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Whether you’re a beginner to the sport of four-wheeling or you’ve done it your entire life, finding a place where you can camp and get your wheels dirty can be a challenge. There are tons of trails, loops, and tracks to visit, but not all of them are near obvious options for staying outside when the day is done. And really, what better way to end a day of thrills than a relaxing night under the stars?
That being said—that magical mashup of four-wheeling and camping destination is out there. So we’ve rounded up a few of the best ATV camping destinations in the country where you can pitch your tent after a satisfying day on four wheels.
The Best ATV Camping Destinations in the U.S.
1. Brock Creek Trails—Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Tucked away in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is 40 miles of pristine ATV trail, including several loops that range in size from large to small, making it an ideal place for riders of all ages. Although these loops are shared with hikers, horseback riders, and other riders of non-motorized vehicles, there’s plenty of room to share the trails in this location that’s as epic as it is beautiful and serene. For riders interested in a more serene sight-seeing experience, there’s a one-way trail that moves through the forest and tends to cross paths with several types of wildlife and vegetation. Brock Creek Campground is the place to stay if you hope to camp out after you crush the trails!
2. St. Joe State Park—Farmington, Missouri
Located in the sleeper-pick state of Missouri, this unlikely location is home to one of the best ATV camping destinations in the country. Ringing in at around 2,000 acres, this state park offers over 50 miles of excellent ATV trails that run through both the forest and the rolling hillsides, as well as two full campgrounds. To add to the already spectacular terrain, St. Joe also includes nearly 1000 acres of sand flats that allow for riders to leave their tracks almost anywhere they’d like.
2. Brock Creek Trails—Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Tucked away in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is 40 miles of pristine ATV trail, including several loops that range in size from large to small, making it an ideal place for riders of all ages. Although these loops are shared with hikers, horseback riders, and other riders of non-motorized vehicles, there’s plenty of room to share the trails in this location that’s as epic as it is beautiful and serene. For riders interested in a more serene sight-seeing experience, there’s a one-way trail that moves through the forest and tends to cross paths with several types of wildlife and vegetation. Brock Creek Campground is the place to stay if you hope to camp out after you crush the trails!
3. Circle Pines—Williams, Arizona
Located just an hour from the rim of the Grand Canyon, this family-friendly ATV camping destination is an excellent choice for beginners to the sport of four-wheeling, as all of the trails are made of easy terrain and are extremely navigable. Although the Circle Pines KOA is only open between March and November, the weather throughout even the hottest months is temperate enough to explore the trails. For those that are eager to get outside of the campground, there are several trails near Flagstaff or just south of the Williams region in Sedona.
“Lots to do for kids. Nice wooded sites. Rzr trails in the area and close to lots of fishing. Town of Williams is a tourist adventure and Bearzona is a Blast!!” —The Dyrt camper David G.
4. Carolina Adventure World—Winnsboro, South Carolina
Image from carolinaadventureworld.net
Located in Winnsboro, South Carolina, Carolina Adventure World is an ATV-centric resort that features over 100 miles of trails that offer every kind of terrain, from a mud pit to an open obstacle course. This is a great place for new riders to train in a safe, rider-friendly area, or for experienced riders to have a blast trying something new. Carolina Adventure World offers rentals throughout the year and cabins for camping that start south of $100 per night. It’s truly unique among ATV camping destinations!
5. Croom Trails—Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida
As far as individual trails go, Croom Trails is tough to beat. Located in the Withlacoochee (you read that right) State Forest in Florida, this trail is 55 miles long and full of smooth riding while still entertaining the adrenaline junkies with epic scenery and some advanced sub-loops. To add to its network of premier trail-riding, this area boasts a beginner-friendly riding area that’s fenced off from the rest of the chaos, and even a slew of hills left over from long-abandoned mines. ATV-campers can take their pick between dispersed camping or visiting the Silver Lake campground, just about 25 minutes from the Croom Trails network.
“First come, first served… You have to beat the locals here on weekends—great fishing, nice sites, busy place. Bathrooms are nice. Trails are wonderful! Lots to do in the immediate area.” —The Dyrt camper Jeanene A.
6. Oregon Dunes—North Bend, Oregon
Image from The Dyrt camper Charles S.
The dunes of Oregon get lost amongst its other attractions like the coast, Mt. Hood, and Multnomah Falls, but the Oregon Dunes in North Bend is another must-visit spot if you’re into ATV camping destinations. The dunes are within a 10-minute drive of Coos Bay and the dunes themselves offer ATV rentals if you aren’t able to two your own. That said, the Oregon Dunes KOA is one of the premier places to stay for access to a rare-yet-exhilarating ATV spot in the state of Oregon.
“Easy access to dunes and the Oregon coast area. A nice break for vacation!” —The Dyrt camper Karen S.
7. Bear Lodge Resort—Burgess Junction, Wyoming
The Big Horn National Forest in Wyoming is home to the Bear Lodge Resort at Burgess Junction, which offers riders hundreds of miles of trails in the true wilderness of Wyoming. With camping, fishing, hunting available to riders who camp along the trails, this region is tops in its exposure to the raw terrain of Wyoming’s backcountry. The resort itself offers both cabins and RV sites, as well as guided ATV tours for both half and full days.
8. Windrock Park—Oliver Springs, Tennessee
Image from stayatwindrockpark.com
Set in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, Windrock Park offers cabins by the night or the week and some 300 miles of marked ATV trails on over 73,000 acres of stellar terrain. Known as the largest privately owned riding area in the country, it’s a popular destination for races as well, which makes it ultra fun if you’re whole family is looking to get in on the ATV-riding action. For dedicated ATVers, Windrock Park also includes ATV-only trails, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Get out there already!
9. Hanging Rock—Wayne National Forest, Ohio
Another natural hit on our list of ATV camping destinations, Hanging Rock brings 5,000 acres of open space to every rider eager to hit its 24 miles of trail. While the trails are technically for everyone to use (hikers and horses included), they are large and range through a variety of terrain that ranges from beginner-friendly gravel slopes to large, rock-covered hills and several bridges. It’s a definite must for visitors to Ohio, and the Wayne National Forest offers several options to accommodate all types of riders who love to camp, including options for dispersed camping as well as camping at organized campgrounds. For ATVers looking to stay close to the trailhead, dispersed camping is the best option, or the Iron Ridge campground is a 20-minute drive from the trail.
“Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides. Our favorite ‘close to home campground!’” —The Dyrt camper Chris S.
10. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park—Kanab, Utah
Hidden amongst Utah’s other outdoor gems, this state park is a gorgeous example of pristinely-formed sand dunes, which are rose-colored and as unique as any dunes in the country. It’s located near Zion National Park, and offers a full campground along with dunes that fit both the advanced and novice riders. This might just be one of the most scenic ATV camping destinations on our list.
“Coral pink sand dunes is a really cool place. Coming from the east coast, I’ve never seen anything like it. The sand dunes are incredible and my pictures don’t do them justice. There are lots of opportunities for ATVing and sand surfing.” —The Dyrt camper Elizabeth R.
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Related Campgrounds:
- Cane Creek Campground, Cane Creek State Park, AR
- Idaho City Camping, Idaho City, ID
