From jagged mountains to painted deserts to rugged coastlines, if you head west, you’re bound to find bucket-list camping around every bend. Pitch a tent on the beach in Hawaii and spend your days snorkeling along coral reefs. Discover a lush oasis in the Nevada desert, complete with fall foliage if you hit it at the right time of year. And be sure to take advantage of the vast dispersed camping this region offers, whether it be in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains or in the wildlands just outside the trendy Arizona town of Sedona. When it comes to camping, the West is tough to beat. Here are 10 of The Dyrt campers’ favorite spots to get you headed in the right direction.
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1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area — California
Image from The Dyrt camper Charles G.
Sandwiched in a deep valley between the Inyo Mountains and Sierra Nevada, this high desert landscape is scattered with huge boulders and rock formations that create a maze of gravel roads leading to picture-perfect campsites — literally. Many movies and commercials are produced here to take advantage of the dramatic scenery, capped off by incredible views of Mount Whitney. If you wake up early enough, you can watch the sun peek above the Inyo Mountains and bathe the eastern slope of the Sierra Crest in rosey-orange alpenglow. Climbing opportunities abound, with several popular routes bolted into the rocks. There are a few short hiking trails, including a loop trail that’ll lead you to Mobius Arch, one of the most famous and photographed of the Alabama Hills’ many natural arches. But more than anything, this is a spot where it’s perfectly acceptable to relax by the fire and take it all in.
Please note that times have changed and the Alabama Hills are no longer the free-for-all they once were. Camping is now banned in several areas, including west of Movie Road. Today, you can only camp in marked sites or previously established sites, and soon special permits will be required.
Campground Details:
- Price: free
- Number of sites: dispersed
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
2. Coconino National Forest Road 525 — Arizona
Image from The Dyrt camper Laura H.
If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, this free dispersed camping area in the Coconino National Forest feels like it’s a world away. In reality it’s only 20 minutes outside of town. Campers report ATV and ORV noise during the day, but at night you’re more likely to hear coyotes howling as you enjoy world-class stargazing. To see the most spectacular mountain views and have a shot at the best campsites, The Dyrt campers recommend driving at least three miles down Road 525, which can be a bit bumpy and rough, but should be doable for most vehicles with some extra clearance. There’s all kinds of hiking nearby if you feel like leaving camp to get some exercise.
Keep in mind there’s very little shade in the area and summer days can become brutally hot, so bring plenty of water and chill out during the hottest part of the day.
Campground Details:
- Price: free
- Number of sites: dispersed
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
3. Whitney Portal — California
Image from The Dyrt camper Amanda B.
Sitting at 8,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra in the shadow of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48, Whitney Portal is the gateway to some of the most dramatic high country in California. Stay here a night or two to acclimate before beginning the John Muir Trail or trekking up Mount Whitney (keep in mind both of those adventures require permits). Whitney Portal also makes a great base camp for day hikes into the adjacent John Muir Wilderness and day trips to the Alabama Hills below. You could spend an entire summer at this campground in the Inyo National Forest and find a new adventure to go on every day you’re there.
The campground itself offers spacious sites, some streamside, in a pine forest, with the High Sierra’s jagged spires of granite looming in the distance. The bears are no joke here. Remember to stash all your scented items in the bear lockers at each site. This campground is as popular as they come, so book as far in advance as you can to reserve a night in this special place.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-80
- Number of sites: 47
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
4. Anini Beach Park — Hawaii
Image from The Dyrt camper Valerie S.
This unique camping experience on the island of Kaua‘i gives you a chance to pitch your tent anywhere within a dispersed camping area that extends all the way down to the beach. A beautiful grove of trees offers some cozier options for setting up camp and staying out of the wind and rain. Once you get down to the water, keep your eyes open for whales, sea turtles, fish and other wildlife that congregate along the shallow reef that’s just offshore. Do some snorkeling, wet a line and see if the fish are biting, or relax in the sun with a book. “This is hands down the best camping you’ll find,” says The Dyrt camper Taylor. “It’s close to the water, dispersed, and absolutely breathtaking! I’ll come back here one day and maybe never leave.”
Keep in mind you’ll need to apply for a special permit at least a month before your visit. Campground amenities are on the simple side, but there are clean bathrooms, outdoor showers and picnic tables. Anini Beach Park is closed from 10 a.m. on Wednesday to noon on Thursday for maintenance.
