11 Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Are you planning a trip to the USA and looking for good scenic places to camp? If you have no idea what and where to go? This article can help you in finding the best scenic places to camp in the United States.

We’ll highlight some of the best scenic places to camp in the United States, so you can plan the ultimate outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer the solitude of the forest or the drama of the coastline, there’s a campsite on this list for you.

So pack your tent and your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes the country has to offer.

Although there are tens of thousands of campgrounds in America, not all of them have breathtaking views.

However, other campgrounds provide campers with much more, such as breathtaking landscapes, just like these amazingly picturesque campgrounds.


What is the number one state park in the United States?

Fall Creek Falls State Park

What state park is the best in the United States? Visitors come from all over the world to Tennessee’s Fall Creek Falls State Park. It is regarded as America’s greatest state park and has some of the best waterfalls in the country, including Fall Creek Falls, which has the highest waterfall height on the East Coast at 256 feet.


Here Are The 11 Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

After a lot of research and considering many visitors’ feedback we have shortlisted some of the best campgrounds in the US.

  • Kirk Creek Campground – Big Sur, California
  • Apgar Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana
  • Garden Key – Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
  • Jedediah Smith Campground – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
  • Twelvemile Beach Campground – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Marais, Michigan
  • White River Campground Mount Rainier – Ashford, Washington
  • Haena Beach Park – Kauai, Hawaii
  • Salmon River Campground – Stanley, Idaho
  • Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park – Florence, Oregon
  • Tuolumne Meadows Campground – Yosemite National Park, California
  • Kalaloch Campground – Olympic National Park, Washington

1. Kirk Creek Campground – Big Sur, California

Kirk Creek Campgroun d - Big Sur, California | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

The opportunity to unzip your tent in the morning and see a magnificent sunrise over the shimmering seas of the Pacific is provided by Kirk Creek Campground.

which is situated close to Big Sur along California’s central coast, one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

There aren’t many nicer places than here, perched just over the water.

Campers will not only appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views, but also easy access to several paths that lead to majestic Redwoods, cascading falls, lush meadows, and streams, as well as a scenic cove and rocky beach, noted for jade discoveries.

The biggest expanse of sand on the Big Sur Coast can be found at Sand Dollar Beach, which is only five miles away if you want to relax on the smooth sands.

One of the many campgrounds in Big Sur is Kirk Creek, which is undoubtedly among the most scenic in the country.


2. Apgar Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana

Apgar Campground - Glacier National Park, Montana | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

The largest and most well-known lake in the park, glacier-fed Lake McDonald, with peaks of the Continental Divide at its head, is only a few hundred yards from Apgar Campground, which is close to the west entrance to Glacier National Park at Apgar Village.

The lake has appeared in several movies, including “What Dreams May Come” starring Robin Williams, where it serves as “heaven” after the character dies.

Although Apgar isn’t the best place to camp if you want to get away from people, it is great for its breathtaking scenery and is very family-friendly in a great position.

Apgar Village provides a wonderful sandy beach, informal dining, a tourist center and general store, gift stores, canoe and kayak rentals, and more.

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3. Garden Key – Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Garden Key - Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

On Garden Key in the secluded Dry Tortugas National Park, which can be reached via a picturesque two-hour ferry from Key West and is frequently visited by dolphins and sea turtles, you may experience the pinnacle of tropical camping.

This little, 10-site, rustic campground is located close to the edge of blue waters, next to lighthouses and old forts, and is shaded by mangrove trees.

You may camp on the beach and enjoy one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world just outside your tent. Simply go to the calm, clear waters to enjoy some fantastic snorkeling with the vibrant tropical fish.


4. Jedediah Smith Campground – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California

Jedediah Smith Campground  | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Want to see the magnificent gigantic redwoods of California? The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California might be the best location.

There is a fantastic campground in the park where you can enjoy the stunning natural splendor of the majestic coastal redwoods and some peace with lots of space between you and the next camper.

There is also a good chance that you will see plenty of animals, including deer, coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and river otters.

The Smith River, the last significant free-flowing river in the state, cuts through the park and is conveniently close to all of the attractions.

Additionally, it features 20 miles of hiking and nature paths, including the charming Stout Grove Trail loop that meanders through the natural forest of old-growth trees.


5. Twelvemile Beach Campground – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Marais, Michigan

Twelvemile Beach Campground | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is named after the mineral streaks that adorn the cliff faces of the rocks, is located immediately above Lake Superior.

The region is littered with waterfalls that flow from a sizable sandstone structure, and in the spring, the hiking routes are covered in wildflowers.

Even if the lake is too cool for swimming, guests can enjoy picturesque walks on the sand and marvel at the breathtaking views of the water by sleeping at Twelvemile Beach Campground.

The 36 quiet campsites in the campground are situated on a sand cliff directly above the beach.

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6. White River Campground Mount Rainier – Ashford, Washington

White River Campground Mount Rainier | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Some of the park’s most breathtaking vistas may be found at White River Campground in Washington, which is located at the foot of Mount Rainier.

Additionally, it is the nearest campground to Sunrise Point, which is well known for its spectacular location for viewing the sunset.

