Hidden Valley Campground – Joshua Tree NP, California
Hidden Valley Campground is one of the most scenic campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. The campground is set in a small valley, surrounded by hills of bare red rock and round spectacular huge boulders. Although it is popular mainly amongst rock climbing enthusiasts the great natural outdoor playground that it provides makes it a perfect destination for families with kids
Hidden Valley Campground is a mid sized campground. It has around 40 sites and is located at the heart of Joshua Tree National Park in southeast California. The campground is open year round but since it is located in a relatively high elevation of 4,200 feet, nights can be cold and during winter, snow may cover the reddish desert soil. Adjacent to the park is a nice hiking trail (one mile round trip) that loops within a beautiful Hidden Valley
Facilities in the campground include pit toilets and picnic tables. Drinking water is not available and can be found only in the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, and the Indian Cove Ranger Station, and Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds. This campground is not suitable for motorhomes that exceed 25 feet, reservations are not accepted, but free sites are usually available. Hidden Valley Campground is located 14 miles from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center (on Highway 62), on the left
EL Capitan State Beach Campground – Santa Barbara, California
El Capitan State Beach Campground is a perfect destination for coast highway travelers and a wonderful place for a family vacation. The campground is located between trees, on a bluff facing the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to a great beach north of Santa Barbara in Southern California. The coastline in this area consists of high cliffs, sandy beaches rocky tidepools and lots of surf. Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Sea Lions can be observed in the water. This Beach is considered one of northern places in the state where the water is warm enough to bath in
El Capitan State Beach Campground is a relatively large campground, with 142 sites for tents or motorhomes up to 30 feet long. Some sites have great views of the Pacific Ocean. Access paths connect this scenic campground to the beach via wooden staircases. Few hiking and biking trails, including a two mile paved path to Refugio State Beach, start at this campground
El Capitan State Beach Campground is open year round, reservations should be made well in advance. This campground is very popular and may be crowded during summer holidays and weekends. Facilities in the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, coin operated showers, laundromat, picnic tables and fire grills. Summer lifeguard service is available. There is also a small convenience store nearby, open during summer months. To reach El Capitan State Beach Campground drive from Santa Barbara 17 miles northwest on U.S 101 to the El Capitan State Beach exit and turn west
Kirk Creek Campground – Big Sur (Los Padres), California
Kirk Creek Campground is probably the most scenic places in the State of California one can spend the night in. The Million Dollar view of this campground, located in Los Padres National Forest, on a high bluff 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean in central California, is breathtaking and absolutely unbeatable
Kirk Creek Campground is a relatively small campground with only 33 sites. Since no shade is available, and due to the fact that beach access in this area is limited (the only way to reach the beach from the campground is via a steep unmaintained trail), this campground is less popular compared to other campgrounds in this region, an advantage for those seeking solitude. Although this campground is perhaps not the best location for a family vacation (due to the lack of shade and the rather difficult beach access), Kirk Creek Campground is no doubt the best place in the state to see the sun set into the Pacific Ocean and perhaps even spot a gray whale passing by
Kirk Creek Campground is open year round. This campground is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 30 feet. Reservations are accepted. Be sure to arrive early during summer holidays and weekends to ensure an available site if you do not have a reservation. Facilities in the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and fire grills. The campground is located adjacent to Highway 1, four miles south of Lucia, 30 miles south of Big Sur and 35 miles north of San Simeon on the western side of the road. Directly across the Highway from the campground is the Vicente Flats trailhead (10 miles out and back) leading to the Ventana Wilderness. Within a short drive there many more trails that lead to waterfalls and groves of Redwood Trees. Poison Oak is abundant in the area
Steep Ravine – Mt. Tamalpais, California
Steep Ravine is no doubt the most beautiful campground along the California Coast. This highly scenic, breathtaking campground is located in Mount Tamalpais State Park, along Highway 1, north of San Francisco and south of Stinson Beach. Steep Ravine Campground is set on a high bluff above the Pacific Ocean. During daylight hours, ocean views are outstanding, and during nighttime, the lights of the San Francisco skyline observed from this campground create a spectacular view. A nice trail leads from the bluff to a beautiful sandy bay. Whales and other marine mammals can be observed in this region frequently
Steep Ravine is an environmental campground. This camp is not suitable for motorhomes. Since sites are located rather far away from the parking lot – few hundred feet, all the gear should be carried in or packed on a wheelbarrow available on site. Steep Ravine campground is open year round. This is a very small campground with only seven sites, most of them located under tree canopy along the bluff. All sites are secluded and relatively large
