5 Hidden Gem Campsites You Should Visit
As adventurers ourselves, we know the golden rule: never share a good camping spot with the public, or it might not be your hidden gem for much longer. However, we want to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, even those who have some social anxiety. So, suppose you’ve wanted to try getting outdoors with your new Adventure Bundle or gear and want to skip the crowded, well-known campgrounds. In that case, these five unique hidden gems in the U.S. offer beautiful scenery, quiet atmospheres, and unforgettable adventures.
1. Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona
In Near Zero’s home state, and nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains, this scenic campground in Arizona is perfect for adventurers seeking wide-open desert landscapes. With hiking trails leading deep into the rugged terrain, it’s a dream for nature lovers and photographers. At night, the clear desert skies make it an incredible stargazing destination.
Why it’s a gem: It’s less crowded than nearby national parks but offers equally spectacular desert views.
2. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
Looking for a peaceful camping spot in the mountains? Medicine Bow National Forest is a hidden treasure. With alpine lakes, meadows, and granite peaks, you can set up camp at designated sites or enjoy dispersed camping. It’s ideal for both adventurous backpackers and families who want a relaxing mountain retreat.
Why it’s a gem: The Snowy Range Scenic Byway offers jaw-dropping views without the traffic of busier mountain passes.
3. Palisades Creek Campground, Idaho
This hidden campground in Idaho is situated along a rushing creek, offering direct access to the Palisades Trail, which leads to two stunning alpine lakes. It’s especially popular among anglers and hikers who want to enjoy nature away from crowded tourist areas.
Why it’s a gem: You’ll fall asleep to the sound of a creek and wake up with world-class fishing just steps away from your campsite.
4. Salt Pond Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii
For those dreaming of beachfront camping in Hawaii, Salt Pond Beach Park is a must. Located on Kauai’s sunny west side, this campground lets you pitch your tent right by the sand and enjoy tide pools, snorkeling, and glowing sunsets.
Why it’s a gem: It’s one of the few legal campsites on Kauai that stays relatively quiet, making it a perfect spot for travelers seeking authentic island vibes.
5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Often overlooked, Great Basin is one of the least-visited national parks, making it an incredible off-the-beaten-path camping destination. With bristlecone pines, limestone caves, and high desert trails, this unique camping spot has a little bit of everything.
Why it’s a gem: Its remote location means some of the darkest skies in the U.S.—a dream for stargazers and astrophotographers.
So, if you’re searching for the best hidden campsites in the U.S., these destinations offer the perfect mix of beauty and solitude. Whether you’re craving desert sunsets, mountain lakes, or oceanfront serenity, these hidden camping spots prove that the best adventures often happen off the beaten path.