Mountain Camping
Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Jenny Lake Campground
Lodgepole pines frame your tent's view of Teewinot Mountain's jagged summit, where morning alpenglow transforms Cascade Canyon into a canvas of gold and rose. Step directly from your site onto trails leading into the Tetons' most dramatic wilderness, with Mount St.
Gird Point
Three spectacular mountain ranges—the Sapphires, Bitterroots, and Anaconda-Pintlers—unfold in a panoramic sweep from this historic fire lookout perched atop a Montana peak.
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
Perched atop the Ozark Mountains, this recreation area delivers sweeping vistas across forested ridges and valleys that stretch to the horizon from white lichen-coated bluffs.
About This Landscape
Mountain camping offers some of the most breathtaking and rewarding outdoor experiences in America, from the jagged peaks of the Tetons to the ancient ridges of the Appalachians. Whether you're seeking alpine lakes nestled beneath granite spires, panoramic vistas from mountaintop lookouts, or the serene beauty of forested mountain valleys, the diversity of mountain camping destinations spans every region of the country.
Best Time
The optimal window for mountain camping typically runs from late June through September, though timing varies significantly by elevation and latitude. Higher elevation campgrounds above 8,000 feet may not be accessible until July due to lingering snowpack, while lower elevation sites in the Appalachians and southern ranges can open as early as April.
Scenery Highlights
- Stunning mountain panoramas
- Cool alpine temperatures
- Alpine lakes and meadows
- World-class hiking trails
Explore Mountain Camping Nationwide
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Altitude acclimatization is crucial when camping above 8,000 feet—arrive a day early if possible and stay hydrated to minimize altitude sickness symptoms.
- 2Pack layers including warm clothing and rain gear regardless of season, as mountain weather can change dramatically within hours.
- 3A quality four-season sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F is essential even in summer at high elevations.
- 4Bear-proof food storage is required at most mountain campgrounds—bring bear canisters for backcountry trips or use provided bear boxes at developed sites.
Mountain Camping FAQ
Mountain campgrounds offer cooler temperatures, stunning panoramic views, alpine lakes, and access to world-class hiking. The high elevation provides excellent stargazing and escape from summer heat in the valleys below.
High-altitude camping requires preparation for cooler temperatures (even in summer), thinner air, and rapidly changing weather. Bring layers, stay hydrated, allow time for altitude acclimation, and check for road conditions before your trip.
We list 20+ mountain campgrounds across the USA, from the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada, Cascades to the Appalachians. Find alpine camping at various elevations and difficulty levels.
Explore Other Landscapes
Find campgrounds that match your ideal scenery
Popular Mountain Camping Sites Book Fast
The best mountain camping sites book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Jenny Lake Campground
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- Search 20+ mountain camping sites
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