Facilities in the campground include potable water, pit toilets, fire grills and picnic tables. Reservations are accepted and should be made months in advance since this camp, which is very small, is extremely popular. Nine Primitive cabins are located on site and available for rent. These cabins provide too a unique recreational experience and should be booked well in advance
Jedediah Smith – Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, Ca
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is located in Northern California, along the Smith River, one of the last free flowing rivers in the state, in proximity to the famous Redwoods National Park. This parks campground is particularly beautiful since it is nested between groves of old growth redwood trees, the highest living structure in the world. Setting camp in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a great choice for those seeking to explore California’s Northern Coast and wishing to visit Redwoods National Park
Recreational opportunities in proximity to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground are endless – swimming in the Smith River, fishing (mainly from October to February), rafting, kayaking and hiking. Few nature trails wind through the redwood groves of this park and along the scenic Smith River. Maps and information may be obtained in the parks Visitor Center, located near the campground
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground is a relatively large campground with 89 sites. Most sites are well spaced and separated by evergreen trees. Therefore, this campground usually does not feel crowded or cramped. Facilities in this camp include potable water, showers, flush toilets, fire grills, picnic tables and a dump station. Reservations for summer holidays and weekends are highly advised. This campground is open year round and is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 36 feet. It is located 9 miles east of Crescent City off Hwy. 199
Oh! Ridge – June Lake, California
Oh! Ridge Campground offers some picturesque alpine view sites. This popular campground, nested along the shores of June Lake, is one of the most scenic along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in the State of California. Oh! Ridge is a perfect place for a family vacation and a great place to take the kids to. Bring your kayaks along
Oh! Ridge is a big, rather crowded, campground with 148 sites, set at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Most sites are not located on the June Lake itself, but do have nice open views of the lake and of the jagged Sierra peaks. Some sites lack adequate shade and some are located relatively close to the road so be sure to reserve the ones closer to the lake. Due to the camps high elevation, nights may be cool. Summer days are usually pleasant
Oh! Ridge Campground is popular recreation spot, so reservations, available only during summer months, are advised. Oh! Ridge is open from May to October, weather permitting. Facilities include a swimming beach, a general store, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. The campground is located off Highway 158, one mile from its intersection with US Highway 395, south of Lee Vining and north of Mammoth Lakes
D.L Bliss – DL Bliss SP, Ca
D.L. Bliss Campground, located in D. L. Bliss State Park, is one of the most recommended campgrounds in southern Lake Tahoe, in Northeast California. This campground is set in a forest adjacent to one of the lake’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. Although some magnificent waterfront sites are available, most sites are not located on the shores of the lake itself but rather nested inland few hundred yards from the water
Despite the fact this is a relatively big campground (165 sites), it is well spaced. Sites are quite big and most offer privacy, although summer months may be rather crowded. Recreational opportunities in this area are abundant – swimming in the campground’s beach, kayaking to picturesque Emerald Bay and hiking the famous Rubicon Trail or the scenic trails to Eagle Falls and to the Balancing Rock
L. Bliss Campground is open from May to September weather permitting. This campground is set in a relatively high elevation of 6,200 feet so nights may be cold. The campground is suitable for motorhomes up to 18 feet long. Facilities include potable water, showers, flush toilets, fire grills, picnic tables and a dump station. Reservations for summer holidays and weekends are highly advised. D. L. Bliss State Park is located 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, few miles north of Emerald Ba
Yosemite Creek Campground – Yosemite NP, California
Yosemite Creek Campground is a perfect destination for those looking for solitude and for a peaceful location within the beauty of Yosemite National Park. This campground, set along the sandy riverbed of pure Yosemite Creek with views of bare granite cliffs for which Yosemite is famous of, is one of the most scenic in the park and is highly recommended
Yosemite Creek Campground is a mid sized campground. In contrary to other campgrounds in the park this campground that has only 40 sites and it has more space and less people and is hence much less crowded and much more quite, making it a great place for families with kids that can wander around safely along the sandy riverbed. A spectacular swimming hole with few huge deep pools, is located a short hiking distance from the campsites, a gem off the beaten path that should not be missed
The campground is open from July to September. Since it is located at a high altitude of 7,550 feet nights can be cool, so it is advised to be prepared. Facilities in Yosemite Creek Campground include drinking water, pit toilets, picnic tables and fire grills. Motorhomes are not recommended and reservations are not accepted. This campground fills early in the day and may be full during summer weekends so it is essential to arrive early. Black Bears frequent this campground – keep a clean site. To reach Yosemite Creek Campground take the five miles dirt road off Highway 120 (15 miles east of the junction between Hwy 120 and Big Oak Flat Rd.). It is approximately 45 minutes drive from the campground to Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Creek – Yosemite NP, Ca
