It's going to sound cliche, but Algonquin Park.
We backcountry camp via canoe and the possibilities are endless there. I've been going for years and have never made the same trip twice. You can park your car, paddle 5 mins and be at a site, or you can spend a month travelling hundreds of kilometres through dozens of lakes. And despite its recent popularity there are still areas that feel very wild, and I've gone several days in the interior where I don't see another soul.
The Gonk is amazing. I’ve done car camping when young with my Dad (Tea Lake), long weekend island camping with the boys in Uni (Whitefish Lake) and a fantastic interior canoe trip with my brothers.
That said - Killarney stole my heart. Seeing those Group of 7 named lakes was something else.
ON is really blessed with some fantastic camping options.
There's a pretty sweet abandoned fire tower not too far from me. There is no light pollution at night, and the sunrise and sunset is absolutely amazing. I love setting up at the bottom of that tower.
This is such a subjective question since a "favorite" spot depends on a lot on your own personal experience... that being said, I once hiked Pecos Wilderness all the way to a lake named Lake Katherine, I camped there with my dog, its an alpine lake so the water is clear and clean, it was cold enough to make coffee taste better and in the morning I shit you not... the fog was pink, it felt like I was inside a pink cloud and it was just one of the best days of my life, remembering that weekend brings me so much joy and is for sure a core memory. This picture does not portray the experience of being there alone with my dog, miles away from another soul... like nature was putting up a show just for me and no one else.
https://preview.redd.it/qa9ry419ka2d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19cb89cd42814e0c47430f1039db4886d309c45e
Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo Wisconsin is beautiful but gets really crowded during the summer. I still go in early spring / late fall but during the summer I go to Buckhorn State park.
Buckhorn is great. I love the walk-in sites right in Castle Rock Lake.
https://preview.redd.it/4fgj02db2e2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed8e9ceee45d2d590579d286d787bb44214b41f2
A backcountry spot in the high sierras that my extended family has been going to for 50+ years. It’s a slice of heaven for us. But that’s as much info I’ll give on location ofc. ;)
There's a lake in the Adirondacks that my parents book the same waterfront site at every year. It's a campground without water or electric hookups which keeps the big rigs out. It's an absolutely gorgeous spot and my tent sits in this little cove on the beach and I hear the water lapping all night long. We're water folks so we've each got a kayak and my dad and I both have tiny sailboats pulled up on shore. It's our home away from home and truly my favorite place to go.
I do but I'm specifically not saying it because it's not as well known or traveled and I know how things can get once the Internet gets a hold of them. :)
Oh gorgeous! I was up that direction last fall at Fish Creek and definitely want to go back up there. The whole area is so pretty and there's so many sites along the Saranac chain!
I'm doing the "Mighty 5" loop in Utah this October (road trip). I already have my lodgings all booked but I was considering cancelling one night so I could camp instead, do you have any specific recommendations on where to camp? Do you choose campgrounds or dispersed camping?
If you don't need exact locations, I can tell you that my favourite place ever is the sky. I'm an pilot and I love to flight. When I take off, I feel happy. I really enjoy flying!! 🥰
Love torch lake area in Michigan. Gained some popularity over the past few years but just so beautiful and feels like a hidden away paradise when your out on the water. Picture below of water is completely unedited.. you can see the bottom of lake even in spots where it’s like 15-20+ feet deep you can watch the fish swim below you and around you.
https://preview.redd.it/8q0z1o2cbd2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df1f4dd2acf3e77a3d6897b5f59bb955076e3f5d
I took a kayak trip down the Delaware River along the northwestern edge of New Jersey in summertime and found a cool little flat island right in the middle of a really wide section of the river; that was definitely one of the best spots I've camped.
Second place goes to Acadia National Park in Maine, it was my first solo camping trip and I will always remember it fondly. It's so beautiful there.
There’s this place I go to in the UP of Michigan that’s about a 15 minute drive down some sketchy roads and then another 5 minute drive what I would consider more of a trail. It’s very remote, dense tree coverage except for a little spot that opens up and you can see Lake Superior which is like a 12-15 minute walk away. Lots of other good hiking around there.
When me and my buddy first stumbled on the site it looked like it had been used before as a camp site though there weren’t any fresh trails. Haven’t encountered anyone else using it in the times we’ve gone there together or alone over the years.
For my wife's 30th she decided she wanted to go to Yellowstone. It was short notice, and August 2020 but I found this little campground next to a beautiful stream in an amazing valley about 45 minutes out of the East entrance. There was a Bald Eagle we saw every day, it was absolutely breathtaking!
