One of America’s best and most popular family-friendly traditions is camping in the great outdoors. However, with rising fuel costs nationwide and peak lodging rates, many families must tighten their travel budgets. Fortunatel, there are thousands of affordable campgrounds to consider in America. However, if you hope to camp this summer, you should make reservations as soon as possible.
The Best Family Friendly Camping in the U.S.
Ashland-White Mountains Jellystone Park
35 Jellystone Park
New Hampton, NH 032562
(603) 968-9000
www.campjellystone.com
The famous cartoon, the Yogi Bear Show, ended its television run in 1962. Nevertheless, the leacy of this famous cartoon character lives on at many Jellystone Park Camp Resorts. This inc s the Yogi Bear-branded campgrounds in the White Mountains. As with an other family friendly location, the Ashland-White Mountains Jellystone Park is extremely kid friendly with several great amenities. For instance, there are two heated pools, a kiddie pool, and ping pong tables. Additional amenities and things can be found around the White Mountains. For exam, Newfound Lake is just a short drive from the campgrounds. Not only is Newfound Lake an excellent spot for kayaking and hiking, but it’s also a great spot to extend your trip. If you are wondering a bit further, consider visiting the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods. Also nearb is the family friendly Cog Railway.
Related: Grand Hotels Of New Hampshire
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-8861
Nestled within the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin State Park is California’s oldest state park. Founded in 902, Big Basin covers over 18,000 acres and has attractions like 2,500-year-old redwoods and the Skyline to the Sea trail. However, you don’t have to hike to the coastline on an outing. Instead, there are over 80 miles of trails with varying lengths. Although you might have plenty of things to do in the Big Basin, you can also explore other local attractions. For instance, it’s an easy drive to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the popular admission-free seaside park. Roaring Camp Railroads is even closer to Big Basin in Felton.
Note: Big Basin State Park is reopening this summer after being closed for nearly two years due to renovations. Day-use parking will be available by reservation on July 22. In addition, a temporary visitor center, temporary restrooms, and some hiking trails will be open that day. Please check the Big Basin website for the latest, up-to-date information.
Door County Jellystone Park
3677 May Road
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-900
www.doorcountyjellystone.com
Another exceptional Jellystone-branded campground can be found in beautiful Door County. Among your amenities are standard, hook-u,p, and premium campsites. In addition, rates include two adults and up to three dependent children. Door County Jellystone Park offers several family-friendly amenities. In detail, we heated pools, a kiddie pool, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Even if you have a Coleman sundome, Jellystone is an excellent spot for family-friendly camping. While you’re in Doo County, you should visit some of the popular attractions. For instance, you can see the goats that relax on the rooftop of Al Johnson’s restaurant in Sister Bay. Lastly, stop by historic Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim for some classic treats. For instance, order a banana split, chocolate sundae, and Wils on’s root beer floats.
Related: Family Friendly Attractions In Indianapolis
Glimmerglass State Park
1527 County Highway 31
Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 547-8662
www.parks.ny.gov
Ask any kid where he wants to go this summer; the answer is often a significant amusement park like Disneyland. But another popular destination is Cooperstown, the beloved home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. For camper campers, the best spot in the area is Glimmerglass State Park, located along the shores of Otsego Lake just eight miles from downtown Cooperstown. Open year und, Glimmerglass State Park is famous for summertime activities like biking, hiking, and fishing. Among popular winter activities are ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Although you will have plenty of fun things to do at the campgrounds, make sure to visit Cooperstown. In addition to the Hall of Fame, Cooperstown has a beautiful downtown area filled with boutique stores.
Half Dome Village
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
(888) 413-8869
www.travelyosemite.com
Formerly known as Curry Village, Half Dome Village offers heated, unheated tents and cabins with private bathrooms. The best accommodations include 14 cabins with a central bath, 46 cabins with private baths, and 403 c, canvas tent cabins for upscale camping. Yosemite National Park’s largest lodge g facility, the Village, also features a gift shop and an outdoor swimming pool. A complimentary shuttle service operates seasonally until late October.
Note: Reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park, whether you’re camping or not. In other words, due to its enormous popularity, donations may already be sold out for the summer, in which case you will have to plan much earlier the next chance you have for a reservation.
Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA
80 O’Brien Road
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 457-5916
www.koa.com
As the world’s most extensive privately held family-friendly camping system, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has long been a reliable and reputable place to stay, especially for families with children. Among the set, with a prime location, is the Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA, filled with an assortment of amenities and activities and just a short drive from the enormous Olympic National Park. Another KO you might like is the Winthrop/North Cascades National Park. At Olympic enpeninsulaOA, you can enjoy various activities and special events. For example, the swimming pool is open during the summer, and bike rentals are available. The KO hosts fun events like wagon rides and Saturday Night Ice Cream Social.
Peaks Of Otter Campground
10454 Peaks Road
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-7321
www.blueridgeparkway.org
The Blue Ridge Parkway often surprises travelers with its natural beauty, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. But I surprised even more visitors that it’s the second most visited park within the National Park System and has been for most of the past 70 years. Extending nearly 470 across the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway features eight developed campgrounds from May through late October, and one of the best is Peaks of Otter, located about 26 miles northeast of Roanoke, Virginia. Of course, toanoke is also worth visiting if you have the time. For instance, attractions are the Taubman Museum, Mill Mountain Zoo, and Hotel Roanoke. In addition, the Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain is another worthwhile attraction. In fact, the Roanoke Star is largest of its kind in the world.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW).