17 Of The Best US Camping Sites If You Want To Engage With The Wildlife
It’s time to take camping to the next level!
If you ask me, camping is all about the wildlife encounters that make the wilderness come alive.
You’re waking up from a deep sleep, and all you can hear are rustling leaves, distant wolf howls, and splashes of a moose wading through the lake. Now, that’s what I call the ultimate wildlife camping experience!
So grab your gear, pack your camera, your bear spray, and let’s get going!
1. Denali National Park, Alaska
In the shadow of North America’s highest peak, Denali National Park offers an adventurous escape for wildlife enthusiasts.
Imagine waking up to the sound of a nearby river, the distant call of wolves, and the sight of a grizzly bear wandering across open tundra. It’s a place where the wild truly comes alive.
The park is a sanctuary for diverse species including moose, caribou, and over 160 bird species. Birdwatchers will be in heaven, trying to spot the elusive gyrfalcon or golden eagle.
The campgrounds are equipped for both seasoned campers and those new to the wilderness. Basic amenities are provided, but remember, this is bear country, so keep your food stored properly!
2. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
What do you think about kayaking through icy waters with a backdrop of towering glaciers and the echo of a humpback whale’s song? Glacier Bay is the epitome of Alaskan wilderness, where you might share your morning coffee with a curious seal.
The campgrounds here are accessible only by boat or plane, adding a layer of adventure to your visit. While the facilities are primitive, the views are anything but.
You’ll find yourself amidst a diverse ecosystem, home to brown bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Talk about a true photographer’s dream! It’s more than camping; it’s an Alaskan odyssey.
3. Madison Campground, Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
If camping in the heart of the wild sounds like your kind of adventure, Madison Campground in Yellowstone is calling your name. This campground immerses you in a landscape where geysers roar, bison roam freely, and the beauty of nature is all around you.
Wake up to the distant calls of elk, feel the ground tremble beneath the power of Old Faithful, and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you sip your morning coffee.
And for those who crave a little extra thrill? Take a dip in the nearby Firehole River, where warm, geothermal-heated waters provide a natural and unforgettable swimming experience.
4. Many Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park – Montana
Many Glacier Campground is a slice of paradise for those seeking peace and wildlife encounters. Known as the “Switzerland of North America,” the park’s peaks and pristine lakes create a breathtaking backdrop.
The campground is a starting point for some of Glacier’s most dramatic hikes, such as the trail to Grinnell Glacier. Moose, mountain goats, and even the occasional bear are regular visitors to this peaceful retreat.
Bird enthusiasts will thrill at the chance to spot one of the park’s elusive peregrine falcons or listen for the haunting call of the loon. A tip for campers: bring binoculars; the stargazing here is unrivaled, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky like a glittering tapestry.
5. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia
Welcome to Assateague Island, where nature runs free.
This untamed paradise, straddling the coast of Maryland and Virginia, is a dream for campers, kayakers, and wildlife lovers alike. It’s a unique blend of sandy beaches and wild horses roaming freely, making it a dream destination for animal lovers.
Camping here means waking up to the salty breeze of the Atlantic and the calls of seabirds overhead. Be prepared for the island’s notorious mosquitoes and bring plenty of repellent!
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Picture yourself camping under a canopy of stars, with the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife sightings are a common delight here, with deer, black bears, and wild turkeys often making appearances. The campgrounds are equipped with basic amenities, but the real luxury is the park’s breathtaking views and crisp mountain air.
You can enjoy scenic drives along Skyline Drive, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Explorers, here’s an advice for you: time your visit during the fall to witness the park’s spectacular transformation into a sea of red, orange, and gold.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Where else can you wake up to mist-covered peaks, hike through ancient forests, and share your campsite with fireflies that light up the night like tiny lanterns? I give you the Great Smoky Mountains, a place where nature’s magic is woven into every sunrise, every winding trail, and every whisper of the wind through the trees.
Home to over 19,000 documented species, including its legendary black bears, this biodiverse wonderland offers an escape into the wild like no other.
With over 800 miles of trails, you can take an easy stroll past wildflowers or challenge yourself with a climb up Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies.
As night falls, gather around the campfire, swap stories under a star-drenched sky, and watch as fireflies dance through the dark.
8. Everglades National Park, Florida
In the heart of Florida lies a sprawling subtropical wilderness teeming with life. Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem where you might find an alligator sunbathing or an endangered panther lurking in the shadows.
Camping here means embracing the wild! The airboat rides and canoe trails wait for the adventurous. The campgrounds offer a rustic experience, providing a true sense of connection to nature.
