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BEAUTIFUL CAMPING SPOTS

July 7, 2020

Once you start camping, you quickly realize there are an infinite number of beautiful camping spots hiding not far from where you live. Sometimes the difficult part is knowing where to look. With this in mind, we’re sharing some gorgeous places to camp all around the world to fuel your camping wanderlust.

For tips on finding great camping spots near you, check out our article on How to Find the Best Campsites with resources on locating free camping spots and hidden gems in your area. And if you’re new to camping, check out our Camping for Beginners article and Best Gear for Wilderness Exploring.

Stay safe and happy exploring!

lofoten islands, norway

The Lofoten Islands are known as a prime viewing destination to see the northern lights. Visit this north of the Arctic Circle location on the Norwegian Sea and experience the dramatic fjords and Viking Age beauty that defines this mysterious place.

Camper’s note:

Campers can enjoy free access to the countryside on nearly all uninhabited lands. Ask permission when in doubt. There are also options to camp at developed campgrounds, which are typically open during the high tourist season of May through September.

lake powell, UTAH, USA

Lake Powell is a popular houseboating hotspot known for its dramatic rock formations and dynamic scenery. Top sights to consider while visiting Lake Powell are Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Rainbow Bridge.

Camper’s note:

There are both established RV and tent campgrounds on the north and southern rims of Lake Powell. Primitive camping is also allowed on the shoreline of Lake Powell in undeveloped areas though a portable toilet is required unless you’ve rented an accompanying vessel.

south padre island, texas, usa

The site of a massive oil spill in 1979, South Padre Island National Seashore in Texas has long recovered and is a popular spot for camping right on its pristine, white sand beaches. If you’ve ever traveled to beaches in Florida or other coastal cities on the Gulf of Mexico, you know how much of a rarity this is. It doesn’t get much better than the ocean for your tent-front view.

Camper’s note:

There are several choices for camping on both South Padre Island and Padre Island to the north, including primitive camping. There’s a maximum stay limit of 14 days, and a permit is required. Permits can be obtained from kiosks at the entrances to the established camping areas. Fires are typically allowed, but it’s best to check prior to arriving. BYO firewood.

colorado, usa

There are endless options for some of the most gorgeous and picturesque camping you could ever dream of in Colorado. Some popular places are Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes National Park, just to name a few notable destinations.

Camper’s note:

Colorado often has fire restrictions or burn bans, especially in the dry summer months. Don’t be the person who risks lives and sets a forest on fire. If you’re a novice to campfire building, check out How to Build a Campfire for Beginners for some critical safety tips and campfire building techniques.

dry tortugas national park, florida, usa

Located 70 miles west of Key West, an overnight stay at Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida should be on every camper’s bucket list. Stargazing, snorkeling, and exploring Fort Jefferson are among the popular things to do at the Dry Tortugas.

Camper’s note:

Most campers access the park via a ferry, which requires a reservation. Camp sites are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis, and it’s best to check with the ferry company several months in advance regarding your plans. It’s highly recommended to read the long list of rules as there are many important restrictions to know before arriving, including that you are not allowed to bring fuel of any kind about the ferry. This includes propane. The campsites are also reportedly frequented by rats, so storage containers for food will be critical.

thailand

There are several camping destinations across Thailand to choose from, including several national parks. Some popular places include the Similan Islands, Khao Yai National Park, and Doi Inthanon National Park to name just a few. Erawan National Park boasts a seven-tiered waterfall, with Khao Kho outside Phetchabun being a more secluded option for mountain climbing.

Camper’s note:

For campers visiting Thailand, plan accordingly to avoid the country’s monsoon season from July through October. Camping from November to March is more ideal. Campers will pay a one-time fee to enter most of the parks, and gear is often available to rent on site.

Iceland

Iceland possesses some truly striking terrain and is a great location to view the northern lights. But Iceland has seen such a surge in tourism in recent years that camping there has become subject to a long set of rules and regulations, limiting, in some cases, the camper to designated camping areas. Thankfully, there are no shortage of them in the country.

Camper’s note:

Among the top picks are Vatnajökull National park in Skaftafell, a family-friendly campground in Úlfljótsvatn, and the cliffs of Látrabjarg to name just a few.

the enchantments, washington, usa

Known as the Enchantments and also one of the most beautiful places on Earth, this absolutely gorgeous territory in the North Cascades of Washington State is made up of a basin of alpine lakes that are known for their seriously strenuous routes to get there.

Camper’s note:

A permit is required for day and overnight use in this area between May 15 through Oct. 31. Due to the demand for permits, the Forest Service holds a lottery in advance of this season. Needless to say, plan accordingly and in advance if you want to explore this wilderness area.

isle of skye, scotland, uk

Known for its rugged landscapes, fishing villages, and castles, the Isle of Skye is a dreamy destination on Scotland’s northwest coast ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting the famous Fairy Pools.

Camper’s note:

Camper vans and tent pitches are welcome at five main campsites in the region, which is accessible by land bridge from the mainland. There are even several public transportation options available for travelers.

lake baikal, siberia, russia

Want to camp on the Earth’s deepest, oldest lake? An estimated 25 million years old and 5,387 feet deep, Lake Baikal in Russia is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. Known for its glassy turquoise surface when it freezes, some adventurers camp right on top.

Camper’s note:

There are several tour companies offering tent camping adventure trips around Lake Baikal, including Baikal Adventure Travel Company and Baikal Nature to name a few.

glacier national park, montana, usa

Visit this National Park that straddles the border of the US and Canada and experience a northern Rockies paradise formed by glaciers millions of years ago. Lake McDonald, Trail of Cedars and Going to the Sun Road are all popular sights in the park.

Camper’s note:

Glacier National Park offers 13 different campgrounds and over 1,000 sites to choose from. Most campgrounds within the park are first-come first-served except for a select handful, and some are reservable in advance.

Haleakalā National Park, Maui, usa

Home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano and several endangered species, visit this park to experience its lush terrain, rocky shoreline, waterfalls, archeological sites, and historic culture.

Camper’s note:

There are two drive-up campgrounds in the park. No permits are required, but you do have to pay the park entry fee, and camping is on a first-come first-served basis only.

point reyes, california

Located just to the north of San Francisco is Point Reyes National Seashore, a gorgeous area with 100 square miles of protected wilderness right along the Pacific coast. Hiking, horseback riding, beach exploring, wildlife spotting, fishing, and backcountry camping are just a few of the things to do here.

Camper’s note:

Backcountry camping and boat-in camping are available year-round. Due to the demand for some campsites, reservations are highly recommended and can be secured through Recreation.gov.

Percé rock, Gaspé, Québec, canada

French for “Pierced Rock,” Rocher Percé is a massive rock formation in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence located off the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec, Canada. There are several amazing scenic tours one can do while visiting the region, making for an unforgettable seaside road trip. Kayaks can also be rented in the area for paddling out to get a closer look.

Camper’s note:

There are numerous options for camping in Gaspé, including campgrounds directly on the water and overlooking the famous Rocher Percé.

joshua tree national park, california, usa

Known for its famous Yucca trees named after the biblical figure of the same name, there’s much to do at this popular national park that draws over 2 million visitors each year. Apart from being a world-class rock climbing destination, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, stargazing, and, of course, camping are among the top activities to choose from.

Camper’s note:

The park has 500 campsites and 8 campgrounds to choose from. Many sites are available by reservation through Recreation.gov and are especially recommended during the Spring months from February to May.

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