The United States has owned countless destinations to reach and enjoy. During vacation seasons, most people tend to plan long tours with family or friends. One of the best ways to spend your long tour is camping. It is wiser to have a small group to avoid difficult consequences. Moreover, If you have a small group; you can travel by car for your camping sessions. There are so many car camping sites in the United States that make your tour more effective. But, how far do you know about the best car camping sites in the United States?
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What are the best car camping sites in the United States?
When discussing the best car camping sites in the United States, the thing you should know is; national parks in the USA provide the best camping sites for car camping. Followings are the 7 best car camping national parks in the USA that are well-known for their perfect campgrounds.
Zion National Park
Location:
Zion National Park is a fantastic paradise with tall mountain cliffs that is situated in Southwest Utah, USA. It covers 593.3 km² of the area and it is 10,000 feet above sea level.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for car camping in Zion National Park is in October. In Summer, the campgrounds of the park are almost filled up. There are three campgrounds in the park. Three of them are perfect for car camping.
- Lava Point Campground
- Watchman Campground
- South Campground
Lava Point Campground:
This is the smallest campground in Zion National Park. It takes only one and a half hours to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon. You can capture the sunset that is absolutely glamorous when you camp here.
Location:
The Lava Point Campground is located on Kolob Plateau at an elevation level of 7,890 feet.
Opening Season:
The campground is usually open from May through September. But, It depends on the weather conditions.
Camping Sites:
There are 6 primitive campsites that are best for tents. It is said that vehicles over 19 feet are not allowed.
Reservations:
All six primitive campsites are available under the basis of first-come-first-served. So, Be sure to visit early during the peak seasons as you will not get a chance to pitch your tent. It costs $22 per night for all campsites in Lava Point Campground.
Watchman Campground
The campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that create a great scenario during sunrise and sunset. Due to this, most Camper Van Rental tend to pitch their tents here in order to enjoy the views. The Virgin River runs through the campsite and the cottonwood trees that have surrounded the campground look exquisite in the Fall season.
Location:
The Watchman Campground is located in Springdale, Utah.
Opening Season:
The campground is open year-round. So, You can visit here at any time to enjoy your day.
Camping Sites:
There are 190 total sites in Watchman Campground. Under that 127 tent sites, 172 hookup sites, and 6 group sites are available.
Reservations:
If you intend to camp from March through November, you can make reservations up to six months before your arrival. The first-come-first-served campsites are available from the end of November through February.
Camping Fees: Group SIte Max 15 – $50.00
Group Site Max 25 – $90.00
Group Site Max 40 – $130.00
RV Electric – $30.00
Standard Electric: $30.00
Walk To – $20.00
Tent Only Nonelectric – $20.00
South Campground
The large trees around the campground provide shade that helps you to spend your day without any bother. The cliffs behind the campground create a marvelous landscape with more and more attractions.
Location:
The South Campground in Zion National Park is located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and it is ¼ mile away from the South ENtrance in Springdale, Utah.
Opening Season:
The campground is typically open from March through October. It will be closed during the Winter season due to adverse weather conditions.
Camping Sites:
There is a total of 117 campsites in South Campground. Under these camping sites; 103 hook-up sites,4 group sites, 8 tent-only sites, and 8 walks to sites are available.
Reservations:
Reservations are available from March through October. You should make your reservations 14 days prior to your visit. The reservations are highly recommended because the campground will be completely filled every night during the reservation season.
It costs $20 for tent campsites and $50 for group campsites.
Acadia National Park
Location:
Acadia National Park is a treasure of nature that lies on the coastal area of the Atlantic. It is located in Maine, USA and it covers 49,075 acres of area.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for car camping in Acadia National park is in the Summer months of the year. At this time all the campgrounds are reachable and you can enjoy the attractions of the whole park.
There are two main campgrounds that are best for car camping.
- Blackwoods Campground
- Bar Harbor Campground
Blackwoods Campground
You can see the view of Cadillac Mountain from here and it takes a few minutes to reach the ocean. You can enjoy your camping nights with your family members and friends.
Location:
On the east side of Mount Desert Island, Blackwoods Campground is located.
Opening Season:
The Blackwoods Campground is generally open from early May to Mid-October. The group sites are available from May.
Camping Sites:
Totally 281 campsites are available in the campground. 60 for RVs, 217 for tents, and 4 tent-only group sites. Only people up to six and two tents are allowed in tent sites. Group sites are allowed up to 15 people.
Reservations:
All the sites are required to reserve in advance. There are no first-come-first-serve campsites available. You can reserve them up to two months in advance. From May 15th through October 10th every year, reservations for group campsites can be made.
Bar Harbor Campground
This is the closest campground to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. The seductive ocean views and dense forest make the campground more attractive.