Listen for the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of mangroves swaying in the breeze. It’s a paradise for wildlife photographers, with opportunities to capture rare moments in this vibrant landscape. A word of advice: pack insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen.
9. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is a wilderness like no other, where evergreens, untamed coastlines, and glacier-capped peaks come together in one breathtaking expanse.
Camping in this place means immersing yourself in a world where nature thrives in its purest form.
Wildlife encounters are part of the experience here! You get the chance to meet elk roaming the meadows, black bears wandering through the underbrush, and, if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a cougar in the distance.
10. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
In Lassen Volcanic National Park, the earth’s primordial forces are on full display. Picture bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the Lassen Peak towering above.
It’s a place where the planet’s fiery heart beats close to the surface, and campers can witness geology in motion. The park’s campgrounds are surrounded by forests and offer a peaceful retreat.
Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas and geothermal wonders, such as Bumpass Hell. This trek reveals a kaleidoscope of bubbling pools and steaming vents, reminding you that the forces that shaped this land are still very much alive.
Every moment here is a reminder of the planet’s strong heart beneath our feet.
11. Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes is where the land gives way to the mighty Pacific, creating a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and the sight of tule elk grazing in the distance.
The campgrounds offer stunning coastal views and a chance to disconnect from the buzzines of daily life. Explore the seashore’s diverse habitats, from forests to expansive beaches.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot harbor seals, sea lions, and a multitude of bird species. On the other hand, let’s not forget the hiking trails! They weave through landscapes that range from rolling hills to dramatic cliffs. A true soul-refreshing escape!
12. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Beneath the high giants of the Redwood forests, the world slows down, and nature takes center stage.
Camping here feels like stepping into a living cathedral, where ancient trees stretch hundreds of feet into the sky. With their massive trunks whispering stories of centuries past.
The campgrounds offer a cozy retreat amid the stillness, immersing you in a landscape teeming with life. Roosevelt elk graze in open meadows, black bears roam in search of berries, and the calls of woodpeckers echo through the trees.
Every trail is a humbling experience.
13. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
An unforgettable adventure awaits here. Grand Teton National Park offers a stunning backdrop of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
But what does it truly mean to camp in Grand Teton National Park? Well, it means waking up to crisp mountain air, the scent of pine drifting through your campsite, and the sound of a rushing stream nearby.
Wildlife lovers will be in awe! I’m talking about moose grazing in the willows, elk roaming the valleys, and if you’re lucky (and cautious), you might even spot a bear in the distance.
14. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde is a place where history and nature converge in fascinating ways. Imagine camping near ancient cliff dwellings that tell the stories of the Ancestral Puebloans.
It’s set in the rugged terrain of Colorado, and the park offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and natural beauty. The campgrounds provide a comfortable base to explore the park’s rich history.
Guided tours offer insights into the lives of the people who once thrived in this arid landscape. Wildlife sightings include mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.
Evenings at Mesa Verde are perfect for stargazing, with the park’s remote location providing some of the darkest skies in the country.
15. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is a place of stark beauty and diverse ecosystems. Dawn in the desert brings a world painted in gold! There’re endless vistas stretching to the horizon and the melodic call of canyon wrens echoing through the cliffs.
The park’s campgrounds offer a mix of developed and primitive sites, catering to all types of adventurers. The landscape is a geologist’s dream, with dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and the winding Rio Grande carving its way through the desert.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot javelinas, roadrunners, and even the elusive mountain lion. Evenings are best spent around the campfire, sharing stories as the Milky Way stretches across the sky.
16. Adirondack Park, New York
This is an outdoor paradise spanning over six million acres. Picture yourself paddling across a serene lake, surrounded by autumn foliage and the haunting call of a loon echoing through the air.
The park’s campgrounds provide a perfect base for exploring this vast landscape. With over 3,000 lakes and ponds, Adirondack offers endless opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
Wildlife watchers can spot white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species. With miles of scenic trails, from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs, there’s a path for every level of explorer.
17. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is an adventurer’s dream! It’s a million-acre expanse of pristine lakes, forests, and remote campsites accessible only by canoe and portage.
Here, roads disappear, cell service fades, and nature takes over!
Wake up to the soft glow of dawn reflecting off mirror-like waters, spend your days navigating a labyrinth of interconnected lakes, and fall asleep beneath a sky so clear you can see the Milky Way stretching overhead.
With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, this is a place for those who seek solitude, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature.