When it comes to maximizing your scenery and reducing the crowds, finding the perfect campground can be a challenge.
It's easy to stay in campgrounds that are already well visited, but willingness to go off the beaten path can often pay dividends in the form of untouched views and quiet spots to take in the wilderness.
The most scenic campgrounds are in the US. While a few of our favorite spots are located in popular national parks, most of the campgrounds offer some form of solitude from the main drag, and a few are open year-round.
A beach camper's dream is set in Alaska's Glacier Bay National park. This remote campground has great views of the crystal blue glacial water, as well as the seclusion of a hike-in campsite. The campground is free and visitors can kayak the chilly waters of Glacier Bay, as well as hike in the thick forest that covers the shoreline. It's the most scenic place in Alaska and it's at its best. It is possible to see the best views without the threat of icy cold temperatures.
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Silver Bell Campground is one of the best campgrounds in the country for scenery and accessibility. The campground is relatively quiet year-round, but it still provides guests with amazing views of aspen groves and Maroon Creek. Bighorn sheep, pika, and other animals can be seen in the mountains. You can visit Silver Bell in late summer or early fall to see the aspens turn to gold.
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Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email newsletter delivered weekly into your inbox.If you have ever done the famous Haleakal sunrise tour, you know what to expect when you travel further to see the views. Mark Twain summed up the sight of a rosy tropical dawn rising over this stunning volcanic crater best when he said it was the greatest spectacle he had ever seen. Most visitors think that you can only hike on the day. Prime wilderness tent camping is available at the Haleakal National Park, with amazing views of sliding sand, jutting rock cliffs and rich vegetation. You can get a permit from the visitor center to get on the island. The best time to visit Haleakal National Park is in the late spring or early fall.
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One of the world's most unique camping environments, Assateague Island in Maryland is a designated national seashore, meaning that it is as pristine as it gets for scenic camping. The position and relatively scarce tree cover on the island provide epic views across miles of ocean and the walk up or drive up beachfront sites ensure that your view is never a matter of competition. A herd of wild horses, which attract sightseers from across the country, are one of the attractions of the island. It's best to visit Assateague Island in the late summer and fall when it's warm enough to explore but cool enough to enjoy the sunset.
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The San Juan Islands in Washington are a great place to find a balance between solitude and scenery. The scenic beauty and unique outdoor offerings of these islands are not as overrun as other outdoor destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The San Juan Islands are home to bald eagles, resident orca Pods and miles of unspoiled shoreline. You can either camp in Friday Harbor, the most popular part of the San Juan Islands, or you can kayak to Jones Island, which is part of the San Juans. While the best time to visit the San Juans is during the summer, April and October are usually less crowded but still offer the chance to view migrating orcapods and enjoy the island's best hikes in dry weather.
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Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most overlooked camping spots in the country, and it's a great place to take a break and relax. Caladesi Island is located on Florida's west coast and is an easy choice for people who want to escape the majority of the coastal crowds. Caladesi Island is one of the only untouched regions on the Gulf Coast, and it's an amazing place to spend time in a well-maintained protected area with meandering, beach-front trails, wildlife watching, and premium space to kayak and swim. Caladesi Island is a great choice for scenery-driven campers because of its crystal clear ocean and abundant natural flora and fauna. Water and electricity are available for overnight boat stays at the marina. It's a good idea to visit Caladesi Island in April or May before the heat of the south kicks in.
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TuolumneMeadows is more busy than some of the other campgrounds, but it still has the best of the park. You can enjoy trails that take you to epic views, or you can go to Tenaya Lake for a picnic and the chance to swim, canoe or relax on the beach. The TuolumneMeadows campground is located at 8600ft and provides a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada subalpine meadow, as well as gorgeous summertime wildflowers that grow along the banks of the Tuolumne River.
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The road to get to Mount Pisgah is just one of the things that inspire awe in its visitors. The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as "America's favorite drive" and takes visitors through some of the Southeast USA's finest terrain. Although it's not a remote campground, Mount Pisgah offers guests the chance to stay in close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park without overnighting. Premium access to many of the region's most beautiful wilderness can be found at Mount Pisgah campground. During the hot summer months, Mount Pisgah offers cooler temperatures and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It's a good idea to visit in the early summer to enjoy the late spring blooms.
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If we didn't include at least one campground in the vicinity of one of the world's most fantastic natural spectacles, we'd be in big trouble. Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park have stood in awe before the red rock, river, and high desert flora and fauna. The North Rim campground is located on the edge of the Transept Canyon and Roaring Springs Canyon area. Travelers lucky enough to get a spot at this coveted campground will be able to see sunrises as light streams into the canyon in the early mornings. The North Rim is only open from mid- May to mid- October. If you want to beat the crowds in the summer, visit during the fall.
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