Out&Back's Favorite Camping Spots

by Megan Zeeb

Our Favorite for Dispersed Camping: Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho

Sawtooth National Forest offers numerous beautiful areas for dispersed camping. One particularly popular region is the Stanley Basin, located near the town of Stanley. Within this area, there are several scenic spots for dispersed camping, including Stanley Lake, Redfish Lake, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge Historic Site. These locations provide stunning mountain views, access to hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Additionally, the area offers various campsites and pullouts along State Highway 75, providing convenient access to dispersed camping. 

To secure a dispersed camping spot follow these steps:

  1. Look for public lands, such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, or state forests that allow dispersed camping. 
  2. Determine your desired location and gather information on the specific rules and guidelines for dispersed camping in that area. Consider factors such as access, terrain, availability of water sources, and any fire restrictions.
  3. Depending on the location and land management agency, you may need to obtain permits or passes for dispersed camping. Check with the respective agency to ensure you have the required permits or passes before your trip.
  4. When choosing a campsite follow Leave No Trace principles, and avoid sensitive areas like wetlands or fragile ecosystems

Our Favorite National Park Campground: Many Glacier Campground in Glacier National Park, Montana

Many visitors enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife in the park's Many Glacier area. It provides access to breathtaking lakes and hiking trails. It's important to note that campground availability can be competitive, especially during peak seasons, so we suggest you make reservations well in advance. 

Here's how you can book a campsite at Many Glacier Campground:

  1. Visit the National Recreation Reservation System website (recreation.gov), which handles campground reservations for many national parks.
  2. Use the search function on the website to find Many Glacier Campground. Enter the desired dates of your stay and the number of people and vehicles in your group.
  3. Review the availability and select an available campsite that meets your needs and preferences.
  4. Proceed with the reservation process, providing the required information such as contact details and payment information.

 

Our Favorite Coastal Campground: Kirk Creek Campground, Big Sur, CA

Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kirk Creek Campground offers breathtaking coastal views and easy access to hiking trails in the Los Padres National Forest. It's important to note that campground availability can be competitive, especially during peak seasons, so we suggest you make reservations well in advance. 

Here's how you can book a campsite at Kirk Creek Campground:

  1. Visit the National Recreation Reservation System website (recreation.gov), which handles campground reservations 
  2. Use the search function on the website to find Kirk Creek Campground. Enter the desired dates of your stay and the number of people and vehicles in your group.
  3. Review the availability and select an available campsite that meets your needs and preferences.
  4. Proceed with the reservation process, providing the required information such as contact details and payment information.

 

Our Favorite for the Entire Family: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove Campground, Tennessee

Located in a picturesque valley, this campground is known for its scenic beauty and historic sites. It offers a mix of tent and RV camping sites. This area offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. It's important to note that campground availability can be competitive, especially during peak seasons, so it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.

Here's how you can book a campsite at Cades Cove Campground:

  1. Visit the Recreation.gov website, which handles campground reservations for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  2. Use the search function on the website to find Cades Cove Campground. Enter the desired dates of your stay and the number of people and vehicles in your group.
  3. Review the availability and select an available campsite that meets your needs and preferences.
  4. Proceed with the reservation process, providing the required information such as contact details and payment information.

Our Favorite for Pet friendly: Mount Hood National Forest, Lost Lake Campground, Oregon

This area offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood and is surrounded by lush forests. The campground provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities; fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling on Lost Lake's calm waters. Hiking trails in the area offer options for all skill levels, with scenic viewpoints and opportunities to explore the surrounding forest. It's important to note that campground availability can vary, especially during peak seasons. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance to secure a campsite at Lost Lake Campground. 

Here's how you can book a campsite at Lost Lake Campground:

  1. Visit the Recreation.gov website, which handles campground reservations for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  2. Use the search function on the website to find Lost Lake Campground. Enter the desired dates of your stay and the number of people and vehicles in your group.
  3. Review the availability and select an available campsite that meets your needs and preferences.
  4. Proceed with the reservation process, providing the required information such as contact details and payment information.
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