The Most Picturesque Camping Spots in the United States
Whether you are going on a backpacking trip or a long-term camping trip where you can pitch a tent every night, or you are going camping alone or with your loved ones, there is never a shortage of opportunities to do so in a picturesque corner of the country in the United States. These are the most picturesque camping spots to add to the list of avid campers looking to get away.
1. Arches National Park, Colorado
Known for some of the most intriguing rock formations in the world, Arches National Park in Utah is a display of natural arches formed when wind-blown sand has carved holes in the rock over thousands of years. By pitching a tent on the soft sand of the area, you can wander around for days watching nature at work, including the most famous of these arches, Delicate Arch. Cacti, including edible prickly pear, and a range of spring wildflowers make for an incredible desert sightseeing experience.
Situated between 4,000 and 5,600 feet (1,200 and 1,700 meters) above sea level on the northern edge of the Colorado Plateau, the wind-eroded red sandstone features unique pinnacles, windows, and arches, including one of the longest natural free-standing rock spans on Earth at about 290 feet (88 meters), Landscape Arch. Hikers can also take a fascinating walk through forests with rare juniper and pinyon pines, cottonwoods, elderberries, Russian olives, and tamarisks.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore Campground, Maryland
This beachfront campground is where dreams come true, including falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wild horses galloping along the beach. The magical place is located on a 37-mile stretch of barrier island just off the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Offering only basic camping services and few amenities, it only enhances its uniqueness and the wildness of the surrounding spectacle, while crabbing, clamming, swimming, and kayaking are always available.
Designated a National Seashore with a state and national park, this slice of heaven on Earth is manicured and untouched, with immaculate sands for miles around. Although always in high demand, the island’s sparse trees provide views of the vast ocean from almost any spot, guaranteeing the perfect shot or an undisturbed getaway. Open year-round, you’ll never forget the sight of shifting sands from the constant wind and strong waves, with friendly, free-ranging animals roaming the landscape for just $25 a night.
3. Atlatl Rock Campgrounds, Nevada
Just an hour outside of Las Vegas, the surrounding Valley of Fire State Park, made up of 40,000 acres of scarlet Aztec sandstone rock formations, will let you know when you arrive. It consists of two campgrounds that together make up 72 units, all set up in a primitive but essential manner. Each site has a shady table, grill, and fire pit, and no bugs to distract you from concentrating. What more could you want when your eyes are constantly wandering around the extraordinary scenery?
4. Camping in Bartlett Bay, Alaska
You wouldn’t expect a beach campsite in Alaska to be located in an idyllic location, but Bartlett Bay sits right on the edge of crystal blue glacier waters and is part of the famous Glacier Bay National Park. The seclusion of the location is matched by ample opportunities for hiking through uncharted territory behind, while kayakers can paddle the waters day and night. With its picturesque location surrounded by dense forest, this remote site has easy access, and the long sunny days will make the adventure last much longer for most memories.
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5. Caladesi Island, Florida
This little-visited camping spot is perfect for those looking for a combination of leisure activities and solitude. This vacation campground on the west coast of Florida offers the opportunity to explore major attractions, visit an abundance of beaches, and hike off-the-beaten paths, all while taking in stunning views. Accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island remains one of the few unspoiled areas of the Gulf Coast free of beach crowds.
6. Grand Canyon North Rim Campground, Arizona
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a spectacular campground with fantastic views of the other side and a different perspective within America’s infamous gorge. The red rock that stretches for miles, the river that runs through its heart, and the surrounding fauna and flora of the high desert biosphere are just some of the sights that await campers. By pitching a tent on a plateau next to the North Rim’s Transept Trail, visitors have the option of spending the night between Roaring Springs Canyon and Transept Canyon.
7. Camp Mather, Arizona
Situated in a picturesque location within Grand Canyon National Park, this campground is one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States, offering 327 sites ready and waiting to accommodate up to three traditional tents, as well as RVs. Guests also have fireplaces with cooking grates, picnic tables, and free parking, as well as a free shuttle to the visitor center. Situated in one of the most visited areas in the country, this awe-inspiring campground is tucked away in the woods, where there are thousands of hiking and walking trails that lead from the edge of the cliff into the heart of the Grand Canyon.
8. Mount Pisgah, North Carolina
When you visit this campground, the adventure and sightseeing start right on the road, with spectacular views along the road at every turn of the wheel. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the drive to Mount Pisgah includes a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway through sky-high blue spruce trees. The mountains reaching their peak heights and making you feel even smaller and more secluded, along with the colorful carpets of wildflowers that emerge from time to time, make for an unforgettable drive, with more adventures to come.
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9. San Juan Islands, Washington
This campground is ideal for those seeking privacy in a picturesque setting. Access to these tourist-friendly islands located between Canada and the United States is best done by boat from the coast of Seattle, as it is the closest state. The San Juan Islands are also accessible by floatplane. The fact that the San Juan Islands are not accessible by road, as well as their comparatively large space compared to other campgrounds, already guarantees more time alone or with friends.
10. Watchman Campground, Utah
Zion National Park, known for its famous sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River that runs through it, makes Watchman Campground one of the most picturesque places in the United States to spend a few unforgettable days. Open year-round, the campground gets its name from the rocky peaks that tower above it, as if guarding the peace and sleep of people at night. A classic camping spot located in a hidden oasis of the park and ideal for hiking, the surrounding area of southern Utah also attracts tourists.
