Over the last few years, more and more people have realized the value of being in the great outdoors. Whether this summer is your first big camping season, or you’ve been in search of the best summer camping for years now, you’ll love this list! If you want to enjoy the sunshine all season long, here are some of the top trending summer camping destinations that you can find on Campspot.
1. Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay – Millsboro, DE
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 83/62
Nearby Attractions: DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Funland
Nearby Airports: Salisbury Regional Airport, Philadelphia International Airport
Unique Amenity: Waterfront
We’re starting this list out with a bang. Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay was this year’s Campspot Award winner for Top Campgrounds for First-Timers. While seasoned campers will love this spot, there’s no better place in the USA to be if you’re looking to start your outdoor journey this summer. With beautiful waterfront views and all the amenities you’ll need for a memorable time (including a swim-up cocktail bar), this is a beginner-friendly way to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine in the Northeast.
Book this Beginner-friendly Bay Getaway
2. Papoose Pond Family Campground & Cabins – Waterford, ME
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 74/52
Nearby Attractions: Hawk Mountain, Pondicherry Park, Moore Park
Nearby Airports: Portland International Jetport,
Unique Amenity: Mini-golf
Maine is a special place to be during the summer. With long days on the water, you can’t help but feel at peace when you visit Papoose Pond. There’s plenty more to do than lounge on the water, though (but it’s perfectly acceptable if that’s all you want to do)! You’ll have plenty of structured activities to choose from as well as water sports and local hikes. Rent a lakefront cottage if you’re looking for the maximum luxury.
Book this Family-oriented Waterfront Stay
3. Evergreen Campsites & Resort – Wild Rose, WI
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 79/56
Nearby Attractions: Swan Park, Brainard’s Bridge Park, Animal Haven Farm Zoo
Nearby Airports: Appleton International Airport, Central Wisconsin Airport
Unique Amenity: Paddle Boats
The Midwest tends to be criminally underrated in the realm of summer camping destinations. Those in the know can appreciate the value of heading to Wisconsin with their free time in the summer. Wild Rose is a perfect place to be for the family that enjoys being outside together. Whether you want to paddle boat on the water or take a leisurely hike among the surrounding trees, you’ll be sure to have a blast and take in the warm summer air.
4. Trout Run Camp Resort – Wellsville, NY
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 77/52
Nearby Attractions: Alfred Ceramic Museum, Lagoon Fields, Andover Haunted House
Nearby Airports: Elmira Corning Regional Airport, Bradford Regional Airport
Unique Amenity: Canoeing/Kayaking
With 100 acres of greenery, this resort has more space to explore than you’ll be able to fit into one summer camping trip. With a comfortable temperature range, the southern part of New York state is a must for your list of the best places to camp in summer! Trout Run offers a range of experiences from comfortable cabins and full RV hookups to the always memorable tent and rustic campsites. Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts will love being right next to the Genesee River and enjoy long days on the water. Plus, the Finger Lakes wine region is within an hour away.
5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Tower Park – Lodi, CA
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 90/56
Nearby Attractions: Micke Grove Regional Park, World of Wonders Science Museum, Fairytale Town
Nearby Airports: Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Sacramento International Airport
Unique Amenity: Outdoor Theater
California (and the West Coast in general, really) is just synonymous with summer and sunny weather. Jellystone Parks are always a good choice when looking for the best summer camping destinations, but especially ones situated in the Golden State. To top it off, this Jellystone took fourth place for Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA at this year’s Campspot Awards.
This self-contained resort has everything you need for an unforgettable summer experience, so you won’t ever need to leave the grounds if you don’t want to! Since you’re situated in wine country, you’ll be in a perfect place to head to a winery if you feel like leaving the resort.
Book this Ever-popular California Resort
6. Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands – Buford, GA
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 86/65
Nearby Attractions: Big Splash Interactive Fountain, Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park, Treetop Quest Gwinnett
Nearby Airports: Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
Unique Amenity: Boat launch
Inspired by the lifestyle (and lyrics) of Jimmy Buffett, there may be no better place to kick back and relax than the Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands. Based around water recreation, you’ll be able to soak up all the sun you like in between trips to the lake and on-site tiki bars. If your idea of the best summer camping possible includes Hawaiian shirts and tiki drinks, there is no better place to search for your lost shaker of salt.
Book this Five O’clock Somewhere Stay
7. Carolina Pines RV Resort – Conway, SC
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 88/69
Nearby Attractions: WonderWorks Myrtle Beach, Hollywood Wax Museum, Outbreak – Dread the Undead
Nearby Airports: Myrtle Beach International Airport, Florence Regional Airport
Unique Amenity: Jumping Pillow
Like Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, Carolina Pines RV Resort is also one of the Top Campground for First-Timers. This South Carolina resort came in number five at this year’s Campspot awards and has more amenities than you’ll know what to do with. Experience the on-site water park during the day and enjoy the restaurant in the evenings. If you’re looking to hike, check out nearby Myrtle Beach State Park. With a short drive to Myrtle Beach, you’re sure to have a memorable summer visiting this resort .
8. Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor – Petoskey, MI
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 74/54
Nearby Attractions: Know Way Out, Bear River Valley Recreation Area, East Park
Nearby Airports: Pellston Regional Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Unique Amenity: Dog park
This Sun Outdoors location took runner-up for Top Camping Sites at the 2022 Campspot awards, which puts it solidly in the conversation for top summer camping destinations! Located in the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the area is referred to as the Crown Jewel of Michigan, and that isn’t hyperbole. With everything an avid adventurer could want, this is the place to be for hiking, fishing, and water sports. If your plans are a little lower octane, spend your time relaxing in their luxurious cottages and exploring downtown Petoskey.
Book this Lower Peninsula Award-winner
9. Winding River Resort – Grand Lake, CO
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 74/37
Nearby Attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, Forest Canyon Overlook, Moffat Road Railroad Museum
Nearby Airports: Denver International Airport
Unique Amenity: Sports Field
Of all the places on the list, this campground reigns supreme for the outdoor enthusiast. If being a mile high (and often well above it) sounds exciting, here’s where you want to be. It’s worth noting that summer lows dip near freezing, but the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park is entirely worth it, and it’s a nice reprieve for anyone looking to escape crazy hot temperatures. Without even heading into the park, you can enjoy local hiking and even horseback riding. Live out your mountain west dreams in a cabin fit for cowboys, or rough it in your tent.
Book this Breathtaking Rocky Mountain Adventure
10. Sun Outdoors Canyonland Gateway – Moab, UT
Average Summer Temperature: High/Low 95/60
Nearby Attractions: Hole ‘N’ The Rock, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park
Nearby Airports: Canyonlands Regional Airport, Grand Junction Regional
Unique Amenity: Playground
This is the exact opposite of the previous entry on this list but no less geared toward adventure. With highs pushing towards triple-digits in the summer, you’ll need plenty of water before embarking. Amenities are on the simpler side, though fully furnished cabins are still offered. Whether you’re an avid off-roader, hiker, or just nature lover, Moab, Utah is synonymous with the outdoor lifestyle. A gateway to two national parks, this is a perfect place to rejuvenate after long days on the trail.
Book this National Park Basecamp
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Hopefully this list has given you some ideas for your best summer camping yet and has you itching to hit the road. Whether you’re settling in for a long summer drive or taking to the skies for your summer travels, you’re assured of an adventure at any of these ten summer camping destinations.
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.