Forest Camping
Immerse yourself in the forest. Towering trees, dappled sunlight, and the sounds of nature.
Forest Camping by State
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Douglas Fir Campground
Centuries-old Douglas firs and hemlocks tower overhead, filtering sunlight onto riverside campsites where the North Fork Nooksack River flows through pristine old-growth forest.
Gualala Point Regional Park Campground
Towering redwoods and bay laurels form a cathedral canopy above your site, filtering coastal light into dappled patterns while miles of forest trails lead you from secluded riverside groves to windswept ocean bluffs.
Belknap
Towering giant sequoias create a living cathedral overhead, their massive trunks dwarfing the tent sites nestled beneath their ancient branches. A melodic creek winds through camp while forest trails lead deeper into the sequoia groves, where sunlight filters through the canopy onto a...
About This Landscape
Forest camping offers some of the most serene and rejuvenating outdoor experiences across America's diverse woodland landscapes, from ancient old-growth groves to towering redwood cathedrals. The United States harbors an extraordinary variety of forest ecosystems, each providing unique camping opportunities beneath canopies that range from the massive Douglas firs of the Pacific Northwest to the giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, the lush temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, and the hardwood forests of the Appalachian Mountains.
Best Time
The optimal season for forest camping varies significantly by region and elevation, with most temperate forest campgrounds offering their best experiences from late spring through early fall when access roads are clear and temperatures are moderate. Pacific Northwest and Northern California coastal forests provide year-round camping opportunities, though winter brings increased rainfall and the possibility of road closures at higher elevations.
Scenery Highlights
- Towering tree canopies
- Shaded, cool campsites
- Diverse wildlife viewing
- Peaceful woodland atmosphere
Explore Forest Camping Nationwide
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve forest campgrounds well in advance during peak season, especially for iconic locations like those near giant sequoia groves or old-growth stands, as these limited sites often book up six months ahead on recreation.gov.
- 2Bring layers and warm sleeping gear even in summer, as forest canopies trap cool air and temperatures can drop significantly at night, particularly at higher elevations or in dense old-growth areas.
- 3A quality rain fly or tarp is essential in Pacific Northwest and coastal forest locations where morning fog and afternoon showers are common even during dry months.
- 4Consider bringing a headlamp with red-light mode to preserve night vision while navigating between towering trees after dark, and always use established trails to protect sensitive root systems and forest floor ecology.
Forest Camping FAQ
Forest campgrounds offer shaded sites, diverse wildlife, peaceful woodland settings, and connection with nature. Towering trees provide natural cooling in summer, and the forest ecosystem supports excellent hiking and wildlife viewing.
America offers diverse forest camping from Pacific Northwest old-growth to Southern pine forests, Eastern hardwoods to Rocky Mountain conifers. Each region offers unique ecosystems, wildlife, and camping experiences.
We list 20+ forest campgrounds across National Forests, State Parks, and private lands throughout America. From dispersed camping to full-amenity campgrounds.
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Popular Forest Camping Sites Book Fast
The best forest camping sites book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Douglas Fir Campground
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- Search 20+ forest camping sites
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