Bridalveil Creek Campground is no doubt the most scenic campground in marvelous Yosemite National Park. This campground is located at an attitude of 7,200 feet, next to the breathtaking Glacier Point vista. Views from Bridalveil Creek Campground of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Vernal and Nevada Falls are unbeatable. Since this campground is located approximately 45 minutes drive from the Yosemite Valley, it is much less crowded compared with the campgrounds located within the valley
Hiking opportunities in proximity to Bridalveil Creek Campground are superb, making it a great base camp for those who wish to explore this region. The trails to Sentinel Dome and to Taft Point (2 miles in and out), that both start off Glacier Point Road offer pristine scenery of the Yosemite Wilderness and of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. More strenuous trails include the 4 miles (in and out) Illilouette Falls trail and the 8 miles (one way) Panorama trail
Bridalveil Creek Campground is open from June to September weather permitting. This campground has 110 sites suitable for tents and motorhomes up to 35 feet long. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grills. Reservations are not accepted. Finding an available site may be difficult so be sure to arrive early during summer holidays and weekends. The campground is located off Glacier Point Road, few miles past Badger Pass Ski Area, south of the Yosemite Valley. While camping, please store food properly in order to protect Yosemite’s bears
Cougar Rock Campground – Mt. Rainier NP, Washington
Cougar Rock Campground is set within a dense forest, along the beautiful Nisqually River at the southwestern corner of Mount Rainer National Park. The main advantage of this campground is its proximity to Paradise, one of the most beautiful hiking regions of the park
Numerous trails including the breathtaking Skyline Trail (eight miles round trip) start at Paradise, a short 10 minutes drive from the campground, most leading to tongue the mountains’ glaciers and proving superb extraordinary alpine views. It is also possible to hike directly from the campground a portion of the beautiful 90 miles long Wonderland Trail to Carter Falls – three miles out and back or Narada Falls – six miles out and back
Cougar Rock Campground is one of six campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park. This is a large campground, with 173 sites. The campground, which is located at a relatively high altitude of 3,180 feet, is open from late May to early October weather permitting. Facilities in the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. A general store is located at Longmire two miles away. Reservations are accepted and advised during summer holidays and weekends. Cougar Creek Campground is located 100 miles southeast of Seattle and two miles east of the small town of Longmire on state route 706
White River Campground – Mt. Rainier NP, Washington
White River Campground is a scenic campground located at a high altitude in marvelous Mount Rainer National Park, one of the most unbeatable gems of the State of Washington. The Campground is set next to the river White, a short hiking distance from the glaciers and the alpine breathtaking scenery of the National Park. This is a premium destination for hikers since the campground is located near Sunrise, one of the most beautiful high altitude hiking regions of the park
White River Campground is one of six campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park. This is a relatively large campground, with 112 sites, yet it is spacious enough and hence does not feel overcrowded. The campground is open from late June to September weather permitting. Since it is located in a relatively high elevation of 4,400 feet, nights tend to be cold so it is highly advised to bring warm sleeping bags
Facilities in the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. This campground is not suitable for motorhomes that exceed 20 feet, and reservations are not accepted. Although sites are usually available, during national holidays and the weekend it is advised to arrive early in order to guarantee an available site. White River Campground is located in the northeast corner of the park, five miles west of the White River Entrance off SR 410. Few hiking trails, including the beautiful Glacier Basin trail (seven miles round trip), start from this campground
Ohanapecosh – Mt. Rainier NP, Washington
Ohanapecosh Campground is set within a magnificent dense evergreen forest, along the pure Ohanapecosh River, at the southeastern corner of Mount Rainer National Park in the state of Washington. This is a great base camp from which to explore the park, since is located only 25 miles from Paradise – one of the Mt. Rainier’s premium alpine hiking regions. In addition, few beautiful hiking trails start at this campground, including a nature trail that leads to hot springs along the Ohanapecosh River. The famous Grove of the Patriarchs Trail starts in proximity to this campground
Ohanapecosh Campground is one of six campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park. This large, yet spacious campground (188 sites), is set at an elevation of 1,914 feet, a relatively low altitude compared to other camps in the park. Therefore, nights in Ohanapecosh Campground are fairly warm, an advantage for campers in Mount Rainer National Park
