The Best Family Campgrounds Across the USA
With thousands of wonderful campgrounds across the country featuring so many sights, activities and amenities, it can be tough to decide just where to go. Below are our favorite family campsites from coast to coast to help you choose the perfect location for your family's next outdoor adventure.
Pine Flat Campground
Hidden in the Oak Creek Canyon between the beautiful towns of Flagstaff and Sedona, you'll find the Pine Flat Campground. Tent campsites, some of them right on the creek, are shaded under ponderosa pines. Kids can fish for trout, wade in the water or catch tadpoles, while parents enjoy stunning views of the surrounding red rocks. One of Arizona's most popular swimming holes, Slide Rock State Park, is just down the road and is loved by young and old alike.
San Elijo State Beach
Perched on a cliff above the Pacific, the San Elijo State Beach campground has easy access to the ocean. Kids will love surfing, swimming or boogie boarding–there's even a surf school nearby. The reef is also a popular place for older kids to try out snorkeling or scuba diving. Neighboring town Cardiff-by-the-Sea is as quaint as they come, with loads of restaurants, wine bars and smoothie shops. A stay at this campground is a beach trip done the right way.
Little Talbot Island State Park
If you're looking for slow-paced family bonding time, there's no better location than Little Talbot Island State Park. From the tree-lined campground, it's just a short walk to five miles of undeveloped beach where kids can swim in the surf or play in the sand. Back at camp, rent a kayak and explore the salt marshes of Myrtle Creek where it's possible to spot colorful birds, tortoises and maybe even an elusive manatee. And if you're looking for a night on the town, it's just a quick drive to Amelia Island, which is filled with restaurants and activities.
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is one of Georgia's most popular family attractions. Located just outside of Atlanta, it boasts enough amenities to keep everyone happy. Little kids will enjoy the swimming pool and playground, while older kids and parents play sand volleyball and horseshoe. There are also over 15 miles of hiking trails, including the one-mile trek to the top of Stone Mountain. If that's too much for little legs, there's a cable car, too. Rent a lakeside yurt or safari tent, or bring your own tent or RV. Make sure to take advantage of the year-round campground events, too, including a fall harvest festival, bingo and day camp.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Located on Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offers over 50 miles of dunes, forest and beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy. The campground is less than a mile from the beach, and is extremely popular–so make your reservations early! It's an extremely diverse area, and kids will enjoy spotting wildlife or learning about local flora and fauna from a park ranger. For those who want a day or two in the big city, Chicago is just a train ride away.
Sleeping Bear Dunes–Platte River Campground
Platte River Campground is situated along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Michigan's western coast. Part of the National Park Service, it's a beautiful campground with access to tubing, beaches and dunes with incredible views. Kids can burn off some energy climbing those massive dunes, plus the whole family will enjoy swimming in the clear blue water or exploring nearby lighthouses.
Wild River State Park
Settled on the shores of the St. Croix River, Wild River State Park is a beautiful place to pitch your tent for the weekend. The park offers traditional camping and RV sites, or more adventurous families can take a crack at backpacking or canoe camping. With miles of hiking trails to take advantage of in the summer, and skiing and snowshoe trails in the winter, Wild River State Park is a great family destination in all seasons.
Taconic State Park
A popular family campground, Taconic State Park has tent sites, tent platforms, RV sites and cabins for rent. Scenic hiking trails lead to mountain peaks and waterfalls--the short hike to Bash Bish, the highest falls in Massachusetts, is a favorite. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is also perfect for biking, and bike rentals are available. In warmer months, kids can cool off in the designated swimming area at Copake Falls, which even has its own kiddie pool.
Lost Lake Resort and Campground
With beautiful views of Mt. Hood and amazing campsites right on the lake, a night at Lost Lake Campground doesn't feel a bit like roughing it. Boats are available to rent, and none of them are motorized, which makes it easy to let the kids swim freely without safety worries. Pack the fishing poles and swimsuits, and get ready for idyllic summer days amongst the pines.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Right around the corner from the outdoor town of Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is a stunning place to spend a night under the stars. The park is located 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, offering traditional campsites and yurts for rent. Incredible rim hiking trails and a great variety of all-level mountain bike trails start right at camp. Stellar canyon views will wow the kids, and the Visitor Center's programs can help them learn about the natural wonder around them.
Stillwater State Park
With 59 tent and RV campsites, plus 19 lean-to sites right on the water, Stillwater State Park has an option for everyone. Take the kids on one of this park's many family-friendly hikes, or strap on helmets and pedal the bike trail that runs right through the park. Across the lake, Boulder Beach State Park is a great place to swim, and in the evening, campfire programs will keep the kids entertained well past dark.
