Camping is one of the most exciting ways to spend your spring break vacation. You can choose from all kinds of campsites around the country for your next trip into the wilderness. Read on to discover the top ten best spring break camping destinations and start planning for your escape into nature!
The first spring break camping destination to consider is Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway stretches 469 miles between Virginia and North Carolina within the Appalachian Mountains. It links the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Blue Ridge Parkway is a perfect place for spring camping in the south that allows you to hike and see the beautiful mountains and parks the Parkway has to offer. It’s famous for its stunning scenic views and drives that immerse you in the heart of Appalachia.
Another inspiring spring camping destination is Joshua Tree National Park. You can experience both the Sonoran and the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree National Park. Located east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is an almost mystical desert camping experience prime for spring break vacation. Famous for its unique Joshua Tree plants that you will find throughout the desert, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful place for biking, backpacking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even stargazing after dark. With so many landmark locations to see, this national park is one of the best camping destinations for your spring break trip.
Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve is a fantastic spring destination for camping in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The Flint Hills are home to the largest concentrated area of tallgrass prairie in the country, and spring is the perfect season to visit as you will get to see all the plants in full bloom. You can see herds of bison grazing in the Windmill Pasture as you hike the Scenic Overlook Trail, or you can go on a tour of the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch. You can even enjoy catch-and-release fishing in Fox Creek or the three preserve ponds open to the public. Overall, Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve serves as a fundamental Midwest camping experience for the springtime.
Another fun and exciting destination for spring break camping is the San Marcos River. San Marcos is a college town within the Hill Country of Texas that’s perfect for families or young adults during spring break. If you enjoy water activities, the San Marcos River is the place for you! You can go kayaking, canoeing, tubing, paddle boarding, surfing, and you can even go on a glass-bottom boat tour at the Meadow Center. There are several breathtaking campgrounds along the river, like Son’s Blue River Camp, where you can rent cabanas and get shuttle services for a more laid-back, family-friendly camping excursion. San Marcos is full of wonder and will have you never wanting to get out of the water!
Hot Springs National Park is a mesmerizing camping destination full of history, culture, and ancient thermal springs. You can spend a relaxing afternoon at Bathhouse Row, where you can experience the healing qualities of the spring water. You can go for hikes and walk the trails to view the breathtaking hot springs. You can even climb the Hot Springs Tower to get an observational 360-degree view of the park and the Ouachita Mountains. Hot Springs National Park offers unique sites and things to do for your next spring break camping trip.
The next spring camping destination is Zion National Park. This national park is in southwestern Utah and is known for its towering red-colored cliffs. Zion offers showstopping scenery that you can’t find anywhere else. You can experience the views firsthand on a hike through the park’s trails or by driving down the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that showcases the national park in all its glory. You can also visit the Emerald Pools, which house a hanging garden and stunning waterfalls. Zion National Park is a camping experience for spring break unlike any other.
Jean Lafitte National Park is in the southern end of Louisiana and is an ideal destination for spring break camping. This national park sports six separate sites made for you to enjoy Lousiana’s unique culture, scenery, and bayous. In addition, you can walk along the boardwalks of the Palmetto Trail to get a close-up bayou experience as you view cypress swamps and local wildlife. You can also divert into the city and taste some Cajun food that the region is famous for.
Next on our list is Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite is famous for its giant sequoia trees, some of the world’s largest trees. The park’s most popular sites are Bridalveil Fall, the cliffs of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. El Capitan is a massive rock formation that stands about 3,000 feet at its tallest point, and it offers a breathtaking view of Yosemite for hundreds of miles. Bridalveil Fall is a 617-foot tall waterfall in Yosemite that is one of its most popular tourist attractions. Yosemite National Park welcomes new hikers and veteran campers alike, offering exhilarating challenges for both experience levels.
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a stunning spring camping destination along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. It takes a short three-mile boat ride to get to the islands of Cape Lookout, and it is certainly worth the ride. There’s so much to do at these remote beaches, from fishing, birding, beach driving, and stargazing to climbing Cape Lookout Lighthouse and touring historic villages. The northernmost island of Cape Lookout National Seashore is Shackleford Banks, and it is home to over 100 wild horses that roam the beach. Cape Lookout is one of the best destinations for your spring break camping trip, especially if you’re an ocean lover looking for a scenic adventure!
The last spring camping destination to make it onto our list is Assateague Island. The island’s northern part is located in Maryland, serving as the state’s only oceanfront park, and the southern third of the island is in Virginia. Assateague offers plenty to explore, as it is just a few miles from Ocean City and features 312 campsites with waterfront and beach access. Much like Cape Lookout, Assateague Island is also home to herds of wild horses. These iconic horses are in two separate herds, one on the Maryland side of the island and one on the Virginia side. This gorgeous beach destination is one of the most memorable places for spring break camping.
Now that you know the ten best spring break camping destinations, you can begin packing for your trip today! Pack a pair of walking shoes for travel to ensure that you stay safe and comfortable on your camping trip, no matter the terrain you face along the way.
