Ready to explore the best camping spots across the United States without breaking the bank? From rugged mountains to serene lakeshores, here are 18 of the best scenic campgrounds under $20 per night.
Alaska: Savage River Campground
Deep within Denali National Park lies the Savage River Campground. Surrounded by the majestic Alaskan wilderness, this campground offers unbeatable views of towering mountains and wildlife.
California: Joshua Tree National Park
Experience the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park on a budget. Campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks offer pitches nestled among California’s desert scenery. This is camping under the stars at its finest.
Colorado: Mueller State Park
Looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet? Visit Mueller State Park. Mueller has cheap campsites with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and is surrounded by wildflower-filled meadows, making it ideal for hiking, spotting wildlife, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the Rockies.
Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware has both natural beauty and historical interest. Set up camp beside the Delaware Bay or the Atlantic Ocean and explore World War II-era military bunkers, sandy beaches, and trails that lead through coastal dunes and forests.
Florida: Bahia Honda State Park
Escape to the tropical paradise of Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. Campsites here offer views of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and some of the best snorkeling spots in the Keys. It’s a slice of paradise without the hefty price tag.
Hawaii: Wai’anapanapa State Park
Experience the beauty of Maui’s coastline at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Camp along the black sand beaches, explore lava tubes and sea caves and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the coastline. It’s camping in paradise.
Idaho: Stanley Lake
Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Stanley Lake campground is the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts. With views of crystal-clear waters, you can fish and kayak in the lake. Or just simply lay back and take in the mountain views. Whether you’re hiking the nearby trails or simply relaxing by the lake, Stanley Lake promises a memorable outdoor experience.
Indiana: Turkey Run State Park
A serene retreat into the beauty of nature awaits you at Indiana’s Turkey Run State Park. Camping along Sugar Creek gives you access to trails that run through ravines shaded by high cliffs, through sandstone canyons, and more. Enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery while you splash around in the creek, climb rocky outcrops, and explore.
Iowa: Backbone State Park
Discover Iowa’s oldest state park at Backbone State Park. Miles of hiking routes, dense forest, and rugged limestone cliffs distinguish this park on the banks of the Maquoketa River. The tranquil setting of the riverside campgrounds is perfect for families and nature lovers searching for a getaway.
Kentucky: Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Discover Kentucky’s natural wonders at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Tucked within Daniel Boone National Forest, this park boasts the famous Natural Bridge, a sandstone arch spanning 78 feet with breathtaking views of the surroundings. In the middle of Appalachia, campgrounds offer access to hiking trails, rock climbing, and caving, making it an adventurer’s paradise.
Louisiana: Chicot State Park
Enjoy the peace and beauty found in Louisiana’s biggest state park, Chicot State Park. For those who enjoy natural surroundings, such as rolling hills, cypress swamps, and the calm waters of Lake Chicot, campgrounds wrapped by these features offer a quiet haven. Hike through piney woods, paddle along the lake, and enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting in this hidden gem of the Bayou State.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Experience the beauty of Maine’s coastline at Acadia National Park. Blackwoods and other campgrounds offer amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and forests bursting with life. Explore bike paths beside carriage roads, hike trails leading to mountain views, or lounge on the pristine shores. Acadia National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Relax and pop open a can with campgrounds like Platte River, with inland lakes, miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes guarantees a unique camping experience in the center of the Great Lakes region, whether your interests are in historic lighthouses, kayaking the Platte River, or just watching a sunset over the dunes.
Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a surreal site that provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in the center of the Mojave Desert. With campsites hidden within the desert scenery, you’ll experience breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and starry night sky, making this park a photographer’s dream. Explore ancient petroglyphs, climb to natural arches, and take in the bright colors of Aztec sandstone formations.
Ohio: Hocking Hills State Park
Hike to Old Man’s Cave, kayak the Hocking River, or zip line through the canopy for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in the heart of Appalachia. Campsites surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and forests create a tranquil setting for hiking, rock climbing, and discovering unusual geological formations.
Georgia: Cloudland Canyon State Park
Explore Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park. This park, situated on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, has views of canyons, waterfalls, and forests. Campsites nestled among hemlock and pine trees make the perfect base for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Missouri: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Cool off in the clear, cool waters of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri. Campsites have natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails through the landscape of the Ozark Mountains. Explore the shut-ins, which are rock formations that create natural water slides and pools, or hike to nearby Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri.
Nebraska: Chadron State Park
Discover the natural beauty of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge at Chadron State Park. Camping amid ponderosa pine forests makes for a serene refuge for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Explore the park’s rocky terrain, go to the famous Black Hills Overlook, or kayak along Chadron Creek.
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