When you think of camping, do you picture yourself in a crowded campground with hundreds of other people? Or would you rather enjoy the peace and quiet of being out in nature on your own?
If the latter sounds more appealing to you, we’ve got some amazing recommendations for hidden gems that are perfect for adventurous solo campers who want to find their own piece of seclusion.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Discover hidden camping gems across the USA |
| Elevate your camping experience with glamping |
| Explore off the beaten path to find unique camping sites |
| Enjoy beach camping at the best spots in the USA |
| Use our comprehensive guides to learn more about camping and glamping |
Convict Lake Campground (California)
Camping in the mountains is always a good time, but when you’re camping near a lake and surrounded by wildlife, it can be even better.
Convict Lake Campground in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California gives campers exactly that: lots of wildlife, including mule deer (seen here) and black bears, and plenty of room to roam around on over 100 acres.
The campground also borders Convict Creek and is only about 20 minutes from Mammoth Mountain ski resort.
If you’re looking for a change from traditional camping, give glamping a try! Learn more about the basics of glamping with our beginner’s guide to glamping and get ready to elevate your camping experience.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Michigan)
The Porcupine Mountains are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a wilderness area where vast expanses of forest and lakes make up the landscape.
The natural beauty of this area has attracted many visitors over the years, including campers who enjoy hiking and backpacking through the woods.
If you’re looking for an outdoor experience similar to what you would find at Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park but with fewer people around, then this is one place that should be at the top of your list!
Top Activities to Do at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
| Activities | Description |
|---|---|
| Backcountry camping | Experience the wilderness at its most untouched by camping deep in Porcupine Mountains. |
| Hiking | With over 90 miles of trails, you can explore the park’s rugged terrain and see stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding hills. |
| Fishing | The park boasts several lakes and the Presque Isle River, making it a great spot to fish for trout, salmon, and more. |
| Downhill skiing and snowboarding | In the winter months, hit the slopes at the park’s ski resort and enjoy the area’s famous lake-effect snow. |
| Wildlife viewing | Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s abundant wildlife, including black bears, moose, and river otters. |
Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Big Bend National Park is a national park located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas, along the border with Mexico.
The park contains the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States to be found outside of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—and it’s home to over 450 species of plants and animals!
Big Bend features several mountain ranges, including the Chisos Mountains which reach over 7,800 feet tall. This area contains some of Texas’ most colorful rock formations such as Kettle Rock (pictured above), which is made up primarily of sandstone and has its own official trail leading you there for an easy hike through something truly unique.
For those who want to try out glamping, it’s important to do your research before you go. Our comprehensive guide to glamping covers everything from the types of glamping accommodations to the pros and cons of glamping.
The Lost Coast Trail (California)
If you’re looking for a camping experience that will let you get away from it all, The Lost Coast Trail is the place for you.
This trail stretches from Shelter Cove to Mattole, and offers some of California’s best beach camping sites as well as great hiking opportunities.
The trail itself is challenging; there’s no doubt about that. It has steep sections and tons of slippery rocks, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’ll be worth every step.
Not only does this path lead you through forests and meadows filled with wildlife (including deer and birds), but it also takes you along some amazing coastline views—including memorable vistas at Haul Road Beach and White Banks Beach Park in Shelter Cove!
Plus: camping on beaches? Yes please!
Essential Tips for Hiking the Lost Coast Trail
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Proper gear | The trail is strenuous and remote, so it’s vital to have good quality gear including sturdy shoes, a backpack, and a tent. Consider packing extra gear for water crossings. |
| Tides and conditions | The tide can impact your travels, so check the tide charts and bring overnight and tidepooling gear. |
| Permits | A permit is required for all overnight stays along the trail. Permits are limited, so plan ahead and make reservations. |
| Trailhead options | The Lost Coast Trail is rugged and does not have a direct route, so plan your route carefully and consider transportation services to and from trailheads. |
| Leave No Trace | Practice good wilderness etiquette by following the Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash and human waste, respecting wildlife and vegetation, and sticking to established campsites and trails. |
Jumbo Rocks Campground (California)
Jumbo Rocks Campground is located in the Mojave Desert, just 15 miles from Joshua Tree National Park.
It’s open year-round and offers restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a store with snacks and ice cream even a dump station!
Ready to explore the world of glamping beyond the borders of the United States? Discover some of the best glamping spots around the globe with our look at the best spots around the world.
The Enchantments (Washington)
The Enchantments are a group of high alpine lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Snoqualmie National Forest.
The area is popular with hikers and backpackers and should be on your list if you are traveling to Washington State. Hiking through this serene landscape will bring you closer to nature than any other activity can!
Glacier Basin Campground (Washington)
Glacier Basin Campground is located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, just north of the North Cascades National Park. The campground is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and rafting.
It’s also a great place for families with kids. There are many family-friendly options like hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes with beaches for swimming and picnics; plenty of camping spots suitable for tents; sites without electricity; and cabins available for rent.
You can also bring your dog along on your trip if they are under control while staying at this campground (and they must be leashed).
Glamping not only offers a unique camping experience but also provides many benefits. Check out our article on the surprising benefits of glamping to learn more about how glamping can improve your mental health, relationships, and more.
