Setting up a high elevation base camp puts you in striking distance of some of the highest and most remote summits in North America. Mountain camping takes your outdoor acumen to a whole new level with unpredictable weather, temperature extremes, and acclimatization symptoms. You’re likely to experience temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees and precipitation that changes from rain to ice and snow in any season. The payoff, however, is worth the extra effort.
Whether you’re navigating the jagged peaks of the Rockies in Idaho’s Seven Devils Wilderness or soaking in the views across the Appalachian countryside from the summit of Whitetop Mountain, peak-bagging never fails to stir butterflies in the stomach of even the most seasoned outdoor adventurer. Perhaps the best perk of all is getting away from the low-elevation crowds, leaving you to enjoy mile-high nature with elusive wildlife like marmots, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
Explore some of the most scenic peaks in the country from these mountain campsites.
1. Uncompahgre Peak
Ridgway State Park, Colorado
Climb one of Colorado’s most approachable 14ers and then plan to stay in a tent, RV, or yurt at Ridgway State Park. When you reach the Uncompahgre starting point, it’s a gradual 7.5-mile climb to the blocky, scree-covered summit in the Sneffels range, for a total of 15 miles back to the trailhead. Start your summit bid early in the day to avoid thunderstorms on summer and early fall afternoons. Bonus: Deserved R & R awaits you at the park’s sandy beaches near your campsite!
2. Mount Hood
Milo McIver State Park, Oregon
Camp at low-elevation tent and RV sites on the Clackamas River to explore trails, glaciers, and the snowy peak of Oregon’s 11,240-foot Mount Hood. While the active volcano releases intermittent bursts of steam, the last eruption was centuries ago. Hike to waterfalls and mossy rainforests at lower elevations year-round, and to alpine meadow wildflowers from July to October.
3. Mount Lafayette
White Lake State Park, New Hampshire
Set up your tent or RV on a lake carved by glaciers to hike to the highest point in New Hampshire’s Franconia range. Climb over 3,000 feet to the exposed summit, or extend your trek across Mount Lincoln and Little Haystack for an 8.9-mile loop. Just before mile three, you’ll pass the Greenleaf Hut, a historic White Mountains hiker-only lodge perched above Eagle Lake.
Recommended: Take a Drive on a Scenic Byway
4. Pole Mountain
Curt Gowdy State Park, Wyoming
You will already be over 7,000 feet above sea level in the park, making it an advanced beginner to intermediate hike through open meadows of sage and aspen trees to 9,040-foot Pole Mountain in the Laramie range. Return to your tent or RV campsite, or go glamping at historic Hynds Lodge, for boating and fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon on the park’s three reservoirs.
5. Holland Peak
Salmon Lake State Park, Montana
Camp overnight in the Seeley-Swan Valley for a strenuous hiking ascent to 9,356 feet and views across the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the morning. You’ll come across beautiful creeks, waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and massive rock walls along the way, with treeless views of both the Swan and Mission mountain ranges from the summit.
6. Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
Summit the highest peak east of the Mississippi River from your campsite in one of the first state parks in the nation. Camp in primitive and remote tent sites, some that you can only reach with a backpacking trek through the spruce-fir forests of the Black Mountain range. A strenuous climb to the 6,684-foot summit puts you above the cloud-draped valleys of the Blue Ridge region. Weather patterns resemble Canada more than the southeastern U.S., so prepare for extreme conditions.
Recommended: Campgrounds with Kayak and Boat Rentals
7. Whitetop Mountain
Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
A peak elevation of 5,520 feet atop one of Virginia’s highest peaks makes this summit bid a family-friendly trek to views of the rolling forests of Appalachia. Camp in tent and RV sites or yurts to explore the high country balds and spruce-fir forests that create a patchwork pattern across the landscape. Take a side hike on the Appalachian Trail to the treed summit of Mount Rogers, and enjoy a photo op with the herds of wild ponies that roam these high elevation meadows along the way.
8. Mount Marcy
Moreau Lake State Park, New York
Add the highest peak in the Adirondacks to your hiking accomplishments with a strenuous, 7.4-mile climb of over 3,000 feet. Massive rock domes on the summit are perfect for a picnic break before doubling back to the trailhead. Creeks, waterfalls, and fragile alpine vegetation line the trail in warmer months, giving way to frost and snow that make crampons a must during winter. Back at your tent or RV campsite, you can relax in the pines on the sandy lakeshore beach, go boating or fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. Glamping cabins have wood-burning stoves, kitchens, and bathrooms.
9. He Devil & She Devil
Ponderosa State Park, Idaho
Lakeside tent and RV campsites, or cabins with amenities like full kitchens, bathrooms, and beds, are your home base to summit the tallest peaks in the Seven Devils Wilderness. At just over 9,000 feet, both peaks present a jagged, rocky, and technical challenge for experienced hikers only. Summer months are the best guarantee of snow-free trails, but monitor weather for afternoon thunderstorms. Back in camp, enjoy mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating on Payette Lake.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
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.