Location:
The Bar Harbor Campground is located North of Bar Harbor on Route 3, Salisbury Cove.
Opening Seasons:
This exquisite campground is open from Memorial Day (May 30th) through Columbus Day (October 11th).
Camping Sites:
There are 300 campsites in Bar Harbor Campground. You can engage in all tent, RV, or group camping with your friends or family members. Full hook-ups and either back-in or pull-through sites are available. Though some sites are close together, some wooded sites offer little more privacy.
Reservations:
There are no online reservations available within 2 days of arrival. You can not make reservations for more than 12 months. Cancellation of reservations can be done anytime before the arrival date.
RV campsite for 1 day – $45.00
Tent campsite for 1 day – $30.00
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location:
This is a UNESCO heritage site situated between the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The national park stretches out 522,419 acres with overflowing waterfalls and greenish forest ranges.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is from September through early November.
The Following are the best campgrounds for car camping with more charismatic views.
- Cades Cove Campground
- Abrams Creek
Cades Cove Campground
The Cades Cove Campground is best for viewing wildlife in the park. You can watch out for most endemic animals that can be rarely seen.
Location:
The campground is located near Townsend, Tennessee, USA. It belongs to Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is highly popular among visitors.
Opening Seasons:
The Cades Cove Campground is open year-round except for Christmas. From May to October, it is the peak season. Around two million visitors each year come to enjoy the historic sculptures of Cades Cove.
Camping Sites:
It has 159 campsites that offer a perfect view of wildlife and the adorable view of sunrise and sunset. There are all types of campsites such as RV, Tent, and Trailer. All tents can be accessed by vehicles. The 4 group sites provide accommodation apparently in couples for 20 and 30 people.
Reservations:
You can make reservations up to six months in advance. Reservations are accepted from May through October 31. The reservations for first-serve-first-serve campsites are available from November 1 through April 30. All the individual sites cost $25 per night and you can cancel your reservation the day before or the day of your arrival. But, you will be charged $10.
Rocky Mountains National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park is a captivating mountain range with peaks in every direction. This is one of the most visited national parks in the USA.
Location:
This mountain range is located in Northern Colorado, the USA with elevations from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet. It stretches out 265,461 acres of area.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for car camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is from June through September.
These are the two main car camping campgrounds in the Rocky Mountains.
- Aspenglen Campground
- Glacier Basin Campground
Aspenglen Campground
If you choose to camp in Aspenglen Campground, it is the best choice you ever make. This campground is near to many attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, you can easily take your car here.
Location:
The Aspenglen Campground is located near the Fall River Entrance in Colorado.
Opening Season:
The campground is only open in the Summer season. In other seasons, the campground is closed.
Camping Sites:
There are 52 campsites in total. Most of them are car camping and tent sites that can provide accommodations up to 30 feet. A few campsites are walk-to-tent sites.
Reservations:
All sites should be reserved up to six months in advance. It costs $20 per night per site.
Glacier Basin Campground
This is one of the best destinations of Rocky Mountain National Park that visitors enjoy more. Visitors can engage in several activities until they feel, please.
Location:
The Glacier Basin Campground is a tempting site located in Estes Park, Colorado.
Opening Season:
The campground is open only in the Summer season. It is closed during Pre-Summer (January-May) and Post-Summer (September-December).
Camping Sites:
There are 150 campsites in the campground. It consists of 73 tent-only campsites and 13 group campsites. RVs up to 35 feet are allowed into the campsites.
Reservations:
All the sites are reservable up to six months in advance. It costs $30 per night.
Yosemite National Park
Location:
This alluring national park has spread its bewitching beauty over 1200 square miles. The Yosemite National Park is situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA at an elevation level from 2,127 feet to 13,120 feet.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for car camping in Yosemite National Park is in late Summer and early Fall.
You can enjoy your car camping in these campgrounds.
- Upper Pines Campground
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Wawona Campground
Upper Pines Campground
This campground is near Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, and Chilnualna Falls. So, You can have a great camping time as you can visit all these attractions easily.
Location:
The Upper Pines Campground is situated near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley at an elevation level of 4000 feet with spectacular views.
Opening Season:
Upper Pines is open year-round. From December to mid-February only the first two loops are open. Most of the areas in Yosemite are captivated by heavy snowfall from November to May.
Camping Sites:
There are 238 campsites all together. 32 campsites for RVs or trailers only and 5 for tent-only. The other remaining campsites allow any kind of camping. Only up to six people can be accommodated in each campsite.
Reservations:
You can make reservations up to 5 months in advance of the arrival date. During the Winter season, some of the campsites are first-come-first-served. It costs $26 per night for each site.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Camping at Hodgdon Meadow Campground is the best decision. You can avoid the crowd and can spend your time greatly when you camp here.
