Interstate Camping Guide

This thread provides information about public campground found along Interstate Highways. Generally, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the Interstate Highway unless otherwise noted. (This information was current as of April, 2019)

What I learned in creating this thread:

* Our interstate system is more extensive than I really realized.
* Our interstates follow a pretty strict guideline regarding their numbers, but it results in a lot of "split interstates" that are never going to be connected.
* There are more campgrounds close to the freeway than I thought there would be.
* Some campgrounds appear close, but the type of access road will slow down the traffic.
* Some states have a lot of state parks and national forests; others have very few.
* Some states put more into their state parks and recreation area websites than others.
* Many, many state park campgrounds are available through ReserveAmerica.
* Some national forest campgrounds can be reserved through ReserveAmerica; others are first-come, first-served.
* Quite a few state and national campgrounds have a 25' RV limit.
* Some state parks charge extra for non-resident campers. Camper beware!
* Some state parks, especially those in my state (California) can cost as much as a nice spot in a commercial park.
* There are probably many city parks with an RV area that are not listed. These are more difficult to find; inquire locally.

I hope that the information in this thread will be helpful to those who travel Interstate Highways and wish to camp out along the way.


Donna


List of the INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS reviewed in this thread

I-5
I-8
I-10
I-15
I-20
I-24
I-25
I-26
I-29
I-30
I-35
I-39
I-40
I-43
I-44
I-45
I-49
I-55/57
I-59
I-64
I-65
I-68
I-69
I-69 Kentucky
I-70
I-71
I-72/74
I-75
I-76
I-77
I-78
I-79
I-80
I-81
I-82
I-83
I-84 West
I-84 East
I-85
I-86
I-87
I-88
I-89
I-90
I-91
I-93
I-94
I-95
I-96

(I-70 information that used to be in this first post has been moved to the end of this thread)

Public Camping, Interstate 5 (South to North)
All campsites 20 miles or less from the Interstate unless noted.


CA
Note: CA state beaches fill quickly. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. This is especially true in summer and all weekends.

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, Bonita
Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado
San Elijo State Beach, Solana Beach/Del Mar
South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad
Guajome Regional Park
Note: Inland, for the campers who don't care for beach camping!
San Onofre State Beach, Oceanside
Note: Part of this beach is a non-sanctioned nude beach.
San Clemente State Beach, San Clemente
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Orange County
Lake Castaic Campgrounds
Chuchapate Campground, Frazier Park
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Caswell Memorial State Park, Manteca
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area, Colusa
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, Corning
Lake Shasta Campsites, Lakehead
Castle Crags State Park, Castella
Mount Shasta Campgrounds

OR Note: Oregon has a bunch of state parks and national forests, but most of the campsites are 30+ miles from I-5.

Valley of the Rogue State Park, Rogue River
Silver Falls State Park, Salem
Note: This is about 25 miles off the freeway.
Trout Creek Campground, Willamette NF, Cascadia
Note: This is about 35 miles off the freeway.
Champoeg State Heritage Area, St Paul
Ainsworth State Park, Cascade Locks
Note: This is about 32 miles down I-84 east, but near Multnomah Falls on the Columbia Gorge.

WA

Battle Ground Lake State Park, Battle Ground
Paradise Point State Park, Ridgefield
Seaquest State Park, Castle Rock
Note: This park has a close proximity to Mt St Helens and I-5.
Lewis & Clark State Park, Winlock
Millersylvania State Park, Olympia
Joemma Beach State Park, Lakebay
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, Palmer
Wenberg CountynPark, Stanwood
Larrabee State Park, Blanchard
Birch Bay State Park

More to come....stay tuned!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Goblin Valley is a wondrous park but it is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. If all of their campsites are full when you arrive, which happened to me, there is an alternative.

There is a large dispersed BLM camping area on Temple Mountain Road just past Goblin Valley Road. You can see it clearly on a map with satellite view. Quite a few RVs were there. I don’t recall there being anything other than a dirt parking lot but it will do if you’re self contained.

Of course, other people were simply setting up camp by themselves in the desert, but my wife didn’t feel safe without others camping nearby.

[Moderators Note]: When "travelingman" first posted this comment, he was responding to information that was originally posted in the first post of this thread. His comments have now been copied to post #55 to make slightly more logical sense. This original post is retained to keep the original posting order correct.

This is a great list and should be of great help the next time I get back on that highway!

Public Camping, I-15 (south to north).
All campgrounds within 20 miles of the interstate, unless noted.

CA:

Santee Lakes Park, Santee
Dos Picos County Park, Ramona
Note: This park is about 25 miles from I-15.
Palomar Mountain State Park, Pauma Valley
Dripping Springs NF CG, Aguanga
Blue Jay NF CG, Lake Elsinore
Silverwood Lake SRA, Wrightwood

NV:

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, west of Las Vegas
Mount Charleston Wilderness, west of Las Vegas
Valley of Fire State Park, Overton
Echo Bay CG, Lake Mead

AZ:

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, BLM
Note: As of Jan 2023, this has 25 sites OPEN. Be aware that it gets HOT here during the days in summer and early fall!

UT:

Snow Canyon State Park, St George
Zion National Park CG's (3)
Note: These campgrounds fill quickly – reservations needed!
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City
Note: Cedar Breaks is 22 gorgeous miles east of Cedar City, but it takes 45 minutes to get there.
Dixie National Forest, 3 CG's
Minersville Lake Park, Beaver
Yuba State Park, Scipio
Utah Lake State Park, Provo
Note: Its proximity to SLC and Provo make this a very popular park. Reservations required!
Deer Creek State Park, Charleston
Willard Bay State Park, North Ogden
Hyrum State Park, Hyrum

MT:

Clark Canyon Reservoir Campgrounds
Note: Quite a few campgrounds, but be aware that one or two are “boat in” only.
Philipsburg Bay Campground, Georgetown Lake
Stuarts Mill Bay Campground, Georgetown Lake, has no website
Cromwell-Dixon Campground, Helena NF
Log Gulch Recreation Area, Holter Dam

More to come....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.\

Public Campgrounds along I-40, west to east.
All campgrounds within 20 miles unless otherwise noted.


CA:

Sorry, none within 20 miles of that road! This is the Mohave Desert. (Moderators Note: Actually in California, this region is spelled Mojave Desert.)

***But this highway does follow historic Route 66 and a couple of regional and national parks and there are certainly many RV parks along this highway, And there are several places with dispersed camping all through the desert within 20 miles of the highway.***

AZ:

Lake Mead Camping
Kaibab Lake Campground, Williams
Note: One of the closest public campgrounds to Grand Canyon, so it fills quickly!
Homolovi State Park, Winslow
NOTE: There are no campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park. All camping is walk-in, backcountry only.

NM:

McGaffey Campground, NF
Note: This is a heavily used campground. Plan accordingly.
Bluewater Lake State Park, Prewitt
Villanueva State Park, Clines Corners
Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Santa Rosa
Conchas Lake State Park, Tucumcari
Ute Lake State Park, Logan
Note: This is about 26 miles.

TX:

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, SE of Amarillo
Note: This is about 27 miles from the heart of Amarillo.

OK:

Foss State Park, Foss
Red Rock Canyon State Park, Hinton – no longer a state park -- now under private ownership.
Okmulgee State Park, Okmulgee
Dripping Springs State Park, Henryetta
Lake Eufaula State Park, Checotah
Tenkiller State Park, Paradise Hill
Greenleaf State Park, Bragg
Brushy Lake City Park, Sallisaw


AR:

Redding Campground, Ozark NF
Note: About 23 miles, but may take 45 minutes one way.
Shores Lake Campground, Ozark NF
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville
Village Creek State Park, Forrest City

TN:

Natchez Trace State Park, Yuma
Montgomery Bell State Park, Burns
Cedars of Lebanon, Bairds Mills
Edgar Evins State Park, Silver Point
Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville
Cosby Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hartford



NC:

Mills River, Pisgah National Forest, Avery Creek
Note: About 25 miles.
Lake James State Park, Nebo
Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle
Note: About 25 miles.
Carolina Beach State Park
Note: About 25 miles from the eastern terminus of I-40.

More to come!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds Near Interstate 10, and Interstate 8. All campgrounds located within 20 miles, unless noted otherwise.

Note: Many of the campgrounds in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, along I-10, are located in desert areas. During the summer, that means it will probably be HOT, even at night. Desert camping means making sure you have plenty of water if the campsite does not provide it, especially if you are camping on some of the BLM lands.

CA:

Mount San Jacinto State Park, Banning
Mountain park at higher elevation.
Pinyon Flat, San Bernardino NF Campground, Palm Desert
Desert park
Joshua Tree National Park, Indio
Salton Sea State Recreation Area, North Shore


AZ:

Quartzsite BLM Camping
Picacho Peak State Park, Picacho
Gilbert Ray County Campground, near Saguaro National Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson

NM:

Rockhound State Park, Deming
Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces (managed by BLM)

TX:

Balmorhea State Park, Balmorhea
South Llano River State Park, Junction
Palmetto State Park, Lulling
Stephen F Austin State Park, Sealy
Sea Rim State Park, Port Arthur
Village Creek State Park, Lumberton

LA:

Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville
Fontainebleau State Park, Lacombe

MS:

Buccaneer State Park, Lakeshore
Shepard State Park, Gautier

AL:

Meaher State Park, Spanish Fort
Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
Note: About 30 miles from I-10.

