Rustic camping is a more barebones approach to camping than modern camping, with fewer amenities like electricity and flushing toilets. Rustic camping allows campers to feel more connected with nature. Another advantage of rustic camping is that you’re off the beaten path for additional seclusion and privacy.
We have highlighted two types of rustic camping: primitive campsites and rustic cabins. As the name suggests, primitive campsites are about as stripped down as you can get, with few, if any amenities. Rustic cabins are spartanly furnished, consisting of a room or two with bed frames and table and chairs.
Below are four outstanding primitive campsites and four rustic cabins. Can’t find one on the list near you? Plan your rustic camping trip here.
Recommended: Different Types of Camping
Primitive Campsites
1. Linn Run State Park, Pennsylvania
Linn Run State Park, characterized by its varied topography, mixed hardwood, and evergreen forest, is a scenic place for picnicking, hiking, and rustic cabin camping. The body of water twisting through the park, Linn Run, is an excellent trout stream for avid fishermen. There are also the picturesque 15-foot Adams Falls tumbling down a rocky outcrop. There are nine rustic cabins, as well as one modern cabin, for campers to rent.
2. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
Lost Maples State Natural Area is a large, pristine tract of land encompassing the rolling hills and steep canyons on the upper Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau Region of Texas. Lost Maples is a State Natural Area, meaning it has been developed only enough to provide visitor access, while still fiercely protecting its natural character. As such, the reserve’s construction and amenities are limited to 11 miles of hiking trails and 30 primitive campsites. This well-protected area has become a haven for local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, armadillos, skunks, raccoons, feral pigs, exotic axis deer, porcupines, bobcats, coyotes, and red and grey foxes. In the center of the park runs Can Creek that empties into two small lakes, a perfect backdrop for simply relaxing.
3. Sand Hollow State Park, Utah
Sand Hollow State Park is Utah’s newest state park and is quickly becoming a favorite in the state. Visitors can boat and fish on Sand Hollow Reservoir, or explore the dunes of Sand Mountain on an off-highway vehicle (OHV). In fact, Sand Hollow is becoming the preferred destination for local OHV enthusiasts thanks to the park’s 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. Sand Hollow offers a wide array of camping options, with 96 sites total, including 25 primitive campsites.
4. Salamonie Lake, Indiana
Campers at Salamonie Lake will never be short on things to do at the park. A recreational haven, this large outdoor recreation area has a large lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. The park also has trails for horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. There is an interpretive nature center to educate visitors on the local natural history. Hunting opportunities include upland game, furbearers, waterfowl, whitetail, wild turkeys, and deer in a mixed cover environment varying from open fields and cropland to mature forest. The park also hosts special events and activities all year long. With 341 sites, including 43 primitive and 49 equestrian primitive sites, you are sure to book your preferred camping environment.
Recommended: Campsites to be Thankful For
Rustic Cabins
5. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Oregon
Count Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is another beautiful backdrop loaded with activities for every kind of camper. The park is close to some of the best crabbing and sports fishing on the Oregon coastline. Hikers can wind their way through a lush, temperate forest with views of the ocean and plentiful waterways. Offroaders can take the dunes near the park, which are open for riding 24 hours a day. The park is well-maintained with 52 campsites, including two rustic cabins and two rustic yurts.
Book Your Rustic Cabin or Yurt
6. Eno River State Park, North Carolina
Eno River State Park is an ideal primitive camping location. The park offers secluded wilderness trails alongside a clear river drifting and cascading over a rocky stream bed. The Eno River is a swift, shallow stream with waters rolling through the wilderness, passing historic mill sites, river bluffs covered with flowering shrubs, and fords used by early settlers. Campers have one of 10 primitive campsites or three group primitive campsites to choose from. Vehicles are parked a half-mile to a mile from the campsites and campers have to hike in with their gear, but for the adventurous, this style of camping has no equal.
7. Cheney State Park, Kansas
Cheney State Park is located on the southern portion of the stunning Cheney Reservoir, extending to its east and west shores, making the large reservoir the park’s crown jewel. The wide waters are a favorite for fishing and boating. Located in windy central Kansas, just 20 miles west of Wichita, Cheney Reservoir is excellent for sailing and serves as the site for national regattas. Besides water activities, there are nature and hiking trails alongside Giefer Creek and Spring Creek. The park has plenty of amenities, including 223 modern campsites and twelve rustic cabins for rent.
Recommended: Cozy Winter Cabin Camping
8. Mistletoe State Park, Georgia
Located not far from Augusta, Mistletoe State Park is known as one of the best spots for bass fishing in the entire country. Boat ramps provide easy access to the park’s large lake that’s stocked year-round with fish. There are miles of shaded nature trails winding through the forest for hikers and mountain bikers. The park also hosts a number of educational and cultural programs throughout the year, such as astronomy programs, concerts, and guided nature walks. Mistletoe State Park has an abundance of different camping opportunities – including a rustic tent-cabin, as well as cottages and pioneer camping, backcountry campsites, and plenty of traditional electric campsites – all of which are situated on a peninsula, offering spectacular views of both the sunset and sunrise over the open water.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
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.