10 Best Places to Car Camp in the United States

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Car camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to give up the comforts of home. It’s perfect for people who want to get away from it all without having to rough it too much. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the wilderness or a convenient place to stay near a major city, there are plenty of great places to car camp.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to car camp in the United States. We’ll cover everything from national parks to state parks, as well as campgrounds that are located near major cities. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your car camping experience as enjoyable as possible.

So if you’re ready to hit the open road and explore some of the best car camping spots in the country, read on!

Name Location Amenities
Yosemite National Park California Camping, hiking, fishing, biking
Grand Canyon National Park Arizona Hiking, camping, rafting, mule rides
Yellowstone National Park Wyoming Camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing
Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Camping, hiking, fishing, biking

Car camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to rough it too much. You can sleep in your car, truck, or van, and have access to all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, bathroom, and bed. Car camping is also a great way to save money on lodging, as you can often find free or inexpensive places to park your car.

Types of Car Camping

There are three main types of car camping: backcountry car camping, frontcountry car camping, and overlanding.

  • Backcountry car camping is camping in remote areas, away from developed campgrounds. This type of car camping requires a high-clearance vehicle and off-road driving skills. Backcountry car camping is a great way to experience the wilderness and see amazing scenery.
  • Frontcountry car camping is camping in developed campgrounds, typically located in national and state parks. This type of car camping is more accessible than backcountry car camping, and it offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Frontcountry car camping is a great option for families and beginners.
  • Overlanding is a type of car camping that involves driving long distances to explore remote destinations. Overlanding vehicles are typically modified to handle rough terrain and carry all the gear you need for a long trip. Overlanding is a great way to see the country and experience different cultures.

Where to Find Car Camping Spots

There are many places to find car camping spots, including:

  • National and state parks offer a variety of car camping options, from rustic campgrounds to more luxurious cabins.
  • Campgrounds are privately owned businesses that offer car camping spots. Campgrounds typically have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
  • BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) is public land that is open to camping. BLM land is often located in remote areas, and it can be a great place to find free or inexpensive car camping spots.
  • Private land is land that is owned by individuals or businesses. You can often find car camping spots on private land by contacting the landowner.

Car camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to rough it too much. There are many different types of car camping, and there are plenty of places to find car camping spots. Whether you’re looking for a rustic experience in the backcountry or a comfortable stay in a developed campground, there’s a car camping spot out there for you.

Types of Car Camping

Car camping can be done in a variety of settings, from remote backcountry areas to developed campgrounds. Here are three of the most popular types of car camping:

  • Backcountry car camping is camping in remote areas, away from developed roads and trails. This type of car camping requires a high-clearance vehicle and off-road driving skills. Backcountry car camping is a great way to experience the wilderness and see amazing scenery.
  • Frontcountry car camping is camping in developed campgrounds, typically located in national and state parks. This type of car camping is more accessible than backcountry car camping, and it offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Frontcountry car camping is a great option for families and beginners.
  • Overlanding is a type of car camping that involves driving long distances to explore remote destinations. Overlanding vehicles are typically modified to handle rough terrain and carry all the gear you need for a long trip. Overlanding is a great way to see the country and experience different cultures.

Where to Find Car Camping Spots

There are many places to find car camping spots, including:

  • National and state parks offer a variety of car camping options, from rustic campgrounds to more luxurious cabins.
  • Campgrounds are privately owned businesses that offer car camping spots. Campgrounds typically have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
  • BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) is public land that is open to camping. BLM land is often located in remote areas, and it can be a great place to find free or inexpensive car camping spots.
  • Private land is land that is owned by individuals or businesses. You can often find car camping spots on private land by contacting the landowner.

Tips for Car Camping

Here are a few tips for car camping:

  • Choose the right vehicle. If you’re planning on doing any off-road driving, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive. If you’re just planning on staying in developed campgrounds, a car or minivan will suffice.
  • Pack light. You’ll be carrying everything you need in your car

Where Can You Car Camp?

Car camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to rough it too much. You can bring all of your creature comforts with you in your car, and you can set up camp in a variety of different locations.

Here are some of the best places to car camp in the United States:

  • National and state parks offer some of the best car camping opportunities in the country. These parks have well-maintained campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Some parks even have designated car camping areas, which make it easy to find a spot to pitch your tent.
  • Forest service campgrounds are another great option for car camping. These campgrounds are typically located in national forests, and they offer a more rustic experience than national and state parks. Forest service campgrounds typically have fewer amenities than national and state parks, but they are often located in more remote areas.
  • BLM land is another great option for car camping. BLM land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and it is located in all 50 states. BLM land is typically open to dispersed camping, which means that you can camp anywhere on BLM land as long as you are at least 200 feet from a road or trail.
  • Private campgrounds are another option for car camping. These campgrounds are typically owned and operated by private businesses, and they offer a variety of amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Private campgrounds can be more expensive than public campgrounds, but they often offer a higher level of service.

No matter where you choose to car camp, you’re sure to have a great time. Car camping is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and make memories with your friends and family.

Gear and Supplies for Car Camping

The gear and supplies you need for car camping will vary depending on the length of your trip and the climate where you’re camping. However, there are some essential items that you’ll need for any car camping trip.

Camping gear

  • Tent: A tent is essential for car camping, as it will provide you with shelter from the elements. When choosing a tent, consider the size of your group, the climate where you’re camping, and the weight of the tent.
  • Sleeping bag: A sleeping bag is another essential item for car camping. When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the temperature range of the bag and the type of insulation it has.
  • Mattress: A mattress will help you sleep more comfortably on the ground. When choosing a mattress, consider the thickness of the mattress and the type of material it is made of.
  • Pillow: A pillow will help you get a good night’s sleep. When choosing a pillow, consider the size and shape of the pillow and the type of filling it has.
  • Cookware: You’ll need cookware to cook your meals while you’re car camping. When choosing cookware, consider the number of people in your group and the type of meals you plan to cook.
  • Utensils: You’ll need utensils to eat your meals while you’re car camping. When choosing utensils, consider the number of people in your group and the type of meals you plan to cook.
  • Plates and bowls: You’ll need plates and bowls to eat your meals while you’re car camping. When choosing plates and bowls, consider the number of people in your group and the type of meals you plan to cook.
  • Cups: You’ll need cups to drink your beverages while you’re car camping. When choosing cups, consider the number of people in your group and the type of beverages you plan to drink.
  • Stove: A stove is essential for cooking your meals while you’re car camping. When choosing a stove, consider the type of fuel it uses, the size of the stove, and the number of burners it has.
  • Fuel: You’ll need fuel for your stove. When choosing fuel, consider the type of stove you have and the amount of fuel you need.
  • Lantern or flashlight: A lantern or flashlight will help you see in the dark. When choosing a lantern or flashlight, consider the size of the light and the type of batteries it uses.
  • Matches or lighter: You’ll need matches or a lighter to light your stove or lantern.
  • First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential for any camping trip, as it can help you treat minor injuries. When choosing a first aid kit, consider the size of the kit and the type of injuries it can treat.
  • Toiletries: You’ll need toiletries to stay clean while you’re car camping. When choosing toiletries, consider the type of toiletries you need and the amount of space you have.
  • Clothes: You

    Where Can I Car Camp?

  • National and State Parks

Many national and state parks allow car camping. This is a great option for those who want to be close to nature and have access to amenities such as restrooms and showers. Some popular national parks for car camping include:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Acadia National Park
  • National Forests

National forests also offer many opportunities for car camping. These areas are often less crowded than national parks, and they offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, developed campgrounds, and RV parks. Some popular national forests for car camping include:

  • Pisgah National Forest
  • Angeles National Forest
  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • Nantahala National Forest
  • BLM Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 245 million acres of public land, much of which is open to dispersed camping. This means that you can camp on BLM land for free, as long as you follow the posted regulations. Some popular BLM areas for car camping include:

  • Moab, Utah
  • Death Valley, California
  • Canyonlands National Park, Utah
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
  • Private Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a more convenient and luxurious car camping experience, you can also stay at a private campground. These campgrounds typically offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. Some popular private campgrounds for car camping include:

  • KOA Campgrounds
  • Jellystone Park Camp Resorts
  • Holiday Trav-L-Parks
  • Riverview Campgrounds
  • Thousand Trails

What Do I Need to Bring for Car Camping?

In addition to your basic camping gear, there are a few other things you’ll need to bring for car camping:

  • A car that is in good condition and has enough ground clearance to handle rough terrain.
  • A sturdy tent that is large enough to accommodate your group.
  • Sleeping bags or blankets for each person.
  • A sleeping pad for each person.
  • A camp stove and cooking utensils.
  • Food and water for your entire stay.
  • A cooler to keep your food and drinks cold.
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
  • Trash bags.
  • A first aid kit.
  • A flashlight or headlamp.
  • A map of the area.
  • A fire extinguisher.
  • A fire permit (if required).

How Do I Find a Good Car Camping Spot?

When choosing a car camping spot, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • The location. Is the spot close to hiking trails, fishing spots, or other activities you’re interested in? Is it located in a safe area?
  • The terrain. Is the spot flat and easy to access, or is it steep and rocky?
  • The weather. Is the spot sheltered from the wind and rain?
  • The amenities. Does the spot have access to restrooms, showers, a camp store, or other amenities?

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your options. Here are a few tips for finding a good car camping spot:

  • Talk to other campers. They can often give you recommendations for good spots.
  • Check out online forums and websites. There are many resources available online that can help you find a good car camping spot.
  • Visit the area before you camp. This will give you a chance to check out the spot and make sure it’s what you’re looking for.

What are the Rules for Car Camping?

When car camping, it’s important to follow the rules and regulations set by the land management agency that oversees the area you’re camping in. These rules can vary from place to place, but some common rules include:

  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Pack out all of your trash.
  • Leave no trace.
  • Respect the wildlife.
  • Obey all fire regulations.

What are the Safety Tips for Car Camping?

When car camping, it’s important to take some safety precautions to stay safe. Here are a few tips:

  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
  • Bring a map and a compass.

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there are many different places where you can car camp. You can camp in national forests, state parks, and even on BLM land. Just be sure to do your research and find a spot that is both legal and safe. And don’t forget to pack all the essentials, including a good sleeping bag, a camp stove, and plenty of food and water. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great car camping experience in any of these amazing places.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Car camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to rough it too much.
  • There are many different places where you can car camp, including national forests, state parks, and BLM land.
  • Be sure to do your research and find a spot that is both legal and safe.
  • Don’t forget to pack all the essentials, including a good sleeping bag, a camp stove, and plenty of food and water.

With a little planning, you can enjoy a great car camping experience in any of these amazing places.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.