Spring is in the air, and with it comes thoughts of camping. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than a night under the stars? But are you prepared for your next trip?
When it comes to campgrounds, there are so many options out there that sometimes it can be hard to choose.
If you’re looking for some tips on where to set up your tent, here are five fabulous family-friendly camping spots that make for excellent vacations:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Tips for planning a family camping trip |
| Fun activities to keep kids entertained while camping |
| Best national parks for camping with kids |
| Expert tips for safe and enjoyable glamping with kids |
| Top-rated family campgrounds in the US |
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which is known for its extreme temperatures. The park spans 801,163 acres of land that includes mountains and canyons, making it one of the largest national parks in Texas.
Big Bend has some of the most beautiful landscapes in America–it’s home to more than 800 species of plants and animals!
It also has plenty of things to do on your vacation: hiking trails, horseback riding trails (you can even ride horses into Mexico), boating opportunities along river banks or float trips down Rio Grande River…the list goes on!
Planning a family camping trip can be challenging, but our article on how to plan the perfect camping trip with your kids offers valuable tips and tricks on everything from choosing a campsite to packing the right gear.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great choice for families looking to spend time together and get outdoors. There are plenty of campsites in the park, so you can choose one that’s right for you and your family.
The park has many hiking trails, which can be used by people of all ages and abilities. If hiking isn’t your thing but wildlife watching is, there are plenty of options here too!
If star gazing is on your list of things-to-do while camping in North Carolina then this might be your ideal location!
The skies above this part of America are some of the most beautiful in all America due to their lack of light pollution (or any other kind). It’s also important to note that this area tends not to get as hot during summer months compared with other parts like Florida or California where temperatures may soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit regularly during those times.”
Best Campsites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| Campsite | Location | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Elkmont Campground | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | running water, flush toilets, fire pits |
| Cades Cove Campground | Townsend, Tennessee | amenities for RV camping, bike rentals |
| Cataloochee Campground | Maggie Valley, North Carolina | hiking trails, scenic views, picnic tables |
| Big Meadow Family Campground | Townsend, Tennessee | pool, playground, mini-golf course |
| Greenbrier Campground & RV Park | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | full RV hookups, laundry facilities |
Note: The table includes several top-rated campsites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along with their locations and amenities.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for camping, and with good reason. It has a variety of camp sites, including ones that are open year-round and others that are available in the winter.
The park is close to Denver, so it’s easy to get there if you don’t mind driving through the mountains on your way back home.
National parks offer some of the best family camping experiences in the country, and our guide to the top family-friendly national parks for camping in the USA has all the details you need to plan an unforgettable trip. From Yosemite to Glacier, we cover the top parks to visit with your family.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a great place to spend time with your family. There are many different activities to do and campgrounds to stay in, so you can choose the experience that works best for your group.
The park also has lots of history and wildlife to explore, making it an ideal destination for families who want something new and exciting.
Top-Rated Campsites near Yosemite National Park
| Campsite | Location | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Pines Campground | Yosemite Valley, California | running water, flush toilets, fire rings |
| Hodgdon Meadow Campground | Groveland, California | site-specific reservations, hiking trails |
| Wawona Campground | Wawona, California | dump station, horse riding stables, swimming pool |
| Half Dome Village | Yosemite Valley, California | canvas tent cabins, dining options, bike rentals |
| Tuolumne Meadows Campground | Yosemite National Park, California | first-come, first-served sites, hiking trails, picnic tables |
Note: The table includes some of the top-rated campsites located near Yosemite National Park. It provides valuable information about these campsites including their locations and amenities available to help plan a perfect camping trip in Yosemite National Park.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world, established in 1872. The park covers an area of over 2 million acres and includes three main geothermal basins: Upper Geyser Basin, Midway Geyser Basin and Lower Geyser Basin.
Its name comes from its many geothermal features such as hot springs, mudpots and fumaroles which emit steamy water vapour into air temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40F).
The park attracts over 10 million visitors each year who come to see wildlife such as bison (buffalo), grizzly bears and wolves that live here among other animals like moose and elk;
there are also hundreds of species of birds including trumpeter swans which migrate here every year from Canada during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing point at night time making it impossible for them survive outside these protected areas without human intervention so they could continue living peacefully without being hunted down by humans who kill them just because they want their meat or fur coat instead!
Glamping is a great option for families who want to enjoy the outdoors without roughing it in a tent, and our article on glamping with kids has expert tips on how to make it a fun and safe experience for everyone. Learn how to choose the right accommodations, activities, and more.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,949 feet. It’s also a caldera–a geological term for an extinct volcano that has collapsed into itself, leaving behind a deep depression. This one was formed by Mount Mazama and its last eruption around 5,000 years ago.
The park has more than 50 miles of hiking trails; some go through forests or along lakeshores while others lead to viewpoints for viewing wildlife such as elk or bighorn sheep (or even bears). If you’re not feeling active enough yet, take advantage of their rental boats on Crater Lake!
Top Campgrounds near Crater Lake National Park
| Campsite | Location | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Mazama Village Campground | Crater Lake, Oregon | full RV hookups, camp store, showers |
| Diamond Lake Campground | Chemult, Oregon | camp store, boat rentals, hiking and biking trails |
| Union Creek Campground | Prospect, Oregon | cabins and tent sites, camp store, nearby fishing |
| Crater Lake Resort | Fort Klamath, Oregon | lodge rooms and cabins, restaurant, boat tours |
| Oregon Mt. Hood Tiny House Village | Welches, Oregon | tiny house rentals, picnic tables, fire pits |
Note: The table includes some of the top campgrounds near Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, along with their location and amenities offered. This information will help campers to choose the best accommodation according to their preferences and needs.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a national park in South Dakota. It’s composed of three separate units: the northernmost section is Badlands National Monument, followed by Badlands Wilderness and then by Badlands National Park.
The park has been called one of America’s best examples of mixed-grass prairie, and it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its fossil resources (including dinosaurs) and unique geology that includes:
- Fossilized animals from 70 million years ago, including rhinos and saber-toothed cats
- Boulders eroded out of soft rock formations called “tufa” or “soda straws”
If you’re searching for family-friendly campgrounds, our guide to the best campgrounds for families in the USA has you covered. We’ve scoured the country for top-rated campsites that offer activities, amenities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular camping spots in the United States, and for good reason.
It’s home to some of the most breathtaking views in all of nature, with plenty of activity options for families who want to stay busy while they’re there.
Camping is allowed at certain areas within this park (including Mather Campground), but it isn’t allowed in others (such as Desert View).
If you’d like to spend some time outdoors with your family while exploring Grand Canyon National Park, make sure you’re going somewhere where it’s legal!
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a beautiful destination for families. Located in Montana, USA, this national park is famous for its glaciers and snow-capped mountains. If you’re looking for an adventure that will be both fun and educational for your kids, look no further than Glacier National Park!
There are so many things to do here: hiking trails (including one that leads to the top of Mt. Brown), ice skating on one of five lakes throughout the park; horseback riding; cross-country skiing; snowshoeing…and more! The kids will love exploring all these activities while learning about nature at the same time!
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. This beautiful area has glaciers, mountains and wildlife that are a must-see for any nature lover. The park is also home to some of the best camping spots in America!
If you want to experience all this park has to offer then camping at Exit Glacier or Harding Icefield Trailhead is highly recommended.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous then try camping at Portage Valley campground where you can hike across a glacial valley or kayak through it as well!
Conclusion
Our list of the best camping spots for families in the USA has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a great place to spend time outdoors with your kids or just want to get away from it all, these national parks have something special to offer.
We hope our guide helps make your next trip even more enjoyable!
Further reading
If you’re planning a family camping trip, you may want to check out these other helpful resources:
Travel + Leisure’s guide to the best family camping spots: Discover more family-friendly campsites across the US and learn about the top features that make them great for kids of all ages.
RVshare’s roundup of the top 25 kid-friendly campgrounds: Get detailed information about campgrounds across the country that offer activities for children, like mini-golf, waterparks, and playgrounds.
The Family Vacation Guide’s list of the best family campgrounds in the US: Browse a curated selection of family-friendly campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools, hiking trails, and bike rentals.
FAQs
What are some must-pack items for a family camping trip?
Some essential items to pack for a family camping trip include a tent and sleeping bags, a camping stove or grill, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the weather and outdoor activities.
How can I keep my kids entertained while camping?
There are many ways to keep your kids entertained while camping, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, playing outdoor games, reading books, and stargazing.
Are there any safety tips I should keep in mind when camping with children?
Yes, it’s important to be aware of safety considerations when camping with children. These include staying hydrated, keeping an eye out for wildlife, teaching children how to behave around campfires, and properly storing food to avoid attracting animals.
What are some benefits of family camping?
Camping offers many benefits for families, including opportunities to connect with nature, unplug from technology, and spend quality time together. It also has positive effects on children’s physical and mental health.
How can I choose the best family campground for my needs?
To choose the best family campground, consider factors like location, amenities, activities, and reviews from other families. Look for campgrounds that offer activities and amenities that match your family’s interests, and check online reviews to get an idea of other families’ experiences.
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!