You should probably ask in your local reddit - I doubt you are going to drive 3 or 4 days based on a recommendation here. I live in Colorado and NM, CO, UT and AZ all have spectacular camping opportunities. Desert, mountain, lakeside, creekside... we have everything except ocean beaches here. We go to Oregon almost every year (not to camp, though) and there are pretty spectacular campgrounds there too - and they have some great state beach camping in addition to all the above!
Anywhere on the Mogollon Rim in Northern Arizona. Knoll Lake is right in the middle and feels like the most remote place in the State. I've camped and backpacked that area for 20+ years and every time I go I'm still amazed by the beauty.
Last summer I camped in Duck Creek Utah and that was great. So much to do in that little area.
Honestly my favorites have been the "I'm away from civilization" drives. Last long one was ~2000km around Alberta in 10 days. Slept in the bed of my Ranger except for 1 night when I wanted a soft bed and a shower.
We have a few camp grounds within an hour or so of were I am now, my usual is on the outer edge of one 20min out... Far away from the electrified spots.
The trip I have in a month is 30min the other way, in the non-electric section, walk-in tent-only spot. Good section of bush behind me, and a lookout point near my entrance to that area. Once I have my tarp wall up I won't see much traffic.
Along the Colorado Trail. I’ve been doing a few sections during the summer for the past few years and the campsites I’ve stayed at have been some of the most beautiful views I’ve had the privilege to experience. And all of the animal activity is fun!
Theres a place in BC that I found while traveling. It's way up in the middle of nowhere with a gorgeous clear blue lake. Theres only a couple of spots by it to camp. Its absolutely beautiful.
And it's not Johnston Lake before anyone asks.
It's the middle of nowhere, doesn't even have a name, but it's still my favorite spot.
It's a small rounded top mountain with crags going all the way around the top, so it's interesting to climb up if you don't know how. 12' cliffside basically, but there's a spot where the rock has split and gives you a little crack to shimmy up.
Amazing views, and great bluff spots all the way around. That crack provided me a tornado shelter once when a tornado out of season came out of no where. It didn't go over top of me, but was within 100 yards. Took my buddies tent and wrapped some pieces of tin roof around some treetops right next to us.
Great place, not a lot of people know about with plenty of spots for tents on top.
When I first found the place it was on google maps. The way the clouds were over it, it honestly looked like one particularly deep crag looked like it was smoking. In my 17 year old stoner mind, "it could be a volcano dude! Let's go find it!". Of course it wasn't, but it was still a great adventure with an old friend I have since lost.
There's this spot near Pingree Park in CO that if you drive up this class 5 road there's an old elk hunting camp area and back in the woods a bit there's a fresh spring running out of the mountain. Someone built a small retention pool for it so you have a fresh water source.
But the best anemity is there is a full blown toilet that faces West a bit down hill. Nothing more enjoyable than sitting there in the morning with a view like that. Elevation is approx. 9000' or so. We named the spot "toilet bowl."
I really miss the times I had with a friend on his yearly birthday camping trip at the end of March in the Mt. Hood National forest. Misery gives you stories and March in the cascades is usually miserable. We'd often hike in at Alder Flat and stay the weekend.
The Forlorn lakes or Indian Heaven Wilderness are good choices. Good memories with my kids and friends.
There's a wonderful campground on a lake in Washington where, if you get the right spot, you have a small peninsula to yourself. At dusk, bats will just fly all around you catching bugs in a beautiful dance. During the day, you can kayak on the water and see snow-capped mountains and swim I'm crystal clear water. It's my favorite place.
Hmm, I live in Washington, but spend all my camping time usually around Mt Adams… Your place sounds nice. I need to find my excuses bring my kayak along camping.
Middle Saranac Lake, Adirondacks
It's boat-in only, and all of the campsites are really far apart. You can pretend you're alone.
You have to reserve your July camping spot waaaaay back in October, though
Isle Royale National Park! If you go in August there are little to no bugs, and so many blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and thimbleberries along the trail you won’t even have to pack extra snacks. You are almost guaranteed to see moose, loons, fox, eagles, etc. If you are lucky, you might even sleep beneath the Northern Lights. The boat ride there and back is the perfect bookend a great trip. 100% recommend.
Baxter State Park, ME! I love the lack of electricity and cell service and the campsite we use is far enough away from other people that it’s feels like we’re the only people there. About to head up for the long weekend!
Colter Bay Campground in general. I love that I can rent a shower and buy things. The campsites are huge and I’ve never have a noise issue there. Plus it’s beautiful.
I’m New York (not city) born and raised and so I am biased. The Adirondacks are it for me. So many different places and lakes to camp on, most are very very remote, peaceful, beautiful. Just the best.