FL:

Big Lagoon State Park, Gulf Shores
Blackwater River State Park, Milton
Henderson Beach State Park, Fort Walton Beach
Note: About 30 miles.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs
Ocean Pond Campground, Osceola National Forest
Little Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville
Note: About 25 miles from the eastern terminus of I-10. However, as of Feb 1, 2024, the campground is closed for construction.

More to come....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-8 (alternative to I-10 in Southern California and Arizona, from San Diego). All campsites within 20 miles of the freeway, unless noted.


CA:

Campsites near the western terminus of I-8
Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego
Note: More details can be found on each campground through the links with I-5.
Santee Lakes Campground, Santee
Lake Jennings County Park, El Cajon/Lakeside
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Descanso
Note: The two Cuyamaca campgrounds fill quickly on weekends from May to October!
Boulder Oaks NF Campground, Pine Valley
Note: This campground is high desert, appeals to PCT hikers, and gets busy on weekends May to October.
Cibbets Flat NF Campground, Pine Valley
Note: This campground is high desert, and gets busy only on weekends.
Burnt Rancheria NF Campground, Laguna Highway
Note: This author's favorite NF campground! Located at about 5000 ft elevation so it is cooler than the campsites at Boulder Oaks or Cibbets Flat, in the summer. Not open in winter.
Laguna Campground, Mt Laguna
Note: A little further away from I-8 than Burnt Ranch.
Lake Morena County Park, Campo/Buckman Springs
Holtville Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area, Holtville
Note: Located off Van der Linden Road exit from I-8. NOT free, but cheap enough.
BLM Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area, Winterhaven
Note: Located just west of the Imperial Sand Dunes.
Gray's Well Unit, Imperial Sand Dunes, Winterhavenl
Permits needed!
BLM Imperial Sand Dunes
Note: Same dunes, different website!

AZ:

Sonoran Desert BLM Lands, Gila Bend
Note: Though some dispersed camping appears to be accepted, there have been recent issues in the area with undocumented personnel. Between May 1 and November 1, the area gets extremely hot. In other areas, special permits are required to disperse camp, particularly in the “Barry Goldwater” area. A safer alternative:
West Pinal County Park, AKA Kortsen Park, Stanfield

More to come....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Note: These lists are not meant to be inclusive. Other camping areas may be available. Inquire locally.

Public campgrounds along Interstate 95, south to north. All campgrounds within 20 miles of the interstate, unless otherwise noted.

FL:

Everglades National Park, Homestead
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Sebastian
Faver-Dykes State Park, Marineland
Anastasia State Park, Augustine Beach
Little Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville
As of Feb, 2024, this campground is temporarily closed for construction.
Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach

GA:

Crooked River State Park, St Mary's
Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Skidaway Island, Savannah

SC:

Colleton State Park, Walterboro
Santee State Park, Santee
Poinsett State Park, Pinewood
Little Pee Dee State Park, Dillon

VA:

Note: I-95 from Richmond to Boston has horrible traffic. Camping is listed here, but alternative routes are suggested. There are no public parks listed on Rand McNally and AAA maps between Elk Neck MD and CT.

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield
Prince William Forest Park, Triangle

MD:

Patapsco Valley State Park, Baltimore (see listing with I-70)
Susquehanna State Park, Perryville MD
Elk Neck State Park, Elk Neck

CT:

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme

NH:
Note: NH is the next listed public campground after Rocky Neck.

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton

ME:

Bradbury Mountain Park, Pownal
Lake St George State Park, Palermo
Note: About 25 miles from Augusta.
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
Note: Acadia is about 30 miles from I-95, but worth the drive. Three campgrounds, but all three fill quickly. Reservations highly suggested!


More coming.....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Camping along Interstate 80, west to east. All campgrounds within 20 miles of the freeway, unless otherwise noted.

CA:

Folsom Lake State Rec Area
Lake Spaulding Campground, Blue Canyon (PG&E)
Lodgepole Campground, Emigrant Gap (PG&E)
Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee
Logger Campground, Tahoe National Forest
Lake Tahoe Campgrounds
Note: It's 25 miles or more to some campgrounds, but it's a beautiful drive.