Campground Details:
- Price: $3
- Number of sites: dispersed
- RV sites: no
- Fires allowed: no
- Pets allowed: yes
5. Kershaw-Ryan State Park — Nevada
Image from The Dyrt camper Elaine V.
With natural springs, wild grapevines and lush trees hidden in a rocky canyon, this unique spot is truly an oasis in the desert. Campers gush about the clean, quiet conditions at this first-come, first-served campground and the nearby wading pond, gardens, playground and hiking trails. The 1.5-mile Overlook Trail will take you up over the canyon’s 700-foot walls into the park’s rugged backcountry for a view back down below. It’s an especially beautiful walk in the fall when some of the trees in the canyon bottom change colors and stand out brilliantly against the desert backdrop. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and sudden thunderstorms as you hike.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-25
- Number of sites: 16
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
6. Lost Dutchman State Park — Arizona
Image from The Dyrt camper Leanne S.
At the base of the Superstition Mountains, fiery sunsets over the rugged peaks can be expected every evening at Lost Dutchman State Park. Follow trails that lead right from camp to the mountains and nearby Tonto National Forest. The surrounding Sonoran Desert may even offer stunning wildflower blooms in the spring, depending on how much rain there’s been. This location feels remote, making it a perfect southwestern desert escape. Take it from camper Kristina B.: “Very quiet overall, could even hear the buzzing of the bees collecting pollen from the trees in bloom. Saw a coachwhip snake sunning (non venomous), and no shortage of stars.”
Review after review raved about how clean this campground is — you can expect pristine conditions and desert views when you visit!
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-35
- Number of sites: 138
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
7. Kirk Creek Campground — California
Image from The Dyrt camper Chris R.
On a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits the oasis that is Kirk Creek Campground. Surfers and sunbathers alike will be happy to hear this spot in Los Padres National Forest is just a five-mile drive to the largest sandy beach in Big Sur, Sand Dollar Beach. Yellow perch and other fish can be wrangled near the campsite, but just be sure to nab a fishing permit before you cast your line! Hikers and mountain bikers will find plentiful trails, towering redwoods and scenic views of waterfalls.
With so many nearby activities, it could be easy to forget how much this campground itself offers. Enjoy vibrant ocean sunsets and even seasonal whale watching right from your tent.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of sites: 33
- RV sites: no
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
8. Camp Olowalu — Hawaii
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
This hidden gem on Maui offers simple and affordable car and tent camping with good access to stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. For those seeking more of an authentic Hawaiian glamping experience, there are 21 “tentalows” — luxury tents on raised platforms with beds, open-air showers and private dressing areas. However you’re camping, settle in and get ready to hit the water to swim, snorkel, paddle, surf or kayak (gear rentals are available). You can even book a guided tour to explore the Olowalu Reef and all the marine life it attracts. The Dyrt campers have described Camp Olowalu as “a darling little spot,” “breathtaking,” and “the most exquisite campground I’ve ever stayed at.”
The camp hosts kindly ask that you bring reef-safe sunscreen when visiting in order to protect the beautiful but delicate coral reefs and local wildlife.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24-1,600
- Number of sites: 35 plus 21 tentalows
- RV sites: no
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
9. North Rim Campground — Arizona
For unparalleled access to the Grand Canyon’s less-populated North Rim, look no further! Just a short walk from the North Kaibab Trail, which will take you into the rugged inner canyon, North Rim Campground makes for an excellent base camp for hikers wanting to enjoy this wonder of the world. Seasonal dining areas and general stores are nearby to stock up on supplies and grab a bite to eat. Views right from camp aren’t too bad either — large pines and colorful aspen trees are dotted through a campground that is teeming with wildlife.
Pro tip for wildlife lovers: This area is the only place in the world to see the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel. Keep an eye out for these fuzzy-eared creatures!
Campground Details:
- Price: $6-50
- Number of sites: 90
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
10. Jumbo Rocks Campground — California
Image from The Dyrt camper Erin S.
One of four campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, Jumbo Rocks Campground offers a unique experience. With many campsites wedged between oversize boulders and interesting geological formations, even a short walk around offers great views. There are several trailheads located right in the campground, making this a great choice for hikers wanting to explore the park. The Skull Rock Nature Trail loop is a popular hike that begins and ends at the campground.
Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills, but firewood is not sold in the park so be sure to bring your own if you are planning on relaxing by the fire.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20
- Number of sites: 124
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
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