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No two states in this wonderful country are alike, which is absolutely perfect for campers. Every state has its own unique beauties, and each has its own optimal way to explore them.
In each state, we’ve laid out the ultimate campsite that everyone raves about, giving you a bucket list of spots to visit.
Instead of dipping into the usual tourist traps and expensive campgrounds, try these out to get a unique perspective on every single state in America.
Alabama
Gulf State Park kicks off our top list here, and for excellent reason: it’s a place you’ll want to revisit every single time you hop in the RV.
To keep the little ones entertained, there are plenty of beaches, well-kept facilities, and a local restaurant named Woodside Restaurant.
While the hookups for your RV are excellent, heading into the woods for a low-impact hike will be the main thing you remember from this trip.
Gorgeous views of Alabama and the Gulf Coast, as well as excellent prices for local hotels and RV parking spots, make this an all-American favorite.
Alaska
You’re coming to Eagle River Camp for the sheer beauty, but you’ll be hard-pressed to head back home because this is going to feel like a second one to you.
There are over fifty different sites here, each with restrooms, fresh water, fire pits, picnic tables, and more.
You’re close to the same level of local amenities as a small town would offer, so even if you run out of something halfway through your trip, you’ve got convenience right next door.
Arizona
Finding a good campsite in Arizona can be challenging, but Cave Springs stands out as a gem.
There are over eighty campsites, most of which have on-site facilities, local grills and campfires, picnic tables, restrooms, and RV hosts up to 36’ long.
Bring your hiking boots and trek through Oak Creek to catch a glimpse of the pristine water flowing by your feet. This is Arizona’s untapped beauty at its finest.
Arkansas
Arkansas doesn’t have the most diverse list of parks and campsites, but Lake Ouachita is a treat that’s hiding in plain sight.
There’s 40,000 acres of predominantly untamed space, excellent hiking and biking trails, and tons of kayaking opportunities to really enjoy nature.
Depending on what season you arrive in, you’ll be able to take advantage of some of America’s finest (and least populated) ski slopes. If you’re sick of tourist traps, there’s plenty of room for everyone at Lake Ouachita.
California
Dreams come true in Crystal Cove. Their restrictions on RVs and fifth wheels are fairly lenient, so long as they’re 35 feet or under.
You get a hybrid blend of untapped, beautiful nature to hike and bike through, while also getting access to the historic district.
There are plenty of attractions for a more relaxed, leisurely experience, so even if you’re not pitching a tent here, a trip to Crystal Cove can be a fairly relaxing, touristy stop on your camping map.
Colorado
Despite its intimidating name, Garden of the Gods, Colorado’s best campsite offers unparalleled relaxation and tranquility.
There are plenty of accommodations for RV and fifth-wheel users, but there’s also a resort-style feeling (hence it being an RV resort).
You get access to the outdoor, inground pool, a US Olympic training center, a cog train, and a ton of hiking trails that keep you on your feet.
It’s a great blend between traversing through untapped nature and still having a comfortable spot to return to as the sun goes down.
Connecticut
Connecticut is known for its small town charm and industrial cities, which is why Odetah is hidden in plain sight. This simple campsite is the closest safe spot to nature that you’re going to find in this small state.
You’ll have sparsely populated, relaxing trails to hike through and enjoy a breath of fresh air, but on the same note, you can return to the campsite to use the jacuzzi, access the Wi-Fi, and partake in their various activities and entertainment.
Those who run Odetah keep things fresh and interesting, so there’s always a new reason to return year after year.
Delaware
If you’re looking for a more down-to-earth campsite feeling, Holly Lake’s collection of campsites will keep your feet on the ground.
They keep it fairly old-school, with restricted office hours, but a lot more freedom than you’ll find at most privately owned campsites.
You’ll also have access to a laundromat, a store, clean bathrooms, and some fun activities, such as a petting zoo and mini golf. This is the perfect place to recharge if you and your family have been traveling too long.
Florida
With this one, you’re not staying near the Everglades. Henderson Beach State Park keeps its fees extremely low, and because it’s Florida, there’s 365-day access with rather generous entry hours.
If you’re planning a road trip, they can hold reservations up to eleven months prior to your visit, which is extremely convenient if you’re hitting the road for the better part of the summer.
They have over twenty parks, most of which offer on-site cabins and even boat camping, so get to living that Florida dream with nearly zero restrictions.
