19 Of The Best Places To Camp In The US If You're Craving Nature

Camping: the original form of social distancing.

The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. It’s important to check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning any future trips.

Summer is officially here, and many are looking to camping as a way to escape their city for a socially distanced getaway. Camping is considered by some experts to be one of the least risky summer activities, so we rounded up some of the most beautiful sites from California to New York and everywhere in between.

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However, it's important right now to stay close to home, so be sure to check out what parks your state offers and avoid long trips. And read up on the CDC's tips for visiting recreational parks safely before you go. Happy camping (and social distancing)!

1. Yosemite National Park, California

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Yosemite is one of California's most gorgeous parks, and as of last month it's open to the public by reservation. The campsites are operating at 50% capacity as of now, making it easier to visit while still social distancing.

2. Anastasia State Park, Florida

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With 1,600 acres of white sand beach, there's plenty of room to enjoy this park while maintaining your distance. The park is still operating at limited camping capacity, but with the beach right at your toes, it's well worth the reservation.

3. Willamette National Forest, Oregon

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Hiking, fishing, and just breathing in all the fresh forest air — this park truly has it all. And with multiple campsites still open, it's easy to escape here. Make sure to check their website for info on how to camp safely, and reserve a campsite before you head out.

4. Colorado Bend State Park, Texas

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Its name may be misleading (it's actually named after the Colorado River, which runs through Texas), but this park offers a river, camping, and even a 70-foot waterfall. Their website has plenty of info on how to visit safely, from camping reservations to the park's cleanliness standards.

5. Flathead National Forest, Montana

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Just shy of the Canadian border, you'll find 2.4 million acres of national forest filled with lakes, rivers, and plenty of campgrounds available for reservation. Exploring every inch of this forest could require a few days — but hey, you deserve an adventure!

6. Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

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In this 402,000-acre swamp, you're probably going to see more gators than other humans. Plus, it's a certified dark sky park, meaning there's minimal light pollution and maximum star gazing potential. Be sure to read up on Georgia's state park COVID-19 guidelines before you go.

7. Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina

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Located just outside of Charleston, this forest now offers dispersed camping, so you can spend the day hiking, fishing, or kayaking before you sleep under the stars. However, some areas of the park are still closed, so be sure to check for updates before you go.

8. Panthertown Valley, North Carolina

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Hailed as the "Yosemite of the East," this backcountry area offers 25 miles of trails, waterfalls, campgrounds, and more. The only thing missing? Restrooms, which are currently still closed. But that just adds to the camping experience, right?

9. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

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Boasting one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern states, this park is a stunning place to camp, hike, swim, fish — you name it! Most campsites are open for reservation, but may be running at lower capacity, so check the park's website for closures before you go.

10. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado

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Conveniently located equidistant from both Boulder and Denver, this 12,000-acre park has hiking and bike trails through forests and wildflower fields. Don't forget to reserve your campsite, as it's no longer first come, first serve, and make sure to stop by Panorama Point Scenic Overlook for the park's best view.

11. Green River Reservoir State Park, Vermont

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Ready for some serious isolation? This park, which offers 19 miles of shoreline, has 27 remote campsites that are only accessible by boat. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in town — but before paddling off, read up on Vermont's tips and requirements for traveling and COVID-19, and make sure you reserve a coveted camping spot.

12. Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Massachusetts

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Just off Cape Cod lies this beautiful forest just full of trees to get lost in. Spend the day hiking its 15 miles of trails before nestling into your tent beneath the trees. The park is newly reopened and ready for reservations.

13. Gila National Forest, New Mexico

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Reopened last month, this forest offers a cooler summer alternative to New Mexico's desert heat, especially at the higher elevations. There are 3.3 million acres of forest and mountain range, but a must-see is the ancient cliff dwellings, built into these stunning rock formations by the Mogollon people.

14. Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana

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Is there anything quite like sleeping just yards from the ocean? (Hint: the answer is no!) This stretch of beachfront offers tent and RV camping, fishing, and even grills so you can cook up anything you catch. So don't forget your fishing pole if you make a reservation.

15. Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, New York

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Get lost in over 25,000 acres of forest and more than 26 miles of trails that are just begging to be explored. This park recently started accepting camping reservations so you can be prepared before you go.

16. John Bryan State Park, Ohio

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One of this park's biggest highlights is the Little Miami River, which runs through a natural limestone gorge that comprises some of the park's hiking trails. Plus, campsites are usually shaded and are dog-friendly, so the whole quaranteam can come. Be sure to read up on important COVID-19 protocols before making a reservation.

17. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

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Currently in its Phase Two of reopening, this park has it all: waterfalls, wildflowers, and all kinds of critters you can spot as you hike. Some campsites are first come, first served, but they are also now taking reservations due to limited capacity.

18. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada

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Just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, this 6.3 million-acre park offers a respite from the hot desert and the hectic strip. Its larger campsites have reopened and are ready for reserving, so you'll have a place to crash after hiking the day away.

19. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

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A hop and a skip from Chicago, there's plenty to do at this park, from hiking its shady trails to renting a canoe and hitting the water. The best part about camping here? Getting a jump on the crowds and seeing the waterfalls while they're empty! Be sure to make a reservation before you grab your tent, though.

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