Pop-up campers, RVs and campervans offer comfort and convenience. However, many extreme campers know that sometimes spending the night in a tent, with just a thin piece of canvas between you and the natural world, is just what the doctor ordered. When the urge strikes to pitch a tent and get back to the basics, these rugged tent camping destinations will help you find peace, solitude and rejuvenation in the wilderness. State parks that cater to tent campers are often less populated, less expensive and way more wild. From the mountains of Pennsylvania, to the beaches of Mississippi and the lakes of Montana, we selected 10 primitive-style campgrounds across the country.
Reconnect with nature at these 10 cool campgrounds for tent campers.
1. Shenandoah River State Park, Virginia
Situated on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with more than 1,600 acres along 5.2 miles of shoreline lies Shenandoah River State Park. The park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. Camping is a year-round adventure with ten riverfront tent campsites and a full-service bathhouse.
2. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Located within driving distance to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park has all of the beauty of the national parks, without the overwhelming crowds. Hike through red rock canyons and stand at the edge of sandstone cliffs to take in the jaw-dropping geography of this special part of Utah. For those who want to stay the night, the park has two campgrounds. Head to the new Wingate Campground that offers 11 hike-in, tent-only sites perfect for escaping the crowds and experiencing a quieter night under the stars. The hike to the tent-only sites is less than 200 yards, and all campsites have access to fire pits, picnic tables and bathrooms with running water.
3. Bald Eagle State Park, Pennsylvania
Located in north-central Pennsylvania, Bald Eagle State Park is a 5,900-acre park encompassing a 1,730-acre lake and 2,000-foot Bald Eagle Mountain. Popular with hikers, boaters and anglers, this state park is also the perfect place to escape into nature for a camping trip. The park has two campgrounds, one that accommodates modern campers and another for those interested in a more rustic camping experience. The rustic campground has 35 walk-in sites for tents and 35 sites for camping vehicles. The tent sites are located about 150 feet from the road and provide a great deal of privacy, allowing campers to feel as though they are alone in the wilderness.
4. Don Carter State Park, Georgia
On the shores of beautiful Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park is Georgiaโs newest state park and offers plenty of recreational opportunities for those who enjoy the water. Boating, swimming and fishing are favored park activities, but hikers and bikers will enjoy the paved trail that winds through the park. While Don Carter has a campground for recreation vehicles, it also has a separate camping area reserved solely for tent and hammock campers. The 12 primitive campsites are situated away from the hustle and bustle of the main campground on a private loop, and they provide the peace and quiet one hopes for when heading into the wilderness.
5. Brown County State Park, Indiana
Nicknamed the โLittle Smokiesโ because of its resemblance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Brown County State Park is the largest state park in Indiana, comprising nearly 16,000 acres of rugged landscape. Thereโs no shortage of things to do at the park, including hiking on miles of trails, visiting the impressive nature center or taking a dip in the Water Park pool. This state park has an impressive amount of campsites (over 400!), and tent campers will find the solitude they crave in the semi-wooded Raccoon Ridge Campground, which has 28 non-electric campsites complete with a picnic table, fire ring and modern bathroom and shower facilities nearby.
6. Salmon Lake State Park, Montana
For those looking for camping options off the beaten path, look no further than Salmon Lake State Park, where hike/bike campsites provide solitude and tranquility. The park is located along the Clearwater River between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. While Salmon Lake State Park is beautiful no matter where you roam within its borders, the hike/bike campsites are sure to satisfy anyone seeking the quiet beauty of primitive tent camping. As the name suggests, these campsites can only be reached by bicycle or on foot and come equipped with tent pads, fire rings, bike racks and bear resistant food storage lockers. The campsites have electrical outlets, too. Reservations can be made in advance, and park staff will assign you a campsite upon your arrival.
7. Purtis Creek State Park, Texas
Just an hour southeast of Dallas, Purtis Creek State Park is an oasis for those seeking some time in nature away from the big city. The highlight of this park is the 355-acre lake, popular with bass fishermen, swimmers and canoeists. Hiking and biking trails are also located within the park, as are primitive campsites that allow campers to escape the popularity of the parkโs more modern campgrounds. In addition to campsites with water and electricity, the park also offers five walk-in tent sites (about 10-15 yards from the road) and 13 primitive hike-in sites located along a 1.7-mile hiking loop, which requires hikers to walk at least .65 miles to the campsite.
8. Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico
New Mexicoโs largest state park offers nature lovers the perfect excuse to spend the weekend on the water. The lake is popular with jet skiers, kayakers, and sail and house boaters. The park pier makes fishing a breeze and 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are great for those who want to partake in land-based activities. In addition to a number of developed campsites, Elephant Butte Lake State Park also offers primitive beach and boat-in campsites for tent campers. Try The Lost Canyon campground, North Highlands campground and Club Cove campground if youโd like to leave the crowds, and the crowded campgrounds, behind.
9. Wilson State Park, Kansas
Situated in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is one of Kansas’ premier recreation hot spots to fish, hike, water-ski, or just enjoy the outdoors. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding area offer the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife while the reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass fishing. The campground features 44 tent camping sites, with most offering waterfront views.
10. Buccaneer State Park, Mississippi
Located right on the beach in the Gulf of Mexico, Buccaneer State Park has a number of fun amenities to keep kids and adults entertained. Aside from the draw of the coast itself, the park has a nature trail, playground, disc golf course and a water park. Itโs probably no surprise that Buccaneer State Park is a popular place, but even so, itโs possible to avoid the crowds by pitching your tent at the parkโs primitive campground. The campground has 25 tent campsites nestled deep in a wooded area near Grand Bayou and itโs a great place to find some privacy while still having full park access.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.