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With camping becoming increasingly popular among travelers – these are the top 5 destinations for a camping trip in the United States this year.

Recently, the popular travel application, Dyrt – which is free-to-use and designed to help you find the perfect campground for your trip – revealed which destinations in the U.S. are considered to be the ‘best’ when it comes to camping. 

The following destinations have made it into the ‘top 5’ due to their high ratings and reviews left by Dyrt community members – with millions of campers using the Dyrt App to both find and book their desired camping spot.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at which five destinations made it into the top 5 when it comes to the best camping spots in the U.S. for 2022.

5. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota

At number five we have the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in the midwestern state of Minnesota.

Situated on the north shore of the largest of all of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Superior, this beautiful state park is undeniably one of the best for those looking for a fascinating – yet adventurous – camping spot in the U.S.

First and foremost it is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses throughout the entire country – the Split Rock Lighthouse – which was even featured in the smash-hit movie, The Great Gatsby.

Tourists visiting Split Rock Lighthouse, North Shore, Lake Superior

And, for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, and even cross-country skiing, there are plenty of options when it comes to scenic trails to choose from at this beautifully picturesque state park.

Although a great spot for camping during the summer months, the 2,200 acre Split Rock Lighthouse State Park welcomes visitors all-year round. 

For more information about Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – including what camping options, facilities, and amenities are available to campers on site – click here.

The rocks of

4. Alabama Hills Recreation Area, California

If you’re looking to wake up to some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views going then the Alabama Hills Recreation Area – situated in the U.S. state of California – is the perfect camping spot for you.

The views on offer at this place are so ‘special’ that they’ve even been used as the filming location in some of Hollywood’s biggest movies – including the likes of the Gladiator and Iron Man.

Movie road in the California's Alabama Hills at Sunrise

Nestled in between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains, the Alabama Hills Recreation Area also offers campers a number of activities to enjoy, including:

  • touring the numerous film location sites in the region 
  • endless photography opportunities
  • rock climbing
  • horseback riding
  • mountain biking.

Alabama Hills Recreation Area, California

And, although you are only allowed to pitch your tent in marked areas – with camping now banned in a number of locations in the area – you are still guaranteed to have the most eye-watering ‘tent views’ wherever you end up camping in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area.  

For more information on the Alabama Hills Recreation Area – including information on the best places to camp – click here.

3. “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, South Dakota

The sign for Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

If you enjoy dispersed camping – which is basically when you pitch your tent outside of a designated camping ground – then “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, South Dakota, is most definitely the place for you.

In fact, you will find only one small developed recreation area throughout the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands – which is located close to the Badlands National Park – so this destination really is suited to those who like to camp off the beaten path.

Camper at Badlands National Park

Do not worry though, as just because there aren’t many designated camping spots available to pitch your tent at “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, you’ll certainly have plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to set up ‘base’.

Another great camping option that is not only accessible all-year round – but also offers visitors the opportunity to wake up to and explore some of the most beautifully-quiet natural surroundings.

Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in South Dakota

To find out more about “The Wall’ in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands – including information on particular hiking trails available in the area – click here.

2. Many Glacier Campground, Montana

Located on the east side of the Glacier National Park, the Many Glacier Campground, Montana is a great location for those looking to camp on elevated ground – with the camping site in fact sitting at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet.

A campground at the Glacier national park, Montana

For those looking for a camping spot that truly does allow you to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of city life – the Many Glacier Campground is certainly not going to disappoint you.

Visitors to this camping site will also be able to take a ride through the scenic ‘Going-to-the-Sun’ Road – which is a 50 mile-long driveable route situated within the Rocky Mountains and that reaches its highest point at the Logan pass, at an elevation of 6,646 feet.

A campground at the Glacier national park, Montana

And, for those that choose to visit the Many Glacier Campground for a camping trip, you will be sure to find a suitable spot to either pitch your tent or park your ‘RV’ at – with there being more than 100 sites available to reserve.

To find out more about this camping destination – including information on the activities that you are able to partake in nearby – click here.

1. Sierra Vista, New Mexico

Organ Mountains, Las Cruces - New Mexico

Claiming the number one spot when it comes to the best camping destinations in the U.S. is the amazing Sierra Vista, New Mexico.

Not only will you be spoilt for choice when it comes to the perfect ‘sunrise’ views – whilst enjoying a backdrop of the beautiful Organ Mountains, which are situated at Sierra Vista, New Mexico – you’ll also be conveniently located close by to a number of other fascinating places to explore.

White Sands National Park

This includes the White Sands National Park – which can be reached by car in less than one hour from the camping site – as well the city of Las Cruces in New Mexico.

And, although Sierra Vista only offers dispersed camping – with no designated camping spots available to reserve – you should certainly not be put off as its grounds are still regularly monitored and observed by rangers of the Bureau of Land Management.

Group of hikers going down on rocky hiking track in Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is without doubt worthy of being crowned as ‘the top destination for camping in the U.S. this year’, as it not only offers visitors the opportunity to wake up to some of the most beautiful nature scenes going, but it is also strategically located close to many interesting and fascinating sites.

Visitors that decide to choose this as their camping destination will also be able to enjoy the Sierra Vista Trail – which can be explored by hiking, mountain biking or horseback.

Read more:

Top 10 Destinations To Visit In The United States According To U.S. News

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Top 10 Caves To Visit In The United States

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