Few things are more relaxing than a night under the stars while camping with your favorite folks. Which states offer the best spots for a rustic retreat? To kick off the start of camping season, Lawn Love ranked 2023’s Best States for Camping in America. They compared the 50 states based on 25 metrics, such as campsite access, acreage, and trails. They also considered safety, supplies, camper satisfaction, and affordability. They then grouped those factors into five categories: Access, Quality, Supplies, Safety, and Affordability, and ranked each state accordingly. Map out your camping bucket list with the rankings below. West Coast adventures Joshua Tree - courtesy of morethanjustparks.com California hikes to first place for the second year in a row, while Washington state trails just behind at No. 2. Both states scored high in Access, Quality, and Supplies, but the Golden State gives campers the most space for a night off the beaten path. Stay safe if you camp in these two states: They lack phone coverage and have high rates of park deaths. California holds the record for the most park deaths between 2010 and 2020 at 300 — 151 more than the next state, Arizona. Always check the weather before venturing out, and bring enough water to last your journey. However, with 7.2 million first-time campers hitting the trails in 2022, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to make camping reservations. It might be hard to book a site at Yosemite, but have no fear — The Golden State is full of top-tier camping destinations. From seaside escapes at Channel Islands National Park to waterfalls and redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park to the sand dunes in Joshua Tree, California has a mega variety of environments to roam. Camp near meadows of wildflowers and an active stratovolcano at Mount Rainier National Park. Explore valleys, waterfalls, and more than 300 glaciers at North Cascades National Park. Another icon, Olympic National Park, offers abundant wilderness, with diverse landscapes including temperate rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, and icy mountains. Many beautiful camping opportunities exist in Oregon (No. 21). Unfortunately, the Beaver State lags behind its Pacific Coast neighbors at No. 49 in Affordability and with the third-worst average consumer rating for campgrounds. Wide-open spaces Mountains in Big Bend National Park - courtesy of nps.gov Texas (No. 3) is a big state full of diverse camping opportunities. The Lone Star State claims the second-highest number of campgrounds, campsites, and camping supply stores. There’s plenty of room to roam with a high total acreage of campgrounds (No. 4) and state and national parks (No. 6). Cowpokes and campers can sleep comfortably under starry skies, with abundant sites with access to water (No. 2) and toilet facilities (No. 4). Sleep under the stars at Big Bend National Park, which is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Camp on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore, or float around the Texas Hill Country at Guadalupe River State Park. Trailing behind Bison in the Yellowstone River, Wyoming - courtesy of nps.gov America is full of bountiful camping opportunities, with unique spots in every state. Less populated states like West Virginia (No. 41), Wyoming (No. 42), Rhode Island (No. 49), Delaware (No. 44), and South Dakota (No. 45) land at the bottom alongside North Dakota in last place. These states aren’t necessarily bad for camping. In fact, with lower populations, you might even have less competition and a better chance of scoring a peaceful campsite. Their low rankings are due to a lack of camping locations, attractions, amenities, and supplies compared with the more populated, higher-ranking states. Wyoming stands out with the third-highest total campground, state, and national park acreage. Delaware has the biggest share of highly rated campgrounds, while North Dakota boasts the best average consumer rating of campgrounds and Safety record. Elevated experiences Camping in the Adirondacks - courtesy of visitadirondacks.com Many mountainous states climb to the top, offering breathtaking views for hikers and campers alike. From the Adirondacks and Catskills in New York (No. 5) to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado (No. 6) to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee (No. 12), many supreme camping states are home to iconic hiking destinations. Additionally, nine out of the 14 states that encompass the Appalachian Trail landed in the top half of our ranking. New York, Colorado, and Tennessee provide ample campgrounds, trails, and campsite activities to keep visitors busy. The wilderness and fresh air in Upstate New York have attracted campers for ages. Roll out your sleeping bag on a mountain in the Adirondacks or Catskills. You can also rent a cabin and go kayaking on the Finger Lakes or along two of the Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario. Seaside scenery Bahia Honda State Park, Florida - courtesy of supersimplesaltylife.com Some of the best states for camping also reel in sublime opportunities for fishing. Oceanside states like Florida (No. 4) and North Carolina (No. 9) bob at the top along with Michigan (No. 7) and Minnesota (No. 10). Florida floats to No. 1 in the Supplies rank, thanks to the highest number of RV rental offers. North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida each have top camping Access overall, with The Sunshine State landing at No. 2 in that category. Minnesota is also among the most affordable states for camping and swims to No. 2 in Safety. Wake up with a fresh sea breeze when you camp at Bahia Honda State Park. Ocala is more than a destination for campers who also love horses. Canoe, bike, or hike through the stunning Ocala National Forest. — To see more details and the full rankings, visit Lawn Love.
With flight prices skyrocketing due to a mix of inflation, high demand, and lower airline capacity, travelers are searching for more affordable destinations for their spring break getaways. Below are 10 great places to stay—including everything from campsites and beachside retreats, to city-center hotels and resort-town stays—where visitors can escape winter boredom and avoid rising travel prices. Fossil Valley RV Park – Vernal, Utah Fossil Valley RV Park is a peaceful, family-friendly campground that offers a unique dinosaur-themed adventure for all ages and members of the family without breaking the bank, with RV and tent accommodations available to book on Pitchup.com for just $60/night. Families can experience the land before time at the nearby Dinosaur National Monument, which features prehistoric and paleolithic dinosaur fossils and footprints. For outdoor activities, the campground is surrounded by hiking and biking trails along the Colorado River. There are also convenient on-site amenities to accommodate a busy family, including a laundry room, accessible bathrooms and free WIFI, plus restaurants, shops and museums in the nearby town of Vernal. Camp Ikigai – Dunlap, California Camp Ikigai - courtesy of pitchup.com Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary is the ultimate nature-centric spring break getaway surrounded by the iconic Sequoia trees, canyons, lakes and valleys of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Beyond the easy access to the bucket-list national park, Camp Ikigai is situated on the 72-acre Ikigai Animal Sanctuary, a 100-year-old former cattle ranch that is now home to friendly free-roaming horses, sheep, dogs and cats, which campers are welcome to get to know and feed. Around the ranch, there are plenty of walking trails for the perfect warm-up before hitting the national park’s famous hiking trails, as well as picnic tables and barbecues to enjoy the peaceful Northern Californian evenings. The campground offers ample space to set up camp, with tents and RV sites starting at $58/night on Pitchup.com, an outdoor accommodation booking website that features endless options for a budget-friendly spring break outdoor adventure. Radio Hotel – New York, NY Radio Hotel, located in Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, provides travelers with a unique stay experience without the steep prices of Downtown Manhattan hotels. With an average nightly rate of $150, travelers can take advantage of their Spring Breaks and hit the Big Apple without hurting their wallet. The 221-room boutique hotel is a first-of-its-kind in Washington Heights with an on-site Santo Domingo inspired restaurant Jalao NYC, an activated 8,000 square feet courtyard, 75,000 square feet of flexible event space, and a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the NYC skyline, the GW Bridge and the Harlem River. Caribe Royale Orlando – Orlando, FL Caribe Royale Orlando - courtesy of Caribe Royale Orlando Located 1.5 miles from Disney’s doorstep, Caribe Royale Orlando is an all-suites, upscale destination beyond the theme parks that makes for an ideal spring break destination with—or without!—the kids. To get more out of the trip, Caribe is offering the following Spring Break Offer: When booking direct for stays from March 9 through April 22, 2023, guests save 15% off Best Available Rate, plus a bonus $25 daily F&B credit when booking two consecutive nights or more. Rates begin at $175/night. Caribe Royale recently underwent a $140 million reimagination, adding a new collection of classic-meets-contemporary 1-bedroom suites in addition to its 2-bedroom villas. On-site activities include Elevated F&B experiences, like a hands-on class at the Chocolate Academy, and tasting flights at the new Rum Bar featuring Bacardi®. Images (Credit: Caribe Royale Orlando) Marriott's Grande Vista – Orlando, FL With rates starting at $170/night, families will find Marriott's Grande Vista as an ideal “home base” and affordable option for a week-long spring break in the heart of Orlando. Part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs portfolio, the resort can be booked by Owners as well as leisure travelers just as they would book a traditional hotel online. Visit Orlando’s most popular attractions and during downtime, relax in a private multi-bedroom villa complete with a full kitchen, spa-like bathroom, and furnished balcony. On-site, enjoy amenities like outdoor swimming pools, tennis lessons, golf on an all-new course, a new spa recently reopened after a two-year renovation, and delightful breakfast options in the newly remodeled lighthouse. Marriott Marquis Houston - Houston, TX Marriott Marquis Houston is a great destination for a warm-weather spring break. The 6th-floor Altitude Rooftop & Pool is an urban oasis where guests can float around the world’s largest Texas-shaped lazy river and kick back in a private cabana with a photo-worthy cocktail in hand. Rates start around $330 for the Spring Break Package, which includes a $150 Total F&B credit (that can be used over one or two days), 20% off a spa service, access to Altitude Pool Deck, and unlimited bike rentals. LEGOLAND New York – Goshen, NY LEGOLAND New York - courtesy of LEGOLAND New York Just in time for spring break, LEGOLAND New York Resort is re-opening for the 2023 season! This year brings exciting new events and attractions like the opening of the highly anticipated Water Playground (coming this Memorial Day). After a day spent riding, driving, climbing, and building under the sun, guests can head to the Water Playground to cool off, build and race a LEGO® boat, splash on water slides and be doused by a giant 318-gallon water bucket. A changing area will be nearby so guests can move on with their day, enjoying the Park’s seven themed lands and can’t-miss attractions. The fun doesn’t stop at bedtime - sleep over in one of the LEGOLAND Hotel’s themed guest rooms that include a separate sleeping area just for kids (with bunk beds and a trundle) and interactive features throughout. Families can book a Vacation Package for savings on hotel stays and tickets (starting at $87 per person). Thompson Playa del Carmen – Playa del Carmen, Mexico Thompson Playa del Carmen pool and sun beds - Courtesy of Thompson Playa del Carmen Thompson Playa del Carmen, part of Hyatt’s Boundless Portfolio of hotels, is a two-in-one adults-only urban resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida. The Main House features a signature rooftop playscape with 360-degree views, a block-long infinity pool, panoramic seascapes, two on-site restaurants, live DJs, a vibrant social scene, and luxury cabanas perfect for an adults-only escape. Just a 10-minute walk away, guests also have access to the resort’s Beach House property that features a private beach club with complimentary lounge chairs, cabanas by the pool boasting the best ocean views, beachfront restaurant and complimentary yoga classes. Both properties are available to book through Hyatt’s rewards programs. When you book by February 28, 2023, get your third night free for the price of two. Starting rate: $187/night before discounts. Davenport Hotel Collection – Spokane, Washington Also known as the Lilac City, spring in Spokane is the best time for travelers to explore the city’s endless trails, wine tasting in the Cork District, award-winning restaurants, booming sports arena, access to the area’s five ski resorts, and an immersive arts scene for an adventurous getaway. For visitors looking for outdoor exploration, visit Riverfront Park (home to America’s largest urban waterfall) to view the falls from gondolas, enjoy spring skiing, or take a walk in the Lilac Garden at Manito Park (one of 87 in the region) to view the city’s very own lilac, the Syringa Spokane. Spokane’s Cork District is found at the core of downtown and features fifteen award-winning wineries within walking distance of one another. Better yet, it’s surrounded by shopping, dining, and the entertainment district where visitors can find Broadway plays, James Beard recognized chefs, farm to fork culinary experiences, and views of Spokane River Falls. Visitors who want to discover all the destination has to offer can choose between the elaborate architecture at The Historic Davenport (a landmark in itself!) or The Davenport Grand’s chic contemporary flare and downtown views. At The Historic Davenport guests can dine in the lobby’s restaurant in front of the magnificent crackling fireplace or indulge in treatments at The Davenport Spa. At the Davenport Grand, indulge in the hotel’s restaurant, Table 13, which features a small-plate, big flavor specialty whiskey bar. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – Waikiki, Hawaii The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club - courtesy of The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club For the quintessential Hawaii experience at an affordable price point, travelers can book the retro inspired Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club this spring break. At The Surfjack, visitors can soak in Hawaii’s sunshine poolside at the customized ‘Wish You Were Here’ pool and indulge in award-winning regional cuisine at Mahina & Sun’s. The hotel’s central location in the heart of Waikiki allows for foodies to explore delicious eats on a budget in walking distance, such as $5 udon at Marugame, spam musubi and rice balls at Musubi Café Iyasume and dairy-free banana ice cream from Banan. Guests can also secure discounted rates through the hotel’s Shaka Brah! deal, which covers parking and amenity fees. Those traveling with fido will love the hotel’s one-of-a-kind pet-friendly amenities found nowhere else on the island (think: SUP paddle and surf lessons for dogs and pet portraits with a local dog photographer). With no additional fees or weight limits, Surfjack dogs will feel right at home and can spring break in style with their owners. Rates start at $182 per night in spring 2023.