Mount Rainier in Washington state, seen from the air
Photo by: Lydia McKay (Stock Exchange)

Hello, campers! Today we continue our Washington state series, moving on to all the best RV parks and campgrounds that this terrific Pacific state has to offer.

Though we can’t take a look at all campgrounds in Washington, these are some of the best camp grounds that our furthest northwest state has.

Next time AllCampgrounds will take a look at state and federal lands, both of the tent camping and RV persuasion. Here are today’s picks.

RV Camping at Point Hudson Marina: Point Hudson is right at the heart of Townsend Street, a known landmark for the port city of the same name here in Washington. You simply can’t find a better place to enjoy water sports and fishing with all the amenities of a lively port. There are 48 RV park spots enjoying the ideal location, and you also benefit from the quick attention of several area businesses that can help with fishing, boating, or just about any other aquatic pastime you can imagine. Also keep in mind that the newly expanded Northwest Marine Center is only a short ways away!

Pioneer Trails Campground and RV Resort: Pioneer Trails is known for its extra-roomy “super sites” as well as its 50 and 100 amp hookups. Wi-fi is available throughout all the camp grounds, and there are a few other keen features, such as a fully-stocked “coach house”, regulation-sized horseshoe pit, and picnic area. Budget conscious campers will especially enjoy Pioneer Trails, as it’s part of the Good Sam Club, which can offer you all kinds of discounts on the RV lifestyle.

Toutle River RV Resort: Toutle RV, situated at Castle Rock, is one of the largest RV resorts in the state. With an exceptionally well-appointed clubhouse featuring a heated, ADA-accessible spa and pool, as well as a general store that supplies all of your RV needs and a copious “loaner list” that includes just about anything you could need for outdoor fun, cooking, or getting around, Toutle River takes you by surprise with its varied and fun features. It also has the “world’s largest croquet court”, at about 200×500, played with oversized mallets and balls!

Ocean Mist RV Resort: Ocean Mist Resort is one of the highly regarded “Resorts of America” properties, and includes well over 100 sites featuring 50-amp electrical hookups. You can lounge on the oceanfront property or enjoy the rich local forests, and at the end of the day take in basketball, pickleball, the hot tub, and more. The beach area offers beach combing, clam digging, and picturesque areas for picnicking.

Thunderstorm in the Nebraska sand hills
Photo by: Elke Edwards (Stock Exchange)

Today’s AllCampgrounds continues our rambling journey around Nebraska, building momentum on our quest to check out just about all campsites worth visiting.

Today we take to the trails with our friends in the RV lifestyle, looking at some of the top RV parks and campgrounds throughout the state.

There are quite a few, as you’d expect from a place where steppes and plains are still treasured and there to be enjoyed for all campers!

Holiday RV Park: Calling itself the “finest camping facility in Nebraska”, Holiday is serious about providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With 100 full-sized, grassy pull-through sites, you’ll be “made in the shade” at most (though not all) campsites here. There’s also clean restrooms and laundry facilities to use. A beautiful pool provides recreational opportunities, and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi on its decks or anywhere else around the camp grounds. A nice, straightforward place to be with some very affordable rates, located convenient to great fairs and attractions.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing: A little slice of Nebraska’s wild pioneer history is here for your enjoyment, right on the way to the famous Chimney Rock, which marked the way west for adventurous travelers on the historic Oregon Trail. Just south of Bayard, this place offers plenty of full hookup, pull-through RV sites serviced by a fishing pond and “trading post” full of souvenirs the whole family will love. For a unique rustic experience, check out the tipi rentals! Tent camping is also welcome here.

Eagle Canyon Hideaway: Found on the shores of inviting Lake Conaughy, Eagle Canyon is a wonderland for fishing enthusiasts and hunters alike. The wildlife inhabiting this pristine lakefront and its nature trails reads like a laundry list of the most impressive game in the region: the lake itself is home to bass, trout, catfish, and many more, while the trails are known for a variety of fowl as well as the local deer. There’s a whole slew of interesting features and amenities here, so take a look – it’s not every day you see an RV park that’s also famous for its New York-style pizza and smothered burritos!

Fort McPherson Campground: Hidden just out of reach of I-80 near Maxwell, Nebraska, you’ll never know you’re so close to home at this quaint, yet full-service camp. Offering a playground, lodge, and cabins, McPherson is known to be friendly to your equine companions. Naturally, you’ll also find the ol’ standby features of most modern camp grounds, including wireless internet, coin-operated laundry, and a quality bathhouse with plenty of hot water to serve as your “camping bathroom.” True to life, the Fort McPherson Campground stands right on the historic site of its namesake fort.

Myrtle Falls, Idaho
Photo by: Benjamin Earwicker (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, all! Today’s AllCampgrounds finishes up our visit to Idaho.

We’ve seen some of the best public lands, including brilliant Shoshone Falls, and visited some amazing grounds for tenting.

Now let’s saddle up the old “coach” and find the best picks for RVs. Who knows where we’ll be headed to next? The outdoors is a big, big place!

Blue Lake RV Resort: Six miles south of Bonners Ferry, which serves as home to the beautiful waterfall pictured above, this northern Idaho RV resort offers six wide pull-through sites for the biggest RVs, as well as a large assortment of other RV and tent camping locales. Pull-throughs are equipped with 30 amp electric service and wireless access. There are also back-in and partial hook-up sites. A clubhouse free hot shower, fishing, swimming, and a range of other fun games and events are included. For hunters, be aware that this place is right in the heart of Idaho’s big game country!

The Ashton Inn and RV Park: 42 RV campgrounds plus several pull-throughs make this a top option for RV camping right within reach of West Yellowstone. Though there are only 11 sites for tent camping, it’s particularly diverse for RV campers, with 50/30/20 amp hookups and full sewer, water, cable, and wireless. You can check in any time of the day or night, and enjoy a day, week, or month with flexible rates. The local community, Ashton, is known for great winter sports and the annual American Dog Derby. The park also stands at the crossroads of the Idaho branch of Yellowstone National Park, and the beautiful mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

On the River RV Park: On the River holds the distinction of being the largest of all the state’s RV parks and campgrounds, so if you’ve had trouble getting reservations elsewhere, look no further! There are over 200 spaces here, with full laundry, propane, phone, internet, and an on-site dump station. On the River is not seasonal – it’s open all year, and its competitive prices and good location make it a prime choice for setting up near any of the annual events that take place in the Boise area. The Boise River is just outside, with ample walking paths for sightseeing.

RV Idaho Campground Association: If you’re hungry for more RV resorts and camp grounds in Idaho, if you really want to see all campsites there is to see before you decide, welcome to the local RV Campgrounds Association, which can tell you everything you want to know about camping and outdoor recreation in the state. Everything on fishing, hunting, hiking, and so much more is conveniently centralized in their resources, there’s a searchable database of camp grounds to choose from, and you can even get free, full-color guides and maps to RV camping and travel in the state. Don’t miss out!

The coast of Portland, Maine
Photo by: vanora (Stock Exchange)

In yesterday’s AllCampgrounds, we started to explore the best campgrounds in Maine, a unique camping area that stands at the crossroads of Canada and the northeastern United States.

We’ve rustled up some awesome places for tent camping, so it’s time to forge ahead and talk about RV parks and campgrounds, camping RV resorts, and other topics near and dear to our friends who camp on wheels.

RV Camp Grounds around Maine

Orr’s Island Campground: Found on a “42-acre point of land” on the coast of Maine, Orr’s is a classic example of the kind of waterfront environment that really makes the camping scene in this state shine. There are bluff, water view, and non-view sites to choose from. Be aware that Orr’s is one of many local camp grounds that are entirely seasonal, so expect weekly minimum stays, and no open facilities in the winter. Even so, this means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy and soak in the great scenery.

Searsport Shores: Voted “Best of the Best” by visitors for four consecutive years since 2007, Searsport Shores is a southern Maine camp ground that can help you find just about everything Maine has to offer, from its historic lighthouses to its delicious lobster. Welcoming both tent camping and RVs, Searsport’s unique blog provides an insight into ongoing life at the camp, with plenty of beautiful photographic illustrations. You’ll feel as if you’re there, and know just whether or not Searsport Shores is right for you.

Whispering Pines: Whispering Pines bills itself as the “#1 Lakeside Campground in New England” and has been in operation for over 100 years, making it a “grandfather” in terms of camping parks, especially private ones! Family-owned and run for a number of decades, it is a small and pristine park with about 50 sites on and around Toddy Pond. The use of rowboats and canoes is free to all campers, and your seventh night in any one visit is provided gratis courtesy of the warm and welcoming management.

Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort: With 30 or 50-amp hookups and full water at all campsites, and 44 sites to choose from, Moorings gives you access to a private beach and modern facilities for laundry, bathroom, dumping stations, and more. The famous Papa J’s seafood restaurant is located on the same property and extends a complimentary discount to Moorings guests. You also receive free wi-fi and cable television at every site.

Yonder Hill: A family-oriented RV camp park, Yonder Hill is open all year around. Yonder Hill can accommodate just about anyone, including the biggest and badest RVs around, providing full sewer and electric. A huge range of activities is available, centered around the many scenic byways that visitors have access to: you can hike, bike, go four-wheeling, or enjoy fishing or hunting grounds that are literally known state-wide for their abundant game. A recreation hall and outdoor pools round out the features.

One of Louisiana’s iconic residents, the local gator
Photo by: Pam Roth (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, campers! In an earlier post here on AllCampgrounds, we discussed the ongoing oil spill situation in the Gulf states. As a Florida resident, this means a lot to me and so, I’d like shine the spotlight on some prime camp grounds around the Gulf, starting with Louisiana.

This state sure has overcome some troubles in the last few years, but the locals’ resilience, spirit, and humor has seen them through it all. And now, they could sure use a visit from all of us campers! Just to shake things up a bit, we’ll start with RV camp grounds.

Tent camping? You’ll get to see your home away from home next time!

Betty’s RV Park: Betty’s RV Park prides itself on the cozy, community atmosphere that it offers visitors, with 17 RV sites. Found in south central Louisiana, it stands at the crossroads of some of the best Cajun country restaurants in the state. Beware, though, that Betty’s is an “adults only” establishment; it’s one of the only RV parks I’ve seen that offers “happy hour” in an enclosed lounge with top local cuisine. With plenty of great galleries and testimonials on the website, you can really get the flavor of the place.

Lakeside RV Park: Claiming the title of “south Louisiana’s favorite RV park”, Lakeside offers more than just RV camping grounds. With fishing, swimming, activity pavilions, and playgrounds for both kids and pets, travelers have everything they need for a great vacation. There are 139 RV sites here with total 30 and 50 amp hookups; and if you happen to swing by without your trusty rig, you can also choose from a selection of fully stocked cabins. Sightseeing opportunities include Civil War-era estates, world-class golf courses, casinos, and the one-of-a-kind city of Baton Rouge.

Abbeville RV Park: Located around the same vicinity as Betty’s above, Abbeville RV benefits from the same exposure to Cajun culture and hospitality. The park offers 55 sites in a shady, secluded setup that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a wilderness paradise – even though it’s only two short miles from its namesake city. You can also enjoy a mile-long nature trail. Staying at Abbeville, Betty’s, or any other south Louisiana camp grounds? You should also check out the Vermillion Parish tourism website (“The Most Cajun Place on Earth!”) for local events and festivities, which are plentiful!

Cajun Palms RV Resort: Are you a fan of camping RV resorts? Cajun Palms, out of St. Martin Parish in southwest Louisiana, might be for you. With 300 “deluxe” sites for RVs, you’ll enjoy full hookups and special features like digital cable, fishing pond, hot tub, exercise room, an arcade, and a pool complete with beverage service. Twenty “themed” cabins run the gamut of tastes from Harley-Davidson and NASCAR to safari, crawfish, and even Disney themes. Once again, take a peek at the St. Martin Parish tourism site for things to see and do while you’re based in Cajun Palms.

The wilds of eastern Nevada
Photo by: Susan H. (Stock Exchange)

Good morning! A bit ago on AllCampgrounds, we began to explore Nevada by focusing on the best in tent camping. As we learned, there are a lot of huge, well-developed state and national parks offering a true glimpse of the sometimes harsh, but always serene beauty of this desert landscape.

There’s also great lakefront camping! But, admittedly, the weather can be harsh for non-locals, and that may make tent camping a challenge. That’s where RV camping comes in, and Nevada has enough RV parks for anyone! So, as we continue our 50 States Series, it’s on to RV camping Nevada!

Great RV Parks Throughout Nevada …

It would take a book to catalog all the RV camps in Nevada, nevermind one blog post! But here are some of the top RV camping destinations. Note that many RV camps in Nevada are actually “RV resorts” — featuring camp-style landscaping alongside the kind of amenities you’d expect from a 4-star hotel. This may not fit everyone’s definition of “camping”, but many of these resorts are reasonably priced, and you can’t beat the features.

Las Vegas RV Resort: It just wouldn’t be Nevada if I got away with not mentioning Las Vegas a single time. This park is located in the city proper, but don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamor: there’s nothing “crazy” about Las Vegas RV Resort. Just plenty of great sites with full hookups, including both back-in and pull-through. Amenities include a spa, pool, fitness room, laundry, and plenty of handicapped accessible facilities.

Longstreet RV Park: On the other hand, if you’re in the Vegas area, maybe you want to embrace it. Longstreet RV Park is associated with the hotel and casino of the same name, so you can combine your camping with a little bit of wagering. The park includes 51 unique sites, with full access to all the amenities of the hotel included in every stay.

Bonanza Terrace RV Park Accommodating rigs up to 50 feet, with 50 amp service in most sites and wireless internet, Bonanza Terrace is located just outside of Reno, Nevada. Another strong entry in the specialized Nevada niche of RV camps that are also casinos, it’s right across from the Bonanza Casino, with table games and slot machines. Bonanza Terrace also features a propane filling station and secured storage area.

Chief Sleep Easy RV Park: With 62 sites offering full hookup and 30 or 50 amp service, Chief Sleep Easy provides itself (himself?) on high-quality cell phone reception, free wireless ‘net, clean bathrooms, and a top of the line clubhouse including big screen, satellite TV. At 26 years of age, it’s fairly well-established by RV park standards, but that doesn’t mean the facilities are old or poor; it lays claim to the title “cleanest in the area.”

Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee
Photo by: Horton Group (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, fellow campers!

Last time, we swung through Tennessee to get a close look at the tent camping scene there and get the scoop on some top state parks.

This time, it’s on to the best in RV parks and RV camping.

After all, as any road warrior knows, the RV camping experience is a world all of its own!

So, here’s a handful of the most-visited RV parks in the Tennessee scene. Let’s check it out …

Most of the RV camps in Tennessee are located in the eastern portion of the state, and of those, the majority are clustered around Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Not surprisingly, the Smokies’ brilliant peaks and old-growth forests attract adventurers, campers, and eco-tourists of all kinds. By contrast, there are relatively few RV camps in the western part of the state, around Memphis, and a scattering of others in the central region, close to Nashville. For an idea of what you’re looking at, visit the Tennessee Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, an organization with shared standards of quality and price that has member camp grounds state-wide.

Since we’re equal opportunity around here, we’ll showcase sites from around the state.

Twin Mountain RV Park: Minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains, Twin Mountain RV is perched on the banks of Little Pigeon River. All sites come with water, electric, and sewer standard, and both 30 and 50 amp service is available. You can enjoy activities like river tubing, swimming, and even basketball and tennis. The same company also operates several other high quality properties around the state, which you can learn all about through the same site.

Nashville Country RV Park: Located just outside the city that serves as its namesake, Nashville Country is family owned and operated. With 100 sites total, Nashville Country benefits from its central location to a number of great area attractions. During a stay at Nashville Country, you can enjoy time at Mammoth Cave National Park and some of the best regional fishing at Old Hickory Lake, Good times in both Kentucky and Tennessee are within easy reach, making this a top stop for out-of-towners and locals alike.

Deer Run RV Resort: Sprawling across the Cumberland Plateau outside Crossville in east-central TN, Deer Run’s motto is “Where Camping is a Pleasure.” As you’d expect, one of the big draws is wildlife viewing, including the eponymous deer. A 25-acre lake with beachfront area is the centerpiece of resort life, and there are also some amenities that are relatively rare, including a deli and chapel.

In our upcoming posts, look for more information on camping around the Great Smoky Mountains, including the first-ever edition of AllCampgrounds National Park Spotlight and a collection of several other great camp grounds right in the heart of the range.

View from the outskirts of Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo by: Laura Shreck (Stock Exchange)

Welcome to the Rockies! Today on AllCampgrounds, we’re headed to a new state to look at tent camping and RV camping in Colorado, especially around the Rocky Mountains.

Now, the Rockies are one of the most iconic ranges in the United States and stretch across five other states as well as parts of Canada, but because of the great diversity of Colorado’s natural landscape, the state plays host to one of the most lively and versatile camping scenes along the range.

This includes plenty of camp grounds to choose from through the year, with plenty of winter sports and beautiful summer hiking and climbing!

Tent Camping …

Rocky Mountain National Park is the clear place to start. With a variety of services including five drive-in camp grounds (three of these accept reservations), you can try everything from hiking to backcountry tent camping to fishing, biking, and mountaineering. The park is open 24 hours throughout the year, and offers opportunity to spot elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and even a few otters, among many other residents.

For Kampgrounds of America-style camping near the Rockies, try Estes Park KOA or Royal Gorge KOA. Though neither of these are open year-round, they do provide some more flexible options for families and groups, including tent camping, RV spaces, and even the signature “kabins” past visitors may be used to. As usual for KOA, you’ll never want for a clean bathroom, laundry, or something to do!

If you’re looking to base in the Estes Park area, also be aware that the local public camp grounds are expanding. They have two locations, with over total 200 sites for both tents and RVs. Reservations are taken at the public grounds, though there are a few guidelines, which can get a little bit complicated at certain times in the year. Also see Larimer County Camping Reservations for more options and specialized sites.

For RVs …

Cottonwood RV Campground offers RV camping “in the heart of the Colorado Rockies” and, like many of the other top options in the area, welcomes guests all year long. With full hookups and amenities servicing any size RV you can drive up in, Cottonwood is well-connected when it comes to the area’s local attractions and amenities. There are no tenting spaces available at Cottonwood.

Goldfield RV Campground has a convenient online reservation system and boasts fifty 30-50 amp sites and 12 pull-through sites, all recently renovated and convenient to clean restroom facilities. With easy access to Colorado Springs, the second most populous city in the state, you can easily “go wild” or soak in the local culture — or do both on the same day. Goldfield offers a 10% discount to active military servicemembers.

Spruce Lake RV is one of four “Essential Colorado RV Resorts” throughout the state. Right near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, it stands beside Big Thompson River and has over 100 sites. Rafting, fishing, and hot air balloon rides are some of the prime features. Standing out among RV camp grounds, it also offers a rental RV for those who want to sample the life but don’t have a rig of their own.

Mud Lake, Alaska
Photo by: Jeremy Sauskojus (Stock Exchange)

Hello, hello, hello! In today’s AllCampgrounds blog, we cross another state off our list by zooming out to the frozen tundra of Alaska!

Now, unless you’re an Eskimo, your goal will probably be to camp in what passes for summer in this icy region, but rest assured there’s phenomenal natural beauty for you to enjoy when you do.

There’s also some of the greatest trout fishing anywhere in the world.

The Camping Scene: Basic Info, Common Precautions

Alaska has over 100 park units and 2,500 camp grounds to choose from. Overnight camping fees of $10 to $20 a night are fairly standard in these parks, but so are outdoor toilets, well water, fire pits, and fire wood. Virtually all campsites operated by public entities are within a short distance of lakes or streams. Alaskan camp grounds are just as well-maintained as those in other states, but do have some unique issues to be aware of thanks to the harsh climate.

Naturally, the most serious issue facing campers in Alaska is the cold. Frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly, and you need to be prepared. Brush up on your winter camping skills. Though the Alaskan summer isn’t as fierce in some places, it can still hold surprises. Dress in layers, but be aware that overdressing can slow your reaction time and cause you to sweat, actually having the opposite effect you intended. Stay hydrated and keep the body, including the head and hands, well covered.

Backcountry campers also have to be aware of bears and avalanches. Remember that in Alaska, the wild frontier is always a lot closer than it may seem. Only experienced frontierspeople should really “go primitive” around here!

Tent Camping, RV Camping and More in Alaska

Want to go camping quick? It’s not hard to find camp grounds even a short distance from major population centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks. This is only a quick overview: we’ll come back for more in a future post. Alaska covers a huge territory; it’s sparsely populated and full of chances for exploration.

Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park: Offering 50 tent camping sites in the Eklutna Lake Valley, beneath the majestic peaks of the Chugach Mountains, this site offers up to 15 consecutive days of camping. In addition to all the great water sports you can enjoy, be prepared to spot moose on the lakefront. Mountain goats and other, less hospitable critters such as bears and wolves inhabit the backcountry.

Tok River Recreation Site: Sad to say, you can’t find RV space just anywhere in Alaska, but Tok River offers ten sites for motorhomes. Great riverboating, a public campfire area, telephone access, and a “camping bathroom” round out the facilities.

Kenai Fjords National Park: For camping right on the Gulf of Alaska, try Kenai Fjords. This national park offers fully-featured boat tours and kayaking. With the help of a ranger, you can enjoy a walking tour that brings you up close and personal with Exit Glacier. During the winter, the closed Exit Glacier Road provides a wonderful space for winter sports like skiing and sledding. Be aware of the black bears!

You just can’t get away with writing about Alaska without mentioning the fishing scene. During prime fishing season, thousands of hardcore enthusiasts descend on Alaska every year to do battle with record salmon, halibut, and trout. A lot of the top fishing takes place in the Kenai Peninsula region, above, but there are plenty of spots to choose from.

Klutina Salmon Charters and Campground: This place offers full-service charter fishing for king and red salmon on Klutina River along with camping for tents and RVs with full electrical hookups. Well water, picnic tables, fire pits, and dump stations are available, along with rental cabins.

Alaska is so enormous, it would take a month of posts to crack into it region-by-region. Hopefully, though, this is enough to spark the imagination of our pioneering AllCampgrounds readers. Next time, a change of weather and another terrific camping destination. Until then, my friends, time to make camp!

Polihale Beach, on the west coast of Kauai, Hawaii
Photo by: Gregory Runyan (Stock Exchange)

Aloha, everybody! On today’s AllCampgrounds blog we’ll be camping another of the 50 states as we look to get the low-down on all campsites in Hawaii. Tourists, surfers, and adventurers visit Hawaii’s pristine beaches every year to enjoy beautiful sand and crystal clear waves; but did you know there’s also a tent camping scene there? Amazing, but true; there are over a dozen sites around the Big Island, with several more dispersed across the rest of the land that makes up Hawaii. Now, I’m not going to lie to you; camping in Hawaii can be a tiny bit complicated. That’s why, as far as this post goes, I’m going to make sure you have all the info and resources you need to get started.

Parks & Camping on the Big Island is the first stop. It’ll tell you about the camping permit situation and other things you need to know when you’re selecting camp grounds on the Big Island. It’ll also link you to the state’s convenient permitting system, as you’ll need to get one before you can camp at most sites in the state. You can also get a quick run-down of the state parks and their features here.

Alternative Hawaii has a breakdown of regulations and descriptions of the state parks, national parks, county parks, and state forest reserves that Hawaii offers. You can find information on tenting or renting cabins from here, and it’s definitely informational enough to get you rolling, even though rules vary from island to island and site to site.

Now, if you’ve been reading along with these links so far, you might be thinking: “Yeesh! You REALLY have to know your stuff to go camping in Hawaii! Isn’t there any way to make this simpler?” Thankfully, there is. Things are a little bit more copasetic when you take a look at privately owned camp grounds. But, Hawaii being Hawaii, there are relatively few to choose from! Let’s look at a few …

Arnott’s Lodge offers a “BYOT” (bring your own tent!) lawn for tent camping. It’s only $10 per person, and includes your very own outdoor “camping bathroom” and hot showers, as well as access to other amenities. But what Arnott’s is really famous for is their expeditions, including close-up lava viewing, scuba diving trips, and star-gazing at the Mauna Kea Volcano 14,000 feet above sea level. These treks are designed for experienced hikers, and based on similar adventures in Australia and New Zealand.

Camp Olowalu is another option. It offers 36 sites for tent camping, with enclosed cool water showers, portable bathrooms, and a sink with drinkable water. For a more convenient travel experience, you can rent full kit from the camp, so you don’t have to lug all of your usual gear back and forth (though, if you’re like me, you’re too fond of the “old faithful” not to!). There are some reports of dolphin sightings around this camp …

Let’s say you’ve seen the above and you’re not quite impressed. If you want to brave camping on public land in Hawaii, you’ve got a lot of fantastic options that more than make up for a little bureaucracy. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two drive-in sites and requires no permits (though there’s also no reservations!). Tenting is in vogue here, though cabins are also available at the Volcano House Hotel.

There’s also Haleakala National Park, occupying the slopes and subalpine forest around the dormant Haleakala Volcano on the island of Maui. Though camping permits are required, there is no additional fee, and this is a perfect spot for campers who want their experience wild and “primitive.” To get more details, visit this third-party guide to Haleakala.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states, and as campers know: if you haven’t camped it, you haven’t seen it! Stick to your guns and don’t let a little extra regulation scare you away: the thrill is worth it. Aloha!