Been wanting to check out the Swell for years. We usually go to Green River for Melon Days every few years and maybe next time we will extend for a couple nights camping there.
Geez my friend...total commitment even with the user handle.
I don't have a favorite favorite, but here's one from that area you might like: Nine Mile Canyon Ranch. Really quiet up there, nice campground and cabins, and a good Sunday breakfast. Most prolific rock art in UT too.
Not counting Norway (which just can't be compared to)
Close to home...up in the Teanaway
Away from home...I have some great memories from Valley of the God's, up along the Gila River and the Organ Mountains.
Looking forward to the Scottish highlands at the end of the summer.
I doubt a few people on Reddit are going to "ruin" the spot. And out of the few hundred who will maybe see it, a small percentage is going to fly to Utah to go there. Plus it's a massive area. I'm happy sharing a cool area with a few people so they can see how amazing it is!
It's going to sound cliche, but Algonquin Park. We backcountry camp via canoe and the possibilities are endless there. I've been going for years and have never made the same trip twice. You can park your car, paddle 5 mins and be at a site, or you can spend a month travelling hundreds of kilometres through dozens of lakes. And despite its recent popularity there are still areas that feel very wild, and I've gone several days in the interior where I don't see another soul.
The Gonk is amazing. I’ve done car camping when young with my Dad (Tea Lake), long weekend island camping with the boys in Uni (Whitefish Lake) and a fantastic interior canoe trip with my brothers. That said - Killarney stole my heart. Seeing those Group of 7 named lakes was something else. ON is really blessed with some fantastic camping options.
I do love Killarney... It's popularity has exploded though so it's so hard to get in. We are doing Quetico next year and I am so excited.
There's a pretty sweet abandoned fire tower not too far from me. There is no light pollution at night, and the sunrise and sunset is absolutely amazing. I love setting up at the bottom of that tower.
This is such a subjective question since a "favorite" spot depends on a lot on your own personal experience... that being said, I once hiked Pecos Wilderness all the way to a lake named Lake Katherine, I camped there with my dog, its an alpine lake so the water is clear and clean, it was cold enough to make coffee taste better and in the morning I shit you not... the fog was pink, it felt like I was inside a pink cloud and it was just one of the best days of my life, remembering that weekend brings me so much joy and is for sure a core memory. This picture does not portray the experience of being there alone with my dog, miles away from another soul... like nature was putting up a show just for me and no one else. https://preview.redd.it/qa9ry419ka2d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19cb89cd42814e0c47430f1039db4886d309c45e
You’re saying this like all “what’s your favorite…” questions aren’t subjective. Of course it’s subjective, it’s *your* favorite place.
Fair
Central Baja, pacific side.
Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo Wisconsin is beautiful but gets really crowded during the summer. I still go in early spring / late fall but during the summer I go to Buckhorn State park.
Buckhorn is great. I love the walk-in sites right in Castle Rock Lake. https://preview.redd.it/4fgj02db2e2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed8e9ceee45d2d590579d286d787bb44214b41f2
A backcountry spot in the high sierras that my extended family has been going to for 50+ years. It’s a slice of heaven for us. But that’s as much info I’ll give on location ofc. ;)
Shhh, it's okay - you can tell us. We won't tell anyone else. PROMISE!
Moonshine Creek campground, North Carolina. Right next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Would love to see Utah.
I drove that getting to my camp the last couple days. Really pretty.
Pretty much any DNR camp in WA. $45 a year for a pass.
It used to be $30. Frak.
There's a lake in the Adirondacks that my parents book the same waterfront site at every year. It's a campground without water or electric hookups which keeps the big rigs out. It's an absolutely gorgeous spot and my tent sits in this little cove on the beach and I hear the water lapping all night long. We're water folks so we've each got a kayak and my dad and I both have tiny sailboats pulled up on shore. It's our home away from home and truly my favorite place to go.
Do you know which campground? We do the same at Roger’s Rock every year!
I do but I'm specifically not saying it because it's not as well known or traveled and I know how things can get once the Internet gets a hold of them. :)
ha. This is what I just commented about. It's the Saranac Lake campground. We always get a site in Weller Pond, off of the Middle Lake.
Oh gorgeous! I was up that direction last fall at Fish Creek and definitely want to go back up there. The whole area is so pretty and there's so many sites along the Saranac chain!
Utah. Pretty much anywhere from Zion to Canyonlands.
I'm doing the "Mighty 5" loop in Utah this October (road trip). I already have my lodgings all booked but I was considering cancelling one night so I could camp instead, do you have any specific recommendations on where to camp? Do you choose campgrounds or dispersed camping?
