Discover the Most Scenic Campgrounds in the USA

Whether you’re a cold-weather camper, a summer backpacking fanatic, or a cross-country road tripper, finding the perfect campground can be a challenge. This is especially true when it comes to maximizing your scenery and minimizing the crowds.

While it may be easier to stay in well-visited campgrounds, going off the beaten path can yield untamed views and serene spots to soak in the wilderness. Below are some of the most scenic campgrounds in the USA. A few of these favorite spots are located in popular national parks, but most of them offer peace away from the main routes while providing breathtaking scenery.

Best for Crystal Blue Water: Bartlett Cove Campground, Alaska

Set in Alaska’s iconic Glacier Bay National Park, Bartlett Cove Campground is a haven for beach campers. With spectacular vistas of the crystal blue glacial waters and the promised seclusion of a hike-in camping option, this remote campground delivers impressive experiences on every front. Visitors have the chance to kayak the chilly waters of Glacier Bay and hike through the thick forest lining the shoreline. Bartlett Cove is Alaska at its finest, offering some of the most scenic views. It’s recommended to visit in summer for the longest days and best views without the icy threat of winter.

Best for Aspen Groves and Subalpine Forests: Silver Bell Campground, Colorado

Located outside of Aspen, Colorado, Silver Bell Campground offers unparalleled scenery and accessibility. With just 14 sites, this campground remains relatively quiet yet delivers stunning views of aspen groves, Maroon Creek, and the gorgeous Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chances to spot bighorn sheep, pika, and other alpine creatures against the breathtaking backdrop of the 14,000ft Elk Mountains. For a golden experience, visit in late summer or early fall when these aspens burst into vibrant colors.

Best for Volcanic Crater Hikes: Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

If you’ve ever experienced the famous Haleakalā sunrise tour, then you know what awaits backpackers who venture further to catch stunning views. The Haleakalā National Park backcountry presents opportunities for wilderness tent camping with unique vistas of sliding sand, rugged rock cliffs, and lush vegetation. Acquire a permit from the visitor center and embark on your island adventure to the hike-in sites and wilderness cabins. Late spring or early fall are ideal times to visit Haleakalā to escape the heat and rainy season.

Best for Wild Horses: Assateague Island, Maryland

Assateague Island is one of the most unique camping environments, characterizing a pristine slice of east coast beauty as a designated National Seashore. The island presents epic views across expansive ocean stretches, with walk-up or drive-up beachfront sites ensuring your view remains unobstructed. This barrier island not only captivates visitors with moving sands but is also home to a herd of wild horses, drawing sightseers from all over. Assateague Island is best enjoyed in late summer and fall when pleasantly warm temperatures provide perfect conditions for daytime exploration and stunning evening sunsets by the waterline.

Best for Ocean Serenity: San Juan Islands, Washington

For those seeking the perfect blend of solitude and natural beauty, the San Juan Islands in Washington are not to be missed. Nestled between Canada and Seattle, these islands are reachable by boat or float plane, ensuring minimal crowds compared to other iconic Pacific Northwest destinations. Offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings, including bald eagles and resident orca pods, camping on the San Juan Islands is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Whether you opt for camping in Friday Harbor or opt for a backcountry kayak trek to Jones Island, beauty awaits at every turn. The summer is the busiest time to visit, however, April and October can also provide spectacular views with relatively fewer visitors.

Best for Relaxing Beach Time: Caladesi Island, Florida

Caladesi Island State Park is an underrated gem for campers seeking relaxing beach time combined with breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails. Located on Florida’s west coast, this boat-only destination is ideal for those looking to escape crowding. The untouched beauty of this area provides the perfect environment for hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, and swimming. Although land camping isn’t permitted, the marina features water and electricity for overnight boat stays. Ideal visiting months include April or May, before the heat sets in and well ahead of hurricane season.

Best for Waterfalls: Tuolumne Meadows Campground, California

Although busier than some other locations on this list, Tuolumne Meadows captures the essence of Yosemite National Park’s towering granite walls and stunning waterfalls while typically avoiding the crowds of Yosemite Valley. This campground acts as a launching point for trails leading to breathtaking views. Additionally, take a trip to Tenaya Lake, an ideal spot for summer picnics or relaxing beach days. Tuolumne Meadows Campground, situated at 8600ft, showcases subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers alongside the banks of the Tuolumne River beneath iconic granite domes.

Best for Mountain Peaks: Mount Pisgah, North Carolina

Mount Pisgah offers not only a stunning campground but also a journey to reach it. The Blue Ridge Parkway, dubbed “America’s favorite drive,” leads visitors through some of the Southeast USA’s finest landscapes – including towering blue spruce and vibrant wildflowers – before arriving at Mount Pisgah Campground. Although not remote, this campground provides proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park while avoiding congested park campgrounds. Mount Pisgah Campground allows for easy access to numerous trails featuring the region’s breathtaking wilderness. The elevation of just under 5000ft offers cooler temperatures during the warmer months and stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape. Visiting in early summer allows for late spring alpine blooms while sidestepping the peak crowds heading to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Best for Mesmerizing Rocks: Grand Canyon North Rim Campground, Arizona

No article about scenic campgrounds would be complete without featuring the Grand Canyon. Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park have been captivated by the breathtaking views of red rock formations, flowing rivers, and desert ecosystems. The North Rim Campground lets guests sleep on a plateau between Roaring Springs Canyon and Transept Canyon, providing access to the famous North Rim Transept Trail. Those fortunate enough to secure a spot at this popular campground will enjoy stunning sunrises lighting up the canyon along with countless opportunities for world-class stargazing. Reservations for the North Rim Campground fill up quickly, and it is typically open from mid-May to mid-October. Travelling in the fall allows you to evade the summer crowds while enjoying more pleasant temperatures.

This article was first published on Feb 12, 2020, and refreshed on Jun 10, 2022.