Explore the Possibilities at the top U.S. Campgrounds and RV Parks

As of January 2023, more than 15,000 campgrounds and RV parks in the United States are registered as businesses. This country also enjoys an embarrassment of riches in national and state parks offering camping.

There are many ways to camp, ranging from a luxury recreation vehicle (RV) to a simple tent … or something in between. And there are countless reasons to skip the resorts and try “roughing it.” During COVID, many people escaped the confines of their homes and offices and discovered being outdoors and enjoying nature lifted their spirits and provided quality time with loved ones. Some embraced their sense of adventure and tried new pursuits, while others revisited activities that brought them joy when they were youngsters, sharing them with their children and grandchildren.

Of course, camping is not new. The industry has been growing in this country since the late 1800s. But considering modern-day stresses, perhaps there’s never been a better time to follow Rudyard Kipling’s advice: “Something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the Ranges. Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!”

© VISIT IDAHO

UNUSUAL CAMPGROUNDS
When’s the last time you surfed down a sand dune? Bruneau Dunes State Park, 60 miles south of Boise, Idaho, is home to 82 campsites and the tallest (nearly 500 feet) sand dune in North America. You can rent sandboards for the whole family at the visitors’ center or just fish for bluegills in the lakes at the base of the dune. Or hike. Or take a horseback ride. Sundown on Fridays and Saturdays brings another unique opportunity. The park’s Bruneau Observatory houses the state’s largest telescopes available to the public. Stargaze until midnight.

© WENDY FARRINGTON | DREAMSTIME .COM

Camping among wild horses, anyone? Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island off the Maryland/Virginia coast, is known for the colorful wild horses which have lived there since the late 1600s. They are closely monitored and protected, so it’s a privilege to camp among them. And they know it. Equines have the right of way, and campers must store foodstuffs to prevent pony pilfering. Facilities are basic unless you’re traveling in an RV or camp trailer. Tent campers, think chemical toilets and cold showers. But roughing it pays off in sunset beach strolls and memorable pony-watching.

ADVENTURESOME CAMPING
Located in 100 acres of unspoiled forest 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, Borealis Basecamp is definitely off the grid, but your family will never forget lounging in a cozy, heated, fiberglass dome under a clear roof while the northern lights (aurora borealis) dance overhead. Days prove exciting, too, with options such as an hour-long dogsled outing, snowmachine tours, a reindeer meet and greet and a Champagne snow coach tour at sunset. Helicopter rides are also available for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding wilderness and resident critters.

Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is absolutely part of the experience. Lying 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, the seven small islands require a 2.5-hour choppy ferry ride from Key West. But the park offers a paradise for snorkelers and divers, with some of the finest corals, marine life and clear water in the United States. It’s great for history buffs, too. Garden Key is home to massive Fort Jefferson, built in the late 1800s to guard the country’s southern coast. The campground offers the bare bones — picnic tables and compost toilets. Campers must pack everything in and out, including food, water and tents. But, oh, the stories you’ll have!

FOR CAMPERS CRAVING CONSTANT ACTIVITY
More than 3.5 miles of white-sand beaches take the spotlight at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, but there’s much more, including 500-plus campsites and 11 bath houses, a pool with splash park, an amphitheater, a nature center and 29 miles of paved hiking/biking trails and boardwalks. Three lakes offer freshwater fishing, and a pier juts into the sea for saltwater fishing. Courts for volleyball, softball, tennis, pickleball, horseshoes and other sports are scattered throughout the 6,150-acre park. Pick up supplies at the camp store or dine at one of the four restaurants in The Lodge.

PHOTO: © DANFORTH BAY CAMPING & RV RESORT

Located between the White Mountains and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the year-round Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort features 300 campsites and cabins on Ossipee Lake or secluded in 185 forested acres. The lake provides fishing, kayaking and other water sports; and heated pools extend the swimming season. There are four playgrounds, and evenings feature live entertainment. Nearby, explore hiking paths on Mount Washington, the highest point in the Northeast; Conway Scenic Railroad; and other attractions. Restaurants and pubs lie minutes away. Winter campers enjoy snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding at King Pine Ski Area.

© KODIAK GREENWOOD

LAP-OF-LUXURY GLAMPING
Don’t let “luxury” give you the wrong impression. Treebones Resort in South Big Sur, California, proves the ultimate eco-resort, with cutting-edge recycling and energy generation. The family-owned campground offers a rare opportunity to emerge from your tent on the grassy cliffs of Big Sur to an incredible ocean view. You’ll walk into the site carrying everything, but it’s worth it. You can also opt for one of the 16 sumptuous yurts with queen-sized beds and down comforters. Either way, your stay includes a waffle breakfast and access to an outdoor sushi bar and gourmet meals in The Lodge.

Located 25 minutes from the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Under Canvas Grand Canyon in Valle, Arizona, takes glamping to a new level, with safari-style tents and suites for couples or families, all with full bathrooms and upscale furnishings and amenities. Kids’ tents are an option, too. An on-site dining room serves locally sourced meals, and concierges organize escorted hiking, biking or driving tours. Camp programs include sunrise yoga, live music, scavenger hunts and campfires with s’mores.

PHOTO: © ARAMARK DESTINATIONS

SITES WITH SPECTACULAR SCENERY
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, Zephyr Cove Resort boasts a west-facing beach known for incredible sunsets. Perch on a beach blanket, raise a glass at the adjacent Sunset Bar, or take a dinner cruise aboard M.S. Dixie II paddle wheeler. Within walking distance find the marina, restaurant, stables and Zephyr Cove RV Park & Campground with its 150-plus sites for RVs, tents and camp trailers. Newbie RVers can sample the lifestyle in one of the park’s new rental Airstream trailers and explore the lake on a rental jet ski, kayak or boat.

Located in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the 80-site Signal Mountain Campground borders Jackson Lake and boasts magnificent views across the water of the Teton Range, especially Mount Moran, the second-tallest peak. Local wildlife — foxes, bears, coyotes, mule deer, eagles and ospreys — roam the grounds, so campers must store food in secure containers. The popular campground offers stunning scenery and wildlife viewing paired with some comforts not expected in a wilderness setting. These include RV hookups, internet and cell service, shower houses, a lodge with a restaurant and bar, a general store, boat rentals and guided fishing trips.