Tent Camping

Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

Find Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Tent Campgrounds by State

Explore 24 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Photo coming soon

4.9

(96)

East Table Campground

Bridger-Teton National Forest
Jackson, Wyoming, WY

Spacious sites nestle among towering trees or open riverside views, with generous spacing that creates natural privacy along the Wild and Scenic Snake River.

Quartz Creek Campground

Chugach National Forest
Seward, AK

Spacious sites beneath towering spruce trees offer genuine privacy, with level ground and the constant soundtrack of rushing Quartz Creek nearby. Wake to emerald-green Kenai Lake views and fall asleep under Alaska's endless summer twilight filtering through old-growth forest.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Sugar Grove, VA

Spacious tent sites spread across soft, grassy clearings beneath towering oaks and hemlocks, with Hurricane Branch and Comers Creek providing natural soundtrack and swimming holes.

Tents

About This Camping Style

Tent camping gets you closest to nature without the bulk of an RV. The key is preparation: set up your tent at home first so you know how it works. Arrive with daylight—setting up in the dark is frustrating. Pick a flat spot away from low areas where water collects.

Best Time

May-September for most regions. Aim for 50-65°F temps. Start early AM to beat afternoon storms. Spring nights can still dip below freezing at elevation.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds

Discover 17 additional top-rated tent campgrounds

4.8

(137)

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

Inyo National Forest
Bishop, CA

Towering Sierra pines shade level, grassy tent sites along Middle Fork Bishop Creek, where the constant rush of water drowns out neighboring campers. Walk-in sites nestle you deeper into tranquil meadows, offering extra seclusion beneath granite peaks while keeping trailheads and alpine...

Toadstool Geological Park And Campground

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
Crawford, NE

Tent campers claim six primitive sites surrounded by ancient sandstone toadstool formations rising from Nebraska's badlands like frozen sculptures. Each site includes a fire ring, charcoal grill, and covered picnic table under vast prairie skies that deliver extraordinary stargazing far...

Tents

4.7

(168)

St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

PSICC
Canon City, CO

Towering Douglas firs and aspens form a natural canopy above tent pads, while St. Charles Creek's gentle flow creates an intimate soundscape for sleeping under the stars at 8,600 feet.

Eldorado National Forest
Placerville, CA

Towering hardwoods create a natural canopy at 5,300 feet, where spacious sites offer privacy and the constant whisper of Gerle Creek lulls you to sleep.

Abiquiu Lake
Abiquiu, NM

Tent campers claim spacious, level sites beneath piñon pine and juniper canopy, with dramatic bluff-top positions overlooking Abiquou Lake's turquoise waters.

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Almont, CO

Towering pines shade meticulously maintained tent-only sites along the Taylor River, where complimentary firewood and fresh pancake breakfasts elevate the backcountry experience.

Shawme Crowell State Forest

Sandwich, MA, MA

Spacious sites nestle beneath towering pines and oaks across 700 rolling acres, offering natural screening and soft forest floor bedding. Miles of winding woodland trails begin right from your tent door, while Cape Cod beaches and attractions wait just minutes beyond the tree line.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Victor, ID, ID

Tent campers find spacious sites tucked among towering pines along Trail Creek, where the sound of rushing water provides natural white noise throughout the night. Bear boxes at each site let you sleep soundly knowing your food stays secure while you wake to mountain views and easy trail access.

Chugach National Forest
Hope, AK

Tent pads nestle among paper birch trees on clifftop sites overlooking Turnagain Arm's sweeping waters and mountain-backed horizons. Watch for bore tides rolling through the inlet while black bears and moose wander through camp, bringing Alaska's wilderness directly to your tent door.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds Nationwide

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

East Table Campground

Quartz Creek Campground

Hurricane Campground

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

Toadstool Geological Park And Campground

St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

Gerle Creek

Riana - Abiquiu Lake

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area

Shawme Crowell State Forest

Mike Harris

Porcupine (Ak)

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Sparrowfoot

Beaver Dam Campground (Kisatchie National Forest, La)

Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

Sheridan Lake

Sanford Yake

Lake Powhatan

French Camp

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping and overnight staysHiking and backpacking trailsFishing in rivers, lakes, and streamsWildlife viewing and photographyStargazing and astronomyCampfire cooking and storytelling

Tips & Recommendations

1Research campground elevation and typical temperatures before your trip, as mountain locations can drop below freezing even in summer—pack a sleeping bag rated 10-15 degrees lower than expected temperatures.
2Invest in a quality tent with a full-coverage rainfly and practice setting it up at home before your trip.
3Bring a ground cloth or footprint to protect your tent floor from rocks, roots, and moisture.
4Check campground websites for specific requirements: some locations mandate bear canisters, prohibit ground fires during dry seasons, or require reservations months in advance.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds

Tent Campgrounds FAQ

Look for flat, well-drained ground, nearby water sources, and protection from wind. Check for fire rings, picnic tables, and proximity to restroom facilities based on your comfort level.

Yes, tent sites typically cost $15-35 per night compared to $35-75 for RV sites with hookups. Primitive tent camping in national forests is often free or under $10.

We list 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds across the USA. Use our filters to find sites matching your preferred amenity level.