The Most Scenic Places To Camp In The US

By Molly Crowe | October 19, 2020

Going on camp is partly about getting out in nature and doing something active. But it is also about just enjoying the views and seeing something different that isn’t a city. 

When it comes to scenic places to camp in the US, you’re spoiled for choice. No other country in the world has so many beauty spots or diversity. And because the country is literally the size of a continent, there are multiple unexplored regions to check out. Most of the time, you have the place to yourself. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful locations for camping in the country. You won’t believe how stunning some of them truly are. 

White Mountain National Forest, Maine

If you’re looking for somewhere that gets cool in the fall, you’ll want to check out White Mountain National Forest, a park that straddles Maine and New Hampshire. The region is just at the north tip of the Appalachians, giving you a combination of rolling undulating countryside and beautiful mountains.

The region is home to several climbing and camping centers, providing you with multiple options. There are shelters too, but they may be closed when you decide to travel, given the current pandemic situation. 

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

If you head south to Virginia, you’ll eventually stumble upon the Shenandoah National Park – a massive nature reserve with more than 500 miles of trails. Visitors often attempt to scale the impressive Old Rag Mountain, a sixteen-mile round-trip, taking about eight or nine hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. The park is now open and offers a variety of camping grounds. Some of them are set up for hygienic camping, with plenty of sanitizers to keep everyone safe when using the bathroom. 

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

If you’re a fan of Ocean City, you’ll love the Assateague Island National Seashore, a beautiful area for beachside camping, swimming, surfing, and other watersports. Make sure to bring a tent for 5 people – this is the sort of place you go for a party. Also, be sure to check out the wild horses who live in the area, making a living by chewing the sparse vegetation that grows along the coast. 

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

If you’re looking for a beautiful marine life, then be sure to pay a camping visit to Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, just a few miles from Fort Jefferson. The area is famous for being close to the world’s most extensive barrier reefs. Campers who travel there are just a short boat ride away from seeing the corals up close. Just be sure to pack your snorkeling gear so that you can see it in its full glory. 

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park sits near to the famous Rio Grande – an unusual river whose color depends on the season and where you happen to be along its length. The campsite is perfect for anyone looking for a riverside landscape. The park is famous for its long hikes, canoeing opportunities, and rafting instructions. 

The park is home to three main campsites, each of which has all the facilities you need. Currently, all of the sites are open, but some are operating at a reduced capacity, so you’ll need to book in advance. Also, be sure that you’re self-sufficient before you travel – most visitor centers are currently closed to the public. 

Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

If you’re looking for a place to go in the Smoky Mountains, the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho is the place to be. The landscape looks like something out of a painting with snow-capped mountains rising high above the lakes below. 

If you travel to this destination, be sure to take plenty of warm, waterproof clothing with you. It is incredibly remote, and temperatures can drop precipitously at night. The park is currently in the stages of reopening and welcoming visitors back after a long break.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is a popular secondary destination for skiers holidaying in Jackson Hole. Here you’ll find six camping grounds as well as the National Elk Refuge, where you find these adorable four-legged creatures in abundance. 

Grand Teton is famous for being a beautiful campsite because of its wildlife and views of the Rocky Mountains. What’s nice about the area is that the hiking is challenging, but not too difficult for casual holidaymakers. Many of the local hiking trails simply circle the lakes, so you can enjoy this place without a high level of fitness.