The Top 5 States for Camping
While every state actually has great camping facilities and scenery, here are our picks for the top five states for great camping. In the United States, there are a lot of great places to go camping. But you may not have time to go to all of them, or visit all 50 states, so we created a list of some of the top states for camping in the USA.
1. Colorado
While traveling through Colorado, you’ll see mountains, lakes and streams, forests, amazing red rock formations, many wildflowers, and even sand dunes. Because of Colorado’s breathtaking beauty and rugged mountains, it is one of the top camping and outdoor destinations in the United States.
There are 42 State Parks in Colorado and four National Parks. Those include Mesa Verde, Gunnison, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of camping areas to choose from in Colorado.
If you’re a climber, you will know the Colorado has 54 14-er’s, that is mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet. Mountain climbers looking for adventure consider Colorado to be one of the top camping, hiking and mountain climbing destinations.
2. Montana
Another great stake for camping and hiking and mountain climbing is the great state of Montana. You’ll find two National Parks in Montana and 51 State Parks. Known for its big sky and untamed natural landscapes, Montana is also considered a hunter’s paradise, and an angler’s dream come true.
Montana is also great for river rafting and bird watching. The continental divide is also another destination for travelers in Montana. Because of its northern location, Montana is great for all kinds of summer camping activities.
3. Missouri
Missouri is a great place for water sports. The Lake of the Ozarks is a wonderful place for boating and fishing. They say there is more shoreline around the Lake of the Ozarks than there is on all the coast of California.
Missouri has 49 State Parks and the great Mark Twain National Forest, which provide many scenic places for camping. There’s also the Katy Trail, which is 225 miles long. Now that is some serious hiking.
With the beautiful Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Missouri a great place for fishing, river rafting and water skiing. Missouri is also renowned for its rolling hills and great weather.
4. New York
When you think of New York for camping, don’t think of New York City. New York State has some of the most enthusiastic outdoor people in the United States and lots of camping choices. And there are a lot of camping opportunities that are not far from the Big Apple.
New York has beaches, lakes and streams, historic battlefields, and mountains. The Empire state is home to many natural wonders, including Niagara Falls, and millions of acres of nature preserves.
In New York you can explore Lake Placid, the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson Valley. Mountainous areas for camping include the Adirondacks and the Catskill Mountains. If you enjoy the rugged outdoors, New York has a lot to offer you.
5. New Mexico
New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment and there are many good reasons for that. You can visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the historic US Route 66, many other recreational areas.
New Mexico is a great place for camping road trips and sightseeing opportunities. New Mexico is also famous for its vast spaces, large beautiful sky, mountains and deserts.
New Mexico is a favorite for hiking, biking and riding ATVs. It is also good for hunting, fishing, mountain climbing and spelunking. For those who love camping and outdoor activities, New Mexico is another great state for you.
In Conclusion
There are so many great places to hike and camp in the United States that it’s hard to declare a top five list. Although we are calling this the top 5 states for camping, this list is just a way to start your thinking, and we are definitely open to other considerations.
Enjoy hiking and camping near where you live, and if you get a chance to visit some of these states for the spectacular camping they offer, be sure to check them out.