Sage Hen Campground (California)
This campground is located deep in the Sequoia National Forest, near the Kern River. It features a paved road and easy access to all of the amenities you’ll need for an amazing camping experience.
Sage Hen is surrounded by mountains and trees, but it also has its own swimming hole that’s perfect for kids.
If you bring your dog along, they can also enjoy hiking on one of several trails within the park that are specifically dog-friendly. Whether you want a quiet weekend away from everything or want to go fishing in one of California’s best rivers—this place has got it all!
Sage Hen Campground Amenities
| Amenities | Description |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Clean restrooms with flush toilets and running water are available for campers to use. |
| Campfire rings | Each campsite has a fire ring for campers to enjoy campfires while staying warm or roasting marshmallows. |
| Water | Drinking water is available at several locations throughout the campground. |
| Picnic tables | Picnic tables are available for campers to eat meals, play games, or just enjoy the great outdoors. |
| Trails | The campground is close to several trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, including the Pacific Crest Trail. |
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the state of Colorado. At about 415 square miles, it’s the tenth largest national park in the country and has more than 60 lakes and ponds.
The park protects much of the northern continental divide (a high altitude ridge that separates rivers that flow into either the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans). This means that many lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park have trout swimming in them!
The park has over 300 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as plenty of wildlife to see: moose, elk, mountain goats you name it!
It’s home to some pretty amazing natural wonders too such as several peaks over 14000 feet tall–and there are plenty of scenic vistas where you can see them all at once.
To make the most out of your glamping trip, it’s essential to have the right resources. Use our ultimate glamping checklist to ensure that you have everything you need, including food, clothing, and activities, for a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Hoback Campground (Wyoming)
This campground is a great place to camp in Wyoming, especially if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. It’s located in the middle of the Snowy Range Mountains, so it offers some of the best views of these peaks that can be found anywhere in America.
The scenery here is incredible, and there are tons of trails around the area for hiking or mountain biking. There are also plenty of activities that can be done at night like fishing or star gazing on top of one of their many mountains.
The campsites themselves are rather large and spacious compared to other places we’ve stayed before.
They’re surrounded by tall trees which means they provide shade during hot days while still allowing light during spring/summer months when days become longer than nights again (this usually happens around June).
Lava Beds National Monument (California)
Lava Beds National Monument has more than 700 caves and lava tubes, making it one of the most cave-rich areas in the country.
There are also plenty of other interesting sights to see here, including lava spatter cones, flows, fields and volcanic cinder cones.
Lava Beds also has volcanic plugs (volcanic domes), tuff rings (tuffs are formed when volcanic ash is deposited and consolidated), ash fields and lava tunnels.
Gunsight Pass Trailhead & Campground (Montana)
This trailhead is located in the Flathead National Forest, just outside Glacier National Park. It’s a great place to hike with the trail system covering more than 500 miles! We recommend starting with the Gunsight Pass Trail.
The best time of year to go camping here is spring and early summer, when the weather is still dry but not too hot. You can expect temperatures that range from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit (5-21 degrees Celsius) during this time of year.
Bring warm clothes and rain gear, as well as flashlights or headlamps since it gets dark early at night in Montana! You may want some water shoes too if you plan on crossing any streams along your route the rocks can be slippery!
If you love hiking and camping outdoors but don’t want to spend hours driving through traffic jams just to get there, this campsite is for you!
Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
Crater Lake National Park is a United States National Park located in southern Oregon. The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of a destroyed volcano, Mount Mazama, and the surrounding hills and forests.
The lake is 1 mile (1.6 km) deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest lakes in North America.
Dale Ball Trails – Big Tesuque Trailhead & Campground (New Mexico)
This campground is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is open from May to October, so it’s a good place to camp when the weather gets cooler. It has a maximum capacity of 20 people and a maximum RV length of 30 feet. There are also no trailers allowed at this location.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a list of some of the best hidden gems in the USA. So the next time you’re planning that road trip or camping trip, consider these places and make sure they’re on your list!
Further Reading
Explore more hidden camping spots with our favorite hidden gem camping spots in the United States
If you love both camping and the beach, check out the best camping spots on the beach in the USA
For the adventurous campers looking to explore off the beaten path, take a look at this list of hidden gems camping sites.
FAQs
Q: What is glamping?
A: Glamping is a form of camping that combines the experience of being in the great outdoors with luxurious accommodations and amenities.
Q: What are some benefits of glamping?
A: Some benefits of glamping include the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, access to modern amenities, and the ability to enjoy a unique and tailored camping experience.
Q: What should I bring when I go glamping?
A: The essentials for glamping depend on the specific location and accommodations, but some common items to bring include comfortable clothing and shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera to capture memories.
Q: Can I go glamping with kids?
A: Yes, many glamping sites are family-friendly and offer accommodations and activities suitable for children.
Q: What is the difference between camping and glamping?
A: Camping typically involves roughing it in basic tents or RVs, while glamping offers a more luxurious and comfortable camping experience with amenities such as real beds, electricity, and indoor plumbing.
I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
