Where to go camping in the U.S. is an enormous and diverse landscape. Choosing the right place for your camping trip can seem daunting. From sandy Atlantic beaches to alpine lakes, the U.S. has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on where to go camping in the U.S. and where to find the best primitive campsites. We also cover the best places to stay while camping, both for tents and RVs.
Infinite Adventures’ favourite places to go camping
If you’re interested in traveling to amazing destinations, one of Infinite Adventures’ favourite places is the Alaskan backcountry. This remote region is a favorite of many adventurers, and the company offers family-friendly packages that include transportation and accommodations, which are mostly tents. Founded by a husband and wife team who love the outdoors, the company offers a range of trips for all levels of campers.
State lands with primitive campsites
If you’re an avid camper, you may be looking for state lands with primitive campsites. However, you may not know where to start. Before setting out on your camping trip, you should look for a topographical map of the state area. The DEC website contains links to downloadable PDF maps that identify campsites. Many state forests have long-established primitive camping sites and are managed by friendly, helpful Forest Rangers.
You can find state lands with primitive campsites in New York by visiting the DECinfo Locator, which features an outdoor activity tab. Each property’s webpage provides a map and descriptions of individual campsites. Remember that New York State is strict about firewood and prohibits its importation without heat treatment. You must also stay within fifty miles of the campsite if you plan to bring firewood. If you’re planning a camping trip on a state forest, you should also check to see if it is permitted before you arrive.
Another state forest that has primitive campsites is the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. The Chautauqua Gorge State Forest covers five hundred acres in eastern New York and is ideal for hiking and fishing. The park features a day-use area with fire rings, picnic tables and outhouses. There are also four trout streams and a defunct fire-watch tower. In addition to the campsites, the state park features hiking and bridle trails, and an archery range.
There are other places in New York State that offer primitive camping. Some are within state parks or are located along undeveloped trails. These state parks usually have public restrooms, although primitive campsites don’t have them. Many of them are a half-mile or more away from parking lots. You may need to use portable toilets or use vault toilets to ensure that you don’t need to go far to find a campsite.
While the vast majority of campsites are primitive, they usually have a picnic table, fire grill and non-potable water. Several of these sites are accessible by canoe, but others require a paved road or parking lot. Regardless of the type of campsites, the State Department of Conservation (DEC) has regulations for primitive camping. They are found in Chapter 83 of Title 10, V.S.A.
While most of these state lands with primitive campsites offer clean, beautiful sites, they also pose certain risks. Using undeveloped water sources requires treatment by boiling or purifying it with water purification solutions. Meanwhile, faucets in developed recreation areas have been tested and treated. Using faucets without treatment is safe. These are just a few of the tips you need to know before going on your next primitive camping trip.
While the majority of DEC lands have designated primitive tent sites, some state lands don’t allow primitive camping. Check the DEC website for specific information on specific state lands. Most primitive campsites are flat and deeper soils. Designed to minimize camping impacts, primitive tent sites typically have rock fire rings and pit privies. Those camping in these forests should make sure they know what they’re doing and how long they’ll be staying.
National parks with tent-only sites
If you’re looking for a campsite with no amenities, you may want to try a tent-only national park. Congaree National Park has two front-country campgrounds with tent-only sites, but these tend to fill up fast. The two closest campgrounds are Longleaf Campground, with ten sites, and Bluff Campground, a mile’s walk away with six sites. In addition, Poinsett State Park, 45 minutes from Congaree’s main entrance, offers 50 uncrowded tent sites.
New Hope Overlook is a primitive tent campground with 24 tent-only sites. They’re just 100 yards to a mile from parking, and each site has a picnic table and grill. A nearby restroom has potable water and vault toilets. The park also has bathrooms in its Visitor Center, which are located just a few steps from the campgrounds. The bathrooms are flush toilets with sinks and mirrors. Guests are permitted to bring eight people to one site.
Many National Parks have reopened their campgrounds this year. These parks offer a wide variety of amenities, and camping is a great way to explore the natural beauty of these places. But remember that the experience begins with your accommodations. Don’t let yourself become a couch potato and stay in one location for weeks! You can enjoy the scenery of a national park while staying in a tent. If you’re not comfortable staying in a trailer, consider hiking the park to find a campground that offers both facilities and amenities.
One of the best ways to experience Yellowstone National Park is to camp in one of the many primitive campgrounds that are located in the park. There are only 14 RV-friendly campsites here, and you’ll have the option to enjoy the beautiful scenery. This campground is a popular place to view wildlife in Yellowstone. Although Slough Creek is primitive, it’s available from May to October. At night, you can hear the howling wolf pack in the nearby canyon.
The largest national park in the United States has many free, non-reservation campgrounds. You can find a site with a picnic table and fire ring at a dispersed campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which borders the Grand Teton National Park. While this campground is not free, it does have some great views of the Tetons. Additionally, it has a downhill-oriented single-track for mountain bikers.
Another popular national park with tent-only campsites is Glacier Bay National Park. The park is located in the heart of the mountains and features many waterfalls, mountains, and forests. A walk in the campground from the parking lot leads to a view of the shoreline, where you’re likely to see whales and sea otters. The park has a campground with wheelchair accessibility. It’s worth a look to see this popular park and get away from the crowds and get back to nature.