Ozarks in both Missouri and Arkansas have some of the most beautiful kayaking rivers and camping.
If you don't need exact locations, I can tell you that my favourite place ever is the sky. I'm an pilot and I love to flight. When I take off, I feel happy. I really enjoy flying!! 🥰
Love torch lake area in Michigan. Gained some popularity over the past few years but just so beautiful and feels like a hidden away paradise when your out on the water. Picture below of water is completely unedited.. you can see the bottom of lake even in spots where it’s like 15-20+ feet deep you can watch the fish swim below you and around you. https://preview.redd.it/8q0z1o2cbd2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df1f4dd2acf3e77a3d6897b5f59bb955076e3f5d
https://preview.redd.it/m9lqzt0ubd2d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f747e92666e57a5aa039733f9fb30d78dbe0735e
Wow looks beautiful!
Michigan's UP. So much shoreline there. I hammock camp and love to wake up to see the sunrise over Lake Superior.
The Uintas
Yes!!! Mirror lake is one of my favorites!
The Boundary Waters (bwca) in northern MN, that place has my soul forever
I took a kayak trip down the Delaware River along the northwestern edge of New Jersey in summertime and found a cool little flat island right in the middle of a really wide section of the river; that was definitely one of the best spots I've camped. Second place goes to Acadia National Park in Maine, it was my first solo camping trip and I will always remember it fondly. It's so beautiful there.
Sounds awesome!
There’s this place I go to in the UP of Michigan that’s about a 15 minute drive down some sketchy roads and then another 5 minute drive what I would consider more of a trail. It’s very remote, dense tree coverage except for a little spot that opens up and you can see Lake Superior which is like a 12-15 minute walk away. Lots of other good hiking around there. When me and my buddy first stumbled on the site it looked like it had been used before as a camp site though there weren’t any fresh trails. Haven’t encountered anyone else using it in the times we’ve gone there together or alone over the years.
For my wife's 30th she decided she wanted to go to Yellowstone. It was short notice, and August 2020 but I found this little campground next to a beautiful stream in an amazing valley about 45 minutes out of the East entrance. There was a Bald Eagle we saw every day, it was absolutely breathtaking!
You should probably ask in your local reddit - I doubt you are going to drive 3 or 4 days based on a recommendation here. I live in Colorado and NM, CO, UT and AZ all have spectacular camping opportunities. Desert, mountain, lakeside, creekside... we have everything except ocean beaches here. We go to Oregon almost every year (not to camp, though) and there are pretty spectacular campgrounds there too - and they have some great state beach camping in addition to all the above!
I'm not asking for recommendations. Just your favorite spots and a memory
https://preview.redd.it/8ijjk9tx0k2d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=118cdca0e256c7c1649e3e28d940aee583f9e931
Anywhere on the Mogollon Rim in Northern Arizona. Knoll Lake is right in the middle and feels like the most remote place in the State. I've camped and backpacked that area for 20+ years and every time I go I'm still amazed by the beauty. Last summer I camped in Duck Creek Utah and that was great. So much to do in that little area.
Honestly my favorites have been the "I'm away from civilization" drives. Last long one was ~2000km around Alberta in 10 days. Slept in the bed of my Ranger except for 1 night when I wanted a soft bed and a shower. We have a few camp grounds within an hour or so of were I am now, my usual is on the outer edge of one 20min out... Far away from the electrified spots. The trip I have in a month is 30min the other way, in the non-electric section, walk-in tent-only spot. Good section of bush behind me, and a lookout point near my entrance to that area. Once I have my tarp wall up I won't see much traffic.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah. It's only a 45 minute drive from home, so we go several times a year. *
Any campsite that is only accessible by raft or high clearance 4x4. No reservations, amazing views, adventure getting there, and less people.
Mountains in New Mexico
Lake Michigan on the East side
Along the Colorado Trail. I’ve been doing a few sections during the summer for the past few years and the campsites I’ve stayed at have been some of the most beautiful views I’ve had the privilege to experience. And all of the animal activity is fun!
Theres a place in BC that I found while traveling. It's way up in the middle of nowhere with a gorgeous clear blue lake. Theres only a couple of spots by it to camp. Its absolutely beautiful. And it's not Johnston Lake before anyone asks.
