7 Bucket List Whale Watching Camping Trips
Nothing compares to the thrill of being out on the open water, watching a whale weighing upwards of 300,000 pounds showing off in its natural habitat. It’s a spectacular sight to behold, not just for the whale’s strength, beauty, and grace as they glide through the water, but also seeing firsthand how they socialize together and interact with the boat … if you’re lucky.
While whale watching can be a hit-or-miss outdoor adventure, the reward is well worth the risk. Whether you’re on land or out at sea, it’s a relaxing way to spend a day while enjoying the scenery and exploring a new area. And when you least expect it, a stunning breach sighting will fill you with wonder and excitement. It’s a lesson in patience, presence, and appreciation for marine life.
From coast to coast, North America is home to many of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. From unique orca whales in Alaska, to rare North Atlantic right whales in Florida, and fin whales off the coast of Delaware, we selected the following whale watching locations that belong on your bucket list, plus seven campgrounds nearby.
Oregon
When: Mid-December through mid-January and late February through May
Catch a glimpse of nearly 25,000 gray whales off the coast of Oregon as they migrate between Alaska and their breeding lagoons in Baja California, Mexico. There are two main seasons, but you can get lucky and potentially see gray whales throughout the year. Both Cape Lookout and Umpqua Lighthouse State Parks offer tent, RV, and yurts near the shores to accommodate your wildlife adventure.
Where to Stay: Cape Lookout State Park and Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Oregon
Alaska
When: April through November
One of the best places to see whales up close and personal, Juneau’s Inside Passage is home to over 600 humpback whales. Whale-watching boat tours leave daily during this time of year, and it’s not uncommon to see orcas, or killer whales, hunting and socializing on the Alaska excursion. Extend your adventure at one of the Point Bridget State Park cabins, located 40 miles north of Juneau including spectacular views, salmon spawning streams, and rocky beaches.
Where to Stay: Point Bridget State Park, Alaska
Delaware
When: year-round
The endangered fin whales are known to frequent Delaware’s coast and are the second largest whale next to the blue whale. The Great Dune at Cape Henlopen State Park is a great place to bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of a fin whale offshore or plan a whale-watching cruise from a nearby town as they prefer deep waters. Cape Henlopen State Park offers a great basecamp for the entire family including a fishing pier, historical WWII buildings to explore, and beaches to relax.
Book Now: Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
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Rhode Island
When: May through October
If you’re looking for top-notch whale sightings, look no further than the open waters of the New England area. Fin whales, humpbacks, and right whales have been seen off the coast of Rhode Island. Stay in a seaside village atmosphere at Fishermens Memorial State Park with close access to popular beach areas like Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, and Salty Brine. The park is also just 1 mile from the Block Island Ferry Dock and 15 minutes from scenic Newport.
Book Your Reservation: Fishermens Memorial State Park, Rhode Island
Florida
When: December through March
Severely endangered and threatened with extinction, seeing a North Atlantic right whale in the wild is an incredible sight to behold. While whale watching in this area can be spotty, your best chance to see these rare animals is off the northern coast of Florida (February is generally the peak month), when the whales come to give birth and nurse their calves off the shore.
Where to Camp Nearby: Cedar Creek Campground Matanzas State Forest and Bennett Field Campground Tiger Bay State Forest, Florida
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.