BLACK FRIDAY

US Camping by the Numbers

OpenStreetMap, November 2026
Campgrounds 26,256Mapped across the 50 states.
RV parks 8,820Counted on top of campgrounds.
Backcountry sites 10,345Hike-in and paddle-in campsites.
Most campgrounds California2,986 mapped, the most of any state.
Most per person Wyoming62.1 campgrounds per 100,000 people.

Camping Guides by State

Each state guide maps campgrounds, seasons, fees and booking rules from official agency pages. Pick your state below: states marked in orange have a full guide, and the rest are on the way.

Guide ready Guide in progress

Campgrounds by State, Mapped

Hover a state to see its campgrounds, RV parks and backcountry sites. Switch to per person or per square mile to see where you get the most room. States with a guide are outlined: click one to open it.

More camping data in Camping Statistics →

Best States for Camping

As you compare states, treat these mapped counts as a close guide instead of an official census. California leads raw campground count with 2,986, and Colorado follows with 1,430. Texas has 1,406, while Utah has 1,310 and Oregon has 1,223. A big total gives you more backup options when your first choice is full.

If you want more room relative to residents, Wyoming leads at 62.1 campgrounds per 100,000 people, and Montana follows at 52.3. Idaho has 49.3, Utah has 40.0, and Alaska has 36.0. Small eastern states pack campgrounds closest together: Rhode Island has 62.7 per 1,000 square miles and Connecticut 35.3.

Your trip type changes the answer. Minnesota leads backcountry campsites with 2,396, including the Boundary Waters canoe sites, and Colorado has 1,265. Utah has 889, Washington has 816, and California has 705. If your plan centers on hookups and road access, Texas leads RV parks with 1,694, followed by California with 554 and Florida with 471.

Most Campgrounds

  1. California2,986
  2. Colorado1,430
  3. Texas1,406
  4. Utah1,310
  5. Oregon1,223

Campgrounds mapped

Most per Person

  1. Wyoming62.1
  2. Montana52.3
  3. Idaho49.3
  4. Utah40.0
  5. Alaska36.0

Campgrounds per 100,000 people

Most Backcountry Sites

  1. Minnesota2,396
  2. Colorado1,265
  3. Utah889
  4. Washington816
  5. California705

Hike-in and paddle-in campsites

Where You Can Camp in the US

BLM landNational parksNational forestsState parksPrivate RV parks

BLM Land

BLM land gives you both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping. Your developed site may include restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, garbage receptacles, tent pads, electrical hookups, or group shelters. Some campgrounds open only seasonally because of weather, so confirm operating dates before you drive.

National Parks

Use the park website or the NPS app before your national park camping trip. On park websites, you find camping details under "Plan Your Visit," often under "Eating & Sleeping." Many campgrounds handle reservations on Recreation.gov, which lists federal camping opportunities.

National Forests

National forests run developed campgrounds and, in many places, free dispersed areas. Near Sedona, for example, Coconino National Forest runs the West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping Area: free, first come, with no potable water, so you bring your own.

State Parks

State parks can work well when you want a park-run campground with earlier booking. Dead Horse Ranch takes reservations up to 12 months in advance. Every state runs its own system, so check your state park camping rules before you set dates.

Private RV Parks

Private RV parks fill the gaps between public campgrounds. OpenStreetMap maps 8,820 RV parks in the 50 states, with Texas far ahead at 1,694. Each park sets its own rates and cancellation terms, so check them before you book.

Dispersed Camping on BLM Land

Most BLM land is open to dispersed camping unless an area is posted closed to camping, so start your search for a primitive site there. For dispersed camping, plan on 14 days within any 28-day period in many areas. After you reach that limit, move often at least 25 to 30 miles away. Keep your vehicle on designated roads and trails unless the area specifically allows off-road vehicle use.

Choose your site close to the road without crowding water or developed areas. The BLM recommends camping within 150 feet of designated routes, and you should stay at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, and streams. Do not camp within 1 mile of campgrounds, trailheads, or picnic areas. If you want a longer winter stay, look for Long-Term Visitor Areas in California and Arizona, where you may camp up to seven consecutive months with a permit.

Read the boondocking guide →

How to Book a Campsite on Recreation.gov

Start with your campground page, choose your dates and site type, then check the booking cut-off before you set your driving plan. Cut-off windows usually run 0 to 4 days before arrival. If your plan looks firm, book online and expect the $8 online reservation fee.

Save your confirmation, then change or cancel as soon as your plans shift. Recreation.gov withholds a $10 service fee from any cancellation refund. If you cancel an individual site the day before or on the day of arrival, you pay a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you miss arrival without canceling, Recreation.gov charges a $20 no-show fee.

Plan Your First Trip

First camping tripA step-by-step plan for your first night out.Packing checklistThe printable list for car camping.Boondocking basicsHow free camping off the grid works.National park visitsWhich parks fill up, and when.

Where to Camp: FAQ

What is the best state for camping?

The best state for camping depends on what you want. If you want mapped campgrounds, California has 2,986, and if you want mapped RV parks, Texas has 1,694. If you want mapped backcountry campsites, Minnesota has 2,396.

Which state has the most campgrounds?

California has the most campgrounds, with 2,986 mapped in OpenStreetMap, ahead of Colorado with 1,430 and Texas with 1,406. Volunteers map these campgrounds, so read the count as a close guide rather than an official census.

Where can you camp for free in the US?

Look at dispersed camping on public land. Most BLM land is open to dispersed camping unless an area is posted closed, usually for 14 days within any 28-day period. Some national forests also set aside free areas, such as the West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping Area in Arizona.

How long can you camp on BLM land?

You can often camp on BLM land for about 14 days within a 28-day period. After you reach the dispersed camping limit, you must move often at least 25 to 30 miles away. In California and Arizona, the BLM manages Long-Term Visitor Areas where you may camp up to seven consecutive months with a permit.

How do you reserve a campsite at a national park?

Start on the park website, under "Plan Your Visit" and often "Eating & Sleeping", or in the NPS app under "Where to Stay". Many park campgrounds take reservations on Recreation.gov, which lists camping on federal lands across the United States.

What does Recreation.gov charge to book a campsite?

Recreation.gov charges you an $8 online reservation fee for a campsite, or $9 through the call center. If you book in person, the reservation fee is $3.

Sources