Toyota Tacoma.
If you want to go camping too, let's take a look at some of the most beautiful places for this.
Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York
If you live in New York or somewhere not far away from it, then Minnewaska State Park Reserve is one of the best places to camp. Located five miles west of New York State Route 299, the place welcomes more than half a million visitors every year. The reason? The park's outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and rock climbing, attract nature lovers from the whole country. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes, and visitors can explore its wildlife and amenities.
About the park:
Service options: Picnic tables available; Dogs allowed.
Address: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.
Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM, including Saturday and Sunday.
Annual visitors: more than half a million.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
If you've always wanted to visit the Maldives but don't want to leave the US, then the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is what you need. Surrounded by crystal-clear blue water, the national park is a paradise for marine life lovers, particularly those who love to camp, as the site provides plenty of options to relax on the beach and enjoy the view.
During the visit to the Dry Tortugas National Park, it's worth taking the sea plane tour to see everything from the bird's view. So, if you're a fan of clear water, colorful corals, and spending time in the sun, then this national park is perfect for you.
About the park:
Service options: Picnic tables available; Dogs allowed.
Address: Florida, 70 miles west of Key West.
Hours: open 24 hours.
Annual visitors: 60,000.
Big Moose Lake, New York
Big Moose Lake is situated in Herkimer County within the Adirondack Park. The large lake is surrounded by dense forests and scenic mountains that attract people from different parts of the country.
Visitors come here to camp, fish, hike, and enjoy the beauty of the place. Literature enthusiasts come here for another reason—the lake was mentioned in Theodore Dreiser's novel "An American Tragedy", one of the most notable American novels of the 20th century. This historical significance draws literature lovers from all over the US, many of which draw inspiration from the scenic beauty of the place for their own writing works.
Service options: Boat renting services; Dogs allowed.
Address: Big Moose Lake, New York 13331, about five miles north of Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks in upstate New York.
Hours: open 24 hours.
Annual visitors: There isn't specific data available.
Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama
Little River Canyon National Preserve is located in Northern Alabama and encompasses approximately 15,288 acres along the Little River. It's situated near Fort Payne, Alabama, and is easily accessible from nearby cities Birmingham and Chattanooga.
The preserve offers plenty of options for camping lovers, including bird watching, bicycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, and more. For those who would like to explore local nature, Little River Falls and Grace's High Falls, the waterfalls that capture everyone's attention in the area, are the perfect places.
Service options: Picnic tables available; Dogs allowed.
Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967.
Hours: Vary. Mainly 10 AM - 4 PM.
Annual visitors: There isn't specific data available.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Breathtaking ocean views, high mountains, and beautiful wildlife are the Channel Islands National Park's most notable sights that draw many visitors. The park comprises five of the eight Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands which are located in the Pacific Ocean. It's also known for its marine biodiversity and unique flora and fauna.
The recreational activities many visitors engage in are hiking, scuba diving, camping, and kayaking, among other things. So, if you're into exploration and love the marine world, then you'll find many places to explore here.
Service options: Picnic tables available; Dogs allowed.
Address: California.
Hours: open 24 hours.
Annual visitors: 167,000.
Tips to Prepare for Camping
Camping preparation isn't something to stress over. But it's also not something that should be put off until the last minute. The more you prepare at home, the more you'll relax and have fun during your camping experience.
Here's how to prepare for camping:
Find a place to stay
If you're not planning to live in a tent, then it's necessary to rent a place in advance. Among the popular options are hotels, motels, and Airbnbs. Choose something close to your recreational activities to avoid driving at night and in general maximize the convenience during your stay.
If you've decided to go with an Airbnb, then don't forget to reverse search the address of the place you want to rent on Nuwber, a people search website. It'll help you to learn more about the neighborhood and the house/apartment itself.
Check weather conditions
Even a few minutes of heavy rain can ruin the whole camping experience, so if you're planning to walk a lot, then don't forget to check the weather forecast in advance. Sign up for weather alerts and notifications through weather apps to avoid any emergencies in the area you're going to.
Pack lightly
Packing lightly can save you from unnecessary things, most of which you won't need during your camping trip. Just don't forget a tent, a blanket, water, food, dish soap, a sleeping bag, some clothes, and a folding table. It's also recommended to make your own list to avoid leaving important things at home.
Conclusion
The US has plenty of options for camping enthusiasts. Minnewaska State Park Reserve, Dry Tortugas National Park, Big Moose Lake, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and Channel Islands National Park are just a few of the places that attract plenty of visitors every year.
There's definitely more for everyone, so whether you prefer a laid-back experience on the beach or an active trip in the mountains, in the US, you'll find anything your soul desires.
