Get Out and Go! Top American Campgrounds for Summertime Travels

August 4, 2021July 7, 2023 MC Johnson 0 Comments Campgrounds, Camping, Camping Gear, RV, Surco Products

Camping in the U.S. can vary greatly depending on which part of the country you’re headed to, so it’s essential to make sure you have all the right tools. Let’s take a look around the country at some of the best places to camp – as well as what you’ll need to bring along for the ride.

Vanlife influencer LiveLikePete parks his Mercedes Sprinter Van overlooking a picturesque lake — Whether you travel by car, RV, van or overland rig, you’ll need proper gear for the road ahead. Surco is a premier automotive accessory manufacturer that’s been making products for auto enthusiasts for more than three decades. The family-owned company prides itself on overseeing the entire manufacturing process, enabling Surco to ensure quality levels always meets high standards. Pictured here: Surco Van Ladder on Mercedes Sprinter Van | *LiveLikePete*

When COVID struck and lockdowns descended, headlines declared the Great Outdoors to be our saving grace. And, indeed, it seemed to be true. KOA reported more than 48.2 million households camped at least once during 2020, with 10.1 million being first-timers. Outdoor adventurers were a mix of traditional car campers, glampers, vanlifers, and RVers, as well as some more rugged off-roaders.

Now that we’re deep into the 2021 camping season, that collective eagerness for hitting the road and getting outside hasn’t cooled down. Yellowstone National Park, one of the country’s most famous natural wonders, saw a 50% increase in visitors for Memorial Day this year compared to 2019. (With only the park’s Wyoming entrances open in 2020, prior-year numbers are more accurate.)

Obviously, “Book Early” is a solid rule of thumb when planning a camping adventure. But first, you need to decide where to go and what exactly it is you’ll do upon arrival. Narrowing down America’s attractions can be a tall order. Let this guide help you decide.

The Sunny South

Like the classic song says: Everybody loves the sunshine. If you’re looking for a sunny spot to settle in for a few days, these spots will help you find that Vitamin D.

Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida

If you want the beachside experience, this park boasts over 1,600 acres of beachfront, tidal marshes, dunes, and maritime hammocks. Plus, visitors are likely to catch a glimpse of ospreys and eagles along the pristine white quartz sand beaches. History buffs likely already know St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation – but don’t miss the Coquina Quarry archaeological site inside the park or the charming lighthouse just around the corner from the park’s entrance.

Florida has a bevy of camping sites for both car campers and RVers alike, so be sure to check out the state’s travel website that features a complete list of go-to places.

Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine Florida — *Anastasia State Park*

Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort, Foley, Alabama

For the Gulf Coast experience, this lakeside resort offers all the trappings of a relaxing getaway. It’s an RV park, so you won’t be able to rough it. But, if you’re looking for an extended stay, you can set up your trailer here and enjoy everything from the lazy river and water slide to a clubhouse with billiards and free Wi-Fi.

Because it’s the Gulf Coast, you’ll generally want to push your trip into the early Fall. Right now, forecasters predict August-September to be peak hurricane season.

Pine Mountain RV Resort, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Head a little further inland and discover this family-friendly gem nestled among the Georgia pines. With multiple options for setting up camp, it’s easy to enjoy the resort’s hefty list of local attractions, including a golf course, winery, botanic gardens, and amusement park.

Surco Products Urban Rack Black — If you’re looking to hit the southeast for its sunny beaches or scenic trails, Surco’s Urban Rack can help make the trip easier. With a four-inch-deep basket and powder-coated aluminum construction, this roof rack offers extra cargo space with weather-resistant strength. Available in multiple sizes. Add a light adapter for improved nighttime visibility. | *Surco*

The Northeast

If you’re looking for slightly more brisk temps in the morning but equally stunning views, the Northeast also has a lot to offer. Depending on where you stay in the region, you’ll typically want to book your stay before late Fall unless you’re okay with chillier temperatures.

Surco Fold-Down Bike Rack — There’s nothing quite like Autumn in the Northeast. Crisp air fills the lungs, carrying with it the scent of fallen leaves, fresh pine, and every local coffee shop’s pumpkin-spiced specialty. Biking is a great way to enjoy the seasonality – and Surco’s fold-down bike rack makes getting your gear to the trail a breeze. | *Surco*

Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday, Bar Harbor, Maine

Dubbing itself “Basecamp for the Great Outdoors,” this campground showcases some of Maine’s most well-known attractions like whale watching and coastal boat tours. The state’s rugged terrain and rocky beaches are a magnet for adventurous family travelers and hardcore vanlifers who flock to spots like Acadia National Park and further south to the state’s other coastal hub, Portland.

Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca, New York

If you’ve spent any time in the Northeast, you’ve probably seen the “Ithaca is Gorges” bumper sticker, touting the area’s massive rock formations and waterfalls. This park gives campers the chance to experience all the gorges have to offer with 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, as well as nine miles of scenic hiking trails. It also suits the full gamut of campers with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins.

Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY — *Robert H. Treman State Park*

The Northwest and Mountain West

Looking for more adventure? This beautiful country offers plenty of opportunities to get off the road and out into the wild.

For the down-and-dirty overlander, states like Alaska are rife with backcountry options. In fact, Alaska is probably one of the most challenging places in the country to camp, thanks to its bears, bugs, and extremely remote camping locations that typically don’t have any cell service — let alone toilets or showers. You’ll also want to be mindful of the time of year you book your trip. The weather starts getting colder moving into September, with some parts of the state experiencing snow and freezing temps before the end of the month.

With all those postcard vistas, you’ll need a comfortable place to park it and soak it all in. Surco’s ladder-mounted chair rack makes hauling camp chairs a breeze. Features pivoting arms and strapless mounts. Carries up to six chairs. | *Surco*

Byers Lake Campground, Denali National Park, Alaska

If you’re up for the challenge, campers tout Byers Lake Campground as a primo spot for Alaskan camping. It’s close to the famed Denali National Park but quieter than the main attraction. There’s a lake where campers can relax by the waterfront without extra noise since it’s closed to motorboats. (Note: Alaska’s famous bears and mosquitos are in full force, so make sure you head in fully prepared.)

Captain Cook State Recreation Area, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

This site offers up a more off-the-beaten-path attraction for a mix of Alaskan ruggedness and some waterfront vistas. Located 25 miles north of Kenai, this state park promises plenty of recreation activities like boating and canoeing, as well as natural wonders like bird watching and tide-swept shores.

Alpine Loop, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

If the Last Frontier State is a little too far off the beaten path, there are plenty of spots in the Mountain West that deliver similar thrills.

Take Colorado. With a healthy mix of scenic views, staggering climbs, and historical artifacts like ghost towns, there’s plenty of adventure ripe for the taking. The 63-mile Alpine Loop in the San Juan mountains is a particularly noteworthy trip — featuring a climb of almost 13,000 feet along the route! If you want to camp along the way, cities like Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City offer both RV camping and full resort accommodations. More primitive camping options along the drive are available too, including Mill Creek and Williams Creek Campgrounds. In addition to making early reservations, remember that snowpack prohibits traveling the loop outside of June-September.

Whatever part of the country you decide to head to, make sure you check in with the local ranger’s office or parks department to ensure everything’s open and the weather is accommodating for your trip. And be sure to check out Surco’s full lineup of adventure-ready accessories so you’re prepped for the road ahead.