The Best National Park Campsites in the United States

The best national park campsites in the United States

Summer is here, and so is camping season. As we all start traveling again, we wanted to highlight some of the best National Park campsites in the US. So get your camping gear ready and head out on a road trip to one of these amazing national parks!

Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Sunrise over Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Reservations required

• Open April 2-Nov 28, 2021

• 200 sites for tents/RVs

• 20 walk-in sites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Flush toilets

  • No showers

  • Gravel tent pads

  • Fire rings

  • Picnic tables

Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Elkmont Campground is an amazing starting spot to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With 800 miles of maintained trails in the park, it’s a hiker’s paradise, and you may even see one of the 1,500 bears that live in the park while here! 

Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

• Reservations required March 1- November 30

• No reservations required December 1-February 28

• 327 campsites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Flush toilets

  • Coin showers

  • Laundry facilities

  • Campfire ring with a cooking grate

  • Picnic tables

  • Parking space and room for three tents

  • No hookups

Stay in the Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park for quick and easy access to the amazing sights of the Grand Canyon. You’ll only be a mile away from the rim of the Grand Canyon and all its beauty. Stay under shady trees when wanted, and head out and see the canyon walls, geologic history, and wildlife when you’re done resting. A shuttle ride away are restaurants, visitor centers, museums, and shops. 

Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

View from Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado.

• As of April 6, 2021, 60% of the campsites here are closed due to COVID restrictions. 

• Open year-round

• Reservations recommended May 27-October 10, 2021

• 244 campsites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Flush and vault toilets

  • Solar shower stalls

  • Food storage lockers

  • Fire rings with grates

  • Picnic tables

  • No water or electricity hookups

Located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, the Moraine Park Campground is a fantastic place to stay. With 355 miles of hiking trails, plentiful wildlife, and stunning landscapes, you’ll get to see amazing things while here. 

Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah

View from the Canyon Trail Overlook in Zion National Park, Utah

• As of April 6, 2021, there is a toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the nearby river; the National Park Service recommends avoiding contact with the water of the North Fork of the Virgin River.

• Open year-round

• Reservations strongly suggested

• 203 campsites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Flush toilets

  • Fire rings

  • Picnic Tables

  • Electric hookups

Located in the amazing Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is named for the peak rising above it. This campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs, and there are hiking trails accessible from the campground.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

• Open approximately July through late September

• Reservations required

• 304 campsites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Flush toilets

  • No showers

  • Food storage lockers

  • Fire rings

  • Picnic Tables

Use the Tuolumne Meadows Campground as a springboard for your Yosemite National Park adventures. Sleep by sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks and spend your days exploring the beauty surrounding you. Don't have lots of time to do research? Check out our Yosemite Getaway, where we'll provide you with accommodations and a fully customized itinerary!

Wonder Lake Campground, Denali National Park, Alaska

Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska

• Only open in the summer

• Only accessible via specialized park buses

• Reservations required

• 28 campsites

• Amenities

• • Potable water

  • Toilets

  • Bear proof food lockers

  • No fires

Located 26 miles away from Denali, the campground still looms small next to the amazing mountain. You may see wildlife while staying here, and on a clear day, you’ll be in awe at the views surrounding this campground. For the complete Alaska adventure, check out our Kenai Fjords & Denali Trip.

Lower Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, California

• Reservations required

• 73 campsites

• Amenities

• • Drinking water

  • Toilets

  • Food storage lockers

  • Campfire rings

  • No hookups

Located in Yosemite Valley, the Lower Pines campground is centrally located within the park and nearby some of the park’s most iconic features. If you stay here you’ll be able to camp near the towering granite cliffs and iconic points that Yosemite is known for. Use this beautiful campground to rest and then head out and explore the beautiful park. Keep in mind though, that this is a national park campsite you need to book early!

Garden Key Campground, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Aerial view of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

• Reservations not required

• If traveling by ferry, it’s recommended that you book months in advance to ensure you have a spot

• Transportation for campers is limited to private vessels, daily commercial ferries, and permitted tour guides.

• Amenities

• • No water, bring your own

  • Composting toilets

  • No showers

  • No wood fires

  • BBQ grills provided

  • Tables

  • No hookups

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunsets, and stargazing at the remote Garden Key Campground. This national park contains a 19th Century Fort turquoise, crystal-clear water filled with marine life. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, there are seven small islands here, and the area is only accessible by boat or seaplane. You won’t soon forget the adventures you have here!

Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

• Reservations are required

• 7 campsites

• Amenities

• • No water, bring your own

  • Vault toilets

  • No showers

  • No fires permitted

  • Food storage boxes

  • Picnic tables

Travel to this island by sea or by air and hike half a mile in to your campsite on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Not all national park campsites are created equal, and this place is special! The island has steep sea cliffs, sea caves, and dramatic views. Although there are only two miles of hiking trails here, you’ll be astounded at the views you’ll see. Channel Islands National Park is made up of five different islands, so there’s lots to explore, but you’ll need to make sure you have your transportation figured out.

We hope that no matter where you go camping this year, that you have an amazing and memorable time! If you head out to any of these spots, make sure to tag us on social media so we can see your adventures too!