On the rim of a 1,000-foot-high canyon above the serpentine San Juan River, there are just eight first-come, first-served primitive campsites. Less known than the Grand Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, Goosenecks State Park’s views are equally, or dare we say more, impressive. It’s pure optic joy being able to see sandstone-pink canyon walls showcasing 300 million years of geological history and multiple views of a rare entrenched meander—all from the comfort of your bed. And with few, if any, other campers, Goosenecks State Park feels like your own private natural wonder at the edge of the known world. Designated an International Dark Sky in 2021, this small park in the remote desert of southeastern Utah offers not only dramatic sunrises and sunsets, but a stunning night sky, where the Andromeda Galaxy can be seen with just a pair of binoculars. If you’re so lucky, camping here may be the most memorable $10 you ever spend.
Peak One Campground, White River National Forest, Frisco, Colorado
Best for: Bike lovers
Boaters and trout hunters may flock to this 80-site campground in the Rocky Mountains for its idyllic locale beside Dillon Reservoir, but Peak One is also a little known paradise for cyclists. With more than 50 miles of the Summit County Recreation Pathway System at its doorstep, there are seemingly endless scenic routes to discover. Pedal the 18.7-mile loop ride along the lake, bike 15 minutes to the picturesque town of Frisco, sweat off the s’mores on a 13-mile ride with a 1,500-foot climb from Frisco Marina to the top of Vail Pass, or enjoy neighboring Frisco Bike Park’s dirt jumps, pump track, and dual slalom courses. You might not be able to linger for the full 14 days allowed without an electrical hookup, but this is dry camping at its finest.
Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, Searsport, Maine
Best for: Family reunions
Astrig Koltookian Tanguay and Steve Tanguay broke the mold when they opened Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, which sits on Penobscot Bay one hour south of Acadia National Park. Whether you pick a spot surrounded by 200-year-old trees or an oceanfront RV site, this 40-acre, 125-site campground has something for every family member. There are art and yoga classes, kayak rentals at the private beach, live concerts and impromptu jam sessions, a playground, wood-fired pizzas and lobster-bakes, not to mention heritage breed sheep and angora goats. Open May through September, the campground also welcomes visitors to compost their food scraps, eat fresh heirloom tomatoes from the organic garden, and learn about beekeeping at one of three hives on the property. Although nearby diversions abound, like the quintessential New England town of Belfast and world renowned restaurant The Lost Kitchen, road-weary travelers might find this utopia by the sea is more than packed with activities.