Camping is a great way to spend time with your family, and there are plenty of national parks in the US that offer great camping opportunities. The National Park Service has designated over 400 sites throughout America’s natural treasures as “national parks.”
Each park has its own set of rules and regulations regarding camping, so it’s best to consult with local authorities before heading out on adventures! Here are some top picks for family-friendly camping spots across America:
Best Camping Spots for Families in the US
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a beautiful place to visit with your family. It’s located in Maine, and you can see some of the most beautiful mountains in the world here. The park offers hiking trails, summer campsites for kids, a visitor center that has interactive exhibits about
Acadia’s natural history, and lots of things to do besides just relaxing at one of its gorgeous beaches or lakeside restaurants.
If you’re planning on visiting Acadia National Park this summer (or any time), make sure you have all of your camping gear ready! Here are some things I recommend packing:
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and borders both Idaho and Montana. With a total area of 2,349 square miles, it’s one of the largest national parks in the United States.
The park includes dramatic peaks such as Mount Moran (the highest point at 13,770 feet), Mount Owen (13,280 feet), and Mount Dubois (12,838 feet).
The park has several hiking trails that are accessible year-round but can be especially busy during peak season from spring through autumn due to its popularity with hikers and climbers. Some families may enjoy spending a few days visiting this area without hiking;
However, if you’re looking for more adventure then consider taking advantage of some guided tours offered through Xanterra Parks & Resorts or another tour company operating within Grand Teton National Park!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place for hiking, fishing, and camping. There are many other things to do here as well: visit their visitor center with exhibits and activities, go on a ranger program or even just enjoy the view from Lookout Tower.
If you’re looking for an escape from city life with your family then this is definitely one of the best places to go!
To find out more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all of its activities, visit its website.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
If you’re looking for a camping destination with a lot of wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to go. The park has many hiking trails and campsites, including the popular Chugach State Park near Anchorage.
With so much to see and do, you’ll be spending more time at the visitor center than in your tent! There are also plenty of things to do inside: check out the exhibits on native plants or learn about Alaska’s history through displays like this one!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park and it’s home to some of America’s most iconic sights. It encompasses three states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, but it’s easily accessible from any direction.
The park has its own unique ecosystem with over 2 million acres of land (the size of Delaware). In addition to geysers, hot springs, and wildlife like bears, there are hiking trails that can take you anywhere from five minutes to 24 hours depending on your pace.
If you want something more than just camping in Yellowstone then check out these other spots:
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is a great place to go camping with your family. It’s also an excellent destination for wildlife viewing, fishing, and birdwatching. And if you’re in the mood for some hiking, this island has plenty of trails that can be explored with minimal effort.
This remote island off Georgia’s coast offers everything from seascapes and sand beaches to forests and marshlands full of birds — so there are plenty of different things to do here!
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of the best places in Alaska to watch wildlife. The park has over 4 million acres of land, which means you’ll have plenty of space for your family to enjoy nature without feeling crowded or claustrophobic.
There are several campgrounds and cabins available for rent within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve but if you’re looking for something more intimate or private then consider staying at one of their cabins on Baranof Island.
These rustic accommodations offer everything from wood-burning stoves (which can provide heat during those cold Alaskan nights) to glass windows so you can see outside without having any curtains blocking your view!
If you want an authentic Alaskan experience then stop by some Native American villages while visiting this area because they’re sure to be learning about how people lived here before Europeans came along.”
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is a great place for families to go camping. There are many campgrounds in the park, and it
many hiking trails and historical sites. The park also has great facilities for families with kids—there’s an activity center with indoor pools, an aquatics centre that features an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool and water slides,
playgrounds with basketball hoops, picnic tables and grills available onsite at most campsites, tennis courts (free before 8pm), horseshoe pits (first come first served)
and volleyball courts. The park also has a visitor centre with exhibits, movies and more. And if you’re looking for some fun activities to do with your kids outside of the campsite, there’s also an outdoor pool, water slides and playgrounds at Skyland Resort—just a short drive away from Shenandoah National Park.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island in Lake Superior. It’s located just off the coast of Michigan and Wisconsin, so you can easily get there by car or boat. This large park has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking trails, swimming holes and camping spots on both sides of the island.
The best part about making your way through this spectacular space? You’ll be sharing it with other people—and not just any people: moose! The animals are everywhere because they’ve lived there for generations and have adapted well to their surroundings.
If you’re looking for somewhere quiet without much traffic or crowds (and don’t mind sharing your space with moose), this is definitely worth checking out!
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia
Location: Ocean City, Maryland and Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Facilities available: None (the park offers camping)
What to do: Hike the trails that wind through the marshlands, or catch crabs off the beach. You can also visit some of the historical sites on Assateague Island and see why it’s been listed as a national seashore since 1969.
The island is accessible by ferry from Ocracoke or Tangier Islands; if you have time before your trip ends in Ocean City then consider visiting both islands within one day!
