The Best National Park Campsites
Explore, camp, and connect with nature in and around National Parks
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a nature enthusiast, Sēkr is here to help you find the perfect spot to connect with nature. It’s our job to connect adventure-seekers with the best National Park campsites both inside and outside the parks. We’ve scoured our community reviews, listings, and suggestions to compile this ultimate guide.
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Let Sēkr be your trusted compass!
Navigation
In this guide to the best National Park campsites, you’ll find:
Olympic National Park
Discover the diverse beauty of Olympic National Park, where rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains converge. Camp among towering evergreens, explore pristine beaches, and hike through temperate rainforests teeming with life. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the wilderness or family-friendly adventures, Olympic National Park offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience.
CampRAD
Port Angeles, WA
Twin Beach Campground, near Joyce, WA, offers five campsites with private fire pits, picnic tables, and a communal meal prep shack. Located across from Twin Beach and close to a river, it’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing.
Amenities include a communal fire pit, nearby laundromat, store, and gas station. Port Angeles, with its shops and dining, is just 30 minutes away. Enjoy nearby bike trails, Lake Crescent, and various hiking options. Interaction with hosts or guests is optional. All ages welcome!
Salt Creek Camping
Port Angeles, WA
Salt Creek Recreation Area County Park offers national park aesthetics with county park amenities. Spanning 196 acres, it features upland forests, rocky bluffs, tide pools, a sand beach, and stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Crescent Bay, and Vancouver Island.
Open year-round, the campground has 92 premium campsites, 73 of which overlook the water. The park attracts visitors from the Northwest and beyond, including students studying marine life, making it one of Clallam County’s premier parks.
Hoh Campground
Forks, WA
The Hoh Rain Forest, named after the ever-flowing Hoh River, is known for its lush, green canopy and moss-covered surfaces. The name “Hoh” likely originates from Native American languages, possibly from the Quileute word “Ohalet” (fast moving water) or the Quinault word “Qu” (boundary).
The rainforest receives an average of 140 inches of rain annually, creating a verdant landscape of coniferous and deciduous trees. This enchanting environment draws visitors year-round.
Joshua Tree National Park
Explore the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, where desert meets mountainous terrain in Southern California. Named after the iconic Joshua trees that dot the landscape, this park offers stunning vistas, rugged rock formations, and diverse ecosystems. Camp under the stars amid Joshua trees and enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Despite the desert environment, the park boasts a surprising variety of plant and animal life.
Joshua Tree BLM
Joshua Tree, CA
Nearby the National Park, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers dispersed camping with no facilities. Visitors must adhere to BLM regulations, bring necessities, and pack out trash. All vegetation is protected, and campfires require a BLM permit.
The northern site is off Twentynine Palms Highway, near Indian Cove Ranger Station, while the southern site is just before the park’s southern entry on Cottonwood Springs Road. The National Park Service offers more information on these BLM sites.
Skoolie & Vanlife Campground
Twentynine Palms, CA
Discover the Skoolie & Van Life Campground and community in the desert, hand-built by digital nomads. With 6 sites, amenities include a compost toilet, hot showers, shared kitchen, and communal hangout patio. Enjoy great cell service for remote workers and connect with fellow nomads.
Just 15 minutes from both East and West entrances of Joshua Tree National Park, relish in fire pits, frisbee golf, and outdoor movie nights. Rates start at $25/night with discounts for extended stays. This is a safe, fun place for all.
Indian Cove Campground
Twentynine Palms, CA
Explore Indian Cove Campground, nestled amidst the towering rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park. Popular among climbers for its proximity to climbing routes, this campground offers 101 individual sites and 13 tent-only group sites.
With warm, dry winters attracting travelers from October to May, temperatures range from 70-90 degrees during the day and 40-60 degrees at night. Rock climbing, hiking, and star-gazing opportunities abound in this desert oasis, located at an elevation of 3,200 feet.
Grand Teton National Park
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Grand Teton National Park, where jagged peaks tower above pristine lakes and verdant valleys in northwestern Wyoming. With over 200 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Whether embarking on a scenic boat tour of Jenny Lake, summiting Grand Teton itself, or capturing the park’s abundant wildlife through photography, there’s adventure at every turn.
Shadow Mountain Camping
Jackson, WY
Shadow Mountain Road network comprises designated Forest Service roads open for motorized use annually from May 1 to November 31. These gravel and dirt roads, like 30340, offer access, though caution is advised during wet conditions.
Additionally, the North Shadow Mountain OHV Trail System, open from June 1 to November 30, provides over 11 miles for off-highway vehicles. Nestled amid timbered routes and meadows, it offers stunning views of the Gros Ventre Mountains and Grand Teton National Park.
