Camping. It’s one of the best ways to experience nature as a whole. And we don’t mean sleeping in a cabin, we mean the real deal camping. Pitching a tent and sleeping there for at least one night. America is filled with natural beauty all around the country, and when it comes to finding some of the best National Parks for tent camping, we know a few of the favorites!
Acadia National Park, Maine
Known as The Pine Tree State, Maine consists of over 17 million acres of forest, along with 6,000 lakes and 32,000 miles of rivers and stream. Acadia National Park is well-known as paradise for campers for its two camping locations – Blackwoods and Seawall.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Also located in the Northeast, White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is a favorite spot among regular campers. The forest consists of 24 drive-in campgrounds and eight walk-in state park campgrounds.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
If you’re in the Maryland area, Assateague Island National Seashore is the hot spot for tent camping. However, camping is only permitted on the Maryland side of the island at two oceanside and four bayside camping areas. If you want to try backcountry camping at Assateague Island, backcountry areas can only be reached by backpacking or water.
Yosemite National Park, California
Most people have heard of Yosemite National Park in California, but they may not have known that it’s a very popular spot for tent camping. The National Park is home to 13 popular campgrounds located throughout the park, and reservations are strongly recommended from April to September.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Another popular tent camping spot in California is Joshua Tree National Park, which is home to nine established campgrounds. Joshua Tree is an excellent spot for dark sky viewing, making it an ideal camping destination. It is wise to take notice that some of these campsites require reservations for October through May.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana is one of the most beautiful states in America, and especially for campers, there are 13 developed campgrounds with a 1,009 established sites located at the gorgeous Glacier National Park. Backcountry camping is also allowed, but a backcountry permit is required and you may only camp in designated campgrounds.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Moving on, more north, is Olympic National Park has 16 National Park Service-operated campgrounds with a total of 910 sites and back country camping of allowed. For those who enjoy camping, but maybe not with a tent, there are beautiful rustic lodges to stay in while you are there.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Over in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park offers five campgrounds on site. All backcountry camping requires a permit which is for no charge and is available on a first-come basis. Campers can enjoy views of the towering Teton range and wildlife viewing.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Moving on down south to Texas, Big Bend National Park is one of America’s most famous camping sites for those who love to throw up a tent. With the Rio Grande River running straight through the park, campers can also enjoy rafting, canoeing, and kayaking while they are on site.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located in beautiful Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park features 220 free campsites, which are all accessible by water only. Guests of the park can choose backcountry camping if preferred, or just enjoy the park for the day if an overnight isn’t an option.
Do you enjoy tent camping? Tell us about which camp site you enjoy going to the most in the comments below!