Where are the best campsites for families? The United States is known for its amazing natural spaces. The expansive green forests, dramatic red deserts, and vast blue seas lead to a plethora of fantastic camping with your family. For a kid, nothing is better than being able to leave behind the comfort of their home and their devices to play in nature. There are so many options to choose from when picking a great place to plunk down your tent for an outdoor family vacay. We’re here to help you find the best campsites for families, so your next trip can be filled with fun for the whole crew.
Get the Gear
In order to have the best possible time with your family, it’s essential to get the essentials for your camping setup. Check out this list of gear below to make sure you are good to go before you set out on your next trip.
- Family Camping Tents: (mention canvas camping tent) Even if you find the best campsite for your family, a small tent can make a trip feel cramped and make people cranky if there isn’t enough space for everyone. Think about getting a large canvas camping tent with space for your littlest and your biggest family member. You will thank us when you are able to stand up and hang out in your tent if the weather goes south!
- Tent Stove: Speaking of being able to hang out in your tent, getting a tent that can have a stove inside of it and a tent stove can create added comfort and expand the seasons within which you can camp.
- Plastic Tarp: Plastic tarps are essential to camping success. They can be a perfect mat for the littles to play on so they don;t get too dirty, or act as a rain tarp that you can cook and play cards under if the sun is beating down on you or the rain is pouring down on you.
- Sleeping Bags and Pads: When it’s time to crash, you want to make sure you and your family catch the appropriate amount of “Z’s”. Think about getting a double sleeping bag and pad for you and your number one so that you can cozy up together.
- The Little Things: Make sure you remember to bring the normal camp essentials, like headlamps, and whatever your kids will want and need, like games and diapers, for example.
Food for Thought
Before you decide where to take the fam for their next outdoor adventure, there are some factors to consider that can help you make the best choice for everyone.
- Location: Think about where you want to visit. Are you in the mood to check out a new place? Do you want the creature comforts of a spot close to home? You can base your campsite on the vacation that you are picturing in your mind’s eye.
- Amenities: Depending on your family makeup and the age of your kid, you might need more amenities or you might be looking for a minimalist vibe. Do you need to have a shower so you can clean your kids off after a big day of hiking and playing outside? Do you want the campsite to have a pool so that your kids can be entertained? Consider these potential additions when choosing where to go.
- Activities: Different families like to do different things. Remember to think about what you like to do as a family and what campsite will cater to your interests.
- Site Availability: Some campsites can book up quickly while others can be booked up to a week before you visit, so check in advance to see if the sites you want are getting snagged.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, is the national park that comes to mind when you think of America’s most famous parks. Its glorious geysers, a plethora of wildlife, and rivers surrounded by rolling green hills are a must-see for anyone interested in the great outdoors. Even just driving through the park itself will have your kids ogling out the windows, trying to catch a glimpse of the great American Bison.
- Grant Village Campground: This campground is located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and offers stunning views. It also has a variety of amenities that are great for families, such as ranger programs, amphitheaters, camp stores, and laundry facilities.
Moab, Utah
Going to the red, towering rocks of Moab is like stepping onto another planet (most likely Mars). With more national parks than almost any other concentrated area in the United States, there is plenty to see and do. The rock scrambling, river rafting, and visits to Moab’s local rock shop are “must-dos” for families in the area.
- Potash Road: Potash Road has plenty of great camping that is perfect for the family. It runs along the Colorado River just outside of town. Some camping must be reserved up to a year out, but other spots are first come first serve.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Shadowed by Longs Peak and framed by tall pines, Rocky Mountain National Park is a classic camping must-see. With more trails than you can throw a stone at, it makes a great family trip. Take a trip on the longest scenic paved highway in North America while you listen to an audiobook with your kids.
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Estes Park: Another fun option near the park entrance, this Yogi Bear-themed campground offers all the amenities you might expect for family fun, like a pool, mini-golf, arcade, planned activities, and character meet-and-greets. They have tent and RV sites as well as cabins available.
Acadia National Park, Maine
- Blackwoods Campground: This is the most popular campground within Acadia, and for good reason. It’s situated on the east side of Mount Desert Island, providing easy access to Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Bar Harbor. Blackwoods Campground offers a variety of tent and RV sites, some with hookups for electricity and water. There are also flush toilets, ranger programs, and a camp store on-site, making it a convenient and comfortable option for families.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a jaw-dropping wonder that will leave you speechless. Hike along the rim for panoramic vistas, or descend a trail and lose yourself in the immensity of the canyon. Or, for a calmer day with the family, pack a picnic lunch and soak in the grandeur of this natural masterpiece.
- Mather Campground: This is the largest and most popular campground on the South Rim. It’s located near the South Rim Visitor Center and offers a variety of amenities that are great for families, such as a swimming pool, amphitheater with nightly ranger programs, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Mather Campground has tent sites, RV sites, and even some cabins available for rent.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a tribute to four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Walk the Presidential Trail to get up close to these historical giants and learn about the significance of each president’s role in shaping America. Your kids will get to connect with the nation’s history in a truly awe-inspiring setting.
- Hart Ranch RV Resort: Even though this resort has a beautiful pool, an on-site mini-mart, a gas station, a restaurant, and even mini golf, it still feels quite natural. The resort offers spacious campsites shaded by mature trees and plenty of space for the whole family.
Enjoy the Trip!
Wherever you end up going for your family camping trip, your kids will be sure to enjoy the adventure. Make sure you pack your large canvas tent, plenty of snacks, and a deck of cards, and your whole family is sure to have an excellent adventure.