Whether you enjoy simply pitching a tent next to your campfire or like to sip cocktails inside your luxury RV, the search for the perfect camping vacation can be daunting. Whether you’re seeking the right mix of family friendly activities, epic landscapes or the chance to hop in on the party of a lifetime, there is a campground made just for you and your bucket list. Climb a mountain, ride with wild horses or cheer for your favorite sport all week long, it’s your choice! When you arrive back home you’ll have a phone full of amazing selfies and memories that will last a lifetime. Read on to learn more about these great camping destinations.
Top 5 Places in the USA for Epic Camping Trips:
- Jellystone Park Larkspur
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Appalachian Trail
- Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes
- Talladega USA
Jellystone Park Larkspur, Larkspur CO
Head out to the Rocky Mountains with the kids in tow. The entire family will love their visit to this wooded campground. The young ones get to dig for fossils, learn how to shoot a bow and arrow or explore the fascinating world of geocaching. Of course, you can share a picnic basket with Yogi and Boo Boo. If you don’t have your own equipment, cottages complete with ensuite restrooms are available. Once you are settled in, head out and hike the stunning Pike National Forest nearby.
Highlights:
- Family friendly
- Dig for fossils
- Pike National Forest
Assateague Island National Seashore
Maybe a beach vacation is more your speed. Head on out to Assateague Island in Maryland. Part of the National Seashore system, camping is permitted on the Maryland side of the island. There are wide open sandy beaches, clean surf and wild ponies. That’s right! Strikingly marked rugged ponies wander the island. There are no skyscrapers or nightclubs—it’ll be you, the ocean and the whinny of an equine. You’ll want to reserve your camping spot ahead of time as the sites sell out from March through November.
Highlights:
- See wild ponies
- White-sand beaches
- No big cities anywhere nearby
Appalachian Trail
For the serious backpacker, the Appalachian Trail offers one of the most epic items on their bucket list. You’ll be carrying your sleeping bag while hiking over unspoiled mountain vistas. There are lean-to’s and overnight cabins sprinkled along the 2,180 mile trail, but don’t be surprised if you have to spend a night under the stars. Running from Georgia to Maine, you’ll find a segment of this national treasure near you. This is not for the faint of heart or weekend warriors. If you are newly arrived to hiking, join a hosted tour with experienced staff.
Highlights:
- 2,180 miles of trail
- Georgia to Maine
- Rugged hiking for experts
Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes
Explore the wild waterways off of Washington State’s northwest coast with the entire family. This modern camping resort blends in-demand technology with tried and true outdoor traditions. The kids get to go trout fishing with Dad while Mom wallows in the whirlpool tub included with their deluxe lodge rental. That’s not to say that there aren’t tie-dye shirts to make or paddleboards to skim around on the lake. Of course you can still bring your tent, but there’s always to option to rent an Airstream that features heat and A/C. It’ll be a relaxing yet stimulating escape among the tall pines and cold waters of this beautiful area.
Highlights:
- Whirlpool tubs
- Canoeing
- Cook on a Campfire
Talladega USA
Perhaps you are seeking a less bucolic setting. Twice a year the biggest party in America runs for seven days straight at Talladega Speedway in Alabama. Avid NASCAR fans pack their tents, RVs, corn hole games, flags and food and come together for the wildest week of the year. Known for epic parties, incredibly fast racing, big name entertainment and access to the NASCAR garages, you’ll go home excited to return again the following year. If you don’t want to spend the big bucks on Infield RV spaces, pop up your tent for free in a number of campgrounds surrounding the track. You won’t be alone. Up to 20,000 campers attend each race.
Highlights:
- Watch NASCAR
- Tailgating is a different form of camping
- Stay for free
Conclusion
Camping does not have to be boring or ordinary. When you leave the hotels and bright city lights behind, the whole world opens up before you. Explore and enjoy on your own epic camping adventure.