Georgia
There’s a lot of Peach State Parks around, but High Falls is an isolated, family-friendly spot that acts as your own personal hideaway.
It’s not enormous, but there is a 650-acre lake, picnic shelters, primitive campsites, and over a hundred RV, tent, and trailer sites for you to enjoy.
They’re spaced out enough that there’s never a congested tourist feeling, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your lengthy stay in Georgia’s hidden hideaway.
Hawaii
There’s nothing like Hawaii, and if you’re making the flight out just to enjoy the beautiful islands, you have to check out Malaekahana Beach.
Just as you’d expect, you get kayak and board rentals, as well as access to a local store that includes just about everything you would need for an impromptu hammock camping trip.
The whole point of visiting Hawaii is to relax and enjoy the tropics, and there’s nothing waiting for you but untapped beauty to revel in.
Idaho
The Bruneau Dunes will make you reconsider your perception of Idaho.
There is a state park observatory to enjoy some stellar stargazing, far away from the bright city lights that often make it impossible to get a good view.
You can also find cabin rentals, a junior ranger program to involve the little ones, and equestrian facilities for the horseback rider in your party.
One of the best things about this spot is that it’s within a few hours’ drive of Utah and Nevada, giving you quick access to some of the other campsites on our list.
Illinois
It’s time to hit Lake Michigan from the comfort of Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park.
One of the main reasons to visit this spot is to take a brisk ride on the lengthy cycling trails or take a long walk on the miles of lakeshore.
You’ll get a handful of local amenities, such as a lodge and restaurant, as well as a gift shop and firewood seller.
This spot is perfect to ease your kids into camping while getting some breathtaking views and top-notch photographs as well.
Indiana
Potato Creek State Park is our favorite spot in Indiana. From a distance, it looks bland, but that’s what keeps massive numbers of tourists at bay.
There are seventeen on-site cabins, as well as cross-country skiing during the right season, hiking trails, bicycle trails, playground equipment, and a tubing hill.
It’s a small, family-friendly campsite that’s the perfect way to introduce your little ones to some cushier camping, and it will have them asking to come back again on the next family vacation.
Iowa
Iowa is a quiet destination, but Lake Ahquabi State Park gives you the option to shake things up a little.
This fairly small campsite provides an intimate camping experience, as well as over six miles of biking and hiking trails to start your day off with.
This campsite perfectly borders the lake, which you can take a paddle boat or kayak out on.
The waters are unsupervised, but to us, that just means there’s no restriction on fun. If you’re sick and worn out of crowded campsites, this is the spot for you and the family.
Kansas
Kansas is America’s epicenter, and El Dorado State Park is at its heart.
There’s thousands of acres of wildlife area, a park, and nearly a hundred miles of shoreline to keep you at the water’s edge (which is a luxury in this part of the country).
Our personal favorite thing about this park is the cabin reservations: lengthy stays, excellent cancellation windows, and affordable prices that entice you to come here for your long-term camping stays.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s normal attractions keep the tourists away, but the General Butler campsite attracts the seasoned camper in all of us.
You’ll have excellent hiking and biking trails that wrap around outstanding birdwatching spots, but that’s not where the enjoyment of nature ends.
You’ll be able to take a canoe out on the lake, cast a line in the water, and visit the game room before you head out. Before you leave, be sure to check out the gift shop, museum, or catch a round of mini golf.
Louisiana
We all know the main attractions of Louisiana, but the hidden gems like Grand Isle State Park keep us campers coming back year after year.
Everyone else can keep their festivities going while we rough it out in the dispersed camping spots and get closer to nature.
There’s an authentic camping experience that you don’t get in many other places, with plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to keep you busy and clear open skies.
Maine
You owe it to yourself to check out Bayley’s Camping Resort in the foothills of Maine.
Leave the mountains to the northerners; this is the highest-rated campsite in all of Maine, and you can’t not have a good time while you’re there.
Choose from kayaking or lobster diving; check out their weekly entertainment schedule; and for the adults of the group, you can head to the Little River Complex.
Got kids with you? Not a problem: there’s an activity list a mile long to keep everyone in a full array of fun.
Maryland
People fall in love with Frontier Town in Mayland for a variety of reasons, including special events and on-site activities.
