The 10 Best Spring Camping Destinations for 2023
When winter draws to a close and the weather warms up, it’s time to start making spring camping plans. As you slowly emerge from hibernation, keep these 10 great spots on your campground shortlist for the best spring camping destinations for 2023.
1. El Portal, California
I’ll be thoroughly impressed if you’ve heard of El Portal. This small, census-designated place (population of just 271) is just outside of Yosemite National Park, but it’s home to a few attention-worthy spots that make this a spring camping destination of its own. Snagging a campground in Yosemite is notoriously hard to do, so nearby El Portal (translating to “the portal”) is one of the closest stopping points before the park.
El Portal is also home to some tour operators and outdoor guides, so campers looking to make the most of their Yosemite trip should consider booking a guide or private tour.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 72/45
Nearby Attractions: Yosemite National Park, California Tunnel Tree, Mariposa Museum and History Center
Nearest Airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Stockton Metropolitan Airport
Where to Stay: Indian Flat RV Park
Like I mentioned earlier, it can be really difficult to grab a campsite in Yosemite. You may well have to plan months in advance. Even then, the campgrounds there are (for the most part) far from cheap. Indian Flat RV Park is about as close as you can get without being in the park itself, making it one of the best spring camping destinations in the area.
You’ll have a short commute and full hookup sites available at this campground. Tent campers can also set up here, as Indian Flat offers just under 30 tent sites. Plus, the remote nature of El Portal means you’ll never feel taken out of your outdoor experience, even at a privately-owned RV park.
Unique Amenity: General store
2. Selma, North Carolina
Selma is a historic North Carolina town that’s been around since the late 1800s. This small town of 6,000 people is in an ideal location. Visitors can get to North Carolina’s Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) in less than an hour, though the town of Selma is large enough to cover all basic needs. The town has a lot of its original charm left, however, so visitors wanting to enjoy a slower pace of life will be happy sticking closer to Selma and the surrounding parks as their spring camping destination.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 73/47
Nearby Attractions: Catawba Meadows Park, Xscape Escape Room Attraction, Martha’s Park
Nearest Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Asheville Regional Airport
Where to Stay: North Pointe RV Resort
One of the best spring camping destinations in the area, North Pointe RV Resort offers all of what makes Selma a desirable stopping point. The campground is quiet, quaint, and lined with beautiful green trees all around. You’ll have quick access to downtown here, though the park has a general store for all basic needs. Amenities here are plentiful, including a playground, dog park, and fishing lake, so it’s easy for visitors to relax outside.
Unique Amenity: Clubhouse
3. Moab, Utah
Long known to be a paradise for outdoor adventurers, the town of Moab also offers quality creature comforts for its visitors. The city is quaint and has some fun local spots, including the popular Moab Brewery, for guests to see while in town.
Of course, the biggest draw will always be Moab’s outdoor access. Just 10 minutes from Arches National Park and about half an hour from the entrance to Canyonlands National Park, Moab is one of the best spring camping destinations that serves as a gateway to adventure. For those looking to skip some of the national parks crowds, consider a trip to nearby Dead Horse Point State Park.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 73/42
Nearby Attractions: Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park
Nearest Airports: Grand Junction Regional Airport, Montrose Regional Airport
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown took second place in the category Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA at the 2022 Campspot Awards. Visitors absolutely love it here for its location and amenities. This location has everything you could need at your spring camping destination, with a general store, full hookup RV sites alongside tent sites and cottage rentals, and even its own gas station!
Unique Amenity: Dog park
4. Burnet, Texas
Just about an hour out of Austin, Burnet is a breath of fresh air for anyone trying to avoid the city and spend time in nature. Of course, if you want to visit the Live Music Capital of the World, it’s only a short hop to get from Burnet to Austin for a day trip.
Visitors wanting to stay clear of the city and spend their time outdoors, though, will be happy to know that there’s a lake as well as a section of the Colorado River nearby. These are complemented by several state-run parks and other natural areas to visit.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 78/53
Nearby Attractions: Longhorn Cavern State Park, Johnson Park, Inks Lake State Park
Nearest Airports: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, San Antonio International Airport
Where to Stay: Rockaway RV Park
Staying at Rockaway RV Park is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful Texas Hill Country. If you thought Texas was all flat and desolate, you’re in for a shock! This family-owned spot is nestled alongside Inks Lake and surrounded by beautiful greenery. One of the best spring camping destinations for 2023, the park itself has tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, with a special emphasis on water sports like boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
Unique Amenity: Paddle Boat
Book This Hill Country Hideout
5. Bridgman, Michigan
On the southern shores of Lake Michigan is the small town of Bridgman. This quiet little city is quickly transforming into a spring camping destination with improvements to its downtown area and tourist offerings. For travelers looking for cooler weather, Bridgman has a comfortably cool spring with daytime temps in the mid-50s. Weko Beach, one of the city’s biggest draws, is the place to be for sunset in this section of southern Michigan.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 54/40
Nearby Attractions: Warren Dunes State Park, Galien River County Park, Grand Mere State Park
Nearest Airports: South Bend International Airport, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
Where to Stay: Weko Beach Campground
Look no further than Weko Beach Campground for your spring camping destination in Bridgman. This is one of the biggest attractions in town, and its upkeep is a major focus accordingly. This pristine campground is a warm weather spot right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Early season campers can beat the summer traffic by spending time here in spring and enjoying the waterfront in the comfort of one of the campground’s cabins.
