Summer Camping

Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: June through August

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Summer Camping by State

Explore 42 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(402)

Rainbow (Az)

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Springerville, AZ

Summer temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s at 9,000 feet elevation while the valleys below swelter, making this a refreshing escape with direct access to 450-acre Big Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground

Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park
MO

Volcanic rock formations create natural water slides and swimming holes where families splash through ancient stone channels carved by rushing water. The crystal-clear shut-ins offer a geological playground unlike any other campground, combining rugged wilderness hiking with refreshing...

4.6

(738)

Whitney Portal

Inyo National Forest
Lone Pine, CA

Mt. Whitney's granite face towers directly above your campsite at this 8,000-foot base camp, where cool alpine air offers escape from valley heat and sunrise illuminates the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

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About This Season

Summer camping across America offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the nation's most spectacular natural landscapes during the warmest, most accessible months of the year. From the cool alpine heights of Rainbow Campground in Arizona's White Mountains at 9,000 feet, where campers escape desert heat while enjoying pristine Big Lake fishing and boating, to the unique volcanic rock formations at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri where natural water slides provide thrilling family entertainment, summer reveals camping destinations at their absolute finest.

Best Time

The prime summer camping season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and warmest temperatures across most regions. High-elevation destinations like Rainbow Campground and Whitney Portal become accessible in late June once snow clears from access roads, and these alpine sites remain comfortable through September while lower elevations swelter.

Season Highlights

Warm weather and long days
Swimming and water activities
Full amenities and services
Family-friendly activities

More Summer Camping

Discover 17 additional top-rated campgrounds for summer camping

4.6

(526)

Upper Moro Campground

Crystal Cove SP Moro Campground
Laguna Beach, CA

Ocean breezes cool your evening as you watch the sunset paint the Pacific from your terraced campsite, then wake to dolphins playing in the surf below. Miles of hiking trails wind down through coastal canyons to secluded beaches where tide pools teem with starfish and anemones waiting to...

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Hiawatha National Forest
Brimley, MI

Towering pines frame sandy beaches where Lake Superior's crystal waters warm enough for swimming and wading through long summer days. When the sun sets over Whitefish Bay, campfires crackle beneath star-filled skies while waves lap against the shoreline just steps from your tent.

Quartz Creek Campground

Chugach National Forest
Seward, AK

Emerald waters lap at the shoreline where Quartz Creek flows into Kenai Lake, offering paddlers and anglers direct access to some of Alaska's most legendary fishing grounds.

Douglas Fir Campground

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Glacier, WA, WA

Summer transforms the North Fork Nooksack River into a playground for swimmers, anglers casting for trout, and rafters navigating whitewater rapids beneath Mt. Baker's snow-capped peaks.

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Rio Grande National Forest
South Fork, CO

Warm summer days bring wildflower-carpeted meadows to life while anglers cast lines into pristine reservoir waters teeming with trout. The high-altitude location delivers cool mountain breezes and crystal-clear skies, transforming hiking trails into panoramic adventures through Colorado's...

Waterloo Sugarloaf Lake Campground

Chelsea, MI

Summer days unfold with swimming off the sandy beach, paddling across clear waters, and kids building sandcastles beneath towering shade trees. The lakefront location delivers constant breezes and endless water activities, from morning fishing to sunset kayaking sessions.

Philipsburg Bay Campground

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Philipsburg, MT

Georgetown Lake's crystalline waters lap directly against campsites where anglers launch at sunrise and paddlers glide across glassy surfaces beneath towering peaks.

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Allegheny National Forest
Bradford, PA

Ancient hemlock and beech trees tower overhead as hikers explore rare old-growth forest trails and chase the magical glow of synchronous fireflies on warm summer nights.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Elko, NV

Summer transforms this high-elevation sanctuary into a wildflower-filled basecamp where Lamoille Creek rushes past campsites and trailheads beckon hikers toward alpine lakes tucked beneath glacial cirques.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Summer Camping Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Summer Camping Nationwide

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Map Key

Rainbow (Az)

Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground

Whitney Portal

Upper Moro Campground

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Quartz Creek Campground

Douglas Fir Campground

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Waterloo Sugarloaf Lake Campground

Philipsburg Bay Campground

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Thomas Canyon

Gone Creek

Pine Point (Timothy Lake, Or)

Wheeler Peak Campground

Upper Canyon Creek Campground

Brady Mountain Day-Use

Holland-Lake Macatawa Campground

Swift Creek Campground

Duckett Mill

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Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in lakes, rivers, and natural poolsHiking mountain trails and nature walksFishing for trout, bass, and salmonKayaking and canoeing on calm watersWildlife viewing and bird watchingMountain biking on forest trails

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve campsites as early as possible—popular summer destinations like Johnson's Shut-Ins and Bay View often fill within hours of the reservation window opening six months in advance.
2Bring sun protection including high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing, as summer sun intensity increases significantly at higher elevations.
3Pack layers for mountain camping where temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from afternoon to evening, and always include rain gear for sudden thunderstorms.
4Invest in quality insect repellent and consider treating clothing with permethrin, as mosquitoes and ticks peak during summer months, particularly near water sources and in forested areas.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Summer Camping

Summer Camping FAQ

The best summer campgrounds offer shade, water access for cooling off, and good airflow. Look for sites near lakes or rivers, campgrounds at higher elevations for cooler temperatures, and areas with established trees for natural shade.

Peak summer camping season typically runs June through August. July and August are the busiest months, especially at popular destinations. Book early or consider shoulder season dates in June or early September for better availability.

We list 20+ campgrounds rated excellent for summer camping across the USA. Filter by amenities, activities, and location to find your perfect summer getaway.