These Are The Top 5 Destinations For Camping In The U.S. This Summer

At number five we have the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in the midwestern state of Minnesota.

Situated on the north shore of the largest of all of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Superior, this beautiful state park is undeniably one of the best for those looking for a fascinating – yet adventurous – camping spot in the U.S.

First and foremost it is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses throughout the entire country – the Split Rock Lighthouse – which was even featured in the smash-hit movie, The Great Gatsby.

And, for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, and even cross-country skiing, there are plenty of options when it comes to scenic trails to choose from at this beautifully picturesque state park.

Although a great spot for camping during the summer months, the 2,200 acre Split Rock Lighthouse State Park welcomes visitors all-year round.

For more information about Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – including what camping options, facilities, and amenities are available to campers on site – click here.

4. Alabama Hills Recreation Area, California

If you’re looking to wake up to some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views going then the Alabama Hills Recreation Area – situated in the U.S. state of California – is the perfect camping spot for you.

The views on offer at this place are so ‘special’ that they’ve even been used as the filming location in some of Hollywood’s biggest movies – including the likes of the Gladiator and Iron Man.

Nestled in between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains, the Alabama Hills Recreation Area also offers campers a number of activities to enjoy, including:

• touring the numerous film location sites in the region
• endless photography opportunities
• rock climbing
• horseback riding
• mountain biking.

And, although you are only allowed to pitch your tent in marked areas – with camping now banned in a number of locations in the area – you are still guaranteed to have the most eye-watering ‘tent views’ wherever you end up camping in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area.

For more information on the Alabama Hills Recreation Area – including information on the best places to camp – click here.

3. “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, South Dakota

If you enjoy dispersed camping – which is basically when you pitch your tent outside of a designated camping ground – then “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, South Dakota, is most definitely the place for you.

In fact, you will find only one small developed recreation area throughout the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands – which is located close to the Badlands National Park – so this destination really is suited to those who like to camp off the beaten path.

Do not worry though, as just because there aren’t many designated camping spots available to pitch your tent at “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, you’ll certainly have plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to set up ‘base’.

Another great camping option that is not only accessible all-year round – but also offers visitors the opportunity to wake up to and explore some of the most beautifully-quiet natural surroundings.

To find out more about “The Wall’ in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands – including information on particular hiking trails available in the area – click here.

2. Many Glacier Campground, Montana

Located on the east side of the Glacier National Park, the Many Glacier Campground, Montana is a great location for those looking to camp on elevated ground – with the camping site in fact sitting at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet.

For those looking for a camping spot that truly does allow you to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of city life – the Many Glacier Campground is certainly not going to disappoint you.

Visitors to this camping site will also be able to take a ride through the scenic ‘Going-to-the-Sun’ Road – which is a 50 mile-long driveable route situated within the Rocky Mountains and that reaches its highest point at the Logan pass, at an elevation of 6,646 feet.

And, for those that choose to visit the Many Glacier Campground for a camping trip, you will be sure to find a suitable spot to either pitch your tent or park your ‘RV’ at – with there being more than 100 sites available to reserve.

To find out more about this camping destination – including information on the activities that you are able to partake in nearby – click here.

1. Sierra Vista, New Mexico

Claiming the number one spot when it comes to the best camping destinations in the U.S. is the amazing Sierra Vista, New Mexico.

Not only will you be spoilt for choice when it comes to the perfect ‘sunrise’ views – whilst enjoying a backdrop of the beautiful Organ Mountains, which are situated at Sierra Vista, New Mexico – you’ll also be conveniently located close by to a number of other fascinating places to explore.

This includes the White Sands National Park – which can be reached by car in less than one hour from the camping site – as well the city of Las Cruces in New Mexico.

And, although Sierra Vista only offers dispersed camping – with no designated camping spots available to reserve – you should certainly not be put off as its grounds are still regularly monitored and observed by rangers of the Bureau of Land Management.

Sierra Vista is without doubt worthy of being crowned as ‘the top destination for camping in the U.S. this year’, as it not only offers visitors the opportunity to wake up to some of the most beautiful nature scenes going, but it is also strategically located close to many interesting and fascinating sites.

Visitors that decide to choose this as their camping destination will also be able to enjoy the Sierra Vista Trail – which can be explored by hiking, mountain biking or horseback.