11 Great Summer Camping Getaways in the West
Summer camping season is here! Celebrate the season by rounding up your friends and family and heading out for a weekend in the great Western outdoors. From the dunes of Texas to the tumbling waterfalls of Oregon, there’s no shortage of amazing camping getaways in the West. Read on for some great summer camping destinations.
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1. Castle Rocks State Park, Idaho
Known for its varied climbing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities, Castle Rocks State Park is set among a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains. The park’s unique campsites are located in Idaho’s largest pinyon pine forest in the shadow of 7,500-foot Smoky Mountain. The campground offers 37 sites for RV and tent campers, six equestrian sites, and two rental yurts. On-site campground amenities include showers, flush toilets, electricity, and a dump station.
2. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Known as the crown jewel of the Oregon State Park System, Silver Falls State Park is tucked into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and offers visitors endless recreational opportunities. Hikers absolutely must set out on the Trail of Ten Falls, which winds through stunning forest and past jaw-dropping waterfalls in a 7.2-mile loop. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also fun options. The campground offers 52 electrical campsites, 45 tent sites, horse camps, group camping areas, and 14 cabins available to rent. Showers, flush toilets, and drinking water are available.
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3. Quail Creek State Park, Utah
Do you want to skip the big crowds at the Utah national parks, but still enjoy the state’s natural beauty? Book a campsite at Quail Creek State Park and get both. Located just about a 45 minute drive from Zion National Park, Quail Creek State Park boasts stunning mountains, a wide reservoir, high desert vistas, thrilling outdoor adventures, and stunning views of the state’s famous red rock region. The park campground has 23 sites with many amenities, like a fish cleaning station, picnic shelters, and modern restrooms.
4. Yampa River State Park, Colorado
Located in the stunning Yampa Valley, not far from the skiing mecca of Steamboat Springs, is Yampa River State Park. Anglers who want the perfect excuse to fish should consider Yampa River State Park, which is known for its stellar fishing (134 miles of the Yampa River run straight through the park). Hiking, biking, and boating are also popular park attractions. The campground has 50 campsites: 35 of the sites can accommodate an RV, ten are for tent campers, and five are for groups. The campsite has showers, flush toilets, and a laundry facility.
5. Whitefish Lake State Park, Montana
Settled on the shores of beautiful Whitefish Lake is Whitefish Lake State Park, an amazing place to partake in all things water-related, from swimming, boating and fishing, to stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Find your perfect spot on the lake and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. If you don’t have your own gear for the water, the park concessionaire offers stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and paddle boat rentals. The campground has 25 campsites that can accommodate RV and tent campers. Restrooms and a bathhouse are available on-site.
6. Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas
Sand dunes may not instantly come to mind when you think about Texas, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Monahans Sandhills State Park. The dunes cover 3,840 acres of the Texas landscape. The park does not have designated trails, but visitors are invited to roam the dunes on foot or horseback, or rent sand disks and surf them. Stay the night (and catch a glimpse of the impressively starry sky) at the park campground. The campground offers 26 sites with water and electric hookups located directly in the sand. Sites are suitable for RV or tents, and restrooms and showers are located nearby.
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7. Sinks Canyon State Park, Wyoming
Named for the geological formation called “the sinks” where the Popo Agie River disappears underground near the mouth of the canyon, Sinks Canyon State Park is as unique as “the sinks” themselves. The park boasts an amazing diversity of plants and animals within its canyon walls, and visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, and climbing within the park. There are several small campgrounds scattered along the river within the canyon, and all campsites are primitive with limited RV accommodations. The park has restrooms but no shower facilities.
8. Conchas Lake State Park, New Mexico
Explore one of the largest lakes in New Mexico known for a variety of water sport opportunities. Make sure to take extra time to explore the Conchase River or South Canadian River portions of lake that offer miles and miles of beaches, secluded coves, and beaches. Fishing, hiking, and birding are also popular activities along the shoreline. Each time you visit you will discover something new. Stay at one of the many campsites with electric hookup, fire ring, and picnic table.
9. Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon
If relaxation is the most important thing on your itinerary this summer, why not book a campsite at Cape Lookout State Park? Located right on Oregon’s rugged and wild Pacific coast, the park is a great place to comb for shells, hike through old growth forest, or spend an evening stargazing. The Cape Lookout State Park campground has 38 full-hookup sites, 170 tent sites, 13 yurts, and six deluxe cabins available for campers, with hot showers and flush toilets nearby.
10. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Featuring thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations known as goblins, Goblin Valley State Park is a landscape unlike any other. In fact, the park is so unique that it is often compared to Mars. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails make this park a fun and easy place to explore, and the campground is your outer space home away from home, with RV and tent campsites (no hookups) as well as yurt rentals. Drinking water, hot showers, and vault toilets are available at the park.
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11. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
Located high in the mountains just 30 minutes from Denver is Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This park is the perfect place to experience the Rocky Mountains. Visitors have access to over 12,000 acres of dense high-altitude forest offering views of snow-capped, rocky peaks. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, and fishing are all fan favorite activities. The two park campgrounds have a total of 132 campsites. Aspen Meadow campground has 35 tent sites with vault toilets. Reverend’s Ridge has 38 tent sites and 59 sites with electrical hookups, plus flush toilets, showers, and laundry.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!