23 Camping Destinations for 2023
As 2022 draws to a close, there’s only one thing left to do: plan your 2023 camping trips! Whether you spent one night or 100 nights camping this past year, make room on your 2023 bucket list for these best places to camp. These 23 destinations have been hand-selected among the places campers are most looking forward to this upcoming year, per the Campspot Outdoor Almanac.
Best Places to Camp in 2023
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is always one of the best places to camp in travelers’ minds, and 2023 is going to be no exception. Whether you’re planning to take in the hot springs or photograph some of the area’s wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit if you haven’t yet been.
Where to Camp: Valley View RV Park Campground
Just 15 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance is the Valley View RV Park Campground. Valley View has all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay but still puts you right in the rugged Idaho wilderness. Yellowstone is a notoriously difficult place to grab a campsite, so keep nearby private campgrounds, like Valley View, in mind.
2. Crested Butte, Colorado
This Colorado ski town sits in the middle of four national forests (White River, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison), meaning you’re in the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness. While it’s a fantastic winter destination, summer in Crested Butte is paradise for mountain bikers looking for Colorado’s best trails to ride.
Where to Camp: Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
Campfire Ranch on the Taylor is only half an hour from Crested Butte and right next to the Gunnison National Forest. Between mountain bike rides, adventurers can take in some great Colorado fishing options on the renowned Taylor River. RVs are not allowed here, but that guarantees campers a quiet, generator-free night’s sleep.
3. Moab, Utah
Moab is, hands down, one of the best places to camp in the American West. Known for its robust off-roading culture, this is the place to test your rig’s limits. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll be just a short drive from Arches National Park.
Where to Camp: Sun Outdoors North Moab
Sun Outdoors North Moab is located about halfway between the town of Moab and the entrance to Arches, which means you’re in the heart of the action. You’ll be right next to downtown Moab, Arches, and the Colorado River. This Sun Outdoors location offers plenty of options for campers, from simple tent sites to rentals that sleep up to eight people.
4. Hope, Alaska
Hope, Alaska is one of the 49th State’s earliest gold rush towns. If you want to explore Alaska but wander farther off the beaten path, Hope is the place to be. While you’re there, be sure to check out the series of nearby trails for biking and hiking.
Where to Camp: Coldwater Lodge & Market
There aren’t exactly a bevy of options when it comes to places to stay in Hope, Alaska. Even if there were, though, Coldwater Lodge & Market would be the best place to camp. Whether you want to enjoy the long summer days or chase the Northern Lights, Coldwater offers RV sites and cabin rentals to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has been around since 1890 and has been inspiring awe in its travelers for well over a century. You don’t have to hike El Capitan to take in all this park has to offer (though it’s a great option if you’re up for it). This historic park has long been a reference point when travelers think of the world’s best places to camp and outdoor destinations, and there’s no reason to assume that will ever change.
Where to Camp: Indian Flat RV Park
Indian Flat RV Park is one of the closest private campgrounds to Yosemite. Like many of the top U.S. national parks, it can be tough to grab a spot in the park itself. Luckily, Indian Flat offers a no-frills camping experience that keeps you in touch with nature even when you aren’t in the park.
6. Glacier National Park
The pride of Montana, Glacier National Park stands head and shoulders above the rest in a state known for its natural beauty. With so many activities for campers of all ages and ability levels, Glacier National Park is as perfect a place to camp for families as it is for seasoned backcountry adventurers.
Where to Camp: Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins
You’ll be just 10 miles from the Lake McDonald area entrance to Glacier when you stay at the Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins. If you want to dial up the comfort level, Mountain Meadow offers several cabins for rent, as well as a travel trailer.
7. Savage Gulf State Natural Area, Tennessee
Savage Gulf encompasses almost 16,000 acres of diverse Tennessee wilderness. Campers here can enjoy sandstone rock formations, some of the state’s best waterfalls, and great wildflower blooms. If you want something a bit more unique, skip Great Smoky Mountains and head here!
Where to Camp: Greeter Falls Campground
You’ll be just a few minutes from Savage Gulf State Natural Area at the Greeter Falls Campground, and less than half a mile from the Greeter Falls trailhead itself. Greeter Falls Campground has plenty of options for stays, from tent and RV sites to yurts and glamping.
8. Camp Verde, Arizona
Between the Coconino and Prescott National Forests is one of the best places to camp in Arizona: Camp Verde. This small town is the gateway to outdoor adventure (and the Verde Valley wine country). Nearby, you’ll also find interesting archaeological sites and the Verde River.
Where to Camp: Verde Ranch RV Resort
Routinely a fan favorite, Verde Ranch RV Resort is a destination in and of itself. You’ll find a full suite of luxurious amenities, including a heated pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. If you aren’t traveling to Arizona by RV, Verde Ranch offers several unique glamping and cabin options.
9. Crystal Beach, Texas
Jutting out into the water between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is Crystal Beach, Texas. This small community thrives on beach-centered tourism, and for good reason. With a beautiful beach just minutes from wherever you are in town, this vacation hotspot doesn’t leave a thing to be desired.
Where to Camp: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach
This just feels like the perfect place to spend the night when you’re in Crystal Beach. Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett devotee or a casual purveyor of the Margaritaville lifestyle, there’s no place better than Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Crystal Beach. RV spots here are wide and easy to navigate, and the amenities help you spend your vacation in complete comfort.
10. Gold Beach, Oregon
This Oregon coastal town is the perfect getaway if you aren’t looking to wade through crowds. You’ll have plenty of coastline to spread out on with these long, walkable beaches and a lower-than-average amount of crowds. With moderate summer temperatures, Gold Beach is an easy sell to all travelers and one of the best places to camp in 2023.
Where to Camp: Lucky Lodge RV Park
Nestled along the picturesque Rogue River, Lucky Lodge RV Park is the perfect basecamp for your outdoor activities. Whether you want to stay nearby and enjoy Rogue River’s best fishing or set off to enjoy the Oregon Coast, Lucky Lodge RV Park has you covered when you return after a long day outside.
11. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island, Georgia, is criminally underrated by those who aren’t in the know. Locals and seasoned travelers will recognize Jekyll Island as the perfect Southern beach destination for relaxation, exploring, and photography. The historic district alone is worth the trip.
Where to Camp: GA Coastal RV Park
Just a bit inland from Jekyll Island in nearby Waynesville, Georgia, GA Coastal RV Park puts you in the center of everything you could want during your trip. You’re within easy driving distance from Jekyll Island but also close enough to make a day trip to the nearby Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
12. Summerland Key, Florida
All sections of the Florida Keys are beautiful, but Summerland Key is a relatively hidden gem in the lower section of the Keys. While everyone else keeps driving to Key West looking for the best places to camp, take an early stop in the Summerland Key for the same enjoyment with fewer crowds.
Where to Camp: Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key
Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key is one of the most unique spots in the Sun Outdoors system. With a seven-acre lake right next to you, we challenge you not to feel relaxed here. It’s just impossible. Everything about this place makes you want to sit back and enjoy paradise.
13. Asheboro, North Carolina
No, not Asheville. Asheboro. This small city doesn’t have the name recognition of some of North Carolina’s bigger hotspots, but it’s been the site of a serious commitment to redevelopment. While you might not have considered this area as one of the best places to camp, the town itself is seeing a revitalization and is worth the trip on its own. You’ll also find several outdoor spots within driving distance, including the Uwharrie National Forest.
Where to Camp: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Asheboro
Just a few miles south of the city is one of the area’s most family-friendly campgrounds. Summers at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Asheboro are filled with exciting activities, and the off-season still offers access to all the exciting amenities, like the stocked fishing ponds and hiking trails.
14. Cody, Wyoming
While it’s only 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Cody has its own visitor-attracting charm. This Wild West town interprets the history of Buffalo Bill Cody, holding the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Visitors on their way to Yellowstone should drive the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway for the best views near Cody.
Where to Camp: The Historic Wapiti Lodge
The Historic Wapiti Lodge promises “the true Western experience.” The Lodge was built in 1920 and then restored about a century later. Now, travelers can enjoy a night in one of the guest suites or the nearby cabins.
15. Bishop, California
Bishop, California, is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor access, earning its spot as one of the best places to camp in 2023. This rugged town has some of the country’s most exciting hiking, fishing, and hunting. With proximity to the Inyo National Forest, it’s easy to get away from it all in Bishop.
Where to Camp: Creekside RV Park
Creekside RV Park is the best place to stay in Bishop, California, no matter the season. From comfortable, sunny summers to the snowy winter months, Creekside is the best place to camp for those who want to use every hour of daylight available.
16. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Pro tip: It’s pronounced “Mack-in-aww.” You’ll thank us later. Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful islands in all of the United States. No, that is not hyperbole; Mackinac is genuinely otherworldly. The warm weather months are the most popular time to visit, but fall is a great off-season choice.
Where to Camp: Lakeshore RV Campground
While not on Mackinac Island itself, Lakeshore RV Campground is one of the more conveniently located stays nearby. In nearby St. Ignace, Michigan, you can enjoy a bit more room to breathe when you’re at Lakeshore RV Campground, even during the peak travel months. The best part is that you still get to enjoy the beautiful Michigan waterfront views.
17. Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Mountains hold some of the most exciting hiking in the Northeastern United States (and that’s saying something). While the most popular destination in the Adirondacks is Lake Placid, hikers have more than 2,000 miles of trails to enjoy, here at one of the best places to camp.
Where to Camp: Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks Campground
Spacious Skies prides itself on combining the “sweet nostalgia of classic campground fun with modern amenities and conveniences.” This is a great place to relive childhood camping memories while making new ones at the same time! Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks Campground caters to travelers of all types, offering tent sites, RV sites, and several glamping options.
18. Boothbay, Maine
There’s more to the Maine outdoor scene than just Acadia National Park and Mount Katahdin. Boothbay offers some of the same waterfront excitement of Acadia with quaint New England charm. If nothing else, you’re in the right place to try some of the Northeast’s best seafood offerings!