NV:

Washoe Lake State Park, Carson City
Note: About 30 miles.
Lahontan State Park, Silver Springs
Rye Patch State park, Lovelock
South Fork State Recreation Area, Spring Creek
Angel Lake Campground, Wells
Angel Creek Campground, Wells

UT:

Antelope Island State Park, West Valley City
East Canyon State Park, Porterville
Rockport State Park, Wanship (5 campgrounds)

WY:

Seminoe State Park, Sinclair
Meadows Camground, Routt National Forest, Laramie
Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne

NE:

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, Ogallala
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, Ogallala
Buffalo Bill Ranch, North Platte
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, North Platte
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, Lexington
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney
Mormon Island State Recreation Area, Grand Island
Pawnee State Recreation Area, Lincoln
Mahoney State Park, Ashland
Platte River State Park, Bend
Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Waterloo/Omaha

IA:

Prairie Rose State Park, Harlan
Lake Anita State Park, Anita
Rock Creek State Park, Newton
Lake MacBride State Park, North Liberty

IL:

Johnson-Sauk State Park, Annawah
Starved Rock State Park, Ottawa
Note: One of our family favorites, this park has everything!
Illini State Park, Marseilles

IN:
Note: At Portage, I-80 becomes the Indiana Turnpike, a toll road with limited access.

Potato Creek State Park, Lakeville
Pokagon State Park, Lake James, Angola

OH:
Note: I-80 is the Ohio Turnpike throughout the state, a toll road with limited access.

Harrison Lake State Park, Fayette
Maumee Bay State Park, Harbor View
30 miles from nearest exit from the toll road
West Branch State Park, Wayland
Note: 17 miles west on I-76

PA:

Shenango Lake, Sharpsville
Cook Forest State Park, Leeper
Note: 22 miles
Parker Dam State Park, Penfield
Bald Eagle State Park, Howard
Raymond B Winter State Park, Mifflinburg
Hickory Run State Park, White Haven

NJ:

Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap
Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope

More to come...

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds near Interstate 90 (west to east). All campgrounds within 20 miles of the interstate, unless otherwise noted. This list is not intended to be inclusive. Other campgrounds may exist that I am unaware of.

WA:

Lake Easton State Park, Easton
Wish Poosh Campground, Lakedale
Riverside State Park, Spokane

ID:

Farragut State Park, Athol
Note: About 25 miles north of the freeway.
Mokins Bay, Hayden

MT:

Cabin City NF Campground, St Regis
Quartz Flat NF Campground, Superior
Slowey NF Campground, Superior
Trout Creek NF Campground, Superior
Note: About 2 miles of the 10 miles are on gravel roads, not suggested for RV's or vehicles hauling trailers.
Placid Lake State Park, Seeley Lake
Salmon Lake State Park, Seeley Lake
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Whitehall
Itch-Kep-Pe Park, Columbus
Note: This is a city park that does not have reservations available. In the link, you may have to follow links to Itch-Kep-Pe Park for information.

WY:

Circle Park, Buffalo
Keyhole State Park, Moorcroft
Bearlodge NF Campground, Aladdin

SD:

Rocky Point Recreation Area, Belle Fourche
Custer State Park, Custer City
40 miles from I-90, but a gorgeous drive.
Badlands National Park, Interior
Snake Creek Recreation Area, Platte
Note: 35 miles from Kimball on the freeway.
Walker's Point State Recreation Area, Colton
Big Sioux State Recreation Area, Sioux Falls
Lake Herman State Park, Madison
Note: About 29 miles from the Humboldt exit on I-90.
Palisades State Park, Corson

MN:

Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
Kilen Woods State Park, Lakefield
Myre-Big Island State Park, Albert Lea
Whitewater State Park, Altura
Great River Bluffs State Park, Winona

WI:

Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells
Rocky Arbor State Park, near Wisconsin Dells
Lake Kegonsa State Park, McFarland

IL:
Note: I-90 through Illinois, Indiana, and some of Ohio is toll road. If needed, mileage is from the nearest exit from the toll road.

Rock Cut State Park, Loves Cut

IN:
Note: I-90 joins/splits from I-80 at Portage for some of Indiana. See listings for I-80. They are not repeated.

Indiana Dunes State Park
Dunewood CG, Indiana Dunes National Park

OH:
I-90 and I-80 separate/join at exit 142 on the toll road.

Geneva State Park, Geneva-on-the-Lake

PA: Forget it. No camping within 40 miles!

NY:
I-90 through NY is toll road.

Lake Erie State Park
Evangola State Park, Irving
Darien Lakes State Park, Darien Center
Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Falls
Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
Thompson's Lake State Park, Altamont

MA:

October Mountain State Forest, Lee
Wells State Park, Sturbridge

And still, more to come.....lots of freeways in the US!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-94, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles (one way) of the interstate. Note that I-94 in Illinois is a toll road. I-94 begins and ends east of Billings, intersecting with I-90.

