10 Must-Visit National Parks for Camping in 2026

America's national parks offer some of the most breathtaking camping experiences in the world. From towering granite cliffs to pristine alpine lakes, these protected lands provide the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. Here are our top picks for 2026.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The world's first national park remains one of its best. Yellowstone offers over 2,000 campsites across 12 campgrounds.

Why camp here:

• Witness geothermal wonders like Old Faithful
• Spot wildlife including bison, elk, and grizzly bears
• Explore 900+ miles of hiking trails

Best time to visit: Late May through September

Pro tip: Book Mammoth Campground for year-round access, or try Canyon Campground for proximity to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite's dramatic granite formations and thundering waterfalls have inspired visitors for generations.

Why camp here:

• Wake up to views of Half Dome and El Capitan
• Access world-class rock climbing
• Explore ancient giant sequoia groves

Best time to visit: April through June for waterfalls, September for fewer crowds

Pro tip: Upper Pines Campground offers the classic Yosemite Valley experience, but reservations fill up months in advance.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One mile deep and millions of years old, the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination.

Why camp here:

• Spectacular sunrise and sunset views
• Challenging rim-to-rim hiking opportunities
• Dark sky stargazing

Best time to visit: March through May, September through November

Pro tip: Mather Campground on the South Rim is convenient, but consider Phantom Ranch at the canyon floor for an unforgettable experience (lottery system required).

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion's towering red cliffs and narrow slot canyons create a landscape unlike any other.

Why camp here:

• Hike the famous Angels Landing trail
• Cool off in The Narrows river hike
• Experience the park's free shuttle system

Best time to visit: March through May, September through November

Pro tip: Watchman Campground is the most convenient, but South Campground has no reservations and fills by early morning.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier offers pristine wilderness and over 700 lakes.

Why camp here:

• Drive the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road
• See active glaciers before they disappear
• Spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep

Best time to visit: July through September

Pro tip: Many campsites are first-come, first-served. Arrive before noon, especially on weekends.

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

The first national park east of the Mississippi offers rugged Atlantic coastline and forested mountains.

Why camp here:

• Be among the first in the US to see the sunrise
• Explore historic carriage roads by bike
• Enjoy fresh Maine lobster near the park

Best time to visit: June through October

Pro tip: Blackwoods Campground is central to everything, but Seawall offers a quieter experience.

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree offers otherworldly landscapes.

Why camp here:

• Iconic twisted Joshua trees
• World-class bouldering and rock climbing
• Some of the darkest skies in Southern California

Best time to visit: October through May (summer is extremely hot)

Pro tip: Jumbo Rocks Campground puts you among the boulders, but Hidden Valley fills up fast with climbers.

8. Olympic National Park, Washington

Three distinct ecosystems—rainforest, mountains, and coast—make Olympic incredibly diverse.

Why camp here:

• Explore the Hoh Rain Forest
• Relax on pristine wilderness beaches
• Summit Hurricane Ridge for alpine views

Best time to visit: June through September

Pro tip: Kalaloch Campground offers beachfront camping, while Hoh Rain Forest Campground is perfect for forest lovers.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Alpine tundra, wildlife, and over 300 miles of trails make Rocky Mountain a classic.

Why camp here:

• Drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US
• Spot elk during fall rut season
• Summit Longs Peak for experienced hikers

Best time to visit: June through October

Pro tip: Moraine Park Campground is the largest and most accessible, offering great elk viewing opportunities.

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

America's most-visited national park offers lush forests, historic cabins, and synchronous fireflies.

Why camp here:

• No entrance fee required
• See the famous synchronous firefly display (late May/early June)
• Explore over 800 miles of trails

Best time to visit: April through June, September through November

Pro tip: Cades Cove Campground offers wildlife viewing and historic structures, while Elkmont is popular for firefly viewing.

Planning Your National Park Camping Trip

Book Early

Most popular campgrounds book up 6 months in advance. Mark your calendar for when reservations open on Recreation.gov.

Have a Backup Plan

First-choice campground full? Many parks have first-come, first-served options or nearby national forest campgrounds.

Check Conditions

Road closures, weather, and wildlife activity vary by season. Check the park website before you go.

Consider Shoulder Seasons

Spring and fall often offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and unique experiences like wildflowers or fall foliage.

Start Planning Today

Ready to book your national park adventure? Browse available campsites in our explore map or search by state in our directory.

Don't forget to apply for any required permits, especially for backcountry camping or popular trails like Half Dome or Angels Landing.

Happy trails! 🏔️