Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the shadow of the Sespe Wilderness, Reyes Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Here, where the babbling waters of Reyes Creek carve through ancient stone, you'll discover 24 intimate campsites perfect for tent camping and small RVs under 22 feet. Days unfold lazily as you string up a hammock between towering trees, cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes, or cast a line into the creek's promising waters. This is primitive camping at its finest—no running water means you'll need to pack in your own, but the trade-off is an undisturbed natural sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water.

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.

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN, 55731, USA

Tucked within the vast wilderness of Superior National Forest, Fall Lake Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This beloved outdoor haven draws anglers chasing trophy catches, adventurous hikers exploring pristine trails, and families seeking authentic northwoods experiences. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with raw nature here—lakefront campsites offer breathtaking water views while spotless bathrooms and hot showers ensure you can refresh after a day of wilderness exploration.

Manti-La Sal National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of the Huntington National Forest, River Bend Campground offers an authentic escape along the scenic Utah State Highway 31. This hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine fishing spots, abundant hunting grounds, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gathering around the campfire under a canopy of stars, River Bend provides the perfect balance of remoteness and accessibility for those seeking a true connection with nature.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Escape to Rock Crossing Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral at 7,316 feet above sea level. Tucked within the vast Coconino National Forest, this beloved mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of cool mountain air and endless recreation. Whether you're casting a line into crystal waters, paddling across the mirror-like surface of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, or setting out to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim, Rock Crossing serves as your perfect basecamp for Arizona's high country adventures.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away from the crowds, Jake Best Campground offers a serene escape for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This hidden gem provides primitive camping sites in a tranquil, remote setting where the sounds of nature replace the noise of civilization. While maintaining its rustic charm, the campground can accommodate some RVs, making it accessible to various camping styles. Visitors consistently praise its peaceful atmosphere, noting it as one of the less-traveled destinations that rewards adventurers with genuine solitude.

Wasatch Cache National Forest, 50 FR422, Kamas, UT, 84036

Nestled along the pristine western shores of Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, this beloved mountain retreat offers an authentic Uinta Mountains experience in northeastern Utah. Adventure seekers and nature lovers flock to this scenic sanctuary where crystal-clear waters meet towering forests, creating the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, peaceful kayaking sessions, and explorations along winding mountain trails. The campground's enduring popularity stems from its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm.

12391 Sullivan Lake Rd Box 10

Tucked away on the pristine northern shores of Sullivan Lake, West Sullivan Campground offers an intimate escape into northeast Washington's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem beckons travelers seeking tranquility, where morning mist dances across crystal-clear waters and well-maintained sites provide the perfect basecamp for adventure. Just a short stroll leads to secluded beaches, inviting swimming holes, and meandering nature trails that reveal the area's natural splendor.

TARGHEE

Nestled along the pristine banks of Henry's Fork of the Snake River, Riverside Campground offers an enchanting escape where the gentle murmur of flowing water becomes your constant companion. This thoughtfully designed haven serves as both a peaceful retreat and a strategic basecamp for adventurers drawn to the legendary fishing waters and the nearby wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Whether you're seeking solitude in a single-family site or planning a memorable gathering in one of the spacious group areas, you'll find yourself immersed in the authentic rhythm of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

North Shore, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters against your tent's edge at Emerald Bay Boat-In Campground, where adventure begins the moment you leave the dock. This exclusive 20-site sanctuary, reachable only by boat or trail, rewards intrepid campers with front-row seats to Lake Tahoe's most spectacular panoramas. Each lakefront site serves as your personal gateway to the fascinating Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail, where sunken vessels tell stories beneath the pristine waters.

310 Johnsville Road Blairsden, CA 96103

Nestled within the majestic Plumas-Eureka State Park, Jamison Creek Campground beckons adventurers with 67 thoughtfully designed campsites carved into a pristine wilderness of towering pines, fragrant firs, and ancient cedars. This mountain sanctuary seamlessly blends modern comforts—including hot showers and flush toilets—with the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear mountain waters, exploring miles of scenic trails, or stepping back in time through Gold Rush-era historical tours, Jamison Creek promises an unforgettable escape where families create lasting memories and nature enthusiasts find their perfect basecamp.

33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141

Deep in the wild heart of Big Cypress National Preserve lies Pink Jeep Campground, a hidden gem accessible only to the adventurous souls willing to journey by off-road vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. This intimate backcountry retreat features just nine pristine campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, shared food storage lockers, and fire rings for those magical evening gatherings under the stars. The primitive setting offers a rare escape from civilization, where the only sounds you'll hear are the whispers of the wind through cypress trees and the calls of native wildlife.

FOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA

Nestled deep within the majestic Bighorn National Forest, Ranger Creek Group Campground offers an unforgettable wilderness retreat where up to 150 adventurers can gather beneath towering pines. This expansive group site serves as your basecamp for endless mountain adventures—from casting lines into crystal-clear streams to exploring rugged backcountry trails, navigating thrilling off-road routes, and discovering prehistoric wonders frozen in time.

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Nestled alongside the thundering waters of the Nooksack River, Excelsior Group Camp offers an authentic Pacific Northwest wilderness experience in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This secluded retreat features two spacious group sites—Camp A and Camp B—each designed to host gatherings of up to 50 people. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or outdoor wedding, the camp serves as your basecamp for endless adventures, from challenging mountain hikes to peaceful riverside picnics and world-class fishing in pristine alpine waters.

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, LONDON, KY 40744, USA

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's wilderness, Craigs Creek Group Area stands as the perfect basecamp for unforgettable group adventures. This exclusive tent-only retreat welcomes gatherings of 30 to 60 people, where memories are forged around crackling campfires and laughter echoes across pristine sports fields. With thoughtfully designed picnic areas, convenient grills for group cookouts, and spotless facilities, this hidden gem near the sparkling waters of Laurel River Lake transforms ordinary reunions into extraordinary outdoor experiences.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nestled within the adventurous expanse of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, Smith Forks Campground stands as a gateway to endless off-highway vehicle adventures. Consistently praised by outdoor enthusiasts as the crown jewel of the park's camping options, this beloved basecamp offers direct access to an extensive network of thrilling OHV trails that wind through California's rugged backcountry.

PO Box 429, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, 408 Clayton Street, Plains, MT 59859

Perched high above the wilderness, Big Hole Lookout invites adventurous souls to step back in time and experience life as a fire watcher once did. This authentic Forest Service lookout, welcoming guests from June through October, rewards those who make the scenic 3-mile journey by foot, horseback, or mountain bike with an unforgettable backcountry retreat. From your eagle's nest accommodation, witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramas where mountain ranges stretch endlessly into the horizon and valleys unfold like nature's own tapestry below.