This place can get a bit crowded from time to time, but the reason that campers keep coming back year after year is that even with a crowd, it’s virtually impossible to be in a bad mood at Frontier Town.
Take a wild ride on the high-ropes adventure park and zip through the trees, or take a stroll down the dusty roads of their western theme park. Make a second reservation on your way out of Frontier because you can’t see everything.
Massachusetts
Nickerson State Park in Massachusetts is a fairly small, 1,900-acre area, but offers an excellent getaway in an otherwise busy part of the state.
The hours simply range from sunrise to sunset, with over four hundred campsites to choose from, as well as wooden trails weaving in between a bunch of ponds.
This is the ideal destination if you’re a New England native and aren’t looking for tourist traps. Nickerson offers rest and relaxation even though it’s on Cape Cod, and it still gives you access to all the local shops that everybody loves.
Michigan
On this list, we’ve listed another camping site that touches Lake Michigan’s shores, but Mackinaw Mill Creek sits on the exact opposite side of the lake, right in the heart of Mackinaw City.
Take your pick between lakefront RV sites and cabin rentals, or pack it up and head into the woods for some dispersed camping.
The Mackinac Island Ferry Docks in downtown are five minutes away from this entire site, allowing you to escape city life and immerse yourself in nature. However, if you find yourself missing the amenities of a small city, simply drive down the road.
Minnesota
Afton State Park makes you forget you’re in Minnesota; it feels like a perfectly preserved piece of the world.
Depending on the season, you’ll be able to partake in cross country skiing, swimming in the lake, fishing, and backpacking, and if you’re a photographer, there’s a ton of breathtaking views to fill your wall up with.
Afton also wants you to be safe, so they offer free GPS units (for the duration of your stay) at the park’s entrance, as well as information on why they only allow approved firewood for burning in your campfire.
Mississippi
Buckle up, buccaneer! Buccaneer State Park is a hybrid between living in the middle of nature and still being close enough to local amenities to feel at home.
Buccaneer offers RV and tent campsites, fishing, a water slide, an on-site laundromat, and a convenience store.
If you’re bringing your little ones along for the ride, there’s also a playground and picnic area to enjoy, as well as a wave pool and plenty of nature trails to trek through.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Mississippi with this array of scenic views.
Missouri
Looking for a bit more hands-free vacation? At Table Rock State Park in Missouri, you can take a trail ride or a guided hike.
There’s tons to do, including fishing, cycling, and hiking on your own, as well as swimming in the lake.
Missouri’s state parks offer a ton of excellent campsites, and they deserve credit for that, but nothing beats Table Rock and all of its splendor.
It’s the spot in Missouri with the best views, some of the most interesting terrain, and an all-around family-friendly vacation feeling that’s certain to have you coming back year after year.
Montana
Montana is a fairly simple state, but Glacier National Park is anything but ordinary.
As one of the top ten spots to camp in all of America, this park offers a map with current conditions so you can plan your trip accordingly, road statuses and weather, and everything you need to plan a lengthy, safe trip.
One excellent feature is their website’s webcams, which are constantly live and show you footage of the park. This is a spot to visit for minimal amenities and the best encounter with raw nature.
Nebraska
Nebraska is waiting for you, namely, Eugene T. Mahoney Park, with a ton of features to keep you on your toes.
We’re willing to wager that you’ll have to come back at least two more times in order to get through everything. There are picnicking spots, local food service, cabins, tent camping, swimming, and more activities like golf, hiking, and bicycling.
As Nebraska’s most famous and most traveled campsite, they do an excellent job of maintaining traffic, so it never feels too crowded.
Nevada
Nevada makes you think of two things: Vegas and deserts. Well, the latter doesn’t sound like much fun, but Cathedral Gorge makes the whole prospect a little more enticing.
There’s a ridiculously low entry fee, which is all the more reason to travel back again, and a small enough area that most tourists don’t pay much attention to.
There are hiking trails, a visitors center, and twenty-two campsites available for park and play for up to 14 days per 30-day period.
New Hampshire
Moose Hillock Camping Resorts certainly lives up to the nickname “south of the north” in New Hampshire.
You get some of the most beautiful, scenic spots in all of New Hampshire, but you also get a ton of amenities if you choose to live a little cushier on vacation.
Regardless of your mood, the Blue Lagoon tropical swimming pool and a variety of indoor activities in a wood-panel building will captivate you.