Unique Amenity: Canoeing/kayaking
Book This Small Town Campground
6. Verona, Virginia
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, it’s spring break in Virginia. While Shakespeare was talking about the Verona in Italy, Virginia’s version is certainly no slouch. This beautiful place is near all the best outdoor spots in the Old Dominion. Just 20 minutes from the southern entrance to Shenandoah Valley National Park, Verona is a quaint town with some of the best outdoor access in the state.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 66/42
Nearby Attractions: Frontier Culture Museum, Grand Caverns, Virginia Scenic Railway
Nearest Airports: Shenandoah Valley Airport, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Where to Stay: Shenandoah Valley Campground
Shenandoah Valley Campground boasts that it’s the only campground in Virginia with a waterfall and four six-person indoor hot tubs. While you probably weren’t looking for a spring camping destination with those specifications, wouldn’t you rather have them? While you’re right next to the national park, there are so many ways to stay active in the campground that you might not want to leave!
Unique Amenity: Arcade
Book This Front Door to Shenandoah National Park
7. Shawano, Wisconsin
You probably don’t think of central Wisconsin when you think of hiking and biking, but the city of Shawano actually has miles of multi-use trails for residents and visitors to explore. Shawano is another one of those small towns starting to invest in its revitalization so visitors can watch its growth in action. There’s an increasing number of restaurants, art spots, and fun destinations in the city itself, so visitors can enjoy the city as well as the nearby outdoor access.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 54/32
Nearby Attractions: Sturgeon Park, Navarino State Wildlife Area, Memorial Park
Nearest Airports: Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, Appleton International Airport
Where to Stay: Pine Grove Campground
Just outside the city of Shawano is a 217-site campground nestled in the woods. Trees tower overhead and make you feel removed from modern city life. The campground itself, however, is bustling with activities and has outdoor sports, fishing, and even an outdoor theater for visitors to enjoy.
Unique Amenity: Waterpark
8. Glen St. Mary, Florida
Towns don’t get that much smaller than Glen St. Mary, Florida. With a population of well under 500 people, this small spot is easy to miss. However, if you were leaving Jacksonville and drove right through without stopping, you’d be missing out. This little Florida town offers all you need when you want to enjoy the wilds of Florida’s nature.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 80/53
Nearby Attractions: Heritage Park Village, Southbank Riverwalk, Tree Hill Nature Center
Nearest Airports: Jacksonville International Airport, Gainesville Regional Airport
Where to Stay: Island Oaks RV Resort
Island Oaks RV Resort is an outsized spring camping destination for such a small town. One of the Sunshine State’s newest RV resorts, the name isn’t hyperbole. Amenities here are top-notch, with modern heated pools, mini-golf, and a water park, alongside a whole host of other things to keep you entertained. RV sites are wide and can accommodate vehicles up to 70 feet long, so even the largest of rigs should have an easy time here.
Unique Amenity: Outdoor Theater
Book This Modern Luxury Resort
9. Loysville, Pennsylvania
Nestled between a handful of state forests and Pennsylvania’s capitol, Harrisburg, is an unincorporated community of just over 2,600 people. Loysville offers access to a handful of Pennsylvania’s 20 state forests, one of the more impressive state forest systems in the country. If you want to get away from it all this spring without being too remote, Loysville is the perfect middle ground.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 61/41
Nearby Attractions: Letort Falls Park, Colonel Denning State Park, Adventure Park
Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport, Hagerstown Regional Airport
Where to Stay: Paradise Stream Family Campground
Paradise sure isn’t an exaggeration. While all campers are welcome here, Paradise Stream really is geared towards families. There are tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy in this wooded campground, like mini-golf, fishing, and plenty of outdoor sports. Of course, if you want to relax, there’s a peaceful fishing pond, or you can enjoy a quiet walk around the grounds.
Unique Amenity: Fishing
Book This Pennsylvania Paradise
10. Moose Lake, Minnesota
On the road from the Twins Cities towards Duluth is the small town of Moose Lake. The town itself centers around Moosehead Lake, though there are a handful of surrounding lakes just outside of the city limits. Anglers are in luck here as Moose Lake has plenty of fishing around, including largemouth bass, walleye, and muskies that are routinely near 40 pounds.
Average Spring Temperature (F): 53/28
Nearby Attractions: Duluth Lakewalk, Aerial Life Bridge, Solana State Forest
Nearest Airports: Duluth International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Where to Stay: Moose Lake City Campground
Like the Weko Beach Campground in Bridgman, Michigan, the Moose Lake City Campground is one of this municipality’s biggest draws. As such, the campground is well cared for and is beautiful during the camping season, making it one of the best spring camping destinations in the area.
Since you’re right on the water, visitors have the best possible access to all the water sports available on Moosehead Lake. Once the colder evening temperatures set in, head back to your spacious full hookup campground and enjoy a warm meal at your site’s picnic table.
Unique Amenity: Boat launch
Book This Lakefront Campground
Head to These Spring Camping Destinations, Pronto
There are plenty of fantastic spring camping destinations on both coasts and plenty of spots in between. As you make plans for spring 2023, hopefully, one of these spots fits the camping trip you’ve been dreaming up!
Joe Coleman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer based in East Texas. His love for the outdoors started when living near Olympic National Park and has stayed with him ever since. Taking a respite from social media, you can reach him exclusively at joecolemanfreelance@gmail.com.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock user Andy Dean, Adobe Stock user Nina, Indian Flat RV Park, North Pointe RV Resort, Adobe Stock user Wade, Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, Rockaway RV Park, Weko Beach Campground, Shenandoah Valley Campground, Pine Grove Campground, Island Oaks RV Resort, Paradise Stream Family Campground, Adobe Stock user milen69, Moose Lake City Campground