Camping allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, recharge and seek out new adventures. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice looking for a new experience, camping has something to offer for most adventurers. Nothing beats the fresh air, scenic surroundings and the promise of a cozy campfire to warm up those chilly nights.
From van camping to backpacking and sleeping under the stars, there are endless possibilities. However, camping can mean different things to different people, depending on your budget, comfort level, experience and interests. That's why in this post, we're breaking down some common camping styles and fun places to go for each. Whatever your expertise or favorite type of camping, AAA will help you choose your next adventure and stay comfortable. (Researching family-friendly camping? Check out “Planning Your First Family Camping Trip” or “Coolest Campgrounds for Families.”)
Dispersed and Backcountry Camping
Camping Style: Roughing It
Dispersed camping, sometimes called dry camping or boondocking, refers to setting up — with no hookups — a certain distance away from developed campgrounds. Although what’s called backcountry camping can be considered dispersed camping, not every form of dispersed camping constitutes backcountry camping, simply because these experiences can take place anywhere from national lands to the side of the road and parking lots (with permission).
The term backcountry refers to more commonly used remote areas that are usually accessible only on foot or by boat. These types of camping allow you to test your outdoor skills, see new areas and have plenty of privacy. However, since there are limited to no amenities provided in these types of locales, you have to be prepared, especially if planning solo trips. This means carrying a first aid kid and supplies, practicing Leave No Trace principles, knowing the rules and regulations for your chosen area, and alerting someone to where you're heading. That said, primitive campsites are great for advanced campers. Campers must bring everything they will need, which may range from body wipes and multitools to water filters.
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Backcountry Campsites
Lands may be administered by a patchwork of federal, state and local agencies, not to mention private holdings or Native American reservations. If you are planning to camp anywhere other than the above-mentioned sites, find out if you need permission first to avoid trespassing. Plan to be self-sufficient, as contact with others may be more limited in places such as:
- National forests
- National grasslands
- National monuments
- Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Trailheads
- Wilderness Management Areas
For those who want to save money and experience remote places, camping on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management may be the most budget-friendly way to go. Most developed areas cost a small fee, which goes toward facility maintenance, but there are other dispersed camping sites and recreational options available in BLM lands that may be free; check in advance.
Note that much of the BLM lands are out West, but you can see available options at BLM.gov/visit and filter by location, activities and keyword.
Editor Pick: Where to Go Backcountry Camping
Mojave Trails National Monument
Needles, California
The Eastern monument entry is I-40 west to U.S. Highway 95 north of Needles, California. The protected wilderness between Barstow and Needles spans over 1.6 million acres of federal lands and is home to rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows and stunning sand dunes. It's the perfect place for nature lovers and van life enthusiasts, as camping is allowed on all BLM lands within Mojave Trails National Monument, except in the Afton Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the main Amboy Crater parking lot. If you’re a history enthusiast, note that it’s home to the largest stretches of undeveloped Route 66 and World War II-era Desert Training Center sites.
- Enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape and camp for up to 14 days in a single site. Due to fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed in designated spots. If you must have a campfire, Afton Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the East Mojave, features 22 primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis with grills and fire pits for $6 a day. There are vault toilets, aka waterless toilets, and picnic tables, but available resources are limited. Bring your own water.
Canoe Camping and River Rafting Camping Trips
- Camping Style: Touring or Expedition Canoeing
Have you heard of canoe camping? It's like backpacking, but you explore via canoe and camp overnight. Some call it touring or expedition canoeing. Similarly, there’s white-water rafting if you prefer. Imagine navigating rapids before settling down at your designated campsite. To ensure a smooth journey, it's important to plan ahead. Consider working with a licensed guide or outfitter and securing any necessary permits or reservations in advance. Pack light, but don't forget the essentials; you'll want to bring all gear you’ll need for paddling and camping for a few nights.
Editor Pick: Where to Canoe or River Raft Camp
Arkansas River
Launching from Cañon City, Colorado
Recommended in the AAA TourBook, the Whitewater Adventure Outfitters, 1 mile west of Cañon City at 50905 US 50W, can take you on an overnight excursion on the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge area. Other destination options include Bighorn Sheep Canyon, which is geared toward families and first-timers. Along the way, you'll get narrated highlights along the route from knowledgeable guides.
Cowboy Camping
- Camping Style: Open-air Camping
If you're looking for a stripped-down approach to camping, cowboy camping may be for you. This style of camping involves ditching the tent and sleeping out under the night skies. It could include a perennial favorite, hammock camping.
It's perfect for those who want to travel light and fully immerse themselves in nature. (Some of us may have first experienced this type of freedom while backyard camping.) Whatever your skill level, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience to feel the breeze and hear the sounds of the wilderness around you, without the hassle of setting up or taking down a tent.
- While this may be the simplest form of camping, you do need to take extra precautions to protect yourself from insects, small animals and unexpected heavy rainfall. These may include a tarp or tent, sleeping bag or hammock, Tyvek® ground sheets or sleeping pads to compensate for the hard ground. Set up in a prairie, or dry, open landscape for best results.
If you prefer a lengthier camping trip, consider applying for an overnight river permit at a national land, such as beautiful Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah. Others, with more experience, may lean toward hiking a longer, popular route, such as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail or Pacific Crest Trail.
Editor Pick: Where to Try Cowboy Camping
Appalachian Trail (various states)
Imagine falling asleep under the stars without a tent, just you and nature. But before you venture out, remember to be prepared. Campsite rules are your responsibility. To avoid camping violations, pay attention to where you're going. Camping is typically permitted within 200 feet off a path, trail junction or water source. (That’s roughly 70 large steps.) The trail goes through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, the trail’s terminus in Baxter State Park. Permits are required in Baxter State Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.
