Want to go camping, but not sure what to do or where to go? We’ve got you covered with these six camping trip ideas that are based on destination or activity. Every one of the following camping trip ideas has an example of a great campsite and links to plenty of other parks perfect for your next camping adventure. Below we feature mountain camping, beach camping, mountain bike camping, wildlife-watching camping, paddling camping, and desert camping.
1. Magnificent Mountain Camping
Destination: Fort Mountain State Park, Georgia
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Cohutta Mountains near the Cohutta Wilderness in Northern Georgia, Fort Mountain is a beloved destination for hikers, mountain lovers, and history buffs alike. The park boasts some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia, which wind through hardwood forest, blueberry thickets, and running streams and encircles a scenic lake. Hikers can also explore an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall located on a mountain apex, thought to have been built by Native Americans. Park guests may stay overnight in fully equipped cottages, a campground, or backpacking campsites.
Recommended: 9 Scenic Mountain Camping Experiences
2. Soothing Sea Camping
Destination: Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Texas
If you’ve never been beach camping, then add this to your camping trip ideas list. There’s nothing quite like spending a few days on the beach in a tent or RV with the sand between your toes and the sounds of the ocean filling the air. Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a pristine coastal area in the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of opportunities to paddle the wetlands, walk the wide beaches, or spot an abundance of birds and wildlife in the area. Launch your boat, swim, or just relax on the sand and watch the ocean. There are nearly 70 campsites by the beach, including ten beach bungalows.
Recommended: Relaxing Beach Camping Destinations
3. Adrenaline-Pumping Mountain Biking Camping
Destination: Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park is known for its thriving desert landscape of juniper and pinyon trees set amidst slick rock and mixed arid terrain. There are over 16 miles of non-motorized singletrack trails that wind through the stunning desert landscape. Most trails are moderate to intermediate, however, there are a few trails that can be enjoyed by beginners. The park is also adjacent to Moab, arguably the nation’s epicenter of mountain biking culture. There are countless historic mountain biking trails in and around Moab, including the popular Whole Enchilada. Additionally, the biking culture is so strong here that the community grows its trail offers every year – in fact, you can explore about 30 new miles annually.
Recommended: Cool Mountain Bike Trails
4. Get Wild with Wildlife-Watching Camping
Destination: Beavertail Hill State Park, Montana
Beavertail Hill State Park, located on the Clark Fork River about 25 miles east of Missoula, is beloved for its rugged landscape and nearby thick forest and soaring mountains. The diverse landscape supports a rich diversity of mountain wildlife, allowing for plenty of opportunities to spot a wide range of animal species year-round. Bears, cougars, and timber wolves are among the apex predators, while top herbivores include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and moose. A small, but well-maintained campground surrounded by pristine wilderness, there are 26 campsites, including two tipis.
Recommended: Unique Wildlife Viewing Experiences in America
5. Paddling & Camping Adventure
Destination: Lincoln Pond State Campground, New York
This camping trip idea is for paddlers and water-lovers. Lincoln Pond State Campground is a remote state park located in the heart of the Eastern Adirondacks. Off the beaten path, this park is a great spot to commune with nature on the trails bisecting the forests or on the water. Fishing and boating are popular here, but paddlers adore the spot for its tranquil waters. The lake is large and wide but sheltered from most harsh winds. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available if you don’t have your own. Camping opportunities range from primitive, island, or standard developed sites.
Recommended: Great Places to Find Water Trails
6. Divine Desert Camping
Destination: City of Rocks, New Mexico
Located in the Mimbres Valley along the northeastern edge of the Chihuahuan desert, City of Rocks State Park may seem like something out of a fantasy movie. The wide desert vista and grama grass are interrupted with a series of pastel rock columns sculpted over thousands of years by wind and water. There are only six other places in the world with similar rock formations, making it one of our top, unique camping trip ideas. Come and explore the captivating landscape and spot golden eagles flying overhead, or maybe find an arrowhead from the prehistoric Mimbreños tribe at your feet.
Recommended: 9 Unique Desert Camping Experiences
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!