Hidden Gems: 10 of our Favorite Campgrounds in the U.S.!

One of the best things about America is the wide array of incredibly beautiful locations where you can get close to nature. From coast to coast, pristine forests and perfectly preserved parks provide ample opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Read on for a collection of some of the best campgrounds in the country.

1. Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the most popular camping sites for visitors to the Grand Canyon, be sure to book early if you want to set up at one of the South Rim's most convenient locations, spots fill up by noon. Mather Campground is conveniently located near not just the edge of the Grand Canyon and all of its majesty, but also within the General Store and Post Office in Grand Canyon Village.

2. White Wolf Campground, Yosemite National Park, California

Few spots in the country have as much natural beauty as Yosemite National Park. Full of icononic features like Half Dome, massive sequoias, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan, the park is inspiring and gorgeous. For the full experience, White Wolf Campground offers the chance to fully commune with the area, but without having to hike miles to where you pitch your tent. The nearby White Wolf Lodge offers a bit of civilization too, if you want to eat something not cooked over the campfire.

3. Madison Campground, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The world famous Yellowstone National Park is full of pristine wilderness and exciting geological features like Old Faithful. If you set up at the Madison Campground you will be in striking distance of most of the major attractions, whether by car or hiking trail. Fishing spots are easy to find here, and the National Park Service maintains an amphitheatre nearby where you can catch educational shows. Convenient to all that Yellowstone is best known for!

4. Jedediah Smith State Park Campgrounds, California

Part of the larger Redwoods State and National Park system, Jedediah Smith is a little bit off the beaten path. While you can't go wrong with pitching your tent somewhere near the more popular Giant's Alley, privacy, fishing, and hiking through old growth redwoods are all immediately available from here. Crescent City, California is also just a stone's throw away, and provides a wide range of activities on the off chance you get tired of the forest.

5. Furnace Creek Campgrounds, Death Valley, Nevada

If you consider yourself an all weather camper up for an interesting experience, this is the spot for you. Flushing toilets and access to water are available here, but things like shade and rivers aren't. You won't have any trouble finding a flat spot to pitch your tent, or the views of the starkly beautiful Death Valley. The height of summer is not the best time to visit, but it's a warm spot to spend a week or two in winter.

6. Hermit Island Campground, Phippsburg, Maine

Located in Casco Bay, Hermit Island offers a wide selection of sites to pitch a tent or rent a cabin. You can set up right on the beach and let the sound of the surf put you to sleep, or watch the sun set over the sea from a cliff top. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and just relaxing on the beach are all easy activities to reach on Hermit Island. A nearby marina also offers boat rentals for exploring the sea.