To make the experience the best it can be, make sure you have the correct gear. Don't forget insect repellent and always check for ticks. Consider using a bear canister or food storage device to minimize encounters with black bears. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy offers detailed camping regulations that you should become familiar with and download pre-trip.
Frontcountry Camping
- Camping Style: Car/RV Camping and Glamping
If you're looking for camping that offers a few more amenities, frontcountry camping — generally known as car camping — may be the perfect fit for you. The majority of camping in parks is termed frontcountry camping, in which guests drive to an established or developed campground.
Full-service campgrounds provide car and tent campers with amenities such as drinking water, power hookups and showers. Though they are easy to find, booking might be difficult due to their popularity. These range from private RV campgrounds to developed campsites at some national lands and state parks.
Car Camping
Car camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to carry all your gear on your back. It's perfect for families, couples or groups of friends who want to have a comfortable basecamp to explore the area around them. If you plan to sleep in your car, make sure the parking surface is flat and be aware of the angle of the car. Sleep with your head above your feet.
One of the perks of this type of camping is the amount of options. Car camping allows you to bring more gear and supplies as well as stay in a larger, more luxurious tent or RV. Many sites have picnic tables, fire pits and other amenities, so you don't have to rough it too much. Some of the best places for car camping include national, state, and local campgrounds with reserved sites and hookups.
Editor Pick: Where to Go Car Camping
Assateague Island National Seashore
Maryland and Virginia
Camping is only open on the Maryland side, with options ranging from oceanside drive-ins to horse camping sites. Make sure to book way ahead of time — at least 6 months early. Reservations are required from mid-March to mid-November; otherwise campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be aware that nearly all reservations for weekends are filled the first day that they become available.
The island environment can be harsh, so you'll want to be prepared for beach camping. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellant, locally procured firewood, a screened tent and sturdy stakes to anchor in the sand. Fees range from $30 to $50 per night and come with picnic tables and fire pits. With some knowledge of campground regulations and prep work, camping on Assateague can be a great experience, but you've got to plan ahead for the popular spot.
RV Camping
If you prefer the comfort and convenience of a recreational vehicle, there are plenty of opportunities depending on camping preference. Yellowstone National Park is a popular destination, offering scenic drives and easy access to natural wonders like geysers and hot springs. RV campers can enjoy amenities such as electrical and water hookups, dump stations and campfire rings.
However, the combined length of your RV and any additional vehicle will be needed to reserve a Yellowstone site. Know your vehicle and trailer's complete length. Few sites can accommodate 40-foot-plus lengths, and campground employees cannot accommodate you if you come with equipment that differs from your reservation.
Editor Pick: Where to Go RVing
Fishing Bridge
Yellowstone National Park
Just a 53-mile drive from Cody, Wyoming, this Yellowstone campground is where to enjoy a campground with all the amenities. Fishing Bridge is the only developed place in the park with water, sewer and electrical hookups in addition to four comfort stations, aka bathroom and shower facilities, that meet ADA accessibility standards. Nightly fees for RV camping range from $89 plus tax but may vary; check in advance. If you're coming with your RV, one plus is that it can accommodate both a vehicle and a towed unit side by side. Just note that no tent camping is allowed due to the presence of grizzly bears in the area.
Glamping
If you're looking for a camping experience that's more glamorous than rugged, glamping might be the easiest way to camp. Glamping, short for glamorous camping, is all about comfort, luxury and unique experiences. Glamping is perfect for couples who want to have a romantic getaway in a picturesque setting or families who want to have a more comfortable camping experience.
- While you might picture RV parks or cabins in parklands, these days glamping sites range from yurts and tents to treehouses, tiny houses and even restored vintage trailers. They often come with hotel-style beds, electricity and other amenities that are not typical for traditional camping.
Some of the best places for glamping include private retreats, eco-resorts and luxury campgrounds, but even a few state parks are getting in on the fun. Florida State Parks’ “Let's Go Glamping” lists seven glamping destinations across Florida. As a concessionaire-run service, reservations are made directly with a company — perhaps making them easier to book than cabins through the park reservation system, which may already be booked for months. (For another AAA Editor Pick article on glamping, check out Glamping in the Finger Lakes Region.)
Editor Pick: Where to Go Glamping
Hillsborough River State Park
Thonotosassa, Florida
Seven miles of trails and an abundance of wildlife make this park a must-visit natural attraction just minutes from downtown Tampa. Class II rapids are uncommon in Florida, yet here you can kayak through scenic scenery, stroll the nature trail or enjoy a picnic. After a long day, relax in a luxurious bed and enjoy other creature comforts provided by Timberline Glamping, including a coffeemaker and mini fridge. (The company will set up the tent, starting at $154 plus tax, but note there’s an additional cleaning fee.)
Plan Your Camping Trip with AAA
Camping is not a one-size-fits-all experience. There are many different types of camping, each with its own pros and cons, and each catering to different travelers' unique needs and preferences. If one doesn’t work, another might. Whether you prefer to rough it out in the backcountry or enjoy glamping in style, there's a camping experience out there waiting for you. Check out AAA.com/TripCanvas for descriptions of popular destinations, campsites and scenic drives. Most importantly, just have fun with your camping itinerary. With AAA, you can relax knowing that you'll have access to expert recommendations and resources to rest reassured!