Look around and you may realize that you see wildflowers all of the time. They are on wall art, murals, t-shirts, floral arrangements, and even inspire songs. But you only get to see real wildflowers that inspire art at certain times of the year. Arguably the best time to see wildflowers is in Spring when certain landscapes are transformed for a few weeks by the erupting beauty of wildflowers. So get out and enjoy a Spring wildflower camping trip before it is too late! Plan a trip at one of these campgrounds, where you can revel in the passing glory of spring wildflowers.
1. Burlingame State Park, Rhode Island
Walk trails through Burlingame State Park and enjoy the splendor of Rhode Island spring wildflowers. Some flowers begin popping up in March, but April through May is the best time to catch the colorful sights of American Holly, Flowering Dogwood, Mountain Laurel, Sea Lavender, and marsh root. There is also a campground situated next to Watchaug Pond with 700 rustic campsites, as well as 20 cabins, making it a great spot for a Spring wildflower camping trip!
Look for: American Holly, Flowering Dogwood, Mountain Laurel, Sea Lavender, and marsh root.
2. Carter Caves State Park, Kentucky
Come in late April to enjoy the best spring wildflowers in the park, although you can see flowers from March through May. There is a wide variety of flowers common to the state that you can find here, including Rue violet, Kentucky bluets, and pawpaw.
Look for: Rue violet, Kentucky bluets, and pawpaw.
3. Valley of the Rogue State Park, Oregon
With miles of trails lined with spring flowers in and around Valley of the Rogue State Park, this is a great location for a Spring wildflower camping trip. Explore the fertile valley that bursts with color in springtime thanks to a dazzling array of wildflower species, including fairy slipper, Oregon fawn-lily, Pacific rhododendron, gold stars, candy flower, and sea thrift. Stay in one of 170 campsites in this stunning park.
Look for: fairy slipper, Oregon fawn-lily, Pacific rhododendron, gold stars, candy flower, and sea thrift.
4. Gorges State Park, North Carolina
For an outstanding wildflower viewing camping trip, come to the Blue Ridge Escarpment, an area where the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains plunges into rolling foothills. Trek one of the many trails, including one to Rainbow Falls, to spot wildflowers, or stay near the visitorโs center and spot many of the indengious flora. Considered one of the best spots in the state for spring flowers, expect to see all sorts of shapes and colors.
Look for: Wild iris, lady slippers, Jack-in-the-pulpit, halberd yellow violets, Catesbyโs trilliums, solomon seals, and fairy wands.
5. Jordanelle State Park, Utah
The plains and hillsides alongside the parkโs lake are blanketed with flowers come springtime, transforming the landscape variegated colors of red, yellow and pinks. If youโre here for a Spring wildflower camping trip, you can find flowers common to the region, such as leopardโs bane, willoweed, Wyoming paintbrush, and elephant flower.
Look for: leopardโs bane, willoweed, Wyoming paintbrush, and elephant flower.
6. Bear Spring Mountain State Park, New York
Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve, and come springtime, the wooded terrain bursts with flowers. You can find an abundance of mountain laurel, ghost pipe, eastern teaberry, cardinal flower, rock harlequin, Canada mayflower, cinquefoil, and more. There are 38 campsites near the lake for a restful Spring wildflower camping weekend.
Look for: Mountain laurel, ghost pipe, eastern teaberry, cardinal flower, rock harlequin, Canada mayflower, cinquefoil, and more.
7. Brown County State Park, Indiana
Come to Brown County in late April to enjoy the wildflower explosion. Take part in a number of hikes, walks, birding adventures, and more with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Look for: Lady-fern, adder’s-tongue, celandine poppy, and spleenwort.
Are you ready for your 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.