For many there’s no better way to spend date night than snuggled up under the stars. Not only do the crisp night air and the dark, sparkling sky lend themselves to romance, but camping also allows us to spend time away from life’s never-ending distractions and enjoy the presence of the ones we love. With love on the mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best romantic camping trip ideas.
From campgrounds located near America’s favorite cities for lovebirds to those nestled deep into the mountains offering seclusion and spectacular beauty, you’ll be inspired to leave your cell phone behind, pack your camping gear and pitch a tent with your sweetie.
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Embrace the season of love with a romantic camping getaway.
1. Soak up the beauty of Lake Erie
Location: Presque Isle State Park, PA
Book Now: Presque Isle State Park
This relaxing romantic camping trip idea brings you to a beautiful sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. The only seashore in Pennsylvania, Presque Isle boasts a stunning coastline and many recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is also a favorite stopover spot for migrating birds.
2. Take a hot air balloon over the Rockies
Location: St. Vrain State Park, Colorado
Book Now: St. Vrain State Park
St. Vrain State Park is a picturesque park located just a thirty-minute drive north of Boulder. The whole area exudes rugged romanticism with sweeping views of the Rockies and campgrounds alongside a mirrored lake. Take a hot air balloon ride from outfitters in Boulder and enjoy the inspiring view in the arms of the one you love. Pull this surprise out for you honey and you’ll be rewarded for one of the best romantic camping trip ideas.
3. Explore the stunning white sands of New Mexico
Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico
Book Now: Alamogordo / White Sands KOA
Nestled into the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico, the Alamogordo/ White Sands KOA campground is a perfect place to stay while you and your honey explore all of the nearby natural attractions. With its dramatic landscape of gypsum sand dunes, the nearby White Sands National Monument covers 275 square miles and is a sight to behold. Spend your days hiking or sledding in this unique place, and then spend your evening enjoying a crackling campfire back at the campground to round out this standout among the best romantic camping trip ideas.
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4. Stroll arm in arm through Savannah’s historic streets
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Book Now: Savannah South KOA
Savannah, Georgia regularly tops the “Most Romantic Cities” list and there’s a good reason for that. Between its manicured parks shaded by trees dripping in Spanish moss, to the horse-drawn carriage rides that take passengers through Savannah’s historic quarter, couples will find no shortage of fun ways to pass the time together. The Savannah South KOA campground makes a great home base for exploring the city during the day and snuggling up under the stars each night.
5. Have a candle-lit dinner in one of America’s most romantic cities
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Book Now: Charleston KOA
Romance abounds in Charleston. Maybe it’s the old brick roads, the twinkling water, the historic architecture or the candle-lit restaurants that lend Charleston its romantic vibe. No matter which activities appeal to you and your special someone, this city of southern charm is a favorite for lovebirds. Campers can find a great place to stay at the Charleston KOA, a campground dripping with oaks and azaleas and located close to the historic Magnolia Plantation.
6. Visit America’s largest home and enjoy a free wine tasting
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Book Now: Asheville East KOA
The Biltmore is America’s largest privately owned home. Spend the day together strolling hand-in-hand through the lavishly decorated rooms or canoodling on the 8,000-acre estate overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Make sure to save enough time to enjoy a free wine tasting at the estate’s winery or have a romantic meal at one of the on-site restaurants. Camping is available at Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground. Just a 15-minute drive from the Biltmore, Mama Gertie’s has unbeatable mountain views and immaculately clean facilities.
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7. Get lost in a world full of flowers
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Book Now: Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA
What’s better than flowers and camping for one of the best romantic camping trip ideas? It’s hard to think of love without thinking of flowers, and Columbus, Ohio’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden is home to some of the most stunning flowers in the world. Grab your date and escape into the conservatory’s indoor gardens. You’ll also find artwork, dynamic exhibitions, and much more. Camping at nearby Buckeye Lake/ Columbus East KOA makes for a quick and convenient trip to the conservatory. Since February in Columbus can be downright freezing, the campground offers camping cabins as well as traditional campsites.
Photo Credit: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden Facebook
8. Escape to the mountains and visit the “Switzerland of America”
Location: Ouray, Colorado
Book Now: Ridgway State Park
For mountain lovers, nothing is more romantic than time spent in beautiful alpine scenery. When it comes to mountains, Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Switzerland of America” just can’t be beat. The town boasts hot springs, exceptional mountain views, and a fun and picturesque mountain town perfect for exploring hand in hand with the one you love. Camping is available just down the road at Ridgway State Park—which also offers yurt rentals for wintertime camping.
9. Kick back in a tropical paradise
Location: Long Key, Florida
Book Now: Fiesta Key RV Resort
It’s easy to put romance first when your days consist of walks on the beach, dips in the pool, and sipping ice-cold drinks from the comfort of your lounge chair. The Florida Keys are a fun and romantic destination all year round, but they make an especially great place to sweep your sweetheart away for a night (or a week) camping under the stars. Fiesta Key RV Resort is located in the heart of the Florida Keys. With sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and fun on-site entertainment like a pool, hot tub, and on-site beach bar and restaurant, the resort is the ideal place to enjoy life with your honey.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!