Location:
The Hodgdon Meadow Campground is located along the Big Oak Flat Road at Yosemite National Park.
Opening Season:
The campground is open year-round. So, you do not want to hesitate camping.
Camping Sites:
There are 105 campsites in Hodgdon Meadow Campground. 66 sites are allowed for tent-only camping.
Reservations:
Reservations are required from early April through September. During other days, these campsites are allowed under the basis of first-come-first-served. These reservations can be made up to 5 months in advance. It costs $26 per night during peak season and $18 per night during low season.
Wawona Campground
You can enjoy your day in a forested area when you camp here.
Location:
The Wawona Campground is located one mile away from Highway 41 in Southern Yosemite National Park that provides a home to many historic places and many hiking trails.
Opening Seasons:
The Loop A campsite part is open year-round. Loop B and C are open from April through October.
Camping Sites:
There are 93 campsites on 3 loops. Among them, 47 campsites are available for tents-only camping and 4 campsites are available for RVs or trailers only. RVs up to 35 in length can access the campsite.
Reservations:
Reservations for campsites are required from Mid-April to Mid-October. During other seasons, the campsites are available under the basis of first-come-first-served.
Grand Canyon National Park
The history of Grand Canyon National Park runs into millions of years. Around 5.5 million people visit to watch the magnificent scenario of canyons. The park is dominating 1,217,262 of the area.
Location:
The park is located in Arizona, the USA at an elevation level spanning from around 2,000 feet to over 8,000 feet.
Best time for car camping:
The best time for car camping is in Spring or Fall.
However, these campgrounds give you the best experience of car camping.
- Desert View Campground
- Mather Campground
Desert View Campground
If you deserve a peaceful camping session, Desert View Campground is one of the best options you ever make.
Location:
The Desert View Campground is located at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Opening Season:
The campground is open from April to October. It requires reservations during this time. You will be able to make reservations up to six months in advance. From July to September it is the monsoon season. Also, Late-Spring and Early-Summer are the driest seasons of the year. Also, The campground is closed during winter due to the worst weather conditions.
Camping Sites:
The Desert View Campground consists of 49 campsites. Most of the campsites are designated to accommodate tents or RVs or vehicles.
Reservations:
Reservations are highly required during the peak season, from April through October. During this time first-come-first-served service is not available. You can make reservations up to six months prior to your arrival.
Mather Campground
The Mather Campground provides you all the comfort and needs that make you more relaxed during your journey.
Location:
This is situated in the Grand Canyon Village that is on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Opening Seasons:
From March 1 through November 30, the park is open. During the Winter season, the park is closed.
Camping Sites:
There are 327 campsites in Mather Campground. This campsite has a campfire ring, picnic table, and parking space. Up to 6 people can accommodate in the tent and can park 2 vehicles.
Reservations:
During the peak season, from March to November; you must make reservations before your visit. The campground will not offer first-come-first-serve sites during the peak season.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
This national park is a world heritage site that consists of countless scenarios. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is home to the largest tree in the world.
Location:
The park is located in west-central California.
Best time for car camping:
The Following are the best campgrounds for car camping.
- Buckeye Flat Campground
- Sunset Campground
Buckeye Flat Campground
You can spot wildlife here on Sierra Highlands that makes your heart flutter than ever. Also, the alluring environment adds more and more beauty to the campground.
Location:
The Buckeye Flat Campground is situated 7 miles away from the Ash Mountain Entrance.
Opening Season:
The campground is usually open from Late-March through Late-September. But, It depends on the weather conditions.
Camping SItes:
The Buckeye Flat Campground consists of 27 campsites.
Reservations:
Reservations are available from Late-May to September. During the other days, the campsites are offered on the basis of first-come-first-served. Reservations can be made 3 days or six months before the arrival date. It costs $22 per night.
Sunset Campground
You can enjoy your day in Sunset Campground by engaging in activities like hiking and enjoying the facilities near Grant Grove.
Location:
The campground is located near the Grant Grove entrance of Kings Canyon National Park.
Opening Season:
The Sunset Campground is open from Late-May to Early-September.
Camping Sites:
There are more than 100 campsites in Sunset Campground that offer accommodation for tents, RVs, and trailers.
Reservations:
Reservations are required for camping in Sunset Campground. It costs $22 per night.
These campgrounds make a huge impact on car camping sessions in order to make your journey more beneficent. National parks are a collaboration of many appealing attractions and activities. Are you curious to know more about national parks in the USA? Click here to know more.
You can visit our site campergoals.com to know more information relating to camping. You can have a great idea about camping and our site will show you the correct path to organize your camping sessions accordingly.