Discover the best places to camp with family for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Yosemite hold wonderful views to the fun-filled beaches of Assateague Island. Yosemite has something special for every camper. Here you will find out the best time, thing that required, and best site for you. All these sites holds some of the most amazing and wonderful sites for camping. If you love camping beside an amazing lake or relaxing nature views, and wonderful lake view. To plan your unforgettable family escape into the heart of Yosemite’s majestic wilderness, visit the official Yosemite National Park website for maps, campsite details, and seasonal tips.
1. Family Camping in Yosemite National Park, California
Reconnect with your loved ones under Yosemite’s towering sequoias and cascading waterfalls, one of the top nature escapes for families craving wonder and peace.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to September
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Layered clothing (for variable temperatures)
- A bear-proof food container
- Hiking gear.
Type of Camping:
- Yosemite has a wide range of camps from developed sites to more rural options.
2. Camp With Kids at Custer State Park, South Dakota
Create unforgettable family memories as you camp near roaming bison and pristine lakes — a truly unique family-friendly camping spot in South Dakota.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to September
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Fishing gear
- Hiking boots
- Bear-proof food containers
- Prepare for sudden weather changes with layers and rain gear.
Type of Camping:
- The Park gives a chance for ground camping, from more developed sites to original ones.
3. Zion National Park – A Top Family Camping Spot, Utah
Let your family bond over Zion’s red canyons and star-filled skies — a best place to enjoy camping with loved ones in the heart of Utah’s wild beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV
- Sun protection (hats, sunscreen),
- Plenty of water
- A camera
- Bring layers for cooler evenings.
Type of Camping:
- The park has well-furnished campgrounds and some backcountry options.
4. Olympic National Park for Nature-Loving Families, Washington
Embrace the calm of lush forests and ocean breezes — a perfect destination for those seeking peaceful and scenic camping with family near the Pacific.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to September
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Rain gear,
- Layered clothing
- Hiking boots
- Insect repellent can be helpful.
Camping Equipment:
- The park offers campgrounds in various settings, including forests, beaches, and mountain areas.
5. Coastal Family Camping in Big Sur, California
Wake up to the sound of waves and misty cliffs — Big Sur offers one of the most stunning family camping experiences along the California coast.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late Spring through Early Fall (May to September).
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV
- Layered clothing
- Beach gear
- Bring a camp stove for cooking
- A camera for capturing the coastline.
Type of Camping:
- Several campgrounds offer gorgeous ocean views and access to hiking trails.
6. Lakeside Family Fun at Indiana Dunes
From sandy shores to forest hikes, this lakeside paradise is ideal for families looking for a safe and playful place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to August
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Beach gear
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Bring layers for cooler evenings.
Type of Camping:
- The Park gives a chance for outstanding ground camping. It offers access to the hills and beaches.
7. Shenandoah – Peaceful Camping for Families, Virginia
Let nature’s quiet beauty bring your family closer — Shenandoah is among the best places to share stories and s’mores under starry skies.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV,
- Layered clothing
- Hiking gearBring a camera for scenic viewsBear-proof containers if needed.
Type of Camping:
- The park has several kinds of campgrounds along Skyline Drive, offering great access to trails and views.
8. Sleeping Bear Dunes – A Family Beach Camping Gem, Michigan
Few places blend play and peace like this — it’s the ultimate camping spot for families who dream of dunes, lake views, and campfire fun.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to August
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Beach gearSun protectionHiking boots
- Bring a camera for capturing the dunes and lake views.
Type of Camping:
- The Park gives a chance for ground camping with easy access to the hills and lakeside.
9. Starved Rock – Hidden Family Campground in Illinois
If you’re looking for a peaceful yet playful place to camp with your family, Starved Rock’s trails and waterfalls offer the perfect weekend escape.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Fall.
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV
- Layered clothing
- Hiking boots,
- A camera.
- Prepare for cooler temperatures with warm layers.
Type of Camping:
- The Park gives a chance for ground camping with access to hiking trails and waterfalls.
