When we’ve all been cooped up inside for weeks on end, there’s no balm to the soul like spending some time in the great outdoors. While travel might look a little different this summer, there are still plenty of camping destinations where you can physically distance from others, get away for a while, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
1. Lake Powell
Camping and boating on Lake Powell makes for the perfect summer getaway.
Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in the U.S., making it perfect for any of your outdoor water-sport desires. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for fishing, powerboating, water skiing, relaxing afternoon sightseeing tours, river rafting, or houseboating, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
Lake Powell is surrounded by iconic landscapes, including sandstone arches, canyons, winding waterways, and the largest natural bridge in the world, Rainbow Bridge. After the sun sets, be sure to turn your eyes skyward to take in some of the clearest starry skies in the country.
WAHWEAP RV & CAMPGROUND
The Wahweap RV & Campground is located within walking distance of the swimming beach at Wahweap Marina. The campground offers RV hook-ups as well as tent camping sites. From the Marina, guests can rent water toys and powerboats for a day of fun on the water.
BULLFROG RV & CAMPGROUND
On the north side of Lake Powell, you’ll find Bullfrog Marina and the Bullfrog RV & Campground. This campground offers sites for tent camping as well as RV hook-ups. Before you arrive, load up on food and get ready to grill and dine al fresco on the picnic tables. Nearby, you’ll find Hobie Cat Beach, Stanton Creek beach, and Bullfrog Marina for any water sport needs you have.
HALLS CROSSING RV & CAMPGROUND
If you’re looking to get away from it all, Halls Crossing RV & Campground is just the place. This isolated campground has all the amenities you might need, including showers, a camp store, fuel, ice, and phones — but it’s also one of the quietest places on Lake Powell. From morning to night you’ll be graced with spectacular views of Lake Powell.
2. Yosemite National Park
Camping in Yosemite brings beautiful woods, hiking, and views.
The natural wonders and biodiversity of Yosemite National Park are well known. Within the same park, visitors can take in views of glaciers, woodlands, and waterfalls. Yosemite was the first national park in the U.S., established in 1890. Still today, Yosemite is beloved by visitors and travelers looking for the innate, natural beauty of the U.S. Many of the sites of Yosemite can be seen by car, but there’s also plenty of hiking trails and picnicking spots.
CURRY VILLAGE
Want to camp without the hassle of setting up your own tent? Curry Village is the right place for you. This campground offers cabins, tent cabins, and standard rooms. Great dining options are nearby too. Check out our sample itineraries to help plan your trip to Curry Village.
3. Mesa Verde National Park
Imagine spending a night under the stars surrounded by history and beauty.
Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an archeological wonder: the sandstone cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people. Take a tour and you can see some of the 600 cliff dwellings that date back more than 1,400 years. Mesa Verde National Park also offers hiking trails, stargazing, and birdwatching.
MOREFIELD CAMPGROUND
If you want to truly commune with nature, there’s no better way than sleeping under the stars in a tent. The Morefield Campground offers visitors tent camping sites as well as RV hook-ups. For those new to camping, this is a great place to try your hand. With nearby amenities such as a camp store, grocery store, gift shop, picnic tables, and grills, there’s plenty to do and easy fixes if you forgot something important.
4. Sol Duc
Hiking and tall trees! What’s not to love about Sol Duc?
Craving a getaway to the Pacific Northwest? Tucked in Olympic National Park is the Sol Duc area. With lush greenery, beautiful falls, and a streaming river, the beauty is unreal. Some fun activities to add to your travel list are hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. You’ll be in for a treat if you are able to catch the salmon swimming upstream and the Salmon Cascades.
SOL DUC CAMPGROUND
Set along the banks of the Sol Duc River, this campground is the perfect place to get away and soak in nature. The Sol Duc RV & Campground offers tent camping sites as well as RV hook-ups. While you’ll be immersed in nature at the campground, you’re not far from civilization. Nearby you’ll find the Sol Duc hot springs, shopping, and dining. During the day, be sure to trek out to see Sol Duc Falls and Lover’s Lane Loop Trail.
5. Zephyr Cove
Cozy up with a book after a day out on Lake Tahoe.
Along the shores of South Lake Tahoe, near the border of California and Nevada, you’ll find Zephyr Cove. During the summer, the backdrop of all Lake Tahoe adventures is the crystal clear, blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Take a dip in the chilly waters, paddle a kayak, birdwatch, or hike along any of the dozens of trails for breathtaking views of the Sierra Mountains.
ZEPHYR COVE RV & CAMPGROUND
One of the best aspects of the Zephyr Cove RV & Campground is the location. The campground puts visitors just moments away from the shores of Lake Tahoe, while also being near services such as two restaurants, gift shop, and watercraft rental. Spend your days relaxing on the private beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe, hop into the water for a swim, or set off for an adventure on horseback. Zephyr Cove RV & Campground offers tent camping sites and RV sites with full hook-ups.
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