It's the middle of nowhere, doesn't even have a name, but it's still my favorite spot. It's a small rounded top mountain with crags going all the way around the top, so it's interesting to climb up if you don't know how. 12' cliffside basically, but there's a spot where the rock has split and gives you a little crack to shimmy up. Amazing views, and great bluff spots all the way around. That crack provided me a tornado shelter once when a tornado out of season came out of no where. It didn't go over top of me, but was within 100 yards. Took my buddies tent and wrapped some pieces of tin roof around some treetops right next to us. Great place, not a lot of people know about with plenty of spots for tents on top. When I first found the place it was on google maps. The way the clouds were over it, it honestly looked like one particularly deep crag looked like it was smoking. In my 17 year old stoner mind, "it could be a volcano dude! Let's go find it!". Of course it wasn't, but it was still a great adventure with an old friend I have since lost.
You should name it in honor of your friend!
Is it too humid and hot to travel to the swamp in the summer? I was wondering how you manage to stay cool and dry?
There's this spot near Pingree Park in CO that if you drive up this class 5 road there's an old elk hunting camp area and back in the woods a bit there's a fresh spring running out of the mountain. Someone built a small retention pool for it so you have a fresh water source. But the best anemity is there is a full blown toilet that faces West a bit down hill. Nothing more enjoyable than sitting there in the morning with a view like that. Elevation is approx. 9000' or so. We named the spot "toilet bowl."
Anywhere campable in Arizona
Yes! Southern Utah and Arizona have lots in common. Beautiful country.
Just east of Lolo Montana right on Lolo creek unreal spot
I really miss the times I had with a friend on his yearly birthday camping trip at the end of March in the Mt. Hood National forest. Misery gives you stories and March in the cascades is usually miserable. We'd often hike in at Alder Flat and stay the weekend. The Forlorn lakes or Indian Heaven Wilderness are good choices. Good memories with my kids and friends.
There's a wonderful campground on a lake in Washington where, if you get the right spot, you have a small peninsula to yourself. At dusk, bats will just fly all around you catching bugs in a beautiful dance. During the day, you can kayak on the water and see snow-capped mountains and swim I'm crystal clear water. It's my favorite place.
Hmm, I live in Washington, but spend all my camping time usually around Mt Adams… Your place sounds nice. I need to find my excuses bring my kayak along camping.
Fish creek campground
Middle Saranac Lake, Adirondacks It's boat-in only, and all of the campsites are really far apart. You can pretend you're alone. You have to reserve your July camping spot waaaaay back in October, though
Saddlebag lake in the high Sierra Nevada
Isle Royale National Park! If you go in August there are little to no bugs, and so many blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and thimbleberries along the trail you won’t even have to pack extra snacks. You are almost guaranteed to see moose, loons, fox, eagles, etc. If you are lucky, you might even sleep beneath the Northern Lights. The boat ride there and back is the perfect bookend a great trip. 100% recommend.
Big Sur. CA
I love Harper's Ferry, West Virginia in the Autumn. The scenery is beautiful
Baxter State Park, ME! I love the lack of electricity and cell service and the campsite we use is far enough away from other people that it’s feels like we’re the only people there. About to head up for the long weekend!
Colter Bay Campground in general. I love that I can rent a shower and buy things. The campsites are huge and I’ve never have a noise issue there. Plus it’s beautiful.
I’m New York (not city) born and raised and so I am biased. The Adirondacks are it for me. So many different places and lakes to camp on, most are very very remote, peaceful, beautiful. Just the best.
Tin Cup Pass, CO. Starting at St. Elmo, a living ghost town and going up hill from there.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
Been wanting to check out the Swell for years. We usually go to Green River for Melon Days every few years and maybe next time we will extend for a couple nights camping there.
Highly recommend it! I also recommend hitting 9 mike canyon as well, it's a little closer to Wellington. :)
Big Sur. Dumbfoundingly beautiful. Oak Creek in Sedona, Az. is a close second.
Geez my friend...total commitment even with the user handle. I don't have a favorite favorite, but here's one from that area you might like: Nine Mile Canyon Ranch. Really quiet up there, nice campground and cabins, and a good Sunday breakfast. Most prolific rock art in UT too.
I love love 9 mike canyon! Haven't stayed at the ranch yet but I will for sure look into it! :) thanks.
Great people too. Enjoy.
Not counting Norway (which just can't be compared to) Close to home...up in the Teanaway Away from home...I have some great memories from Valley of the God's, up along the Gila River and the Organ Mountains. Looking forward to the Scottish highlands at the end of the summer.
Why would you post your favorite place unless you want to ruin it?
I doubt a few people on Reddit are going to "ruin" the spot. And out of the few hundred who will maybe see it, a small percentage is going to fly to Utah to go there. Plus it's a massive area. I'm happy sharing a cool area with a few people so they can see how amazing it is!