10. Cuyahoga Valley – Ohio’s Family-Friendly Park
Nestled between city and forest, this Ohio treasure is one of the best places to go camping with kids, filled with train rides, trails, and quiet evenings.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Fall
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Layered clothing
- Hiking gear
- Bring a camera to capture the waterfalls and scenic views.
Type of Camping:
- The Park provides outstanding ground camping with different facilities.
Eastern U.S.
11. Great Smoky Mountains – Classic Family Camping, Tennessee/North Carolina
Wrapped in fog and filled with life, the Smokies deliver the ultimate family-friendly camping trip — from fireflies to forest trails and bonding time.
Best Time to Visit:
- winters and spring.
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Layered clothing
- Hiking gear
- A camera
- Bring bear-proof containers and a first-aid kit.
Type of Camping:
- The park has various campgrounds, including some with full amenities and backcountry options.
12. Acadia National Park – East Coast Family Escape, Maine
Treat your loved ones to an East Coast adventure — Acadia is one of the top places to camp with family, with rocky shores and peaceful pine forests.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to September
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV
- Layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots
- Bring a camera for the outstanding beach views.
Type of Camping:
- This Park gives a chance to enjoy ground camping, beaches and beautiful views.
13. Shenandoah Revisited – Blue Ridge Family Bliss, Virginia
Return to the embrace of Virginia’s mountains, where your family can enjoy simple joys — hiking, stargazing, and sharing quiet moments together.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Fall.
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV
- Layered clothing
- Hiking gear
- Bring a camera for scenic views and bear-proof containers if needed.
Type of Camping:
- The park has several campgrounds along Skyline Drive, offering great access to trails and views.
14. Scenic Family Camping Along Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
If your heart longs for bonding moments and breathtaking views, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers unforgettable camping experiences for all ages.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Fall.
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup,
- Layered clothing,
- Hiking gear
- Bring a camera for capturing the scenic vistas.
- Type of Camping: The parkway has campgrounds with beautiful views and access to hiking trails.
15. Assateague Island – Camp by the Beach With Family, Maryland/Virginia
Camp alongside the ocean and watch wild horses roam — a dreamy family-friendly campsite perfect for beach lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
Camping Equipment:
- A tent
- Beach gear
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Bring layers for cooler evenings
- A camera for the wild horses.
- Type of Camping: Tent camping. The park offers beachside campgrounds with easy access to the ocean and unique wildlife.
Southern U.S.
16. Guadalupe Mountains – Rugged Family Camping Spot
Want to share a true adventure with your kids? This park offers desert trails, epic peaks, and one of the best family bonding spots in Texas nature.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Fall.
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Sun protection
- Plenty of water
- Layered clothing
- Bring hiking gear and a camera for the scenic views.
- Type of Camping: The park offers campgrounds with basic amenities and access to hiking trails.
17. Everglades – Unique Family Camping in Florida
Explore an otherworldly side of nature together — the Everglades is a top choice for camping with family that’s both exciting and educational.
Best Time to Visit:
- December to April
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun protection
- A camera
- Bring a water filter system for backcountry sites.
- Type of Camping: The park offers developed campgrounds and more primitive backcountry options.
18. Lake Tahoe – Year-Round Family Camping Fun
Crystal-clear waters and towering pines make Tahoe a favorite for family camping trips — whether it’s summer swims or snowy retreats.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to August
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup,
- Swim gear
- Layered clothing
- Hiking gear
- Bring a camera for the beautiful lake views.
- Type of Camping: The area offers campgrounds with easy access to the lake and various outdoor activities.
19. Disney’s Fort Wilderness – Magical Family Camping, Florida
Add a touch of Disney magic to your outdoor experience — this one-of-a-kind family campground brings the wonder of nature and the joy of theme parks together.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall
Camping Equipment:
- A tent or RV setup
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun protection
- A camera
- Bring a water filter system for backcountry sites.
Each location offers a unique experience, so be sure to prepare accordingly based on the Camping Types and the specific environment of each park. If you’re dreaming of open skies, peaceful prairies, and quiet nights under the stars, don’t miss our guide to the Best Places To Camp In Kansas for a truly heartwarming family adventure.
