10 US Summer Camping Spots To Visit This Year

Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and explore America’s breathtaking landscapes. Camping offers a unique way to experience the great outdoors, whether you’re seeking solitude in ancient forests or family fun by crystal-clear lakes.

I’ve rounded up some incredible camping destinations across the United States that showcase the diverse beauty our country has to offer.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Have you ever fallen asleep to the rhythmic sounds of Atlantic waves? At Acadia, you can experience the unique blend of mountain and coastal camping that makes this spot truly special. The park’s two campgrounds offer easy access to both rocky beaches and forest trails.

During summer months, the weather is pleasantly mild – perfect for exploring tide pools or climbing Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. Don’t miss the wild blueberries that carpet the landscape in late July!

2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jagged mountain peaks reflected in pristine alpine lakes create a backdrop that feels almost too beautiful to be real. Summer in the Tetons brings wildflower meadows alive with color while offering perfect temperatures for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

The park’s six campgrounds each offer unique perspectives of the dramatic landscape. Jenny Lake Campground provides intimate mountain views, though it fills quickly due to its popularity. Moose and elk sightings are common in early mornings, adding magic to your coffee routine.

3. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Wild horses roam freely on this barrier island, sometimes wandering right through your campsite! This unique camping experience combines beautiful beaches with fascinating wildlife encounters you won’t find anywhere else in America.

Summer brings warm ocean temperatures perfect for swimming after setting up camp directly on the sand. Mosquitoes can be intense, so bring plenty of repellent along with your camera.

The oceanside campsites offer unobstructed views of both sunrise over the Atlantic and starry night skies that city dwellers rarely get to experience.

4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Along Lake Superior’s shoreline, towering multicolored sandstone cliffs create one of the most photogenic camping destinations in the Midwest. Summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool thanks to the lake’s influence, making hiking comfortable even in July and August.

The park’s backcountry sites require some effort to reach but reward campers with secluded beaches and private views of the colorful rock formations. Kayaking along the cliffs offers a different perspective of these natural masterpieces.

5. Gros Ventre Campground, Wyoming

Just outside the tourist hotspots lies this hidden gem offering spectacular mountain views without the crowds. The expansive meadows surrounding this campground become home to massive herds of elk and moose, especially in early summer mornings and evenings.

Despite being only minutes from Jackson Hole, the atmosphere remains wonderfully wild and peaceful. Summer thunderstorms rolling over the mountains create dramatic light shows while cooling the air.

Many sites offer unobstructed views of the Teton Range, making your morning coffee spot better than any luxury hotel balcony.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

Nothing compares to waking up surrounded by towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in this iconic park. The valley floor campsites put you in the heart of Yosemite’s magic, while higher elevation spots offer cooler temperatures and stunning stargazing.

July and August bring warm days perfect for hiking to spots like Mirror Lake or Vernal Falls. Reserve your spot early – these campgrounds fill up months in advance!

7. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida

If tropical camping is calling your name, this Florida Keys paradise offers the most beautiful beaches in the state. Palm trees sway above your tent while crystal-clear waters beckon just steps away from your campsite.

The snorkeling here rivals Caribbean destinations! Summer brings warm breezes and spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in impossible colors. The park’s sites are limited, making advance reservations essential.

Don’t miss kayaking through the mangroves where you might spot manatees, rays, and colorful tropical fish right from your boat.

8. Olympic National Park, Washington

Where else can you camp in a rainforest, on a mountain, and by the ocean all in one trip? Olympic’s diverse ecosystems make it a camping paradise, with summer bringing relatively dry conditions even to the famously wet rainforest areas.

Kalaloch Campground perches dramatically on bluffs above the Pacific, offering whale-watching opportunities right from your campsite. Meanwhile, the Hoh Rainforest campground surrounds you with moss-draped ancient trees that create an otherworldly atmosphere.

9. Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Idaho’s best-kept secret features jagged alpine peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and significantly fewer crowds than its more famous neighbors. Summer days here start crisp and warm to perfect hiking temperatures, with afternoon thunderstorms occasionally providing natural air conditioning.

Redfish Lake’s campgrounds offer sandy beaches and stunning mountain reflections on calm mornings. The night skies here earn dark sky designation, revealing the Milky Way in breathtaking detail. Hot springs scattered throughout the region provide natural soaking tubs to ease tired muscles after a day of adventure.

10. Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

For true adventure seekers, this remote barrier island offers primitive camping with no facilities – just you and miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline. The journey requires a ferry ride, adding to the feeling of leaving civilization behind.

Summer brings warm Gulf Stream waters perfect for swimming and shell collecting along beaches where you’ll often be the only person in sight. Wild horses occasionally appear on the northern sections, though they’re more elusive than their Assateague cousins.

Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast.