20 Insanely Scenic Campsites for a Next-Level Getaway in the U.S.

Camping these days is so much more than simply pitching a tent and roughing it. Of course, we're all for spending some good, old-fashioned time in the Great Outdoors at a rugged campsite, but we also think there's a way to have it all: a grounding and wondrous experience in nature that features not only basic creature comforts, but also the kinds of luxurious extras one might expect from a high-end resort.

This type of camping unicorn exists, and we've found some of the best campgrounds in the U.S. where you can enjoy a next-level getaway while reveling in some of our country's most resplendent landscapes.

1. Wallowa Lake, Oregon

• Standout Amenity: Situated right on a glacial lake.

A pristine and perfect alpine paradise in Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a true #pnwonderland. Surrounded by the lush forests, glacial lakes, and the wide expanse of Eastern Oregon, the Wallowas are one of the state’s most resplendent treasures. And you can discover all of this marvelous wonder at Wallowa Lake State Park in Oregon, a beautiful place with a near-endless resume of recreation opportunities: boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and superlative year-round camping. With 88 tent sites and several group tent sites, plus amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and firewood, you'll enjoy a comfortable, waterfront camping experience. While a bit more traditional than some of the other sites on this list, what sets this Oregon State Park campground apart are the views. Simply put, they are astounding, and you'll feel as though you've been swept away to a far-off European village in the mountains when you visit the wondrous Wallowas of Oregon.

2. Two Harbors Campground - Santa Catalina Island, California

• Standout Amenity: Waterfront to the Isthmus Cove

Located on the lovely Catalina Island, you'll find the Two Harbors Campground, a remote and rugged campground that boasts breathtaking ocean views. When you reserve a campsite at Two Harbors Campground, you can choose to bring your own tent or stay inside one of the rustic tent cabins on-site; regardless of how you choose to camp here, the views are always, always spectacular. And with a population of only 300, this slice of SoCal paradise will feel like your very own private oasis!

3. Little Raccoon Key - Golden Isles of Georgia

• Standout Amenity: Have a reef island practically all to yourself.

Have you ever dreamed of camping on your own, private island? Make that dream a reality at Little Raccoon Key, a one-tent glampsite on the Golden Isles of Georgia. Little Raccoon Key is a tiny reef island off the coast of Georgia; it's a small, uninhabited island that's rugged, remote, rife with wildlife and positively resplendent. The abundant flora and fauna make the unspoiled isle wholly unique, offering visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live out their very own island fantasy. Little Raccoon Key’s objective is to maintain and share the natural beauty of the island while focusing on the conservation of its native wildlife and plant species; as such, the glamping tent and amenities are rustic, yet comfortable. Because when you're staying in a place as glorious as this, you really don't need much!

4. Collective Retreats - Governor's Island, New York

• Standout Amenity: Statue of Liberty views.

Urbanites enjoy an escape in nature from time to time, too, and this campsite on Governor's Island delivers. Only a quick ferry ride away from downtown Manhattan, Governors Island has its own Collective Retreat glampground that offers the ultimate camping experience, complete with the most jaw-dropping views of the city. At the glampground, you'll find three different accommodation options, all of which come equipped with electricity and outlets, along with posh features such as soaking tubs and king beds. Dine at the Three Peaks Restaurant whilst gazing out at the iconic skyline, then do yoga or enjoy a live show with the city's buildings twinkling in the distance. Did you realize such a high-end outdoor experience was waiting so close to the Big Apple? It's pretty incredible.

5. R2 Where R U - Catskills, New York

• Standout Amenity: Two safari tents with lake views.

The Catskill Mountains are one of New York's greatest treasures. Comprised of more than 700,000 acres flush with waterfalls, rivers, and old-growth hemlock and hardwood forests, this region is a wondrous world offering endless adventures. And in this extraordinary region, there's a campsite that's quite literally out of this world. R2 Where R U is a double tent camping destination surrounded by lush forest scenery that's reminiscent of Endor. The campsite features a Star Wars theme that truly works in harmony with the landscape. The large planform includes two canvas safari tents, each with a queen-sized bunk bed and two pop-up tents, two picnic tables, fire pits, and iconic Adirondack chairs to soak up the rapturous lake views. With next-level camping amenities, sublime scenery, and plenty of fun Easter eggs, this retreat is a bucket-list experience for all Star Wars fans.

6. Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

• Standout Amenity: Safari-style glamping in the most visited national park.

The country's most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains span half a million acres across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, offering a near-endless list of bucket-list-worthy hiking adventures. It's a place to stay and savor, and there's no better place to do that than Under Canvas, a camping experience minus the ruggedness of standard camping. Under Canvas offers safari-style glamping opportunities near Gatlinburg, TN, and it’s easily the most luxe and relaxing camping experience in the national park. You'll feel as though you're deep in the mountainous wilds of the Smokies, but have all the comforts of home and more. There are multiple tent options to choose from, including a luxurious "Suite" that offers lounge areas, private bathrooms, a private deck, and expansive indoor spaces. Each lodging option includes private bathrooms, as well as a wood-burning stove with firewood. The only "rough" part of this experience will be deciding which tent to book!

7. Treebones Resort - Big Sur, California

• Standout Amenity: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The beauty of Big Sur is something everyone must experience, and Treebones Resort is the very best way to revel in the magnificence of this paradise in Northern California. Treebones is located within the Big Sur Coast, and it's the perfect place to set up camp while you explore—or simply sit back, relax, and take in the views. This off-grid camping resort has traditional campsites, yurts, and even treehouses, making it unlike any camping experience you've ever had—all in one of the most pristine and picturesque places in California.

8. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore - Keystone, South Dakota

• Standout Amenity: Situated on an original gold mining settlement overlooking Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

In the shadows of an American monolith, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore is as wonderfully iconoclastic as the icon itself. This campsite is a diamond in the rough and has been recognized by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler as being the "Best Resort in the World," a "Top 10 Resort in the United States," and one of the "Top Resorts in the US – Midwest & West." Under Canvas certainly lives up to these accolades, too; this glampground is arguably the most unique place to stay in South Dakota, thanks to such luxurious accommodations as suite, stargazer, and deluxe tents. No matter which you choose, you will be treated to comfortable beds and linens, beautiful furniture, a wood-burning stove, and a private bathroom—and, of course, immensely scenic views of one of our country's greatest national treasures.

9. North Rim Campground - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

• Standout Amenity: Located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

In addition to being one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a certified Dark Sky Park with perhaps the best stargazing in the country. When night falls over the deserts of Arizona, trillions of stars and celestial bodies shine bright, creating a sublime scene that doesn't look real. The best part is that you can witness this dazzling spectacle with the naked eye—no fancy equipment necessary—at one of the park's numerous campsites. We're partial to North Rim Campground, which boasts breathtaking views of this world wonder, minus the crowds. While North Rim Campground is home to one of the most marvelous lodges in the country, there's a primitive campsite here where you can pitch a tent that offers a truly unrivaled Grand Canyon experience. And isn't that what your bucket-list adventures should be?

10. Camp’d Out Joshua Tree Experience - Joshua Tree National Park, California

• Standout Amenity: Ultimate desert glamping experience in stunning Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is a bucket-list destination in California, and when visiting, it's only appropriate that your accommodations be just as bucket-list level. And while there are numerous world-renowned lodges and resorts that offer luxurious R&R, for a truly immersive Joshua Tree adventure, there's nothing better than the Camp’d Out Joshua Tree Experience. At this campsite, the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club brings total glamping vibes to Joshua Tree National Park.

11. Biscayne National Park, Florida

• Standout Amenity: Sleep near coral reefs, islands, and shoreline mangrove forests.

Just east of Downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is a haven for Florida marine life, from beautiful islands and its inhabitants to coastal foliage and rare coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history can be found at this pristine park, too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination; visitors can actually boat or take a guided snorkel eco-tour through this National Park. Take your Biscayne adventures a step further at one of Biscayne's two campgrounds. Accessible only by boat, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key offer visits a wholly unique, off-the-grid experience (there are minimal amenities on these isles) that's as wonderfully close to nature as it gets.

12. Assateague Island National Seashore Campground - Maryland

• Standout Amenity: Camp where wild horses roam.

The Assateague Island Camping options are truly one-of-a-kind. Various options are available from the Oceanside Drive-in, which takes tents, trailers, and RVs with no hookups. Meanwhile, the Oceanside Walk-in offers tent-only sites with picnic tables and fire rings. But one of the best parts of camping here is being able to see the wild horses roam the area at any given time. Just make sure you protect your food!

13. Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park - Virginia

• Standout Amenity: Close to a waterfall and vista hiking trail.

One of the best parts of visiting Shenandoah National Park is the camping at Mathews Arm Campground. This beautiful campground is reservable on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors to this campground will be able to explore the beauty of the national park throughout their stay. While camping at Mathews Arm Campground, find the trail marker to Overall Run Falls, which leads you to a beautiful 29-foot cascade!

14. Camp Comfort - Austin, Texas

• Standout Amenity: A boutique bed-and-breakfast converted from a historic 1860s bowling alley.

One of the most beguiling locales in Texas, Comfort is located between Fredericksburg, Boerne, and Kerrville, and mere minutes from San Antonio, making it the perfect getaway in Central Texas. It's the kind of charming small town you'll visit and not want to leave. Luckily, there's a wonderful campground you can call home for as long as you'd like. Originally a bowling alley built in 1860, Camp Comfort was converted into what's now one of the most unique accommodations in Texas. The campground houses four rooms and two cabins, with a central courtyard comprised of fire pits and a social hall. Did we mention there are fresh cookies served daily to all guests? It's the classic communal campground experience in a wholly unique and wonderful package. Looking to host an incredible evening under the stars? You can book Camp Comfort for a private event with RestauRent!

15. Kirby Cove - San Francisco, California

• Standout Amenity: Spectacular views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge is an American icon, and there's perhaps no better way to experience this wonder than Kirby Cove. Tucked away in a wooded setting, Kirby Cove campground boasts spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands. The campground is located south of Sausalito at what was once Battery Kirby, an old military base. It consists of just five campsites, equipped with tent pads and picnic tables, and a day-use area. Tent #1 is arguably the most favored due to its tucked-away setting along the bluff that affords breathtakingly beautiful views of the bridge. But no matter what campsite you find yourself stationed for the night, awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge await at this NorCal campsite.

16. Beaver Island Retreat - Beaver Island, Michigan

• Standout Amenity: Luxury outdoor accommodations in a remote location.

Bask in the glory of #PureMichigan when you camp at Beaver Island Retreat, a site located on one of the state's most pristine islands. About 50 miles away from Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan, this island is a hidden gem that generally attracts visitors looking for a deep connection with nature. If you're into stargazing, the skies here offer a glimpse into the depths of the cosmos you didn't think was possible. Private bathrooms and amenities guarantee a quiet and serene experience that's the true definition of R&R.

17. Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort - Bear Lake, Utah

• Standout Amenity: Luxury glamping in Bear Lake, Utah.

On the shores of beautiful Bear Lake in Utah, Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort is a step back in time in the very best possible way. Here, you'll enjoy the peace and serenity of camping, but with all the creature comforts of a resort or hotel (cruiser bikes, yoga classes, a nice bathhouse, and an on-site general store and restaurant -- just to name a few!). Conestoga Ranch consists mainly of conestoga family wagons, which are custom-made for the resort based on 19th century designs, as well as "Grand Tents" and the "Royal Tent Suite," also known as the Joshua Tree Suite. No matter what accommodations you choose, you're sure to love this only-in-Utah experience.

18. The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana

• Standout Amenity: A premier luxury ranch resort in Montana with wilderness adventures.

The Resort at Paws Up is a luxury ranch just east of Missoula, MT, where visitors can immerse themselves in all the Treasure State has to offer. The resort offers luxury stays indoors as well as outdoor glamping opportunities, and boasts a menu of more than 70 outdoor activities from which to choose: fishing, whitewater rafting, dogsledding, and horseback riding are just the beginning! And with rustic-chic accommodations surrounded by the Montana wilds, The Resort at Paws Up is a fantastic all-around camping destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

19. Sandy Pines Campground - Kennebunkport, Maine

• Standout Amenity: Safari tents near the tranquil coast.

Maine feels like the edge of the world in the very best possible way; it's a state of rugged beauty and untamed wilds that's truly wondrous. And up in Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines Campground offers guests a camping experience that's every bit as extraordinary as its surroundings. Sandy Pines has three separate luxury rental types: Camp Carriages, Hideaway Huts, and Glamp Tents, and each accommodation boasts its own bespoke amenities and features, ensuring total R&R in this little slice of Pine Tree State paradise.

20. Kalaloch Campground - Forks, Washington

• Standout Amenity: Beach access on a bluff overlooking a driftwood-saturated beach.

It doesn’t get much more unique than camping at Kalaloch Campground. This stunning campground in Olympic National Park offers bluff views of a driftwood-lined beach below. Located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula, campers will have access to the Pacific Ocean, plus tons of opportunities to hike through the lush, dense forests of this 900,000-acre park.

One of the park's features that you must see is Sol Duc Falls, which even the National Park Service acknowledges as the most photogenic waterfall in Olympic National Park. You'll find the trailhead at the end of the road that follows the Sol Duc River upstream from U.S. Route 101. The hike is about 2 miles, out-and-back through stunning, old-growth forest, and the triple waterfall that awaits you at the end is worthy reward for your effort.

When was the last time you immersed yourself in the Great Outdoors on a camping trip? These USA campgrounds cannot be rivaled, and this list is only the beginning. Add them to your trip wishlist using our OIYS itinerary planner.