If you’re looking for the best camping sites possible, you’ve come to the right place. Hiking and camping outdoors can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but if your goal is to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, ending up in a crowded spot can severely detract from the trip. Below, you’ll find our top US camping locations for your next nature getaway.
Secluded Camping Spots for Outdoor Adventures
A busy camping spot could signal the quality and beauty of the surrounding nature. On the other hand, overcrowded areas and the queues and noise that follow can inhibit your enjoyment.
Whether you’re seeking true isolation or simply want to explore something novel, these are the best, secluded, and family-friendly campgrounds that you’ve likely never heard of before:
Rocky Neck State Park, Connecticut
We start the list off with a destination perfectly capable of addressing your needs for an adventure filled to the brim with various activities. Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut has a little something for everyone, with white sand beaches, marine life estuaries, and, of course, plenty of campsites surrounded by breathtaking natural features.
Pet owners: keep in mind that the park doesn’t permit pets on the campground. Other than that, Rocky Neck makes for a perfect destination for a family-friendly outdoor adventure.
Assateague State Park, Maryland
As Maryland’s only oceanfront park, Assateague offers stunning views of the water at every turn. The proximity to the water and the climate, in general, necessitates that you pack sufficient waterproof clothing since rainfall is a regular occurrence.
Uniquely for this campsite, the nearby areas are home to packs of wild horses roaming the land. Animal enthusiasts should beware, though, as the park imposes a 40 ft minimum safety distance to be kept at all times. Other than that, Assateague’s incredibly vast, immaculate beaches can satisfy the most demanding beachgoer.
Many Glacier Campground, Montana
Heading away from the seaside, we turn our attention to Montana’s Many Glacier Park and the surrounding campgrounds. The magical vistas, courtesy of the postglacial landscape, carved out monumental valleys in between the snow-dusted peaks, creating absolutely breathtaking sights to enjoy during your hikes. Speaking of which, a reliable, sturdy pair of hiking boots will be an absolute must, considering the elevation change that occurs as you scale up and down the hilly terrain.
Smithgall Woods State Park, Georgia
Dubbed as the angler’s paradise, Smithgall Woods in Georgia is considered one of the state’s best trout streams for catch-and-release fishing. Though trophy fishing aficionados aren’t the only ones in luck, as the state park provides an opportunity for an intimate and romantic getaway among the quiet cottages
Then, whenever you’re up for some light activity, Smithgall’s forest walking trails will enchant and bewilder you – particularly because of how few people actually frequent its grounds. Therefore, if you’re looking for secluded camping spots, this option cannot slip by you.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
As the park’s own website will tell you, Big Bend is a hiker’s paradise. Innumerable miles of trails and routes run through the park grounds, granting ample opportunity to behold the Rio Grande’s gargantuan canyons, in particular the imposing and famous Santa Elena Canyon. A canoeing day trip upstream is also possible and definitely worth considering as an activity if you’re planning to stay for several days.
As for camping amenities, Big Bend has three front-country campground sites and one designated RV camping area, though backcountry parking in the wild is also possible. Before heading out, be sure to bring enough water and other hydration accessories, as the weather in the park can be ruthless, with temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit beating down on visitors without pause. Therefore, lightweight camping gear is your best bet here.
Hoh Rainforest Campground, Washington
This ancient, temperate rainforest in Washington’s Olympic National Park opens its doors to visitors year-round, enabling them to access a truly unique natural environment. Camping between the lush greenery and dense, mossy trees makes it incredibly easy to set up a private spot away from prying eyes.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking the Hoh River Trail, which offers stunning views of waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient trees. Additionally, the campground's secluded location offers plenty of opportunity for photography and relaxation amidst the area’s serene beauty.
Cottonwood Camp, Utah
Last but not least, Cottonwood Camp in Utah is a bare-bones campsite in almost complete seclusion with few amenities. Nestled between the trees with mountainous views all around, it offers plenty of hiking and camping opportunities for a relaxing escape deep into unspoilt nature.
The price of camping also can’t be beaten, as a stay on the Cottonwood Camp perimeter for the designated maximum of 14 consecutive days will run you a very agreeable… zero dollars! That’s right, the campsite is entirely free of charge, making it an incredibly enticing proposition.
The Takeaway
Hopefully, we’ve provided you with plentiful ideas for US camping locations to explore during your next getaway. Generally, the best camping sites tend to be a little overcrowded at times. However, head to any of these destinations, and you’re likely to not encounter more than a handful of other nature-loving souls.
You may also read: Exploring the Best Campsites Along the Appalachian Trail