MT:

Makoshika State Park, Glendive


ND:

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, South Unit, Medora
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan/Bismarck

MN:

Buffalo River State Park, Glyndon
Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake
Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos
Sibley State Park, New London
Ann Lake CG, Big Lake

WI:

Willow River State Park, Hudson
Camping in Black River State Forest
Rocky Arbor State Park, near Wisconsin Dells
Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Burlington

IN:

Indiana Dunes State Park
Dunewood CG, Indiana Dunes National Park


MI:

Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer
Fort Custer State Recreation Area, Battle Creek
Waterloo State Park
Pinckney State Recreation Area, Pinckney
Algonac State Park, Algonac
Lakeport State Park, Port Huron

Next up: more south-to-north interstates!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-25, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the freeway. It should be noted that this list is not all inclusive; there may be other campgrounds that are not listed because they're only known locally.

NM:

Organ-Mountains Desert-Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces (managed by BLM)
Leasburg Dam State Park, Butterfield
Percha Dam State Park, Caballo
Caballo Lake State Park, Caballo
Elephant Butte State Park, Truth-or-Consequences
Hyde Memorial State Park, Santa Fe
Villanueva State Park, Villanueva
Storrie Lake State Park, near Las Vegas NM
Sugarite Canyon State Park, Raton

CO:
Note: Many of Colorado's State Park campgrounds have gone to a “reservations only, no drop-ins” policy. Look online before you go!

Trinidad Lake State Park, Trinidad
Lathrop State Park, Walsenburg
Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo
Mueller State Park, Green Mountain Falls
Note: 24 miles but about a half hour drive
Chatfield State Park, Louviers
Note: 19 miles but about a half hour drive
St Vrain State Park, Firestone/Longmont
Boyd Lake State Park, Loveland

WY:

Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne
Guernsey State Park, Guernsey
Note: 7 campgrounds but you may still need reservations.
Glendo State Park, Glendo
Circle Park, Buffalo
Note: Near the northern Terminus of I-25. I-25 ends at I-90.

More south-north freeways to come!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-35, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate. Some portions of I-35 are toll road.

TX:

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, Laredo
McKinney Falls State Park,, Austin
Mother Neff State Park, Moody
Lake Whitney State Park, Hillsboro
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Pilot Point

OK:

Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore
Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman

KS:

El Dorado State Park, El Dorado
Chase Campground, Cottonwood Falls
Note: Though it was listed as "free" in 2023, this has not been verified. Camper, beware!
Eisenhower State Park, Osage City
Pomona State Park, Pomona
Hillsdale State Park, Hillsdale

MO:

Watkins Mill State Park, Lawson
Wallace State Park, Cameron

IA:

Nine Eagles State Park, Davis City
Lake Ahquabi, Indianola
Ledges State Park, Boone
Clear Lake State Park, Clear Lake
McIntosh Woods State Park, Ventura
Pilot Knob State Park, Forest City

MN:

Myre-Big Island State Park, Albert Lea
Rice Lake State Park, Owatanna
Nerstrand Big Woods, Nerstrand
Sakatah Lake State Park, Waterville
William O'Brien State Park, Marine on St Croix
Snake River Campground, Pine City
St Croix State Park, Hinckley
Willow River Campground, Gen.C.C.Andrews State Forest,Stanton Lake
Note: Managed by Banning State Park
Moose Lake State Park, Moose Lake
Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton

More to come, more south-to-north freeways!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-55 south to north. For an alternative in Illinois, to avoid the St Louis metropolitan area, I-57 is included. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of either freeway.

LA:

St Bernard State Park, Braithewaite
Note: About 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
Tickfaw State Park, Springfield
Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville

MS:

Percy-Quin State Park, McComb
Lake Lincoln State Park, Wesson
Holmes County State Park, Durant
Hugh White State Park, Grenada
George P Cossar State Park, Enid Lake, Oakland
John W Kyle State Park, Sardis

MO:

Trail of Tears State Park, near Cape Girardeau
Hawn State Park, Coffman
St Francois State Park, Bonne Terre
Note: An old family favorite of ours.

IL:

Sangchris Lake State Park, Rochester
Moraine View State Recreation Area, Downs
Kankakee River State Park, Kankakee (Illinois side)


I-57: IL:

Fern Clyffe State Park, Goreville
Lake of Egypt Camping
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, Whittington
Stephen A Forbes State Recreation Area, Kinmundy
Walnut Point State Park, Oakland
Kankakee River State Park, Kankakee
Note: When I was a kid, we had family friends who loved this place. It's been around forever!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-65, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate.


