THE MOST SCENIC CAMPSITE IN EVERY REGION IN THE U.S.
Five campsites with views worth the drive
By Maura Fox
Sep 28, 2020
Across the country, camping and RV rentals are soaring as Americans heed the words of COVID-19 health experts: it’s safer to be outdoors than indoors. Rather than use your campground as a base camp, why not treat it as destination in and of itself? These sites offer plenty of adventure right from your tent and breathtaking views to enjoy during your downtime. Be sure to check individual websites for COVID-19 guidelines or restrictions before you head out.
WEST
(Photo: michaelschober/iStock)
Cape Lookout State Park Campground, Oregon
Located 80 miles from Portland, this park has ten miles of hiking trails and more than 170 beachfront campsites (from $21) along a two-mile peninsula. Hike the 2.6-mile trail to the tip of the cape for views of migrating whales in fall.
SOUTHWEST
(Photo: U.S. Forest Service/Creative Commons)
Mogollon Campground, Arizona
The Mogollon Rim is a 200-mile-long limestone and granite cliff located two hours southeast of Phoenix. After hiking along the 4.2-mile Rim Lakes Vista Trail or kayaking on secluded Knoll Lake, pitch your tent or park your RV at the Mogollon Campground (from $18). A short walk will take you to the rim’s edge for sunset views over Coconino National Forest.
MIDWEST
(Photo: Dendron/iStock)
Old Man’s Cave Campground, Ohio
Two hours east of Cincinnati, Hocking Hills State Park is teeming with impressive forest and waterfalls. This campground (from $23) offers the easiest access to picturesque Old Man’s Cave via the two-mile Rim Trail. Mountain bikers will enjoy the park’s shady trails.
NORTHEAST
(Photo: HaizhanZheng/iStock)
Hither Hills State Park Campground, New York
While you might not expect such an expanse of wildnerness right next to the Hamptons, Hither Hills has 190 campsites (from $7) tucked away in bluffs that border the Atlantic Ocean, a 40-acre freshwater lake, and lush woodlands. Wake up to waves crashing along the shoreline, then explore the dunes at Napeague Harbor, take a hike through Russian olive and pine trees, and surf or kayak in the ocean.
SOUTHEAST
(Photo: Courtesy Ron Jolly/OutdoorAlabama.com)
DeSoto State Park Campground, Alabama
Located 100 miles northeast of Birmingham, this park is situated on 2,392-foot Lookout Mountain, which is coated with vibrant foliage every fall. Its 3,502 acres include 94 campsites (from $15), half a dozen waterfalls, and nearby Little River Canyon, which has some of the toughest rock climbing in the state.