10 Campgrounds in and Around National Parks Outdoors

10 Top Campgrounds in and Around National Parks

Great spots for tent or RV camping near Acadia Yosemite and more

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi, courtesy of Sourcebooks/AutoCamp Our family of five has spent the last 12 years exploring campgrounds across the country in a variety of , cabin and , and, occasionally, a good old-fashioned tent. We have racked up hundreds of nights at campgrounds and have made incredible memories along the way. We love camping just about anywhere, but our favorite trips are always to campgrounds in and around our magnificent national parks. Wallace Stegner called these parks “America's best idea,” and we couldn't agree more. Here are 10 top spots for camping in or around , plus a few fantastic state parks, excerpted from our new book Where Should We Camp Next? A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations. We include options for tent campers, RV owners and glampers in search of luxury. of

Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine (near ) Camping options: Tent and RV sites, cabin rentals, Airstream rentals Sunsets at this are spectacular, and so are the views of Acadia National Park in the distance. Spend an afternoon exploring tide pools just steps from your site and then order a lobster dinner right at the campground. Save some room for the famous “pie guy” that drives around each night selling blueberry pies out of an old station wagon. Heat up a slice in foil over the campfire and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Burn up those calories hiking in the park and taking in breathtaking views atop Gorham and Cadillac mountains with the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean sparkling below you. of

Jellystone Luray

Location: Luray, Virginia (near ) Camping options: Tent and RV sites, deluxe and camping cabins If you're camping with kids or grandkids, it doesn't get much better than . Most of the campground has stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the water slides are a blast. Spend mornings hiking in Shenandoah National Park and afternoons relaxing back at the pool. Photo ops with Yogi Bear will charm younger campers, and laser tag and outdoor sports facilities will keep teenagers busy for hours. Spend your evenings relaxing under the stars and enjoying a crackling campfire or watching a movie together in the campgrounds delightful outdoor theater. Campground food options are better than average and mini golf is free. of

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (near ) Camping options: Glamping tents The luxurious glamping tents at this location form a storybook village where guests can enjoy daily housekeeping and organic soaps after a long day hiking in America's most visited national park. Packages include an “adventure” with concierge service. Whether you choose fly fishing, ziplining or a jeep safari, they will send you on your way with a boxed lunch and have dinner waiting when you get back to your tent. The famous Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a short drive away. Park at the Trillium Gap Trailhead and hike out to Grotto Falls, where you can stand behind a cascading waterfall. of

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

Location: Chesterton, Indiana (near Indiana Dunes National Park) Camping options: Tent and RV sites Indiana Dunes National Park has its own campground but we prefer parking our RV or pitching our tents at Indiana Dunes State Park. there has direct access to the beach, and electrical hookups at each site. A short and easy hike on Trail 4 leads you to the top of Mount Tom and then directly down to Lake Michigan. The campground is delightful and has a well-stocked camp store, a playground, paved roads and heated restrooms. Indiana Dunes National Park surrounds the state park and offers ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, birdwatching and ranger-led programs. of

Cedar Pass Campground

Location: , South Dakota Camping options: Tent and RV sites, cabin rentals Camping at is a visually spectacular experience, particularly when a blood-red sunset colors the mountains that are just steps away. The location inside Badlands National Park is within walking distance of the visitor center and a short drive away from hikes like the challenging Notch Trail and the much easier Door Trail. The Lodge is a short walk away from the campground and has an excellent camp store and comfortable restaurant if you don't feel like grilling back at your site. The open air amphitheater is located between the campground and the lodge and we highly recommend that you attend a ranger talk or night sky program. of

Madison Campground

Location: , Wyoming Camping options: RV and tent sites If you are a tent camper, or own a small RV, and want the best that Yellowstone has to offer (and can handle camping without amenities) then may be a great choice for you. The campground is situated near the Madison River under a canopy of fragrant Lodgepole Pine Trees. It is also located near some of the most popular destinations in Yellowstone, including Old Faithful. Most spots are spacious and offer a bit of privacy, but many sites are not level — so if you have an RV be prepared with leveling blocks. of

Kalaloch Campground

Location: , Washington Camping options: Tent and RV sites For those adventurous souls who want to experience the rugged glory of coastal Olympic National Park, and are willing to camp without water hookups or shower facilities, there is no better place than Only a handful of sites have ocean views, but all of them have easy access to the beach just below the bluff upon which the campground sits. Plan on spending hours exploring tide pools and looking for crabs and sea urchins. But make sure you keep your eyes peeled because dolphins and whales make more than occasional appearances. Swimming is allowed but please take caution. of

Jedediah Smith Campground

Location: , California Camping options: Tent and RV sites, cabins Camping among old growth redwood trees is peaceful and restorative to the soul. Plan on spending the day relaxing along the Smith River (just steps from the ) and diving into its crystal clear waters for a swim if you get hot. Evening ranger programs provide an excellent introduction to the mystical qualities of the redwood trees and the history of the region and shouldn't be missed. The best hike in this starts right across the river from the campground. The Hiouchi Trail takes you deep into the heart of Stout Grove — an incredible spot for viewing the redwood trees, many of which are over 1,000 years old. of

AutoCamp Yosemite

Location: Midpines, California (near ) Camping options: Airstream Suites, luxury tents, classic cabins, studio suites Ever dreamed of owning an Airstream? can give you a taste of that dream at a fraction of the price. Their custom Airstream rentals will make you swoon and so will their mid-century modern clubhouse and lounge areas where food, wine and beer are served for hungry and thirsty hikers returning from the park. Everything here feels delicately carved into the landscape, including the private patios and outdoor fireplaces at each site. Luxurious glamping tents and cabin suites are also available. Yosemite National Park is about 40 minutes away and a shuttle is available if you don't want to drive in and search for parking. of

Zion River Resort

Location: Virgin, Utah (near ) Camping styles: Tent and RV sites, cabins and two-bedroom suites The Virgin River runs alongside the side of this and you can hear it from many sites — though views can be limited due to a protective berm. But mountain views encircle the campground and the sight of red rock and blue skies are abundant. The heated pool and hot tub are excellent for a relaxing post-hike dip, and the communal camp kitchen with charcoal grills is a great place to stretch your legs and meet your neighbors. They also offer a 14-person shuttle bus that will drop you off and pick you up directly in front of the entrance to Zion.

Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Excerpted from Where Should We Camp Next? A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations by Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi. Published by Sourcebooks.

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