While winter’s chill has us in its grip, there’s no better cure for the cold-weather blues than planning your warm-weather camping escape. But if you wait until summer to book the best summer campgrounds, you’ll likely find your top-choice parks already sold out, leaving you with missed opportunities and disappointment. The secret to a flawless 2026 camping adventure is acting now—securing your spot not only guarantees the dates you want but also gives you a full year of vacation anticipation to savor. So, where will the savvy camper be headed in 2026? We’re revealing the top trends, from the rise of under-the-radar “second-tier” national parks like the breathtaking Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the ultimate lakeside getaways and remote-work-friendly campgrounds in Texas Hill Country. This is your first look at the destinations that will define next summer.
Why Plan Your 2026 Summer Camping Now?
Securing your campsite is just the first of many advantages that come with early planning. By making your reservations now, you unlock the true potential for a superior summer camping trip: the ability to hand-pick the best possible site in the campground, whether it’s a waterfront spot, a private wooded alcove, or one with full hookups. It grants you the financial benefit of locking in the best rates before potential price increases, and it transforms the entire planning process from a stressful scramble into a leisurely, enjoyable part of the adventure itself. With your core accommodations secured, you can then focus on the fun part—crafting the perfect itinerary. Let’s dive into the destinations that are worth planning for, so you can start building your 2026 summer camping trip of a lifetime.
The Rise of the “Second-Tier” National Park
As the summer camping crowds at icons like Yellowstone and Yosemite reach a fever pitch, savvy travelers are seeking equally stunning, less-congested alternatives. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the perfect answer. This is not a park for passive viewing; it’s for those who want to engage with a raw, unforgiving landscape without the queues. Test your nerve on the dizzying exposure of the Rim Rock Nature Trail, or secure a permit for the ultimate challenge: a full-day descent into the inner canyon down routes like the Gunnison Route, a steep, unmaintained path that rewards your scramble with world-class fly-fishing in the isolated river gorge.
For a different perspective, drive the East Portal Road down to the river itself to feel the mist on your face and witness the canyon walls soar directly from the water’s edge. In the evening, the park’s designated Dark Sky status provides a brilliant, crowd-free celestial show, offering some of the best stargazing in the lower 48. It’s the ultimate trade: swapping crowded overlooks for profound solitude and a visceral sense of scale.
Campgrounds near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Riverbend RV Park and Cabins
Montrose, CO
This Montrose RV park is your gateway to camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Offering full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and flexible lodging options, it’s the perfect base for outdoor adventures and scenic mountain views. Enjoy amenities like a clubhouse, dog park, and direct river access, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the dramatic South Rim trails, spotting wildlife, or stargazing under some of Colorado’s darkest skies. With downtown Montrose just minutes away, you’ll have easy access to local dining, shops, and supplies while staying close to one of the nation’s most breathtaking and underrated national parks.
Oasis RV Resort & Cottages
Gunnison, CO
Nestled in the high alpine valley of Gunnison, Colorado, Oasis RV Resort offers guests a stunning mountain backdrop and a serene, high-desert landscape setting for camping near Blue Mesa Reservoir. The resort provides spacious, full-hookup RV sites and resort amenities including RV, boat, and vehicle storage, a community fire pit, and dog park. This beautiful setting serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison, just a short drive away, as well as fly-fishing the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison River or hiking in the nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area.
The Lakeside Getaway Revival
As popular coastal destinations become overcrowded and expensive, a lakeside revival is drawing savvy campers to the pristine, forest-ringed waters of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest. This vast, often-overlooked region offers a reprieve from both the heat and the crowds, centered around the massive Allegheny Reservoir—a sprawling, 90-mile shoreline of clean, fresh water perfect for days spent swimming, waterskiing, and kayaking without fighting for a spot on the sand. Paddle the tranquil inlets of the Kinzua Arm to spot bald eagles, or hike the ancient hemlocks along the 1.7-mile Minister Creek Valley Trail, which winds past dramatic rock overhangs and a babbling creek.
For breathtaking views, drive the Longhouse National Scenic Byway to the Rimrock Overlook, where a short walk leads to a stunning vista of the reservoir snaking through the endless green canopy. After a day of exploration, the experience elevates beyond traditional camping. The area has become a hub for exceptional glamping,the perfect fusion of rustic adventure and modern comfort, offering a complete water-centric escape without the coastal cost or chaos.
Campgrounds near Allegheny National Forest
Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground
Shippenville, PA
This Shippenville campground offers a peaceful escape on 24 wooded acres framed by mature oak and pine trees, with a creek running through the property that adds to its natural charm. Guests can choose from RV sites with full hookups, tent sites under the trees, glamping tents with modern comforts, or vintage travel‑trailer rentals for a hassle‑free stay. With amenities like a lounge and coffee bar, free WiFi, a camp store, shower and laundry facilities, hiking trails, disc golf, a wading creek, and a playground, Rustic Acres combines seclusion with convenient access to nearby Clarion River, North Country hiking trails, and Cook Forest State Park, making it an ideal base for camping near Allegheny National Forest.
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
Clarington, PA
Hominy Ridge Cabins & Gift Shop offers a peaceful Allegheny National Forest camping retreat with six private cabins on seven wooded acres, including several with outdoor hot tubs — a choice that makes it a flexible getaway whether you want a small couple’s break or lodging for a larger group. Each cabin includes a full kitchen, bathroom, free WiFi, fireplace or wood‑burning stove, and a living space, providing upscale comfort and convenience while still being immersed in nature. Just minutes from Clear Creek State Park, venture out for hiking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, or simply taking in the forest surroundings before returning to your cabin and a warm fire.
The Hill Country Hideaway
Escape to the timeless, rolling landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, a hideaway that offers a perfect blend of serene nature and classic summer camping fun. This is where you can spend your days swimming and tubing in the cool, spring-fed waters of the Guadalupe River at Guadalupe River State Park, or hiking the dramatic, otherworldly granite dome of Enchanted Rock for 360-degree views. Discover the layered limestone shelves and cascading waterfalls of Pedernales Falls, then join the timeless tradition of a summer evening dance at Garner State Park. Winding back roads lead to charming towns where you can browse local artisan shops, tour a family-owned winery, or savor a legendary slice of pie at a classic roadside diner. With campgrounds offering reliable WiFi and peaceful workspaces tucked into nature, the Hill Country also makes it easy to balance productivity with adventure, making it an ideal setting for a remote work camping getaway. It’s the quintessential Texas summer, found not in crowded tourist traps, but in the quiet, hidden corners of the Hill Country.
Texas Hill Country Campgrounds
Pitmaster RV Park
Concan, TX
Pitmaster RV Park offers a range of accommodations to match every style of getaway, from full‑hookup RV sites and travel trailer rentals to a covered glamping wagon for an authentic Western experience. The park has a welcoming, social atmosphere with a pickleball court, off‑leash dog park, communal BBQ area, and fire‑pit nights where guests can relax under the stars, plus fiber‑optic WiFi for those who need to stay connected. For outdoor fun nearby you can float or kayak the Frio River — one of the clearest, most relaxing rivers in the Hill Country — or hike in Garner State Park, where the trail up Mount Old Baldy delivers rolling limestone cliffs and canyon scenery.
Cowboys and Angels Retreat
Mountain Home, TX
Cowboys and Angels Retreat offers a range of Texas Hill Country camping options from RV sites, cabins, cottages, a yurt, or even a lodge. The campground includes amenities such as a pool, hot tub, a large fire‑pit area, BBQ grills, laundry and bathhouse facilities, outdoor games, and walking trails across the gated 50‑acre property, giving a blend of comfort and rustic feel. Explore Kerrville, Texas for riverside recreation along the Guadalupe River plus cozy downtown shops and music, and Fredericksburg, Texas for wineries, historic charm, and boutique‑style shopping. Further out you can explore Guadalupe River State Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area, or Bandera, Texas (dubbed the “Cowboy Capital of the World”) for hiking, river fun, and a strong dose of western‑style culture — making the retreat a smart base for discovering the wider Hill Country.
The Iconic Road Trip Route
The classic American road trip is back and bigger than ever, with campers using their RVs to connect multiple iconic destinations into one epic journey. For 2026, the ultimate itinerary is the Grand Circle, a stunning route through Utah and Arizona that packs a lifetime of wonders into a single trip. With crowds at top-tier parks reaching record levels, the new key to a successful adventure isn’t just the route—it’s your basecamp. By securing a strategic hub like the adventure-packed oasis of Moab, Utah or the sun-drenched gateway of Phoenix, Arizona, you gain seamless access to the region’s greatest hits without the daily hassle of relocating, turning a daunting circuit into a manageable and unforgettable pilgrimage.
Moab, Utah
Moab is your mission control for red-rock exploration. Perfectly positioned between the soaring sandstone arches of Arches National Park and the vast, otherworldly canyons of Canyonlands National Park, this basecamp eliminates hours of redundant driving. From here, you can spend a morning hiking the iconic trail to Delicate Arch, an afternoon navigating the rapids of the Colorado River, and an evening stargazing from the rim of Dead Horse Point, all while returning each night to the same comfortable campsite. By securing a spot in or near Moab, you gain unparalleled proximity, placing you within easy reach of the region’s most legendary trails and dramatic landscapes day after day.
Campgrounds near Moab
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
Moab, UT
Choose your Moab camping accommodations from full‑hookup RV sites, set up on tent pads, or relax in one-room cabins. On-site amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, splash pad, picnic pavilion, playground, and easy access to bathhouses, laundry, and a nearby convenience store. With downtown Moab nearby and iconic landscapes like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River just a short drive away, it’s the perfect base for exploring the area and enjoying that classic southwestern road trip feel.
HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages
Moab, UT
HTR Moab Lodge & Cottages offers tent sites, glamping safari tents, cottages, and motel-style rooms, giving travelers a range of ways to stay while camping in Moab. On-site amenities include a community kitchen, modern bathhouse and showers, laundry facilities, and WiFi, making longer stays comfortable and convenient. Guests can also take scenic drives along the surrounding red rock roads, enjoy stargazing in the clear desert skies, or visit nearby art galleries and local markets for a taste of Moab’s culture.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix serves as the ultimate southern gateway to the Grand Circle, offering a strategic launchpad for exploring Arizona’s most iconic landscapes. From here, you’re within striking distance of the towering red rock formations of Sedona, the ancient cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle, and the sprawling saguaro forests of Tonto National Forest. Spend a day hiking the rugged trails of the Superstition Mountains, then unwind with a scenic drive along the Apache Trail the next—all while returning each evening to the city’s upscale amenities and reliably sunny skies. By basing yourself in Phoenix, you unlock seamless access to the diverse wonders of the Sonoran Desert and beyond, blending urban comfort with untamed southwestern wilderness.
Campgrounds near Phoenix
Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort
El Mirage, AZ
At Pueblo El Mirage RV & Golf Resort, guests can stay in spacious RV sites with full hookups, including standard or deluxe pads that feature patios, picnic tables, and green-turf areas. This 55+ community offers amenities such as a championship golf course, 27 pickleball courts, a large clubhouse with dining and fitness facilities, a heated pool, laundry, and WiFi access. Located just outside Phoenix, it provides easy access to White Tank Mountain Regional Park for hiking and desert scenery, as well as nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Leaf Verde
Buckeye, AZ
Surrounded by scenic desert landscapes and White Tank Mountain Views, Leaf Verde RV Community offers fully hooked‑up RV sites, from standard back‑ins and pull‑throughs to deluxe pads with concrete patios and picnic tables. The community features on‑site amenities such as a heated swimming pool, a game room, pickleball and volleyball courts, a lounge for cards or billiards, a fitness center, and pet‑friendly outdoor space. Just west of Phoenix, Leaf Verde provides easy access to desert hiking and biking trails in Skyline Regional Park, as well as urban attractions like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.
The Great Lakes Escape
For families and water lovers seeking an unforgettable yet affordable summer, the Great Lakes region delivers a stunning alternative to crowded coastal destinations. The crown jewel is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a hands-on playground where adventure awaits at every turn. Challenge yourselves to the Dune Climb, a strenuous but rewarding ascent up a massive sand mountain, then race back down toward the glittering water. For a more relaxed perspective, drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, stopping at overlooks like the Lake Michigan Overlook for a heart-pounding view of the lake 450 feet below. Paddle the calm, winding Platte River on a kayak or tube, floating effortlessly toward where the river meets the lake’s vast expanse. Then, take the ferry to the South Manitou Island to explore a historic lighthouse and walk among a grove of ancient cedar trees. This is a freshwater paradise where the days are filled with active discovery, not just scenic views.
Campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes
Timber Ridge Resort
Traverse City, MI
Timber Ridge Resort offers a variety of accommodations, from full‑hookup RV sites to cabins, cottages, and spacious yurts, perfect for families or groups. On-site, guests can enjoy a heated pool, a swim-and-splash lake with a sandy beach and water trampoline, a bike park, playgrounds, a camp store, and a lodge with games and fire pits, plus convenient bathhouses and laundry facilities. Just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, kayak or paddleboard on Lake Michigan, tour charming nearby towns like Glen Arbor and Leland, or visit local wineries and orchards for a true northern Michigan adventure.
Leelanau Pines Campground
Cedar, MI
Set against the scenic backdrop of northern Michigan’s forests and Lake Leelanau, this campground near Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes offers RV sites, cabins, and glamping pods with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The park features amenities like a boat launch, swimming area with water rentals, a jumping pad in the lake, recreation courts for basketball and pickleball, bathhouses, laundry, and a camp store. With Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore just minutes away, guests can hike the dunes, enjoy beach days, go boating, or explore Traverse City for local shops and dining.
The Subtropical Swamp & Springs Adventure
For a summer camping experience unlike any other, trade the ocean’s salt spray for the crystal-clear, refreshing chill of Florida’s freshwater springs. Ocala National Forest & Silver Springs is the ultimate destination for this, a vast wilderness boasting the world’s largest collection of artesian springs. Here, you can spend your days swimming and snorkeling in the constant 72-degree, turquoise waters of Juniper Springs, paddling a kayak down the winding, jungle-like Juniper Run as turtles and otters play alongside, or launching a boat at Silver Glen Springs to swim above a deep, cavernous boil where water surges from the earth. You can hike through sand pine scrub forests to secluded springs or float down the lazy Silver River, often spotting monkeys along the banks. It’s a lush, vibrant world far removed from Florida’s crowded beach resorts, promising an immersive ecological escape.
Campgrounds near Ocala National Forest
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
Citra, FL
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake offers a variety of accommodations, from full‑hookup RV sites to furnished cottages perfect for camping near Ocala National Forest. Enjoy the 9‑hole golf course with driving range, swimming pool, lake access for boating, fishing or kayaking, a game room, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a café. Explore Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area to hike the shady boardwalk trails, enjoy swimming or snorkeling in crystal‑clear spring water, or paddle gently flowing spring runs.
Silver Springs RV Park
Silver Springs, FL
Silver Springs RV Park sits amid shady palms and live oaks, offering full‑service RV sites with 30/50‑amp hookups, pull‑through pads, and picnic tables for relaxing outdoors. On-site amenities include a heated swimming pool, a clubhouse with free WiFi, game room, bocce and shuffleboard courts, and lively community events like potlucks and ice‑cream socials. Just minutes from Silver Springs State Park and close to Ocala National Forest, guests can paddle the crystal-clear Silver River, take glass‑bottom boat tours, hike scenic trails, or spot wildlife at nearby springs for an active and unforgettable Florida camping escape.
Secure the Best Summer Campgrounds for 2026 Now
Your 2026 summer camping adventure begins with the reservation you make today. Waiting means watching the best waterfront sites, private wooded spots, and prime dates at top destinations disappear. Imagine securing your basecamp for the raw beauty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the freshwater serenity of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, or the ultimate Grand Circle road trip from Moab. This is how you craft a trip with zero compromise.
Locking in your site now is the smart move. You’ll get the pick of the campground, lock in the best rates with instant bookings powered by Spot2Nite, and trade last-minute stress for a year of anticipation. The most sought-after spots are booking fast. Don’t just plan to go—guarantee your spot and book your summer camping trip now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!