The best camping in the United States

An hour boat ride off the California coast, Catalina Island boasts summer camp vibes with stunning views (and the chance to see wild buffalos). Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the Two Harbors Campground offers traditional tent camping and cabins with access to showers, toilets, fresh water, picnic tables, BBQs and fire pits. You can even purchase your goods from the Two Harbors General Store and deliver your items directly to your campsite.

Is glamping more your speed? This swanky facility on Governors Island has your number. A private water taxi will whisk you away to accommodations like the communal Three Peaks Lodge or a private tent with an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. And don't expect mere hot dogs here: The on-site chef creates a multi-course, farm-to-table dinner every night. Plus, of course, there are those unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. 

The island of Kauai has plenty of incredible campsites, but the campsite at Kalalau Beach is located at the end of a gorgeous 11-mile hike in Na Pali Coast State Park. You'll be rewarded with a waterfall and beach time before you pitch your tent atop cliffs, which offer stunning views of the island's famous coastline.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur has a ton of gorgeous camping options, including yurts and a luxury, solar-powered tent, but it's the human bird nest that lands them on this list. Climb the private ladder to the human-size nest, made of eucalyptus branches, and you’ll discover a 180-degree view of the coast. The nest has a full-size futon mattress, but you'll need to bring necessities like pillows, sleeping bags and a flashlight.  

The Grand Canyon might be on everyone's bucket list, but that shouldn't discount the beauty of this natural wonder. If you're camping inside the national park, opt for the North Rim, which is less crowded than the more developed South Rim. Make a reservation via the National Recreation Reservation Service to bask in the quiet and natural splendor of these no-fuss campgrounds. 

The Kittatinny Campground offers 350 secluded campsites nestled in the Catskills Mountains. Set up camp in the thick forest, or adorn your tricorn hat and pitch a tent along the Delaware River (yes, the one George Washington allegedly crossed en route to war). Hop over the river yourself to get to zip lines and paintball at Kittatinny’s Adventure Center. 

Situated less than 10 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge, Kirby Cobe's four secluded campsites are famous for their waterfront views overlooking the city. Shaded by Monterey cypress groves, the grounds are within walking distance of a rocky beach, as well as a daytime picnic area. Make sure to look out for the rope swing, which usually hangs on the beach, if you want some truly epic photos. 

Don’t be alarmed if you wake up to the sound of bison wandering past your tent, as it’s a regular occurrence at this campground located in Badlands National Park. Vault toilets, picnic benches, and a horse corral are the only amenities that are offered at the rural site, but you will get the chance to watch the prairie turn a golden color at sunset, see prairie dogs pop up from the ground and hear wolves howling at night.

Despite being in sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park feels like another world with amphibians and birds roaming the land and colorful coral and fish lurking just below sea line. Biscayne offers two campsites, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, both of which are on islands and, therefore, only accessible by boat. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, but toilets are available. As for showers, those will have to wait until you’re back home.

This island has it all: beach camping, swimming, surfing, crabbing, kayaking and, oh yeah, tons of wild horses just roaming the grounds. With 37 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of beachfront campgrounds to go around. Just note that Assateague Island has both a state park and a national park. If you want a warm shower, then camp at the state park campground. And don't forget to lock up your food if you don't want the horses to ransack your tent. 

Nestled among gigantic rock formations at Cathedral Gorge are 24 campsites, situated at the center of several walking trails and picnic areas. Despite the remote feeling and stunning views, the campground is well-equipped: all sites feature grills and electrical hookups—and are denoted as kid- and dog-friendly.

With more than a dozen campsites dotted among the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is accessible to both novice and experienced campers. Sites like White Wolf and North Pines offer easy access, while there's no shortage of spots throughout the rest of the park, 95% of which is designated wilderness and is open to camping with modest regulations. For the less adventurous, a night or two at nearby Evergreen Lodge offers all the perks of camping under the big trees with modern amenities on-site. Make sure to book early, as these campsites all book up fast. 

Getting to this campsite is half the challenge, and not because it's at the end of a remote hike. The only way to access Dry Tortugas National Park, which sits 70 miles west of Key West, is my boat. This remote island is a snorkeling paradise with some of North America's most stunning and active reefs. Hitch your tent at the Garden Key campground, a short walk from the public dock.