Ohanapecosh Campground is open from late May to early October weather permitting. Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. A visitor center is located within the premises of this campground. Reservations are accepted and advised during summer holidays and weekends. This campground is open year round. It is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 32 feet. Ohanapecosh Campground is located two miles from the parks Stevens Canyon entrance and 11 miles from Packwood
Kalaloch Campground – Olympic National Park, Washington
Kalaloch Campground offers extremely picturesque ocean view sites. This popular campground, nested near the mouth of the Kalaloch River, in the Olympic National Park, is one of the most scenic along the Washington coast. The campground is located on a bluff facing the Pacific Ocean in the southernmost portion of Olympic Peninsula’s coastal strip, and many sites have a direct view of the sea. Few short hiking trails (less than a mile long) to sandy beaches, tidespools and coastal rainforests start in this area including Beach 4, Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Nature Trail. Kalaloch Campground is a haven for kayakers and beachcombers seeking to explore the beauty of this rugged coast
Kalaloch Campground, one of 16 in the National Park, is a big campground with 175 sites. Due to it’s beauty this campground is very popular so reservations (available only during summer months) are advised. This campground is open year round and is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 21 feet. Facilities in Kalaloch Campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. A store and a restaurant are located nearby
The campground is located adjacent to U.S Highway 101, 74 miles north of Aberdeen and 35 mile south of Forks, along the western side of the road. Heavy rain and fog is common along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, check the weather before arriving or be sure to prepare adequate anti rain gear
Sol Duc Campground – Olympic National Park, Washington
Sol Duc Campground is nested along the Sol Duc River between dense evergreen old-growth rainforests and pure streams. The setting of this Campground, located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful in the Olympic National Park. This campground is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Kids will love this mysterious forest and enjoy the small streams flowing all over the place
Adjacent to the campground are the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a popular tourist attraction that allows soaking in hot spring pools underneath a breathtaking scenery. Few great hiking trails, including the nice trail to the beautiful Sol Duc Falls (1.6 miles out and back), start at this camp. During September and October Salmon can be observed spawning along the Sol Duc River and the surrounding streams
Sol Duc, one of 17 in the National Park, is a medium sized campground with 82 sites, including some extremely scenic riverside sites. Sites are relatively big and spread out, separated by huge trees. Due to it’s proximity to the Sol Duc Hot Springs, this campground is very popular, reservations are accepted. Sol Duc Campground is open year round. It is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 21 feet. Facilities in the campground include flush toilets (pit toilets in winter), drinking water, picnic tables and fire grills. In order to reach Sol Duc Campground drive from Port Angeles west on U.S 101 for 28 miles, turn left at the intersection (located west of Lake Crescent) and continue 12 mile to the camp. Rain is frequent in the humid region, be sure to prepare adequate anti rain gear
Sunset Bay – Sunset Bay SP, Oregon
Sunset Bay State Park is located in one of the most impressive regions of the Oregon Coast, next to a beautiful sandy cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and evergreen forests. The park’s campground, set in a nice forest, few hundred yards from the beach itself is well spaced and protected from the ocean spray. Few sites are set along a small creek that bisects the camp
Recreational opportunities in this area are endless – beachcombing, kayaking, wildlife viewing (seals, sea lions and occasionally whales), and hiking. Numerous trails start near this campground and connect Sunset Bay State Park with Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks. Sunset Bay Campground is a perfect location for a family gathering. This beach is a great place to take the kids to, particularly during warm sunny summer days
Sunset Bay Campground is a quite a big campground with 129 sites arranged in four loops and open year round. During summer holidays and weekends, this campground may be rather crowded. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire grills and a dump station. Some sites include full hookups and some are self-contained. Reservations are accepted and advised during summer holidays and weekends. Sunset Bay Campground is located next to Cape Arago Hwy, 12 miles off US 101, south West of Coos Bay in central Oregon
Jenny Lake Campground – Grand Teton NP, Wyoming
The jagged Teton Mountain Range, rising abruptly above the glacial lakes of a magnificent valley, attracts nearly four million visitors a year. Jenny Lake, a glacial lake nested in this valley, is one of the most picturesque in the Grand Teton National Park, and the scenic Jenny Lake Campground, set along the lake is one of the best camping spots in the region. Recreational possibilities in the area are endless making this a superb base for exploring the park. Few hiking trails start in proximity to the camp, including the String Lake Trail (3.3 miles round trip) and the Inspiration Point Trail (2 miles out and back via boat). In addition, kayaking, canoeing and rafting beneath these rugged peaks are unbeatable
Jenny Lake Campground is one of six campgrounds in the National Park. This is a relatively small, tent only campground, with 50 sites. Due to its’ great location, Jenny Lake Campground tends to fill quickly. Reservations are not accepted and sites are usually full during summer months by 11 am, so early arrival is advised. The campground is open from late May to late September weather permitting. Grizzly Bears and Black Bears frequent this camp – keep a clean site
