Since the start of thepandemic, more Americans have beensleeping under the stars than ever before. Much of that uptick comes from new campers: a2020 from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) foundthat 25 percent of campers last year had takentheir first camping trip, and most said they plan to continue camping into 2021. All of which is to say: thissummer is going to be a busy one at campgrounds.
With many sites bookedout months in advance, now is the time to start planning your getaway. “Many state parks open for reservations four to six months in advance, while most national parks open six months in advance,” saysAshleigh Rudolph, founder and lead trip planner of an outfitter that plans custom RV and van trips. “Have these dates on your calendar, as the more popular campgrounds can sell out in seconds. For the campgrounds that don’t sell out the minute they go on sale, you’ll still want to grab the best site within the campground, and the only way to do that is to book early.”
Here are some prime placesRudolph recommends near worthy attractionsthat, as of press time, still have availability during peak warm-weather months.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Campgrounds inside southern Utah’sZion National Park fill up quickly, but an hour away, you can still snag a prime site at, a 7,400-acre outdoor playground located within Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (from $30;). “We love this campground for its gorgeous scenery and unique location,” says Rudolph. “Surrounded by red Navajo sandstone, you’ll feel totally secluded, but you are close enough to St. George to run into town to stock up on groceries. It’s about 50 miles from Zionbut without all the crowds.”
Montaña de Oro State Park, California
“It’s hard to find a secluded spot on the California coast, but somehow this state park has gone relatively unnoticed,” says Rudolph. “With beautiful sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, plus plenty of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, this state park is located only about 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo.” You’ll find primitivehike-in sites or drive-up campsites, which open up for bookings six months in advance, with new sites that go online at 8 A.M. daily (from $25;).
Lavern M. Johnson Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park are just 30 minutes away from , but you might be so content here,near downtown Lyons, Colorado, that you won’t want to leave. This town-owned campground is situated on the scenic North SaintVrainCreekand in the shade oftoweringsandstone cliffs. Tube down the rapids, mountain-bike the trails around Lyons, or fly-fish from camp. These sites—which include tent or RV spots—can be reserved up to 12 months in advance, andthere are still sites open for summer (from $30; reserve).
Toketee Lake, Oregon
Score one of the riverfront sites at and you’ll have the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River steps from your tentand less than 45 minutes away. The legendary, which stretches for 69 miles across Oregon, passes right through camp. You can hike or mountain-bike four miles up the trail to reach the Umpqua Hot Springs (be sure to check itsbefore you go). Toketee Lake makes for a great paddleboard or post-hike swimming spot. Sites are available six months out (from $10;).
Sheridan Lake, South Dakota
, in the western part of the state, is known for its heaps of recreational opportunities, like hiking, climbing, and paddling, plus must-see landmarks like,, and. Rudolph recommends posting up atthe centrally locatedfor easy access and fewer crowds (from $26;). “We especially love the beautiful trees that fill this campgroundand the trails that start nearby,” she says. Optionsincludethe 11-mile Flume Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail.
Acadia East, Maine
You’ll have to haul your gear into your site at, a privately run campground about 45 minutes outside Acadia National Park that has only five rustic, backcountry-style tent sites(read: no RVs or close-to-the-car camping here). But it’s worth the trek for the true wilderness feel and solitude (from $34;). If that’s not your style, try for a spot at the (from $30), located within the nationalpark, where sites can be reserved up to two months in advance; the campground opens May 26, which means bookings for summer start March 26, and they’ll fill up fast.
Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas
“This state park sits on the shores of Lake Catherine, providing campers with year-round boat rentals and a swimming area for hot summer days,” says Rudolph. “The campground is heavily wooded, and many sites have a nice view of the lake. There are tons of hiking trails, and a favorite here is a hike to a waterfall nearby.” is 20 minutes away, and the state parkhas everything from cabins to primitive tent sites to RV plug-ins—you can even rent camping gear(from $13;).