AL:

Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
Rickwood Caverns State Park, Warrior

TN:

Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill

KY:

Mammoth Cave National Park

IN:

Deam Lake State Recreation Area, Borden
Hardy Lake State Recreation Area, Scottsburg
Brown County State Park, Nashville
Note: Another family favorite going back to my childhood. Great memories of that place!
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton
Dunewood CG, Indiana Dunes National Park

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-75., south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate. Note that this list is not all inclusive, as some camping spots are elusive and only known locally.

FL:

Koreshan State Historical Park, Estero
Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey
Myakka River State Park, Sarasota
Lake Manatee State Park, Manatee
Hillsborough River State Park, near Tampa
Silver Lake Campground, Withlacooche State Forest, Brooksville
Silver Springs State Park, Ocala
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Miconapy
O'Leno State Park, High Springs
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs

GA:

Reed Bingham State Park, Adel
High Falls State Park, Jackson
Indian Springs State Park, Flovilla
Red Top Mountain State Park, Ackworth
Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth

TN:

Harrison Bay State Park, Harrison
Hiwassee-Ocoee Scenic River State Park, Delano
Note: About 22 miles from the freeway.
Norris Dam State Park, Rocky Top
Big Ridge State Park, Maynardville
Cove Lake State Park, Caryville
Indian Mountain State Park, Jellico

KY:

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, London
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union

OH:

Lake Loramie State Park, Minster
Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview
Note: About 21 miles, but a half hour drive, one way.
Grand Lake St Mary's State Park, St Mary's
Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon

MI:

Sterling State Park, Monroe
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Lake Orion
Holly State Recreation Area, Holly
Bay City State Park, Bay City
Rifle River State Recreation Area, Lupton
South Higgins Lake State Park, Roscommon
North Higgins Lake State Park, Roscommon
Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling
Otsego Lake State Park, Gaylord
Burt Lake State Park, Indian River
Petoskey State Park, Petoskey
Aloha State Park, Cheboygan
Onaway State Park, Onaway
Cheboygan State Park, Cheboygan
Straits State Park, St Ignace
Carp River Campground, Hiawatha National Forest
Brimley State Park, Brimley
Monacle Lake Campground, Hiawatha National Forest
Bayview Campground, Hiawatha National Forest

More to come...still working!

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DonnaR57

MT: There are no campgrounds along I-94 in Montana.

---

Makoshika State Park near Glendive.

Public campgrounds along I-85, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds listed are within 20 miles from the interstate, one way. This list is not complete; we do not have listings for some city and county parks that may be more elusive.

AL:

Chewacla State Park, Auburn

GA:

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) State Park, Pine Mountain
Lake Russell State Park, Mount Airy
Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston
Tugaloo State Park, Livonia

SC:

Lake Hartwell State Recreation Park, Fair Play
Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area, Anderson


VA:


Occaneechee State Park, Clarksville
Note: 26 miles from the interstate, about 35 minutes.

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-20, west to east. All campgrounds within 20 miles, except as noted. Of course, there may be a few other places to camp known only to locals, and are not included here.


TX:

Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans
Lake Colorado City State Park, Colorado City
Abilene State Park, Tuscola
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Mineral Wells
Lake Tawakoni, Wills Point
Tyler State Park, Tyler
Martin Creek Lake State Park, Tatum

LA:

Upper Caney Campground, Kisatchie National Forest
Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer
Jimmie Davis State Park, Chatham

MS:

Rocky Springs Campground, Hermanville
Note: About 25 miles from Vicksburg. Scroll down to get to the description, on this Natchez Trace Parkway page.
Roosevelt State Park, Morton
Shockaloe Base Camp I at Marathon Lake, Bienville National Forest
Note: Scroll down, as this forest lists all their campgrounds and amenities on one page.
Clarkco State Park, Quitman
Note: About 21 miles from Meridian.

AL:

Lake Lurleen State Park, Coker
Note: About 17 miles, 30 min, from the freeway.
Cheaha State Park, Delta

GA:

Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge
Oconee River, Oconee National Forest
AH Stevens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
Mistletoe State Park, Appling

SC:

Aiken State Natural Area, Aiken
Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia

Still more to come....stay tuned!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Donna,

This is a lot of web time.

Thanks for doing it.

Mark

It's a labor of love. I used to love camping, whether in a tent or an RV, and research is always fun if I enjoy the subject (and I do.)

Public Campgrounds along I-30, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds within 20 miles of the interstate. This is not an all-inclusive list; other campsites may exist.