Facilities in the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and fire grills. Showers and a laundromat are available a short driving distance from the camp in the Colter Bay Village. Jenny Lake Campground is located off the Teton Park Road. This road intersects with Hwy 89 5 miles north of the Moran Entrance Station
Indian Creek Campground – Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park is unbeatable when it comes to scenery, abundance of wildlife and geological features including the world’s most extraordinary geysers. Many of this park’s three million visitors per year choose to sleep in one of its 12 campgrounds. Indian Creek Campground is located in a wooded area, at the park’s northwestern side. This camp is smaller, more scenic and less crowded than most campgrounds in the park, and is hence a perfect destination for those looking for some solitude. Other highly scenic campgrounds in Yellowstone are Slough Creek and Pebble Creek, both located in the Lamar Valley, in the northeastern part of the park
Indian Creek Campground is a great home base from which one can venture and explore the park. It is located eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs and 13 miles north of Norris, two of the parks famous hydrothermal features. The legendary geyser Old Faithful, located in the Upper Geyser Basin is only a 45 miles away and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is less than 30 miles away
Indian Creek Campground is a mid sized campground with 75 sites. It is open between mid June and mid September. As all campgrounds in the park, nights in this camp, located at an altitude of 7,300 feet, can be cold and unpredictable. Facilities in Indian Creek Campground include drinking water, pit toilets, picnic tables and fire grills. Reservations are not accepted. Since the park may be crowded during summer months an early arrival is highly advised. Black Bears and Grizzly Bears frequent this campground – keep a clean site
Slough Creek – Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
Slough Creek Campground is one of the smallest, most beautiful campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. This campground is a true gem located off the beaten path in the parks Eastern Lamar Valley. The campground, surrounded by great natural beauty and wilderness, is set next to Slough Creek, a premium Grizzly and Wolf habitat. Slough Creek is a great destination for those seeking solitude within the park and for those who wish to view wildlife in the wild
Slough Creek Campground is one of 12 camps in Yellowstone National Park. Facilities in this campground include pit toilets, fire grills and picnic tables. Potable water is available from a hand pump. This is a relatively small campground with only 22 sites. Some sites are located along the river under the trees and some are set in an open meadow. This campground is open from May to October weather permitting
Slough Creek Campground is not suitable for motorhomes exceeding 30 feet. Generators are not permitted and reservations are not accepted. Finding an available site may be difficult so be sure to arrive early during summer holidays and weekends. The park is located at the end of a 2.5 miles dirt road, off the park’s main road, five miles east of Tower Junction
Devil’s Garden – Arches NP, Utah
Devil’s Garden Campground is one of the most scenic campgrounds in the USA. This campground, located in Arches National Park in Eastern Utah, is set amid spectacular red sandstone dunes and arches in proximity to many scenic hiking trails. Views from the sites of Utah’s endless wilderness and of the snowcapped La Sal Mountain, is breathtaking. This campground is a heaven for kids since it is surrounded by soft dunes that create a unique natural outdoor playground. It is also a great place for a family vacation for those who look for solitude and beauty.
Devil’s campground is a mid sized campground. It has 52 sites, most of them well spaced. Adjacent to the campground is a very nice hiking trail that leads to Double O Arch and Landscape Arch. The campground is open year round but since it is located in a relatively high elevation, it is frequently covered by snow during winter months. Summer days in the park area may be extremely hot. The best time to visit this area is during spring and autumn
Facilities in the campground include potable water, flush toilets, fire grills and picnic tables. Reservations for spring, summer and autumn months should be made well in advance. Devil’s Garden Campground is located 18 miles from the park’s entrance at the end of the road
Willow Flat – Canyonlands NP, Utah
Willow Flat Campground is located in one of America’s wildest, most remote and most beautiful National Parks. This camp, nested in the heart of Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is a perfect place for those looking for a peaceful location and for those who cherish solitude and great unbeatable desert views. The scenery observed from the sites of this campground, facing the Colorado Plateau, is absolutely breathtaking
Willow Flat is a very small campground. Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables and fire grills. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is open year round. During winter months snow and cold weather is common so it is highly advised to prepare adequate gear. Numerous hiking trails originate relatively close to Willow Flat Campground including the marvelous Grand View Trail – 2 miles in and out, and the beautiful short Mesa Arch, Whale Rock and Upheaval Dome trails – 0.5-1 mile in and out
To reach Islands in the Sky District take US Highway 191 to Utah Highway 313 (10 miles north of Moab, or 22 miles south of I-70) and drive southwest 22 miles. Driving time to from Moab is roughly 40 minutes
camping in Devils Garden, Arches National Park, UT, one of the most scenic campgrounds in the USA