New Jersey
Ocean View Resorts is more than just a campsite; it’s a hybrid resort with minimalist camping right next door.
Choose your adventure, but just know that a flea market, dance-a-thon, and raffle-style pirate treasure giveaway are just around the corner if you get bored.
Their amenities include arcades, playgrounds, mini-golf, basketball courts, and a splash pad. Your kids don’t always get excited about camping, but at Ocean View, it’s impossible to be upset about the trip.
New Mexico
Ready to see the better part of New Mexico?
Nearly a mile above sea level, City of Rocks State Park boasts a naturally carved cityscape, the result of a nearly 35-million-year-old volcanic eruption.
You’ll get access to local hiking trails, mountain bike paths, and an excellent view of the wide open skyline for stargazing at night. City of Rocks is your escape from the daily grind.
New York
The Big Apple sorely overlooks the untamed wild beauty of New York State. Instead of the Adirondacks tourist trap, go to Fillmore Glen State Park.
You have over sixty campsites to choose from, as well as live updates on the current water state for beaches and canoeing. Glen Fillmore isn’t huge, which is exactly why you’ll have peace and quiet for most of your trip.
Enjoy the pavilions, grills, campsites, and cabins, among their other amenities, and carve out a slice of New York for yourself.
North Carolina
Your vacation time is about to fill up. At the Davidson River Campground, you can spend up to two weeks every thirty days and enjoy the brisk, untapped nature of North Carolina.
It’s extremely close to the town of Brevard, which offers a handful of shopping spots, restaurants, and all the charm you’d expect from a small town.
Whether you’re heading here in winter or having a calming week in the dead of July, there’s always something going on.
North Dakota
North Dakota isn’t near the top of the list of most-visited campsites in America, making it perfect for a relaxing, quiet week with the family.
At North Park Campground, you can camp year-round and enjoy pull-through sites for your RV while still having access to local Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, and a public restroom, so you don’t end up utilizing the dumping station during your entire trip.
If you’re looking for a place you can bring your pets, North Park is very pet-friendly.
Ohio
Ohio’s secret treasure, Mohican State Park, offers tent camping spots, cabins, and general shelters, and from there, the world is in your hands.
There are local fishing spots, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even more water sports.
Maybe you’d like to relax at the campsite again. You can do that, check out the local pool, restaurants, and shops nearby, and build memories with the little ones at the same time.
Oklahoma
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is what brings people back to the quiet state of Oklahoma time and time again, but the real attraction is the water.
Rivers, streams, and lakes beckon for boating and exploration.
Hiking is ten times more relaxing with the sound of running water nearby, and aside from the local shops, this is a fairly quiet spot that leaves you and your thoughts in peace.
Oregon
Oregon is like getting a blend of the craziness of California and the same backwoods that you’ll find in Georgia.
At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of a tranquil, peaceful place that’s been mostly untouched by man.
If you’re not crazy about bringing a tent, there’s a local cabin for rent, and during the day you can take the horse trails, hike, or bike your way through the numerous trails. If it’s all about getting closer to nature for you, Emigrant’s the top spot.
Pennsylvania
Do you like to turn camping trips into history lessons for the little ones? Pennsylvania is a perfect mix of city and wildlife, and Gettysburg Campground is on the outskirts.
While the name isn’t very original, the preserved pieces of Civil War-era American history are dazzling.
You’ll have local playgrounds, fields, and a wide open community swimming pool, as well as an ever-growing number of pull-through RV hookup spots.
Rhode Island
While Rhode Island doesn’t have a lot of space to offer, there are 3,100 acres of beautiful woodland in the Burlingame State Campground.
You have 700 campsites to choose from, nearly two-dozen restroom facilities, and endless hiking trails and canoeing spots to indulge your sense of adventure.
Rent a cabin (which doesn’t come with utilities), bring some air mattresses, and light a candle; it’s time to get the old-school camp feeling going again.
South Carolina
South Carolina doesn’t have a lot of campgrounds, but among them, James Island County Park offers the best value and vacation.
It’s basic, with campgrounds for your tents and some cottages for rent, but you’ll also see sandy beaches, local antique shops, and excellent rustic restaurants that you’ll be craving the minute you start heading home.
South Carolina’s best campground is simple, so come here with the intent to relax a little.