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the most popular camping destinations for families in Alaska. It’s also home to the highest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley (Denali), which is 2 miles from base camp at 6,194 feet above sea level.
The park has several hiking trails that take you through stunning landscapes with glaciers and waterfalls. There are also many activities for kids: playing games such as soccer or football on grass fields; swimming in natural hot springs;
exploring caves or watching animals like moose or bears at close range; fishing for salmon at lakes fed by glacier runoff (you’ll need a licence). If your kids love exploring new places but don’t want too much activity outside their comfort zone then Denali National Park might be perfect!
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park is a natural wonderland that’s home to the world’s largest cave system. The park offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities for all ages.
- What is Mammoth Cave, National Park?
Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1940 and covers 1,345 square miles (3,512 square kilometers). It includes both underground caverns and aboveground canyons that were formed by water over millions of years as glaciers carved them out from limestone rock formations. These sandstone walls rise up thousands of feet from the ground at their highest point!
- Best things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park:
- Hike one of two trail options – either along Bill Monroe Trail or Tennessee Riverwalk Loop Trail – which are among some of my favorite day hikes anywhere!
- You’ll see beautiful views along with some pretty cool geological features like “Cavern”, which houses thousands upon thousands upon thousands…well..you get it 🙂
- 2) Visit other areas within the park (such as Sugar Ridge or Salt Lick Springs), which offer plenty more activities besides just exploring caves!
- 3) Take advantage by getting out on horseback riding trails outside town too; these make great family rides because they’re easy enough for kids who aren’t yet old enough for backcountry camping trips yet still fun enough without being crowded so everyone gets plenty done together while enjoying nature together as well 🙂
- 4) If you’re looking for something totally different then I highly recommend checking out nearby Tower Falls State Park which has incredible waterfalls throughout its entirety including ones that cascaded down cliffs hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of metres tall into pools below
- where trout swim freely around them taking advantage while waiting patiently until they feel safe enough before jumping right back up again 🙂
- 5) Finally finally finally finally lastly lastly lastly … there’s no better way than hanging out under stars gazing into infinity even though someone else might think differently but hey who cares what others think anyway?
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley National Park is the driest and hottest place in the United States. It has a vast array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes and golden eagles. The park also has spring wildflowers that bloom around April through October.
The temperature can get as low as 95 degrees Fahrenheit at night (the lowest temperature ever recorded) but it’s always pleasant during daytime hours!
You can camp in several areas of the park and hike on some of its many trails. There are also plenty of things to do within a short distance from Death Valley, like visit the ghost town of Rhyolite, where you can walk around the ruins and see how people lived during the early 1900s.
Many national parks have great facilities for family camping.
Many national parks have great facilities for family camping. Some of the best places to camp with kids in US national parks include:
- Grand Canyon National Park – There are six designated campsites that are open year-round and can accommodate up to 8 people per site. Campsites range from primitive backcountry camping through more modern facilities with picnic tables, grills and water spigots at each site. The park also offers RV hookups for those who want to stay longer than one night!
- Arches National Park – This park has over 1,000 natural arches carved into sandstone rock formations throughout its vast expanse of desert landscape (over 110 miles long). There is no fee needed to enter Arches; however there is an annual pass available if you plan on visiting multiple times during your trip through Utah’s canyon country!
Factors to consider when choosing a camping spot
When choosing a camping spot, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. These include:
- Location: Consider the distance from your home, the climate, and the type of terrain. For example, if you’re looking for a beach camping, you’ll want to find a spot near the coast.
- Weather: Be sure to check the forecast for the area you plan to camp in and pack accordingly. If you’re planning on camping in a high altitude or cold weather, you’ll need to pack additional gear to stay warm.
- Amenities: Consider what amenities are available at the campground, such as bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. If you’re camping with children, you may also want to look for a spot with playgrounds or other kid-friendly activities.
- Activities: Think about what activities you would like to do while camping. If you want to hike, look for a spot with nearby trails. If you want to fish, look for a spot near a lake or river.
- Crowds: If you’re looking for a more secluded camping experience, you may want to consider camping at a spot that is less crowded.
- Cost: Some campsites require reservations and fees, while others are first come first serve or free. Be sure to check the cost of the campsite and any additional fees before making a reservation
- Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the campsite. If you have mobility issues, you’ll want to find a spot that is easily accessible.
- Safety: Make sure that the camping spot is safe and secure. Look for designated camping areas and follow any rules and guidelines set by the park or campground.
- Pets: If you’re planning on bringing your pets, make sure the campsite is pet-friendly and if there are any rules and regulations to follow.
- Fire restrictions: Be aware of fire restrictions in the area you plan to camp. Some areas may have bans on campfires or camp stoves, and some may require campers to obtain fire permits.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the best places for family camping in the United States. Remember that if we can get away from all of our technology, s
o can you! If there are other parks or national seashores that we missed, please let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family members who enjoy camping too!