Colter Bay Campground
Moran, WY
Colter Bay Campground in Colter Bay Village offers a vast, picturesque setting amidst lodgepole pines near Jackson Lake. Ideal for family camping, it accommodates tents and RVs with practical amenities including laundry, showers, and a grocery store. Additionally, the village features a marina, gift shop, and horse corrals, providing fun for all ages with non-stop views.
With activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and ranger-led programs against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Mountains, Colter Bay Village is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lizard Creek Campground
Grand Teton National Park, WY
Located in a remote area of Grand Teton National Park, this rustic campground offers convenient access to both Yellowstone and Colter Bay Village.
Nestled within a spruce and fir forest along Jackson Lake, the campground provides stunning views of the northern Teton Range, including Webb Canyon and Owl and Ranger peaks. To the south, the majestic Teton Range rises above Jackson Lake, offering a breathtaking backdrop for campers. The campground offers tent camping and pull-in/back-in sites for RVs or trailers up to 30ft. Nearly half of the sites are walk-in tent sites.
Acadia National Park
In Acadia National Park, rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and pristine forests converge to create a breathtaking natural wonderland. Located along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor experiences, from scenic hikes along rocky shores to exhilarating climbs up iconic granite peaks.
Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA
Bar Harbor, ME
Experience family-friendly waterfront camping at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday in Maine, the only campground on the west side of Mount Desert Island.
Watch stunning sunsets from your campsite, creating a serene backdrop each evening. Use our campground as your base to explore Bar Harbor, with its proximity to Acadia National Park, local restaurants, and shops. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking scenic trails, our KOA Campground offers the perfect retreat for your island getaway.
Seawall Campground
Acadia National Park, ME
Seawall Campground in Southwest Harbor offers a serene escape on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island in Maine. Nestled amidst wooded surroundings, all sites are within a brief stroll to the ocean.
Enjoy peaceful hiking trails and Echo Lake’s recreational activities nearby. Acadia National Park, comprising islands, mountains, lakes, and beaches, invites exploration. With coastal walks, mountain hikes, biking on carriage roads, and ranger-led programs, Acadia provides diverse outdoor experiences for all ages.
Forest Ridge Campground
Ellsworth, ME
Forest Ridge Campground is your gateway to Down-East Maine and Acadia National Park. Emphasizing large sites and peaceful nights, we prioritize tranquility over partying. Nestled on 47 wooded acres just a mile from downtown Ellsworth, our 70-site campground offers a serene retreat off Highway 1 & 3.
Conveniently located near various Down-East Maine communities, including Bar Harbor and Blue Hill, we provide easy access to tourist attractions, dining, and sightseeing.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Known for its iconic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. From the awe-inspiring vistas of Half Dome and El Capitan to the serene meadows of Yosemite Valley, this iconic park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Diamond O
Groveland, CA
Dimond O Campground offers an ideal location near Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance and Hetch Hetchy. Situated by the Middle Fork Tuolumne River, visitors can enjoy wading and fly fishing in its refreshing waters. Nearby trails include Carlon Falls Trail and those in Yosemite accessible from Hetch Hetchy.
The river is perfect for swimming, wading, and trout fishing. The campground provides single and double-family sites, many accessible, with amenities like picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Groveland, CA
Located within Yosemite National Park, Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers a stunning retreat. Situated 25 miles from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4,875 feet, the campground provides a base to explore the park’s iconic features, including waterfalls, granite cliffs, meadows, and ancient sequoias.
Reservable up to five months in advance, Yosemite’s campsites are in high demand. Nearby attractions include Yosemite Valley with its hiking trails and rafting opportunities, Tioga Road’s scenic drive, and more.
Dirt Flat
El Portal, CA
Dirt Flat Campground, situated on the north side of the Merced River, offers serene walk-in tent sites along the riverbank, providing a tranquil camping experience.
Located in the Sierra National Forest on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, the area boasts spectacular mountain scenery and diverse natural resources, ranging from oak-covered foothills to alpine landscapes. In spring and early summer, the Merced River attracts rafting and kayaking enthusiasts, with guided trips available.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a vast and unique wilderness located in the southern tip of Florida. Nestled within the intricate web of mangroves, sawgrass prairies, and freshwater marshes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From thrilling airboat rides through the swamps to peaceful paddles along tranquil waterways, Everglades National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Flamingo Campground
Homestead, FL
Flamingo Adventures, nestled within Everglades National Park’s southern tip, offers scenic campgrounds, abundant recreation, and stunning views of the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.
Adjacent to the Long Pine Key Trail and a fishing pond, the Long Pine Key Campground provides essential amenities for immersing in nature, just minutes from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Easily take advantage of airboat rides, tours, and adventure activities from the campground and attached lodge.
Sun Outdoors
Key Largo, FL
Sun Outdoors Key Largo, formerly Riptide RV Resort & Marina, is a picturesque and convenient RV park situated at mile marker 97.5 in the Florida Keys.
Offering 35 full-hookup sites with cable TV and WiFi, as well as duplexes, motels, and vacation cottages, it’s an ideal base for exploring the stunning Florida Keys. The resort features a boat launch, docks, and a private beach for snorkeling and swimming. Just outside the gates, adventure awaits with Key Largo’s renowned natural beauty.
Calusa Cove RV & Campground
Estero, FL
Discover tranquility at Calusa Cove, a small and picturesque RV Park located between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, adjacent to Estero Bay State Preserve. Surrounded by cypress, live oak, and native palmetto trees, with two serene lakes, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Offering low rates and spacious grass RV sites with full hookups, Calusa Cove is perfect for experienced campers seeking simplicity. As a small, family-owned RV Park with zero amenities, it provides a peaceful retreat.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, nestled in Colorado’s Front Range, boasts breathtaking alpine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. Its rugged terrain encompasses soaring peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and photography.
Coyote Hill Dispersed Camping
Estes Park, CO
Enjoy primitive camping on government land, leaving no trace. Limited services available; permit may be required. First-come, first-served sites offer stunning views of Estes Park.
Access road is rough, suitable for high-clearance vehicles; larger rigs may struggle. Good Verizon LTE and decent AT&T coverage. Popular spot for dirt and mountain biking, with nearby hiking trails. No toilets or trash collection, so practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
Moraine Park Campground
Estes Park, CO
Moraine Park Campground, nestled at 8,160 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance, offers stunning views of the park and its majestic peaks. With a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
The campground features tent and RV sites, amenities like flush toilets and solar showers, and easy access to ranger-led activities and the park’s shuttle service.
Camp DIck
Boulder, CO
Camp Dick, established in the 1930s, sits near Middle Saint Vrain Creek off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Anglers enjoy fly-fishing for trout in the creek, while hikers and bikers explore nearby trails like Sourdough and Buchanan Pass. The Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary is four miles away, offering more adventure. Campsites accommodate tents and RVs.
Nearby Allenspark offers dining and shopping, while Rocky Mountain National Park beckons with its stunning landscape, just 25 miles away in Estes Park.
Smokey Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, is renowned for its mist-shrouded peaks, ancient forests, and diverse wildlife. Home to over 800 miles of trails, including a portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail, it offers ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Elkmont Campground
Sevier County, TN
Elkmont Campground, just eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s largest and busiest site. Nestled at 2,150 feet elevation, it enjoys a mild climate year-round.
With 800 miles of trails, including Laurel Falls Trail’s stunning waterfall, hiking is a highlight. Wildlife viewing is unparalleled, with a thriving bear population. The park’s rich biodiversity includes historic log buildings, meticulously preserved. Elkmont boasts 200 tent/RV sites, with ADA options and walk-in sites.
Cades Cove
Townsend, TN
Cades Cove, drawing over 2 million visitors yearly, captivates with its historic charm and stunning vistas. Whether adorned in spring wildflowers or autumnal hues, the landscape never fails to enchant.
The campground, open year-round, offers a blend of primitive camping and modern amenities like flush toilets and drinking water. With a bustling camp store during peak season and events like interpretive programs and bicycle-only days, Cades Cove ensures a memorable experience amidst the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Sun Outdoors Pidgeon Forge
Sevierville, TN
Experience the best of Tennessee at Sun Outdoors Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, formerly River Plantation, your gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled near thrilling local attractions, our resort offers top-notch accommodations and amenities for a memorable outdoor retreat.
From a serene swimming pool with a lazy river to basketball courts and a playground, there’s fun for all ages. With easy access to Pigeon Forge, your Tennessee vacation promises endless adventure.
Camping in National Parks: Tips & Must-Know Info
Camping in and around a National Park is a bit different than your nearby camping trip. From time management to local rules, here are some must-follow tips to make the most of your National Park camping adventure.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple National Parks, it might make sense to buy an annual pass. Known as an America the Beautiful pass, you can use this at over 2k outdoor attractions and parks over the country. This includes National Parks, National Forests, and BLM property. You can purchase this at any ranger station, REI, and online.
Look for Permit & Fee Requirement
While it’s true camping is usually less expensive than other types of travel, that doesn’t mean it’s free. During peak season, most National Park campgrounds and nearby parks have fees for nightly stays. You might also need a permit to use backcountry or BLM land.
Consider Leaving Fido Home
Traveling with your dog can be a great way to bond with your best furry friend! However, many National Parks have a four-paws-on-the-pavement rule. This means dogs are not permitted outside of parking lots and very few sidewalk trails. Take this into account when planning your trip.
Camping in a National Park or in a nearby town is a one-of-a-kind way to explore this beautiful country. Whether you’re hitting the road in an RV, campervan, or with just a backpack, this guide reveals some can’t-miss spots so you ca make the most of your time outside.