Due to its 4,232-foot elevation, this location experiences a slower snow melt, so plan your visit for late July or early August. In any case, now is the perfect time since at sunrise, colorful wildflowers cover subalpine meadows.

The largest campsites provide the best views of Mount Rainier, 14,411 feet above the river, and are located closest to it.

Hiking is also accessible to campers with ease; the Wonderland Trail and Glacier Basin Trail both start from this location.


7. Haena Beach Park – Kauai, Hawaii

Haena Beach Park | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Why not tent instead if you can’t afford to stay at an oceanfront hotel on Kauai? Right on the edge of the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, at Haena Beach Park, you can set up your tent for $12 per night.

For a fraction of the cost of a hotel room, even a cheap one, wake up to a magnificent sunrise and expansive ocean views.

While the waters are unsafe for swimming or snorkeling, Tunnels Beach is only a quarter-mile away and offers those activities.


8. Salmon River Campground – Stanley, Idaho

Salmon River Campground | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Just a few miles from the town of Stanley, the Salmon River Campground is properly called given its stunning setting on the Salmon River in Sawtooth National Forest.

This campground is an outdoor adventurer’s dream with the craggy Sawtooth Mountains towering above.

Fly fishing is a popular activity along this section of the river, and campers can also go rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

The riverside loop sites have direct access to the water, while the higher loop offers more cover and solitude. Deer, elk, ars, and even wolves are among the local wildlife, though you’re unlikely to encounter one.

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9. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park – Florence, Oregon

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

This campground on the central coast of Oregon is a wonderful location to camp any time of year. Pink rhododendrons bloom in the spring, while in the fall, blackberries and huckleberries are ready for picking.

Summertime in this coastal rainforest park means the opportunity to swim in one of two freshwater lakes or engage in other water sports.

In the winter, designated campsites provide direct access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The park’s primary draw, the Pacific, is two miles away from the campsites, and this two-mile length of dunes offers lots of hiking possibilities throughout the year.


10. Tuolumne Meadows Campground – Yosemite National Park, California

Tuolumne Meadows Campground | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

Unquestionably one of the most beautiful places on earth is Yosemite Valley. The issue is that throughout the summer it’s also one of the busiest.

The good news is that you may enjoy the same breathtaking vistas without the crowds in the high-elevation peaks, lakes, and meadows that surround it.

The area of this higher elevation that is most accessible is Tuolumne Meadows, where in the summer the sub-alpine meadows are converted into a lush, emerald environment with lovely wildflowers and granite domes, breathtaking peaks, and pines as the glittering Tuolumne River meanders through.

Fishing, hiking, trekking, and rock climbing are among the activities that may be done at the campground, which is situated in this region along the picturesque Tioga Road.


11. Kalaloch Campground – Olympic National Park, Washington

Kalaloch Campground | Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

The Hoh, Quinault, and Queets Rain Forests’ lush, gorgeous paths, as well as the picturesque, wild beaches on Washington State’s mountainous coast, are all accessible from Kalaloch Campground.

The campground offers immediate beach access, which is great for beachcombers because there are many shells and interesting driftwood pieces scattered around.

With bald eagles and numerous other coastal birds nesting and feeding nearby, bird viewing is another well-liked activity.

Sea otters float along the ocean’s surface, whales and dolphins occasionally surface offshore, and large puffin nesting colonies can frequently be seen along rocky outcrops.

Tide pools are teeming with marine life of all kinds, including hermit crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins.


Conclusion

If you drive the length of the country, you’ll pass by stunning sights in every state. What nearby camping areas are the greatest, you might be wondering. The abundance of fantastic camping locations around the United States is one of its best features.

On a weekend (or longer) camping excursion, nature lovers can take in the crisp air, stunning mountains, and crystal-clear lakes and streams.

These gorgeous settings offer many picnic spots, hiking paths, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in addition to tent camping.


FAQs For Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

There are a lot of questions that come to mind when choosing camping places in the US some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

Q.1 What is the number 1 rule of wild camping?

As a general guideline, always leave the location in the same exact state that you found it. Respect others’ privacy and wild camp high: When going on a camping adventure, it’s crucial to avoid populated areas.

Q.2 What is the luxurious form of camping?

Glamping

Glamping, a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping,” designates a form of camping that includes luxuries and, occasionally, resort-like services that are not often connected with “classic” camping.

Q.3 What is the prettiest state park?

The examination of evaluations for the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the biggest state park in Michigan, revealed that about 90% of them contain the adjective “beautiful,” giving it the distinction of being the most beautiful state park in the country.

Q.4 What state has the freest camping?

Wyoming offers free camping practically wherever you go, and it’s simple to choose a lovely place with few other visitors. While the region closest to Yellowstone National Park is the most visited, you may continue further south into the Wind River Range and witness snow-capped peaks for most of the year.


Tell Us In The Comments As per You Which Are the Best Scenic Places to Camp in the United States?

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He has a diverse educational background with expertise in travel content creation and digital marketing. His self-motivated learning approach has made him a well-rounded professional in the field. Read More

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