One of the best things about exploring all the best camping spots around the United States is witnessing just how astonishingly diverse its natural landscapes are. In a single road trip, you could find yourself cruising through the arid high desert in central California, then sleeping under the stars in a patch of old-growth rainforest in northern Washington.
Not only is exploring the country’s vast expanse of public lands good for your mental health, camping on them is the best way to beat the crowds to your morning hike and catch an unhurried sunset vista when the day is done. So, as the weather warms up and outdoorsy plans begin to take shape, we’ve put together a list of our favorite place to camp in every single state, including Puerto Rico.
To make sure that our list was affordable and accessible, we’re skipping options found on Hipcamp (a platform like Airbnb that lists outdoor stays and camping experiences on privately owned land) and sticking with the basics–every spot on this list sits within the national or state parks system. Lace up your boots, air out your tent and read on for our A-to-Z guide to the best camping spots in America.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
