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Beautiful places to go camping; small tent on campsite in mountains/forest
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20 Beautiful Places To Go Camping This Summer

These spots are perfect for hiking, swimming, and stargazing with the entire family.

by Ashley Ziegler
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
For camping, hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching, Yosemite National Park in California is ideal. There are all kinds of campgrounds available, and you’ll probably come across a gorgeous Steller’s Jay during your visit. Photo. Keith Draycott, Getty Images
Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is a gorgeous desert camping oasis. There are seemingly endless hiking trails, roads for scenic drives, wildlife, hot springs, and tons of photo-worthy sites to see. Photography by Deb Snelson, Getty Images
Acadia National Park in Maine is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak along the east coast. There is plenty of space for hiking and sightseeing, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a moose while you’re there. Gail Shotlander, Getty Images
If you’re looking for a beach getaway, consider the Sonoma Coast State Park in California. There is plenty of land to explore, sun to soak up, spots for picnics, and water for fishing. Alan Majchrowicz, Getty Images
For a mid-west camping adventure, Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho offers gorgeous scenery, kayaking, hiking, wildlife, and some absolutely amazing lakes for fishing. You’ll find various kinds of trout, salmon, whitefish, and more. Anna Gorin, Getty Images
The sandstone arches in Utah’s Arches National Park are truly a natural wonder. The park spans 119 sq. miles with more than 2,000 stone arches. There’s plenty to keep thrill-seekers satisfied, but the sites alone are reason enough to visit. Mark Brodkin Photography, Getty Images
It wouldn’t be a complete camping list without the Grand Canyon National Park. The park spans nearly 2,000 square miles and, in addition to breathtaking views and endless hiking, has rivers, waterfalls, caves, and lots of wildlife. Patrick J. Endres, Getty Images
Joshua Tree National Park is full of beauty, but the night sky is what stands out the most. When the sun goes down you’ll be able to see the milky way in all its glory without the distraction of city lights. Matthew Micah Wright, Getty Images
For a fun beach camping experience, check out Padre Island National Seashore which is located along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a particularly fantastic spot for animal enthusiasts because it’s a safe space for sea turtles to hatch. Rolf Nussbaumer, Getty Images
Don’t let the Netflix show steer you away, because the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is absolutely beautiful and full of amazing campsites. The whole river system is protected and fantastic for kayaking and fishing. yourmap, Getty Images
You’ll have to do a little extra traveling to get there, but the views at Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska are worth it. It’s six million acres (yes, million) of land, so there are plenty of spots to pitch a tent. Brett Maurer, Getty Images
For kayaking fans, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the place to be. There’s plenty of water for sports and fishing and a forest for wilderness adventures. It gets really cold in the winter though, so prepare accordingly. Layne Kennedy, Getty Images
Cayo Costa State Park in Florida has nine miles of protected, pristine beaches along the Gulf Coast. You’ll get some real “deserted island” vibes here, and chances are high you’ll come across some wildlife during your visit. Wesley Martinez Da Costa / EyeEm, Getty Images
Along Lake Superior in the upper peninsula of Michigan is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are lots of great campsites, hiking trails, scenic views, and you can even bring your boat and do a little lake exploring. RiverNorthPhotography, Getty Images
Beaches, forests, and wildlife. You get it all at Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore which is 9,800 acres of protected land. There are all kinds of things to do, but the wild horses on the beach are a must-see. Michael Shi, Getty Images
Movie buffs may particularly enjoy camping in the Redwood National Park (& State Parks) because scenes from E.T., Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi were filmed there. Not to mention, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Joel W. Rogers, Getty Images
In Oregon, camp in the Mount Hood National Forest where there is plenty of hiking, wildlife, fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing. Also, since Mount Hood happens to be a dormant volcano, you can cross seeing one of those off of your bucket list. Ron and Patty Thomas, Getty Images
Whether you want to do some hiking or skiing on your camping trip, White River National Forest in Colorado has you covered. Just pick the right season, and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity. Cavan Images, Getty Images
If you go camping in Montana’s Glacier National Park, you’ll wake up to gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. There’s plenty to keep you occupied during your visit and a good chance you’ll see some wildlife, like a flock of bighorn sheep. Gary Blatter / 500px, Getty Images
Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Tribal Park is on the border of Utah and Arizona and is absolutely gorgeous. It’s more than 91,000 acres of land filled with natural sandstone formations straight out of an old western movie. Basic Elements Photography, Getty Images

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