Highest Rated Campgrounds

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to pack up your vehicle for a lifetime of memories that can only be found in a proper camping trip, and with this article by TravelPulse, rating the best campgrounds around, it’s never been easier to lace up your most durable footwear and “rough it” out of doors.

In 2021, the outdoor adventuring review website, Campendium, released its list of the 527 National Park Campgrounds, free camping sites, and RV parks that received an average of 4-5 star reviews as a part of its Campers Choice Awards series.

And seeing that summer 2021 has many looking to the great outdoors for that summer vacation, these particular camping experiences are those to make the trip for, as they aim to offer an unforgettable experience, landscape, and scenery.

Best National Park Campground:

Gros Ventre Campground; Jackson, Wyoming

The majesty that is Grand Teton National Park cannot be overstated; the entire park hosts over two hundred miles of trails, extraordinary wildlife, and flawless lakes, so while you’re exploring all that this magical landscape has to offer, there’s no better home base than the Gros Ventre Campground, located in the southeastern section of the park. These grounds are near the Gros Ventre River and provide a perfect vantage point for observing the Grand Teton Range, Blacktail Butte, and the bison and moose often traveling nearby.

Best National Forest Campground:

Nomad View Dispersed Camping; Wall, South Dakota

Located in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, this dispersed campsite was also featured as one of the Best Free Campsites by Campendium. Nomad View is a small point that beholds a grand scene of the rocky earth landscape known as “The Wall,” which is contrasted with the green grassland above it. Campers love this spot for the striking, singular view it offers its visitors, and honestly, it can only be truly “seen” in person.

Best BLM Camping:

Sacred White Shell Mountain; Mosca, Colorado

BLM, or Bureau of Land Management Camping, is a type of outdoor accommodations that is organized by the United States Bureau of Land Management with sites that range from an RV at a modern-amenities-laden campground to a simple sleeping bag under the night’s sky. Colorado’s Sacred White Shell Mountain has a wide area in which campers can park for the night and see a starscape like never before, and being that it’s all projected above the practically fluorescent Sacred White Shell Mountain, this is one site (or sight) you won’t want to skip.

Best RV Park:

Mountain View Campground; Hiawassee, Georgia

For the fourth year in a row, this southern campground has won the title of the highest-rated campground in the nation, and with its breathtaking backdrop that is the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, it’s no secret why. Mountain View Campground obviously has an excellent vantage point in which to see the mountains, which are among some of the oldest ranges in the United States, but with full RV hookup, wifi, covered pavilions, warm showers, and a community fire pit, there’s clearly something going very right in Northern Georgia.

 City Park Campground:

Junction City Park; Junction, TX

Located in both Junction and Kerrville, Texas, the Kerrville-Schreiner Park is an impressive accomplishment in terms of scenery that looks almost “too grand for Texas,” a phrase that can be agreed upon by anyone who has had to make the drive through the state’s western expanse. Though, it’s specifically Junction, Texas’s City Park that has residents and tourists alike returning time and time again to the small town. Stop in sometime and take a leisurely stroll down the Llano River and maybe you’ll get lucky and find some fallen pecans from the nearby trees.

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Camping Through the US

Looking for another adventure? What about one that explores the Best Place to Camp in Each of the 50 States. You do not need to leave the country to have places to explore. Travel + Leisure expands on the 50 places and we are here to give you the first 16 of them!

Alabama

Outpost at Gulf State Park

This is the perfect spot if you are looking for some privacy. Each outpost has a fire pit, port-a-potty, and even an outdoor sink.

Alaska

Bartlett Cove Campground at Glacier Bay National Park

This campground is a free walk-in campground, which means you should always call before arriving to make sure there is space available.

Arizona

Havasupai Campground at Havasupai Reservation

This is not the easiest place to camp, permits are often picked up quickly so it can be hard to visit, however, waterfalls and natural pools make it all worth it.

Arkansas

Buffalo National River

This is America’s first national river; over 130 miles flows through the Ozark Mountains. Take hikes or even plan a float trip.

California

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Getting multiple views from one campsite is the perfect way to go. McWay Falls will take your breath away.

Colorado

Piñon Flats Campground at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sand mountains in Colorado, what an ironic thought. This campground gives its visitors options with multiple different camping sights. Explore the 700ft tall sand dunes and sleep under the stars.

Connecticut

White Memorial Conservation Center

A non-profit wildlife refuge that has 10 ponds and an onsite museum, sounds too good to be true. White Memorial Conservation Center has 40 miles for its visitors to explore.

Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park

This state park was one of the first “public lands” and has been that way since the late 1600s. There are campsites, however, there are also cabins available if the tent is getting a little tight.

Florida

Cayo Costa State Park

Only accessible by boat, this barrier island is exactly what some people need. There are 30 primitive campsites that you can use to possibly see dolphins and manatees.

Georgia

Cloudland State Park

Mountain biking is only one activity that is available at Cloudland State Park. If hiking and biking is not your thing, check out the 18-hole disc golf course.There are multiple overnight options, click here for more information.

Hawaii

Malaekahana Beach Campground

Looking for an option with a beach? Malaekahana Beach Campground’s cabins and tent spaces could possibly be better than that beachfront house that cost way too much. You will not need a noise machine when falling asleep next to the water.

Idaho

Point Campground

The perfect “typical” campground. Point Campground has miles of trails waiting to be explored. The  lake is the best backdrop for pitching a tent right along the shore.

Illinois

Starved Rock State Park Campground

Spring is the best time to visit Starved Rock State Park Campground. This lush park will pull you away into another world. This campground even offers electric hookups! Not even two hours away from Chicago, this is the perfect escape from the city.

Indiana

 Brown County State Park

The singletrack for mountain biking is 30 miles long and is sometimes named the best within the state of Indiana. There are over 400 posts for camping, so need to worry about not finding a spot.

Iowa

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Looking for more than just a campsite? Maquoketa Caves State Park gives its visitors a completely different experience. Underground enclosures that need headlamps to explore and a small campground, this is the perfect getaway for those looking for a bigger adventure.

Kansas

Wilson State Park

A reservoir that is 9,000 acres means there is a lot of room to kayak. Not only does Wilson State Park have water activities but its visitors can check out the 25-mile bike trail.

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