CAMPING & HIKING
I was fortunate to grow up with a cabin. On the weekends, we cherished the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of owning a small, family business. We enjoyed bonfires, swam in the lake (until we discovered the leeches!), and, depending on the season, rode 4-wheelers or snowmobiles in circles for hours. That said, I didn't get into tent camping until Drew (an Eagle Scout) nudged me to take a road trip across the United States during my freshman year of college.
Ever since, we've taken at least one road trip each summer. There are so many beautiful state parks sprinkled among farmland or nestled in big cities. The sites that stand out most to us are well-kept, wooded, and spread out. I see campsites as I see coffee shops - I like having the quiet buzz of people around me, but the last thing I'm looking for is a congested vacation space. Although RV's may be your thing, there's something special about the corner of campsites reserved for tenters. It's also a bonus when educational programming, such as guided hikes or evening presentations, is included. We've met some neat park rangers and volunteers over the years, and it makes me thankful that they are willing to share their passion.
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Amy
These ten campsites are near and dear to my heart. Pick a direction & road trip away!
1. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (Utah)
Okay, I have to be transparent here. This is the only one on the list that isn't technically a campsite. Located in Sandy, Utah, this national forest is stunning. My college roommates and I did a moderate 3-hour hike on the Bells Canyon Trail, and man was it worth it to see the huge waterfall and breathtaking view.
2. Jay Cooke State Park (Minnesota)
A few miles southwest of Duluth, Minnesota, this gorgeous spot sits on the Saint Louis River. Camping in early May in northern Minnesota meant winter hats, but almost zero camping neighbors! The rocky shoreline hikes were family-friendly, but allowed for fun exploration. Our day trip to Duluth was also an easy drive and a fun change.
3. Devil’s Lake State Park (Wisconsin)
What a sweet hiking spot! Nothing too crazy difficult, but it was fun to look down on the tiny swimmers below. This park had way more sites than our typical campsite selections, but it didn't feel like it once you were settled. Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a cute little town, too. On your way out, I recommend driving one hour to the indescribable House on the Rock.
4. Energy Lake Campground (Kentucky)
This beloved campground in Golden Pond, Tennessee is part of the Land of the Lakes National Recreational Area. We loved being right on the shore (well, until a massive thunderstorm rolled through...). The canoe and kayak rental process was easy as pie and only $10 per hour. There was also a drive-thru zone to see some bison and elk. It wasn't our smartest move to drive south in early August, but we will definitely venture back in the spring or fall.
5. Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Colorado)
After a long, windy, and nauseating drive up, reaching our campsite was a relief. Staying in the tent-only zone was great (as usual). It was calm and the air was crisp. We frequented a lake on the mountain that felt like a hidden paradise, and just missed a moose sighting! From Golden, a day trip to Denver was enjoyable, but driving up and down the mountain wasn't our best plan.
6. Onondaga Cave State Park (Missouri)
This was a stop along my very first camping roadtrip, so Leasburg, Missouri, will forever hold a special spot in my heart! The cave tour was a must, but unfortunately, you can't decide the other tourists who end up in that claustrophobic space with you. We got stuck with whiny children and parents who used the ignoring treatment. We truly enjoyed the campsite, just wish the sites were more wooded and private.
7. Stone State Park (Iowa)
On a random warm weekend in March 2020 (pre-COVID), we did a weekend trip to Sioux City, Iowa. As to be expected, the place was empty! Off-season prices ($6/night) were insane, but since the road to get in was steep, the camp closes it for the winter in case of ice. For two tent campers in March, that meant walking three loads of stuff 1 mile each way. We got our hike in, just wasn't as planned!
When we saw site 33 was on a mini peninsula and was OPEN, we jumped on it. The shoreline breeze and pretty sunset made my night. Wilson State Park in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, was just a one-night stop for us, but we both agreed it would've been fun to stay longer.
9. Mueller State Park (Colorado)
This Colorado State Park, located in the city of Divide, had exceptional volunteer programming. We learned all about Colorado history from a random old gentleman that gives weekly presentations and went on a lovely hike with two knowledgeable volunteer guides. We spotted multiple deer, saw traces of a bear just passing through, and enjoyed the variation of hilly hikes and wooded sites.
10. Shades State Park (Indiana)
Who would've guessed this place used to be called "Shades of Death". Shades State Park, located in Waveland, IN, (about 50 miles northwest of Indianapolis) has loads of hiking trails, towering trees, and (you guessed it) SHADE! It was refreshing to breathe in cooler air and enjoy some wooded privacy between campsites. This may just be our new not-too-far-from-home camping spot!
