These Are the Most Beautiful Campsites to Visit This Summer
With relaxing views worth your next road trip.
For most city folk, there has never been a stronger desire to just be outside than now. The urge to feel the sun's warmth on freshly tanned skin and reconnect with the world is at the top of our vacation plans this summer. While the beach is oftentimes the first choice, we're switching up our weekend plans this season for a quick camping trip, as there's no better way to get back to mother nature than spending a beautiful night under the stars.
Over the past year, camping—or glamping, if you'd rather—has become a very popular outdoor activity, especially during the summer months. If you've been looking to have a wholesome getaway to get back to good times with friends, spending a few moments in the great outdoors could be just what you need.
Below, you'll find 10 beautiful campsites and some glamping sites, too, that offer everything from nature hikes to breathtaking views perfect for your next weekend getaway. Happy camping.
Enjoy the rolling plains of Montana in sheer luxury at Under Canvas Yellowstone. With their oversize canvas tents, decked-out rustic West Elm furnishings, private bathrooms, and outdoor lounge areas, you'll instantly feel transported to another realm of relaxation. Heading to Under Canvas is the perfect way to reconnect with those friends you've missed so much. Worry about nothing but talking over the fire, as everything else is taken care of for you by the supper tentative staff.
Head all the way up the East Coast to Sandy Pines for an out-of-the-box camping experience. Beyond glamping and regular RV and tent camping, Sandy Pines also offers cottages, wagons, and even Airstream rentals to grant you the ultimate camping experience of your dreams. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, you have access to the beach and activities like canoeing and kayaking to enjoy a day on the water.
Most New Yorkers may already know of this gem, but if you're visiting the Big Apple this summer, lodging at Collective Governors Island will be like no other NYC experience. Have one of the most stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty while you glamp in a fully equipped canvas tent or small tiny house that offers every amenity that you would expect from a luxury hotel. From queen- and king-size beds to full stand-in showers, you truly don't need to do much here except enjoy the outdoors in luxury.
If you can find your way to the Upper Pines campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley, it's definitely worth the hike. Enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking views of the valley or creek depending on campsite location. Camping in the Yosemite is less about nature activities and more about the appreciation of nature with loved ones. Since the start of the pandemic, there are less amenities offered, such as no showers and vault toilets instead of regular plumbing, but that doesn't take away from the overall camping experience. Once you get a glimpse of the mountains, all your worries and concerns will fade away.
Live out your best cowgirl dreams at the WestGate River Ranch in Orlando. This is a great place to go if you want a cute couple's retreat, a girls' vacay, or just time to spend with family. This ranch offers everything from glamping bell and teepee tents to traditional tent camping to even an adorable road house that feels just like a luxurious tiny house. Aside from the accommodations, enjoy the Western activities of horseback riding, guided hunting, and Florida classics like fishing and airboat rides.
No matter where you are in the country, making your way to the Smoky Mountains should definitely be a must. For East Coasters, getting to Abrams Creek can be a great road trip to take with friends this summer. It's strictly a tent-only campsite, which is great for that picture-perfect campfire setup; however, it does have limited resources. There are flush toilets and clean drinking water available, but no electric or shower hook-ups available at the sites. If you're looking to just relax and be with the sounds of nature, staying at Abrams Creek will give you just that.
Just a little less than two hours outside Pittsburgh is this beautiful glamping site perfect for those on the East Coast. Located in the Cove Pastures Flower Farm & Branch Bender Cidery is Hideaway Co., where they offer a very spacious glamping experience while still being fairly close to rustic outdoor nature. Enjoy biking on the gap trail or swimming in Deep Creek Lake just 30 minutes away from your beautiful canvas bell tent equipped with standard queen-size beds, charging ports, and other small luxuries that make you feel right at home. At Hideaway Co., you don't worry about roughing it for food, as all rates include all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, so just relax, eat, drink, and glamp in style.
If you're in the North Carolina or Virginia area, making your way to Kerr Lake is an easy getaway from the city. Relax on the shore of the lake and enjoy the views of watching the sun set over the water. A majority of the campsites are close to the water, perfect for swimming and other family outdoor activities. There are also plenty of wooded areas to cool down in the shade when bathing in the sun becomes too much. Note that not all campsites are equipped with electric and water hook-ups, so that is definitely something to consider when thinking about just what type of camping experience you want.
Really disconnect from technology and become one with nature out in the California desert at Black Rock Campground. No matter what time of day or night, the stunning views of Joshua Tree will definitely be worth every moment. However, as beautiful as this campsite is, it is definitely one for the pros. There are no electric hook-ups, so the use of technology without the help of batteries is very slim to none. The campground does offer potable water, but not at individual sites. If you're not scared to really get down with nature, Joshua Tree should definitely be on the list.
If you find yourself spending your summer in the Hamptons this year, take advantage of exploring both sandy beaches and cozy campsites. At the edge of Montauk near the top of the island, you'll find beautiful green campsites that offer a ton of outdoor activities like biking and hiking, and with the luxury of the Atlantic Ocean right at your tent's doorstep, fishing and surfing can also be on the camping itinerary. The campgrounds offer bathrooms and showers that are accessible and have the options for either RV or tent camping.
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sandypinesmaine
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