Bucket List Camping Destinations in the U.S.

As a child, there is something extremely special about taking your first camping trip. The adrenaline of finding a camping site, the excitement of setting up your tent, and the sweet taste of fire-roasted marshmallows is a nostalgic experience for many individuals. For some, their first camping trip ignites a passion for roughing it in the outdoors and sleeping under the stars.

As one grows older, their camping experiences can take them to remote locations tucked away from typical campgrounds. The United States is home to an overwhelming amount of these scenic camping destinations offering isolated bases for adventurous souls to connect with nature. Discover a few of these bucket list camping destinations below.

White Mountain National Forest

Coated with foliage throughout fall and greenery in the peak camping season, White Mountain National Forest, located between New Hampshire and Maine, is a picturesque woodland with unspoiled views. Setting up camp here ensures a pollution-free sky and peaceful views spanning out for miles. After putting your tent together, you’ll have access to various rugged trails leading you to great heights to look out over the valley. As part of the Appalachian Trail, this camping site has become a favorite spot for thru-hikers just beginning their journey.

Glacier National Park

The United States’ national parks offer some of the best hiking and camping spots. Therefore, keeping up with this theme, Glacier National Park is another ideal location that should top any camping bucket list. With over 13 developed campgrounds and over 1,000 sites scattering the park’s vicinity, it seems as if there are endless sites to set up shop in. This bucket list camping destination gives close access to numerous lakes and ponds, adding to its charm. Wildlife roams its borders, giving adventurous souls a chance to spot an animal in action.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in the Southern California desert and covered with Joshua trees, this scenic park offers unique camping experiences for those wanting to sleep under the stars. Out in this remote landscape, you’ll be hidden away from Los Angeles’ busy hub and immersed in a silent environment promoting tranquility. Although this camping destination does not offer access to pristine lakes and woodland wildlife, it is a spot worth exploring in one’s lifetime.

Denali National Park

Alaska could have an entire blog post of its own, as its diverse landscape is an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. The United States would not be complete without Alaska’s inherent beauty, and regular outdoorsy individuals enjoy flocking to this state to get a glimpse of its charm. Denali National Park is one of the state’s most visited regions, and rightfully so. Setting up camp in this park will expose you to preserved pine trees, close-up views of snow-covered mountains, and many chances to see wildlife. There are various sites to choose from in this wildly expansive park, giving nature enthusiasts the cream of the crop.

Arches National Park

Utah is home to the stunning Arches National Park, where natural sandstone arches challenge the sights in other national parks. This otherworldly scenery makes for a grand wake-up view when unzipping a tent. As the seasons change, so does the landscape, as colder temperatures bring in a light dusting of snow against the red rocks, creating a beautiful contrast to enjoy with your morning snacks.

When it comes to stellar camping locations in the United States, there really are far too many to count. However, the aforementioned destinations should be featured on every camper’s bucket list, as they provide truly ethereal experiences only accessible in these remote sites. Consider traveling to one of these national parks for your next camping trip.