Whether you jot down a New Year’s resolution list, or have general ideas on what you aim to accomplish in 2023, a likely goal for any outdoor enthusiast is a camping trip. To inspire you to formulate those 2023 camping plans, below are several bucket list-worthy destinations. We also included some pointers on brainstorming, researching, and booking your big adventure.
Inspiration for Your 2023 Adventures
Maybe you don’t have a specific camping destination or trip theme in mind yet. Need a spark of inspiration? We have an enormous storehouse of articles on camping, hiking, fishing, and more to inspire your next outdoor adventure.
When planning your bucket list trips, here are five of our most popular adventure compilations, featuring destinations and creative trip ideas you might not have considered:
- Incredible Island Camping Getaways
- 7 Scenic U.S. Summits
- Northern Lights Camping: When and Where to Go
- 7 Bucket List Whale Watching Camping Trips
- Unique Wildlife Viewing Experiences in America
Other Suggested Bucket List Destinations
Still not sure where to go? Below are fantastic state parks that are hidden gems and definitely bucket list-worthy.
Walk the Mile-High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina
Why We Love it:
- Features the highest suspension footbridge in America, 1 mile above sea level
- Gorgeous 360 panoramic views
- Beautiful fall foliage viewing in autumn
The Grandfather Mountain “Mile-High Swinging Bridge” is a major attraction, both for the challenge and adrenaline of crossing the bridge, as well as the unbeatable panoramic views. Despite its name, the bridge doesn’t truly swing, but it is free to sway in the wind above an 80-foot chasm. It’s a great thrill for everyone in the family and is also handicap-accessible.
Go on a River Rafting Camping Trip at Hells Gate State Park, Idaho
Why We Love it:
- Renowned whitewater rafting
- Jet boat tours available as well
- Camp on the shores of the Snake River
Hells Canyon is known for some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Camping at Hells Gate State Park serves as a great base camp, giving you easy access to several rafting outfitters ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime! Camp on the shores of the Snake River in one of Hell’s Gate’s 86 campsites/RV sites and 8 camper cabins.
Recommended: Campgrounds with Hiking Trails
Explore the Tidal Marshlands at Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Why We Love it:
- Picturesque scenery where the bay meets the ocean
- Site of important WWII military base
- Lots of wildlife watching
Cape Henlopen’s location where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean creates a stunning coastal environment rich in natural and historical significance. The diverse Cape Henlopen coastline includes bay and ocean beaches, tidal marshes, sand dunes, and a maritime forest. In addition to enjoying the scenery and the area’s many coastal animals and birds, the area is also home to Fort Miles, a WWII military base with a museum celebrating its history.
Recommended: How to Score a Last Minute Campsite Reservation
Researching & Booking Your Campgrounds
Sometimes the most challenging aspect of trip preparation is arranging your accommodations in advance. Aligning the location of the campgrounds, the amenities offered, and availability with your trip needs can be a puzzle.
ReserveAmerica has a network of thousands of campsites nationwide, allowing you to visit one website to plan your trip, rather than sifting through a myriad of sites. To find and book campsites with ReserveAmerica, follow these 5 simple steps:
- Search for campgrounds – If you know where you want to stay, simply type it into the main search bar. As you type, the search will auto-populate matches in the ReserveAmerica network. You can type in the name of a campground, park, town, city, or state.
- Review search results – You’ll get a selection of search results, with the exact search result at the top. The results also include a map of the area showing nearby campgrounds in the ReserveAmerica network. This is a very helpful tool in that it allows you to check out all the options within the location you want to visit.
- Choose a campground – Click into campgrounds of interest. This will take you to the campground’s main page. This page provides considerable detail about the campground, including a description of the area, camping options, site specifics, amenities, activities, fees, directions and contact information.
- Enter Your Dates – When you are ready to select a campsite, go to the “Find a Campsite” tab on the right and enter your date preferences, including arrival and departure date and if your dates are flexible. Alternatively, you can go to the “Campsites” tab halfway down the page next to the default “Overview” tab. Here you can see the list of campsites and choose the option “Find first availability date.”
- Book your campsite – Once you have found a campsite with the dates you want, simply click the orange “Book Now” button. You will be directed to a ReserveAmerica login to complete secure booking. You will need a ReserveAmerica account. If you don’t have one, it takes just a minute to set-up.
*Note: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Be prepared to book early and have a backup option or two.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!