As the snow melts and temperatures rise, campers all around the U.S. are dusting off their gear and planning their spring and summer camping trips.
Campspot recently released its rankings for the best campsites in the U.S. to help you narrow down your choices and reserve spots before everything is fully booked. The Campspot Awards uses over 70,000 data points and user votes to determine its rankings. From rugged backcountry sites and tent areas to luxurious glamping and RV resorts, the Campspot Awards have a campsite for just about everyone.
Without further adieu, here are the top 10 campgrounds in America for 2023, according to Campspot.
1. Indian River RV Resort
Indian River, Michigan
The first winner of the coveted “Best in America” designation is Indian River RV Resort in Michigan. Located just half an hour’s drive south of Mackinaw City, this RV campsite offers a huge variety of amenities not far from two of the Great Lakes and right on the shores of Burt Lake and Mullett Lake.
If you aren’t traveling with an RV, the resort also offers tent campsites and cabins. In addition to fishing and watersports, campers can also use the heated swimming pool or the onsite sports facilities. Indian River RV Resort also offers bathrooms, laundry facilities, Internet, a general store, and other amenities.
Top reviews of the campsite tend to highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the beauty of the well-maintained grounds, and the “Goldilocks” balance between nature and proximity, and services and attractions.
2. On The Saco Family Campground
Brownfield, Maine
The next winner, On the Saco Family Campground, offers a more secluded experience in western Maine. On the Saco offers RV hookups and tent campsites. This is a prime spot for experiencing fun on the Saco River, with about 1,700 feet of access to the water. In addition to canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, guests can access Wi-Fi, a game room, playgrounds and recreation spaces, laundry facilities, and bathrooms.
Similar to the previous winner, top reviews of this campground pointed out the helpful staff, gorgeous grounds, and fun amenities.
3. The Nugget RV Resort
Saint Regis, Montana
Just miles away from Lolo National Forest, the Nugget RV Resort is a stunning place to rest your head while exploring the rugged beauty of Montana’s mountains. With RV sites, cabins, and tent spots, there’s a type of stay for everyone here. Guests can use a variety of different amenities including a pool, bathroom and showers, laundry facilities, a dog park, and more.
A common theme in online reviews is that the resort has great access to trails. Amenities and services are great, but the RV resort is the perfect way to access Montana’s beautiful natural landscape.
4. Otahki Lake
Patterson, Missouri
Just a stone’s throw from Sam A. Baker State Park in Missouri, Otahki Lake Cabins & Campground is an ideal spot for families. The 1,200-acre park is about 2 hours from St. Louis and 3 hours from Memphis, making it an accessible getaway for anyone in those areas. This campground may take the cake when it comes to the variety of accommodations. Campers can reserve RV sites, glamping tents, covered wagons, and cabins.
Once settled in, guests can rent e-bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and canoes. With plenty of comforts like shower facilities and a general store, the park also offers themed weekends and other special events. Online reviews call this spot a cozy hidden gem with great access to outdoor activities.
5. Stonebridge RV Resort
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
For the perfect Great Smoky Mountains getaway, look no further than Stonebridge RV Resort. In operation since 1965, this campground has provided family fun for generations of campers. Cabins of several sizes, RV and tent sites, and cottages are all available at Stonebridge. With close proximity to Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Cataloochee Ski Area, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures here.
For modern comforts, guests can access Wi-Fi, a recently updated game room, as well as bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The major takeaway from online reviews is that this campground is ideal for families who are looking for plenty of activities to keep them entertained.
6. Dark Sky RV Campground
Kanab, Utah
Dark Sky’s website suggests that you “come for the sites, stay for the stars.” It’s no surprise that this campground is perfect for viewing the night sky, as it’s located on 40 acres of undeveloped sagebrush. Just outside of Kanab, Utah, the sites here offer a perfect combination of an off-the-beaten-path location with comfortable amenities. Dark Sky promises good cell service, Wi-Fi, several gathering areas, a modern bathhouse, and activities for pets and children.
The campground provides guests with easy access to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, the Grand Canyon, and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The key commonality in the online reviews for this campground is that the beautiful setting makes this a magical place to stay that you won’t ever want to leave.
7. Pecan Park
Jacksonville, Florida
Just north of Jacksonville, Florida, Pecan Park is the first campground on Campspot’s list that gives campers easy access to the ocean. While there aren’t any tent sites available, there are a variety of RV spots and cabins to rent. On sunny days, guests can try their hands at horseshoes, fish at the stocked fishing lake, or take a dip in the pool. For some indoor attractions, the Museum of Science and History and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens aren’t far away.
8. Kootenai River Campground
Troy, Montana
Kootenai River Campground is a great destination for the traditional outdoorsman. Whether you want to hunt, fish, backpack, hike, kayak, or just relax in nature, this Montana campsite has you covered. With the choice between tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, anyone can find their ideal type of stay. A boat launch, bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, a pavilion, and more are available at Kootenai River.
Online reviews almost universally mention the kind and accommodating nature of the owners. You can’t beat those Montana views, either!
9. Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins And Campground
Folkston, Georgia
Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground in Georgia is a peaceful campground with RV sites, basic and deluxe cabins, and tent sites. The main attraction is Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which covers over 700 square miles with 120 miles of waterways. In addition to great outdoor opportunities, this campground features fishing, hiking, and amenities like showers, Wi-Fi, and a playground. Most reviews highlight the comfortable accommodations and easy access to nature.
10. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Memphis
Horn Lake, Mississippi
Last, but certainly not least, is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Memphis. Just 5 miles from Memphis, Jellystone Park is an easy-to-access getaway that is perfect for families. One major highlight is the park’s pool and water slides. In addition to an extensive list of fun activities, rentals, games, and recreation fields and facilities, Jellystone Park also features modern comforts like Internet access, laundry facilities, and bathrooms with showers.
As you might expect, the reviews for this campground focus on family fun, which Jellystone Park offers in abundance.
And the Campspot Awards don’t stop there! The site has also picked awards for 11 other categories including the best campsites in Canada, the best glamping sites, and campgrounds for spontaneous campers, families, and 55+ travelers.
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