Reader Participation Day: Where Are The Best National Park Campgrounds?

Published Date

February 18, 2015

Looking for a campground with a view? How 'bout one with an arch, such as the Devils Garden Campground at Arches National Park?/Kurt Repanshek

Summer really isn't as far off as you might think. With that in mind, is anyone thinking about camping? And, in particular, are you thinking about your favorite campground in the National Park System?

With so many parks, there are too many campgrounds to keep track of. There's a 13-site campground at Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, the more than 300-site Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park in Maine, and the 46-site Summit Lake North Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, just to name three.

But where is your favorite campground, and why is it your favorite? Share those tidbits with us, and we'll build a list of the best National Park System campgrounds for our summer park travel guide that you can turn to when planning to strike out anew and wondering where to pitch your tent or park your RV in the park system.

Story Categories:

Reader Participation Day

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by dahkota on February 18, 2015 - 5:52pm.

Devils Garden is really nice especially because it is a relief from the crowds. But I wouldn't spend a day in the summer there - October and November are great.

Fruita in Capitol Reef is wonderful. The shade is welcome and the views are stunning. Plus, in the fall, you can pick and eat apples from the orchard.

Cataloochee is a great place in Greater Smoky Mountains National Park but I wouldn't take a particularly large RV there - the roads to get in are a little difficult in anything long or tall.

Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park is worth a visit. The scenery and wildlife are the draw but if you need electricity or running water, best not stay here. Cedar Pass is okay and in a great location but can seem very crowded and hot at times.

Fort Pickens in Gulf Islands National Seashore would probably win my vote for best year-round location. Loop A is within walking distance to the beautiful beaches and the sites are a little more spread out than the rest of the loops.

Probably my all time favorite site in the entire park system, of places I have visited, is site 180 in Big Meadows at Shenandoah National Park. It will hold anything from a tent to a moderately sized RV, has wonderful mountain and valley views, and is right on the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, it is a lot of people's favorite and can be hard to book, particularly in the fall during leaf peeping season.

Honestly, the best campsites are usually just outside the national parks in the national forests or BLM land.

Submitted by celbert on February 18, 2015 - 7:46pm.

I agree with Dahkota on Devil's Garden and Fruita -- I have tremendously enjoyed camping in both.

I'll add some gems in more out-of-the-way units: Chaco Culture, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, and Navajo all have quiet, relaxing campgrounds that I've really enjoyed, especially the night spent at Hovenweep where I was the only camper (besides the host). And kudos to the ranger who still carried on with the evening program for his audience of two!

If we're sticking only to national parks, I've really enjoyed staying in both campgrounds in Great Basin over the years.

Submitted by Lee Dalton on February 18, 2015 - 8:09pm.

What happened to comments from this morning?

Devil's Garden is great, but you have to be lucky enough to be able to get a reservation. Hovenweep is wonderful. Then there's A-Loop at Norris in Yellowstone. Natural Bridges is a gem. The high camp at Great Basin is absolutely terrific. Watchman at Zion with its electric hookups on broiling days in summer or freezing nights in winter. Devil's Tower's campground is a delight.

Hmmm. I guess, to tell the truth, just about any campground I happen to be in is my favorite. At least for the moment.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks