INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

WEST TEN SLEEP ROAD (FOREST ROAD 27), TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA

Nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Cloud Peak Wilderness, Boulder Park Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. Here, beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines, you'll discover a peaceful basecamp where modern comforts meet wilderness wonder. Each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening storytelling, while well-maintained vault toilets ensure accessibility for all visitors. Fresh mountain water flows from hand pumps throughout the camp, and regular trash collection keeps this pristine environment unspoiled. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear streams, embarking on wilderness trails, or simply watching elk graze in nearby meadows, Boulder Park serves as your ideal launching point for unforgettable mountain adventures.

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Tucked between the vibrant cities of Cheyenne and Laramie, just off the convenience of I-80, Vedauwoo Designated Dispersed Campsites offer a perfect escape into the wild beauty of the Pole Mountain area. Here, adventurers find a harmonious blend of accessibility and wilderness, where rustic rock fire rings mark individual sites and sturdy metal ring grates serve larger groups. This gateway to Medicine Bow National Forest's extensive trail network promises both solitude and adventure, making it an ideal basecamp for those seeking to explore Wyoming's rugged backcountry without sacrificing easy access to modern amenities.

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT 84022

Escape to Upper Narrows Campground, where a mile-long stretch of pristine wilderness awaits your discovery. This hidden gem offers authentic primitive camping with six intimate single sites and one spacious group area, perfect for gathering under starlit skies. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening storytelling, while convenient vault toilets ensure basic comfort. True to its back-to-nature appeal, visitors should come prepared with their own water supply, embracing the self-sufficient spirit of desert camping.

PO Box 169, Almo, Idaho, 83312-0169, United States

Step into a climber's paradise where ancient granite spires pierce the sky like nature's own cathedral. City of Rocks National Reserve beckons adventurers with its otherworldly landscape of towering pinnacles and smooth monoliths that have captivated travelers since the California Trail days. Whether you're here to test your skills on world-class climbing routes, explore scenic hiking trails, or saddle up for an equestrian adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in a geological wonderland. Visitors rave about the pristine facilities, welcoming hosts who go above and beyond, and the perfect positioning that puts you within reach of the area's most spectacular attractions.

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Discover a dramatic landscape where nature and history converge at McConnells Mill State Park. This spectacular 2,546-acre preserve cradles the breathtaking Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, where a restored 1800s gristmill stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage. While the park doesn't offer camping, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through one of the state's most stunning geological formations.

LARAMIE RANGER DISTRICT, 2468 JACKSON ST, LARAMIE, WY 82070

Nestled in the heart of Wyoming's wilderness, Hidden Valley Group Picnic Site transforms memorable moments into unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning the perfect mountain wedding, orchestrating a family reunion that spans generations, or coordinating a spirited sporting event, this remarkable venue welcomes groups of up to 300 guests with open arms. Beyond its exceptional day-use facilities, Hidden Valley embraces the adventurous spirit with overnight camping options, allowing your celebration to extend beneath a canopy of stars.

Mt. Rose Hwy, State Route 431, Reno, NV 89511

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada between the vibrant city of Reno and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose Campground serves as your gateway to some of Nevada's most spectacular hiking trails and outdoor adventures. This well-appointed mountain retreat features thoughtfully paved campsites, each offering a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water. Whether you're seeking a base camp for summit attempts or a peaceful escape among the pines, this campground delivers an authentic high-country experience.

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Nestled in the breathtaking Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Pawnee Campground beckons adventurers to Colorado's high country paradise. Here, pristine alpine lakes mirror snow-capped peaks while dense spruce and fir forests provide a natural sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the serene lake surface, or challenging yourself on nearby rock faces, this mountain retreat offers endless opportunities for adventure. Miles of hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and lead to panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless—though at this elevation, that might happen anyway.

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, Transfer Campground offers a tranquil escape just 11 miles north of Mancos, Colorado. This intimate, lesser-known gem welcomes adventurers with 12 first-come, first-serve family campsites nestled beneath a canopy of quaking aspens, plus one reservable group site perfect for larger gatherings. Whether you're drawn to explore the winding Aspen Loop Trail on foot, navigate the educational Big Al Interpretive Trail, or seek more adventurous pursuits on horseback, mountain bike, or ATV, Transfer serves as your gateway to endless outdoor experiences in this pristine corner of Colorado.

115 West Canyon Road, Ferron, UT, 84523

Tucked away in the shadows of towering canyon walls, Lower Little Bear Campground offers a serene escape along the banks of Huntington Creek. This hidden gem along the Huntington Canyon National Scenic Byway beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences beyond the typical campground hustle. Each site features thoughtfully placed graveled parking spurs, sturdy picnic tables, pedestal grills perfect for evening cookouts, and fire rings surrounded by welcoming benches for gathering under starlit skies. While embracing a more rustic camping experience without on-site water or restrooms, this intimate retreat rewards visitors with unparalleled tranquility and direct access to nature's doorstep.

1002 Snow Canyon Drive, Ivins, Utah, 84738, United States

Nestled between towering sandstone cliffs and ancient black lava formations, Snow Canyon State Park invites adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Utah's desert landscape. Choose from 14 RV sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, perfect for those seeking comfort in the wilderness, or opt for one of 17 versatile multi-use campsites that bring you closer to nature. Here, where red rock meets volcanic stone, every sunrise paints the canyon walls in brilliant hues while every sunset transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream.

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Perched at 5,700 feet on Mt. Hood's rugged northeast slopes, the historic Tilly Jane Guard Station beckons winter adventurers with its promise of authentic backcountry solitude. This charming 1930s cabin, accessible only by ski or snowshoe through pristine winter wilderness, transforms into your personal base camp for exploring some of Oregon's most spectacular alpine terrain. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping descents, peaceful snowshoe meanders, or simply a cozy mountain refuge warmed by wood stove and mountain lore, Tilly Jane delivers an unforgettable high-altitude escape.

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Nestled deep within the breathtaking Hyalite Canyon, Lower Hyalite Group Site offers an authentic Montana wilderness experience just outside Bozeman. This spacious group campground welcomes gatherings of up to 100 people, making it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor enthusiasts seeking to share the magic of the Gallatin National Forest. A large shelter anchors the site, complete with picnic tables for communal meals, while vault toilets and a central campfire ring provide essential amenities. The melodic sounds of nearby Hyalite Creek create a natural soundtrack for your stay. As a primitive camping experience, visitors should come prepared with their own drinking water and plan to pack out all trash, embracing the leave-no-trace ethic that preserves this pristine mountain environment.

1895 Geary Road, Sunol, California, 94586, United States

Deep within Sunol Regional Wilderness, adventurous backpackers discover a rare treasure: remote campsites scattered along the legendary Ohlone Wilderness Trail. These secluded spots offer the ultimate escape from civilization, where privacy reigns supreme and the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant wildlife. While amenities are intentionally minimal—featuring basic pit toilets and requiring water filtration from natural sources—the reward is an authentic wilderness experience that few Bay Area destinations can match.

Joshua Tree National Park

Tucked away in a natural fortress of towering boulders and ancient Joshua Trees, Hidden Valley Campground beckons adventurers into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This primitive camping haven has become a mecca for rock climbers from around the world, drawn by the legendary climbing routes that wind through the surrounding granite monoliths. As dawn breaks over the desert, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that feels both otherworldly and intimately connected to the raw beauty of the Mojave.

Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Escape to Windwhistle Campground, where the whisper of desert winds through sandstone canyons creates nature's own symphony. Tucked away in the breathtaking Canyon Rims Recreation Area, this hidden gem offers 15 intimate campsites plus a group gathering space, all cradled against the dramatic backdrop of Roan Bailey Mesa. Here, where ancient stone meets endless sky, you'll discover the perfect sanctuary for stargazers, adventurers, and those seeking respite from the modern world's constant hum.

MIDDLE FORK ROAD, BUFFALO, WY 82834, USA

Tucked into the heart of Bighorn National Forest, Middle Fork Campground offers nine intimate sites where the soothing sounds of Clear Creek create nature's soundtrack. This pristine mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of crystalline fishing waters, scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, and front-row seats to Wyoming's spectacular wildlife theater.