Top 10 Car Camping Destinations for 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Spots
Car camping combines the ease of vehicle access with the joy of outdoor adventure, offering a unique way to explore nature without sacrificing comfort. As we head into 2024, a range of exciting new and classic destinations beckons car campers with stunning landscapes, diverse activities, and unique experiences. Whether you’re seeking serene forests, majestic mountains, or sun-soaked deserts, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your next car camping adventure.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Why Go? Yosemite National Park remains a classic destination for car camping, offering breathtaking vistas, towering waterfalls, and expansive meadows. With its mix of easy access and awe-inspiring natural beauty, Yosemite is a must-visit for any car camper.
Top Spots:
- North Pines Campground: Located in Yosemite Valley, this campground offers easy access to iconic sites like El Capitan and Half Dome.
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground: Situated at a higher elevation, this spot provides cooler temperatures and stunning alpine views.
Activities:
- Hiking to waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls.
- Exploring the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
- Rock climbing and stargazing.
Tip: Reserve your spot well in advance as campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Why Go? Known for its mist-covered mountains and rich biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a range of car camping options with easy access to numerous trails and scenic drives.
Top Spots:
- Elkmont Campground: Nestled by the Little River, this site offers proximity to the Appalachian Trail and historic structures.
- Cades Cove Campground: Located in a picturesque valley, this spot is ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring historical buildings.
Activities:
- Enjoying the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.
- Hiking the Alum Cave Trail for stunning views.
- Visiting the Park’s historic structures and museums.
Tip: The park is open year-round, but summer and fall are the most popular times to visit.
3. Zion National Park, Utah
Why Go? Zion National Park’s dramatic canyons and striking rock formations make it a prime destination for car campers looking for adventure and natural beauty.
Top Spots:
- Watchman Campground: Located near the park’s entrance, it provides easy access to trails and shuttle services.
- South Campground: Close to the Virgin River, this site offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
Activities:
- Hiking the famous Angel’s Landing Trail.
- Exploring the Narrows, a hike through the Virgin River.
- Scenic drives and stargazing.
Tip: Spring and fall are the best times to visit to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
4. Olympic National Park, Washington
Why Go? Olympic National Park is a diverse paradise featuring coastal beaches, temperate rainforests, and rugged mountains. Its varied ecosystems make it a unique car camping destination.
Top Spots:
- Kalaloch Campground: Located along the Pacific Coast, this site offers ocean views and easy beach access.
- Hoh Campground: Situated in the Hoh Rain Forest, it provides an immersive experience in one of the park’s lush rainforests.
Activities:
- Hiking in the Hoh Rain Forest and exploring its ancient trees.
- Enjoying beachcombing and tide pooling at Kalaloch.
- Visiting the alpine areas of Hurricane Ridge.
Tip: The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and varying temperatures.
5. Banff National Park, Alberta
Why Go? Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. It’s a top choice for car campers seeking a majestic backdrop.
Top Spots:
- Tunnel Mountain Campground: Close to the town of Banff, it offers convenience and easy access to amenities.
- Two Jack Main Campground: Located near Two Jack Lake, it provides a quieter experience with picturesque views.
Activities:
- Hiking to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Exploring the Banff Gondola for panoramic views.
- Wildlife viewing and scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway.
Tip: Summer is the peak season, so make reservations well in advance.
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Why Go? Shenandoah National Park is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, abundant wildlife, and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great option for a more accessible car camping experience.
Top Spots:
- Big Meadows Campground: Centrally located, it offers easy access to the park’s main attractions and trails.
- Loft Mountain Campground: Located at a higher elevation, it provides cooler temperatures and stunning views.
Activities:
- Hiking the Appalachian Trail and enjoying waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls.
- Driving the Skyline Drive for beautiful vistas.
- Exploring the park’s visitor centers and exhibits.
Tip: Fall is an excellent time to visit for vibrant leaf colors, but spring and summer also offer great hiking conditions.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Why Go? Acadia National Park features rugged coastal landscapes, scenic drives, and a charming New England vibe. It’s perfect for car campers looking for a mix of ocean views and forest trails.
Top Spots:
- Blackwoods Campground: Located near the park’s southern edge, it provides easy access to hiking trails and coastal views.
- Seawall Campground: Situated along the park’s western coast, it offers a more remote experience with stunning ocean views.
Activities:
- Hiking Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views.
- Exploring the picturesque coastal drive along Park Loop Road.
- Enjoying birdwatching and tidepooling.
Tip: Summer is the busiest season, so plan ahead and consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.
8. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Why Go? Joshua Tree National Park’s otherworldly landscapes, including unique rock formations and desert flora, create an unforgettable car camping experience.
Top Spots:
- Hidden Valley Campground: Centrally located, it offers easy access to popular climbing and hiking areas.
- Jumbo Rocks Campground: Known for its stunning rock formations and more spacious sites.
Activities:
- Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
- Exploring the rock formations and hiking trails.
- Visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden for unique desert scenery.
Tip: Summer temperatures can be extreme, so spring and fall are the best times to visit.
9. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Why Go? Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its dramatic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and outdoor activities. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurous car campers.
Top Spots:
- Jenny Lake Campground: Located near one of the park’s most iconic lakes, it offers stunning views and easy access to trails.
- Signal Mountain Campground: Situated on a hill with panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.
Activities:
- Hiking the Cascade Canyon Trail and exploring Jenny Lake.
- Boating and fishing on Jackson Lake.
- Wildlife viewing and scenic drives.
Tip: Summer is popular, but early fall provides a quieter experience with beautiful fall colors.
10. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Why Go? Home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National and State Parks offer an awe-inspiring car camping experience surrounded by ancient forests and coastal beauty.
Top Spots:
- Jedediah Smith Campground: Located within the old-growth forest, it provides an immersive redwood experience.
- Mill Creek Campground: A quieter option with access to both forest and coastal areas.
Activities:
- Hiking among the towering redwoods.
- Exploring the scenic coastal drives and beaches.
- Visiting the nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for additional hiking opportunities.
Tip: Rain can be common, so come prepared for wet weather and enjoy the lush scenery.