South Dakota
South Dakota has vast untapped land, and smack dab in the center of all that beauty, there’s Beaver Lake Campground.
It’s simple: you have Beaver Lake, low amenity costs, and you can camp here year-round in your RV or fifth wheel to enjoy the pace and quiet. No gimmicks, just relaxation.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s been holding out on us. The Davy Crockett Campground is fully family-owned, so you know you’re getting authentic, genuine care from people just like you.
You’ll get access to on-site cabins, fifty RV hookups that include grills and decks (most of them), and an insane amount of enticing, unique landscape ahead of you to explore.
The hiking trails alone will keep you occupied for days as you look down on the streams and mossy rocks and get lost in the beauty.
There’s also a pool and a hot tub to help you relax after a long, strenuous day of adventuring through the woodland.
Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, and Garner State Park is a testament to that fact.
This spot has affordable fees, summer dance events at the campsite’s main building, and water equipment rentals. Grab a paddle boat or a kayak, cast a line in the water, and lean back to relax.
The beauty of Garner State Park is that you’re close to a ton of on-site amenities, like a restaurant and convenience shop, but you still get the perfect detached camping feeling at the same time.
Utah
You may not often associate Utah with exceptional camping experiences, but the Watchman Campground has the potential to alter your perception of this wonderful state.
This is a popular destination for full-time RVers seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, but tent campers can also secure a great spot here.
There are a fair bit of restrictions on this campsite, such as no generators, but you do have a nearby dump station and wide open views of the Utah desert.
Vermont
Vermont is one of New England’s quiet, well-preserved states that boasts some of the country’s best destinations, with tons of history scattered everywhere.
The best spot here is Greenwood Lodge and Campsites. It’s a small place, but one that keeps you far away from the majority of short-distance travel tourists.
You’ll have access to hiking trails, biking paths, pond boating, fishing spots, Wi-Fi, and a local store. You can either rent a unit for the time being or bring your RV and park it for the weekend.
Virginia
Virginia is known for its little island getaways, but Misty Mountain Camp Resort is where all the action is.
Whether you’re showing up in your RV, packing a tent, or you want to enjoy an old-country cabin, there’s a spot for you at Misty Mountain.
You won’t be short on family fun at this destination: there’s a stocked fishing pond, an enormous jump pad, and a list of playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained during the whole trip.
Washington
Olympic National Park is Washington’s most iconic park, and Kalaloch is a subdivision of it.
The entire Olympic Peninsula attracts tourists from all over the country, but if you want some peace and quiet while still having access to all of the excellent amenities, Kalaloch is the perfect spot for you.
There’s a staggering 150+ campsites for you to enjoy, which includes steps that lead down to the beach, hiking and biking trails, and a mile-long walk through Kalaloch Creek.
On that list, the latter is our favorite; it’s a sight that you can’t find anywhere else in the country.
West Virginia
Apart from just sounding like a fun campsite, Rifrafters is an excellent destination to experience the glory of West Virginia.
You’ll not only get a breathtaking view of the wild, but you’ll also have the option of camping in modern cabins, bringing your RV, and having access to a playground for the little ones.
There’s a small, old-school-style convenience store for snacks and pick-me-ups, giving you the down-home feeling that West Virginia is famous for and introducing your family to their favorite campsite in America.
Wisconsin
Fox Hill RV Park & Campground hosts a few amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a camp store, just enough to give you that real Wisconsin feeling.
Bring your RV, park it in a row, and get to exploring: there’s volleyball courts, a kiddie train, and a basketball court on-site, all within a decent walking distance.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there’s a few hiking trails to navigate close by to the campsite, so you’re never too far away from your RV.
Wyoming
Cody KOA Campground has the most family-friendly, universally enjoyable campsites in all of Wyoming.
It’s still within a day’s drive to Devil’s Tower, but with a much more relaxing atmosphere that speaks to just about every visitor.
They include amenities such as a dog park, bike rentals, a hot tub, and Wi-Fi if you’re looking to enjoy a more at-home feel for your camp trip. Spend your vacation in your RV and use the pool between June and September.
Where Will Your Adventure Take You?
Did you stick with half-a-dozen destinations, or are you wild enough to tackle the entire list?
Hit Alaska and Hawaii, then hop in an RV and dip through every state to get a full view of the US in all its splendor and find your favorite spot.
