June 20th is the summer solstice, officially kicking off the summer season. The summer solstice is also the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. And most importantly for us campers, the summer solstice falls on a weekend this year.
If you’re looking to spend the longest day of the year outside, check out these seven northern areas where you’ll get at least 16 hours of sunlight.
7 Camp Spots for the Longest Day of The Year
1. Northern Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Tina P.
If you’re on the East Coast, you can’t find any where as wild as Northern Maine. With lakes and dense pine forests, you’ll easily find great ways to enjoy the longest day of the year.
- Sunrise: 4:40am
- Sunset: 8:35pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and map of all campgrounds near Northern Maine
2. North Cascades, WA
Image from The Dyrt camper Christy K.
The North Cascades are some of the most rugged mountains in the west. With dramatic peaks, rivers, and lakes abound the 16 hours of daylight will fly by.
- Sunrise: 5:01am
- Sunset: 9:12pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and map of all campgrounds near North Cascades, Washington
3. Sand Point, ID
Image from The Dyrt campers Shelly S.
One state over from the cascades lies Sand Point, Idaho. The terrain is dominated by the northern Rocky Mountains and by Lake Pend Oreille.
- Sunrise: 4:45am
- Sunset: 8:50pm
Recommended Campgrounds
Full list and map of campgrounds near Sand Point, Idaho
4. Glacier National Park, MT
Image from The Dyrt camper Brandi M.
Glacier National Park has 700 miles of trails in its 1,500 square mile border. While you won’t be able to hike all of them on summer solstice, you’ll definitely be stay on the trail much longer, with over 16 hours of daylight.
- Sunrise: 5:31am
- Sunset: 9:41pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and map of all campgrounds near Glacier National Park
5. Lake of the Woods, MN
Image form The Dyrt camper Gia R.
Bordering Canada and the U.S. is a gorgeous destination for the summer solstice. Only accessible by driving through Canada, you can access The lower 48’s northern most point, Angle Inlet.
- Sunrise: 5:16am
- Sunset: 9:25pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and map of all campgrounds near Lake of the Woods
6. Denali National Park, AK
Image from The Dyrt camper Carly S.
With Alaska’s sunset being so late, and it’s sunset so early it never actually gets dark there during the summer months. If you’re willing to make the trip, Denali is the ultimate way to enjoy the longest day of the year.
- Sunrise: 3:38am
- Sunset: 12:04pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and Map of all campgrounds near Denali National Park
7. Juneau, AK
Image from The Dyrt camper Dana G.
Juneau is another great destination in Alaska, a little further south on the peninsula. Alaska’s capital is still north enough to never really get dark.
- Sunrise: 3:51am
- Sunset: 10:07pm
Recommended Campgrounds
List and map of all campgrounds near Juneau
The longest day of the year also means the more opportunity you’ll have to overheat. Be sure to read our article about how to best beat the summer heat while camping .