Where to Camp: Boothbay Craft Brewery
What’s better than a trip to the brewery? Camping at the brewery itself! You don’t have to choose between a night out and a night spent in the campground at Boothbay Craft Brewery. With several RV sites, you’ll be just steps from great Maine beer and pizza when you park your rig.
19. North Woodstock, New Hampshire
One of the best places to camp in New Hampshire, North Woodstock puts you right next to the state’s only national forest, White Mountain National Forest. The town itself is worth spending a day exploring as well, with its quaint New England charm and enjoyable food and drink scene. If you’re there in winter, be sure to see the Ice Castles.
Where to Camp: Lost River Valley Campground
Lost River Valley Campground placed 10th in the 2022 Campspot Awards category Top Campgrounds in the USA. That alone should put it on your 2023 list for best places to camp! Lost River Valley Campground offers a wide range of simple tent sites, but the cabins are the biggest draw in this relaxing wooded getaway.
20. The Blue Ridge Parkway
It’s America’s Favorite Drive for a reason! The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most incredible scenic drives in the country, with views of mountains, vistas, and unique scenery you just won’t find anywhere else. While the whole drive is nearly 500 miles, you can always just drive some of the highlights like Mount Pisgah, Peaks of Otter, or the Linn Cove Viaduct.
Where to Camp: Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort
Towards the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort. Whether you want a basecamp to explore the northern section of the parkway or something waiting for you at the end of a long day of driving, this is the place to be. This family-owned spot offers plenty of cabins for rent to complement its tent and RV sites, along with a stocked trout pond.
21. Waco, Texas
On the banks of the Brazos River is the college town of Waco, Texas. Home to great barbeque and a bustling cultural scene, this smaller city packs a lot in one place. There are several museums and parks in the city, but just a short trip gets you to the best waterfront destinations in the area, including nearby Lake Waco.
Where to Camp: Camp Fimfo Waco
Camp Fimfo is all the best of summer camp rolled into a family-friendly package. With fantastic waterfront activities, it’s easy to spend long summer days outside at Camp Fimfo. Plenty of accommodation options—including tent sites, RV sites, and 78 cabins for rent—ensure it’s one of the best places to camp for the whole family.
22. Clearlake Oaks, California
If you’re looking for a Northern California spot that’s a bit off the beaten path, consider Clearlake Oaks. This small town is centered around Clear Lake, making it the perfect place for waterfront fun. Add in summer temperatures that peak around 90 degrees and get down to the 50s overnight, and you’ve got a comfortable warm-weather destination.
Where to Camp: The Oasis Campground
The Oasis is not an understatement. Located on the eastern shores of Clear Lake, The Oasis Campground offers beautiful waterfront views and impeccable sunset colors. Sites here are simple and allow you to be fully present to the experience. Plus, you can say you slept on the banks of the oldest natural lake in North America!
23. Mesa Verde National Park
While Rocky Mountain National Park and the northern section of Colorado get the lion’s share of the attention, avid travelers understand just how exciting southern Colorado is. Mesa Verde National Park isn’t headlining many travel lists, but it sure should be. With beautiful hikes, historic cliff dwellings, and a scenic drive, Mesa Verde has more than its share of things to be excited about.
Where to Camp: The Views RV Park & Campground
One of the best places to camp in the nation, The Views is the perfect name for this spot that took fourth place in the 2022 Campspot Awards category Top Campgrounds in the USA. Near Mesa Verde National Park, the Four Corners, and the San Juan National Forest, The Views is an ideal central location for adventure. Be sure to check out the glamping tent options when making your reservation.
23 in 2023 Giveaway
Don’t take our word for it—shortlist your own top destinations for 2023! Create an account on Campspot if you don’t have one already and save 23 new campgrounds in the Campspot app by the end of January 2023. We’ll pick one lucky participant to receive $2,023 toward their camping adventures! Read: Terms and Conditions.
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 by appearance: Adobe user – Wirestock, Valley View RV Park Campground, Adobe user – rondakimbrow, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, Adobe user – lightphoto2, Sun Outdoors North Moab, Adobe user – Amanda, Coldwater Lodge & Market, Adobe user – Allen.G, Indian Flat RV Park, Adobe user – Jonathan, Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins, Greeter Falls Campground, Adobe user – eqroy, Verde Ranch RV Resort, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach, Adobe user – wollertz, Lucky Lodge RV Park, Adobe user – odphotography, GA Coastal RV Park, Adobe user – Joerg, Sun Outdoors Sugarleaf Key, Adobe user – Jill Lang, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Asheboro, Adobe user – MelissaMN, The Historic Wapiti Lodge, Adobe user – NatalieJean, Creekside RV Park, ehrlif, Lakeshore RV Campground, Adobe user – Patricia Thomas, Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks Campground, Adobe user – Kristina Blokhin, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Lost River Valley Campground, Adobe user – aheflin, Montebellow Camping & Fishing Resort, Adobe user – Felix Mizioznikov, Camp Fimfo Waco, The Oasis Campground, Adobe user – Dominic, The Views RV Park & Campground