The Great Outdoors: Best
Campsites in the U.S.
No summer is complete without a weekend in the Great
Outdoors. Camping is a great way to get away from
the everyday life and indulge oneself in a little
adventure. To lay out beneath the stars, or in an
RV, and bond with nature can be great therapy.
Whether you choose to RV beside a lake, rent a cabin
in the woods or pitch a tent, take time out for
yourself and enjoy all nature has to offer you.
Camping can be enjoyed as an individual or as a
family. Campsites are available almost everywhere
and are usually not too far from home and are very
affordable. Every state has its own selections of
campsites to choose from, but if you are willing to
travel for the best, here are the top five best
campsites in the United States.
1. A.B.C. (America’s Best Campground) in Branson,
Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capitol of the
World. A.B.C. offers 162 RV and tent campsites with
electric, satellite T.V., and phone service hook
ups. There is also a concrete patio, table and grill
available at each site. Pets are welcome, as long
they are kept on a leash and you clean after them.
Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins are available
complete with air conditioning, heat, T.V.,
bathroom, kitchenette, covered porches, picnic
table, grill, and outdoor hydrant. No pets or
smoking are allowed within the cabins. Branson
offers plenty of attractions like amusement parks,
dinner shows, and outlet malls and so much more all
within a reasonable driving distance from camp.
2. Petit Jean State Park near Little Rock, Arkansas
is the legendary first State Park in the U.S. This
campsite features 127 campsites and 33 cabins. The
park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, swimming, and
hiking trails. Camping equipment is also available
for rent. While you’re there, walk along the Cedar
Falls Trail and you will come across the majestic
Cedar Falls’ Water Fall and be amazed. Take your
camera along for this one, there are so many
beautiful sites and area attractions you might want
to capture the moments so they may last a life time.
3. Montana de Oro (meaning “Mountain of Gold”) State
Park in Southern California is a beautiful place for
camping on a beach. It’s most popular for the ocean
access, wide array of golden flowers, and hiking
trails. A walk along the bluff reveals a steep drop
off with a fantastic view of sea lion colonies.
There are four locations available for hike-in only
campers and you must bring your own supplies. There
are no camp fires allowed and you must bring your
own small grill and pack your own bottled water. At
Montana de Oro, you will be truly “roughing it” so
don’t forget your hiking boots.
4. Angel Island State Park located in San Francisco
Bay can be your own private island paradise. You are
transported to the island by a ferry boat, where
only a handful of campers and rangers pitch their
tents for the night. At night while you breathe in
the cool salty air, you can view the flamboyant
lights of San Francisco and have a phenomenal view
of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are nine campsites
available, with a picnic table, running water, pit
toilet and barbeque grill. There are trails to hike
around the island where you can find shops, bicycle
rentals and the Cove Café. Angel Island has a lot
more shops and activities, if you have the hiking
boots to walk the trails you can discover everything
paradise has to offer.
5. Fort Welikit Family Campground is in South
Dakota. Camping is near three large lakes and is
less than an hour away from all the area
attractions, such as, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse
Mountain, Custer State Park’s Buffalo, caves and
many golf courses. Fort Welikit offers horse camping
with several major trails. RV hook up, tent area and
cabins are also available. Pets are allowed anywhere
but inside the cabin rentals. This campground also
offers on site trailer rentals and propane sales.
The Travel Industry Association reports camping to
be the number one outdoor activity in the United
States and is enjoyed by citizens from all walks of
life. Pack up your backpacks, load up the maps and
grab a compass and prepare to create memories to
last a lifetime.
