Ring in 2022 at a campsite this year! Advantages to a New Year’s Eve camping trip include having a safe environment to celebrate with the whole family and being able to wake up and head straight out for a New Year’s Day hike.
Below we have highlighted some great spots for your fun and relaxing New Year’s Eve camping celebration.
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1. Thousand Springs Park District, Idaho
Thousand Springs State Park is a testament to why this rugged area of southern Idaho has been dubbed the “Magic Valley.” The park is located in the Hagerman Valley with views of pristine springs and the legendary Snake River. The park is actually divided into six units that are all within short driving distance of each other. Each unit offers a unique experience.
The two houses offered at this site are on Ritter Island, located along the Snake River between two large springs. The fully-equipped houses are ideal for a New Year’s Eve camping getaway. One house sleeps four people, and the other sleeps ten. You can take a memorable New Year’s day hike along one of many trails, including the famed Oregon Trail. Or, hike through the magnificent Malad Gorge. There are also a number of hot springs located within a short distance from the island.
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2. Historic Lake Scott State Park, Kansas
Hidden within the western Kansas prairie, Lake Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs, wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs. The crown jewel of the park is a 100-acre spring-fed lake set between steep canyons and nestled among rolling hills. Groves of hackberry, ash, elm, willow, walnut, and cedar trees dot the landscape, interspersed with majestic cottonwoods.
Campers can explore the park’s many bays and coves and fish for bluegill, saugeye, and catfish. The whole family is sure to have fun here, with hiking trails, natural hot springs, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings making it a winning spot for a New Year’s camping trip. The campground has primitive sites and cabins as well as RV sites with full hook-ups.
3. Hills Creek State Park, Pennsylvania
Situated in the north central portion of Pennsylvania, Hills Creek State Park offers visitors remarkable wildlife-viewing opportunities along its lakeshores and hiking trails. Wake up early on New Year’s Day and see if you can’t spot some of the park’s resident osprey, bald eagles, blue heron, and many waterfowl. The park is also a treat for winter sports enthusiasts. Ice skate or ice fish the lake, sled down an embankment, or try your hand at cross-country skiing. There are three modern cabins that sleep up to six people that are available for rent this New Year’s.
4. Daingerfield State Park, Texas
Located in the northeast corner of Texas, Daingerfield State Park is renowned for its forest with tall trees – including oaks, dogwoods, and pines – surrounding Little Pine Lake. Boat rentals are available year-round, and if you’re brave enough to bundle up and paddle the lake, you may have the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors this New Year’s Eve. You can also explore the forest via a network of trails, go birding or geocaching, or just relax at your campsite. There are 50 campsites, including three historic cabins, that are open year-round.
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5. Dolliver Memorial State Park, Iowa
Dolliver Memorial State Park is nestled within the scenic Des Moines River Valley. The area’s natural beauty is characterized by unique bluffs, flatlands, and canyons. The park also has ancient Native American mounds, including a linear mound and two conical mounds, dating to the Woodland Culture around 1100 A.D.
In addition to the unique ancient mounds, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. A boat ramp provides access to the Des Moines River for canoeists and fishing enthusiasts looking for an adventurous New Year’s Eve activity. A robust, multi-use trail system is perfect for a New Year’s first-day hike or horseback ride. The campsite is open year-round and has restrooms, showers, and a trailer dump station. There are also two historic day-use lodges that can be rented for gatherings and events and two basic family cabins that are walk-up only on New Year’s Eve.
6. George L. Smith State Park, Georgia
Known for its natural beauty, lakeside camping, and cozy cottages, George L. Smith State Park is a secluded south Georgia retreat. A combination gristmill, sawmill, covered bridge, and dam built in 1880 are a favorite park feature. A nearby group shelter could make for a memorable spot to bundle up and have an outdoor family reunion or New Year’s party. The park pond beckons anglers, while paddlers can explore the cypress and tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss that accent the waterline.
Bird enthusiasts can spot blue heron, white ibis, and other wading birds. There’s a seven-mile trail that makes for an idyllic New Year’s day hike. With 37 campsites, many right on the water’s edge, including cottages with gas fireplaces and screened porches, this campground is ideal for a New Year’s camping trip.
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7. Huntington State Park, Utah
Sandstone cliffs and chiseled peaks create a spectacular backdrop to Huntington State Park, with the park’s small reservoir perfectly mirroring the nearby mountains. Park visitors come to the area for the stunning landscape as well as boating, fishing, and waterskiing during the warmer seasons.
Facilities include 25 campsites with full and partial hookups, numerous picnic sites, modern restrooms with showers, a sewage disposal station, a boat launch, and a large covered group-use pavilion. In all, Huntington State Park – with its quiet beauty – makes for a relaxing New Year’s Eve getaway. Please note that campsites are walk-up only this time of year.
Learn More About the Campsites
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Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.