TX:

Cooper Lake State Park, Doctors Creek Unit, Cooper Lake
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Pittsburg
Atlanta State Park, Atlanta (TX)

ARK:

Millwood State Park, Ashdown
Lake Catherine State Park, Malvern/Hot Springs

Yes. Some interstates are really short or don't have much to offer that is close.

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-81, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate (one way). It should be noted that this list is probably not complete, as some sites are rather elusive and known only locally.

TN:

David Crockett Birthplace State Park, Limestone
Note: About 20 miles from Fall Branch, but about a 30 minute drive.

VA:

Beartree Campground, Mount Rodgers National Recreation Area, Konnarode
Grindstone Campground, George Washington National Forest
Hungry Mother State Park, Marion
Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
Cave Mountain Lake Campground, George Washington National Forest
Sherando Lake National Recreation Area, George Washingon & Jefferson National Forest
North River Campground, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Churchville
Note: About 27 miles from Staunton.

MD:
Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground, Thurmont
Note: Run by the National Park Service. Tents and Small RV's (under 22 ft) only.

PA:

Caledonia State Park, Mount Union
Note: About 16 miles, but a half hour drive.
Locust Lake State Park, Mahaney City
Frances Slocum State Park, Fern Brook
Lackawanna State Park, Fleetville

NY:

Chenango Valley State Park, Chenango Forks
Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
Selkirk Shores State Park, Pulaski
Southwick Beach State Park, Henderson
Westcott Beach State Park, Henderson
Keewaydin State Park, Alexandria Bay
Grass Point State Park, Alexandria Bay
Wellesley Island State Park, Fineview

Stay tuned for more....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds on I-84, west to east. Since I-84 runs along the Columbia River for its journey to Idaho, campgrounds on both sides of the river have been included. This list is not inclusive; other sites may exist.


WA/OR:

Beacon Rock State Park, Skamania (WA)
Ainsworth State Park, Cascade Locks (OR)
Horsethief Lake Campground, Columbia Hills State Historical Park (WA)
Deschutes River State Recreation Area, Celito (OR)
Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Wasco (OR)

OR:

Emigrant Springs State Historical Area, Meachum
Anthony Lake Campground, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Powder
Farewell Bend State Park, Huntington

ID:

Bruneau Dunes State Park, Mountain Home
Three Island Crossing State Park, Mountain Home
Lake Walcott State Park, Rupert

More to come...

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Don't forget I-84 east in PA, NY, CT, and MA.

Yes, I realized after I'd uploaded the western 84, that I had not gotten the eastern portion. I'd forgotten that it existed! (Sometimes our interstate system doesn't make much sense....)


Public campgrounds near I-84, the eastern portion. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the interstate, one-way. There may be “missing” sites, as these are only known
locally

PA:

Promised Land State Park, Canadensis

NJ:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Stokes State Forest

NY:

Harriman State Park, Ramapo

CT:

Kettletown State Park, Southbury

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-64, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. There may be some campsites that aren't listed, because they are known better, locally.

IL:

Washington County State Recreation Area, Nashville
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, Whittington

IN:

Harmonie State Park, New Harmonie
Lincoln State Park, Lincoln City
Lake Celina, Hoosier National Forest, St Croix
Tipsaw Lake, Hoosier National Forest, Branchville
Patoka Lake, Birdseye
O'Bannon Woods State Park, Corydon (Formerly Wyandotte)
Note: The campground is listed as closed “until further notice”. Please call the park before arriving.

KY:

Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Note: Get reservations if you are going during any horse racing event time frame!
Clear Creek Campground, Olympia Springs
Twin Knobs Campground, Daniel Boone National Forest
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Oldtown

WV:

Beech Fork State Park, Barboursville
Kanawha State Forest, Charleston
Babcock State Park, Clifftop
Note: About 30 miles from I-64.
Bluestone State Park, Nimuz
Green Brier State Park, Caldwell

VA:

Douthat State Park, Clifton Forge/Millboro
Chippokes State Park
Note: Access from I-64 is via a free ferry, or go around the long way.

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-29, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way.

MO:

Weston Bend State Park, Weston
Lewis and Clark State Park, Winthrop
Big Lake State Park, Frontescue

IA:

Waubonsie State Park, Hamburg
Wilson Island State Recreation Area, Onawa
Stone State Park, Sioux City

SD:

Union Grove State Park, Beresford
Newton Hills State Park, Canton
Good Earth State Park, Sioux Falls
Big Sioux State Recreation Area, Brandon/Sioux Falls
Palisades State Park, Corson
Walker's Point State Recreation Area, Wentworth
Lake Herman State Park, Madison
Oakwood Lakes State Park, Bruce
Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area, Arlington
Lake Cochrane State Recreation Area, Gary
Pelican Lake State Recreation Area, Waterton
Sandy Shore State Recreation Area, Waterton
Pickerel Lake State Recreation Area, Pickerel
Fort Sisseton State Historical Park, Eden
Roy Lake State Park, Lake City

ND:

Turtle River State Park, Arvilla
Icelandic State Park, Akra


More to come!

Donna

Public camping along I-44, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are located within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. There may be other campgrounds available that are not on this list; inquire locally.

TX:

Lake Arrowhead State Park, Wichita Falls

OK:

Lake Ellsworth, Lawton
Little Blue Area at Grand Lake State Park, Disney
Disney Area at Grand Lake State Park, Disney
Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park, Langley
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park, Bernice
Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park, Wyandotte

MO:

Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Osage Beach
Note: Around 32 miles from the interstate. This is a family favorite.
Lane Spring Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest
Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg
Meramec State Park, Sullivan
Red Bluff Campground, Mark Twain National Forest, Cherryville
Note: About 26 miles on state highway, about 35 minutes.
Robertsville State Park, Grays Summit

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-59, South to North. This is a very short stretch of interstate. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way.

LA:

Tickfaw State Park, Ponchatoula
Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville

MS:

Flint Creek Water Park, Wiggins
Note: About 22 miles from the interstate.
Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg
Clarkco State Park, Quitman

AL:

Lake Lurleen State Park, Coker
DeSoto State Park, Valley Head


And more to come....

Public Campgrounds along I-79, South to North. This is a very short “spur” interstate. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. There may be parks not listed; inquire locally.

WV:

Kanawha State Forest, Charleston
Cedar Creek State Park, Copen
Stonewall Resort State Park, Roanoke

PA:

Woodcock Lake Park, Meadville (USCOE)
Pymatuning State Park, Jamestown

Yup. That's it. Short highway!

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-71, south to north. This is another of the very short interstates. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. There may be other campsites; please inquire locally.

KY:

General Butler State Resort Park, English
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Beaverlick

OH:

Cowan Lake State Park, Wilmington
Caesar Creek State Park, Waynesville
Deer Creek State Park, Mt Sterling
Alum Creek State Park, Delaware
Mohican State Park, Loudonville



And that's it....


Donna

Public campgrounds along I-76, which is located in two separate areas: the western section in Colorado, and the eastern section in OH and PA. As usual, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the freeway unless otherwise noted.

Western Section, CO:
Note: Colorado has gone to an all-reservations, no drop-ins system for their state parks. Call or get online to get reservations, before you arrive!

Jackson Lake State Park, Gooduch
North Sterling State Park, Padroni

The East, OH:

Quail Hollow Park, Hartville
West Branch State Park, Ravenna

PA, mostly toll road or joined with I-70:

Kooser State Park, Somerset
Shawnee State Park, Wolfsburg
Cowans Gap State Park, Knobsville
Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisbury/Rossville
Note: 15 miles, but about a half hour from the nearest exit.
French Creek State Park, Elverson


Till next time...

Donna

Public Campgrounds along I-24, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. This list does not include every campground, as many are known only locally.

IL:

Lake of Egypt, Shawnee National Forest
Ferne Clyff State Park, Goreville
Dixon Springs State Park

KY:

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

TN:

Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, Manchester

Stay tuned....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public campgrounds along I-77, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds within 20 miles of the interstate, unless noted. Some campgrounds may not be listed; inquire locally.

SC:

Lake Wateree State Recreation Area, Winnsboro
Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster

NC:

Lake Norman State Park, Troutman
Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap

VA:

New River Trail State Park, Fries

WV:
I-77 is Toll Road Bluefield <--->Charleston

Camp Creek State Park and State Forest, Camp Creek
Babcock State Park, Clifftop
Kanawha State Forest, Charleston

OH:

Wolf Run State Park, Caldwell
Salt Fork State Park, Lore City

And the lists just keep on a-comin''....

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-49, and some parts of US-71, south to north. (Much of US-71 is destined to become I-49, eventually.) Unless Otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles one way of the freeway. There are some campgrounds that may not be mentioned, perhaps because they are more elusive.

LA:

Palmetto Island State Park, Abbeville
Chicot State Park, Ville Platte
Valentine Campground, Kisatchie National Forest, Gardner
Dogwood Campground, Kisatchie National Forest, Bellwood
Note: Small RV's and trailers only.

AR:

Millwood State Park, Ashdown
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena (US 71)
Mill Creek Falls Campground, Quachita National Forest, Y City
Little Pines Campground, Quachita National Forest, Winfield
Note: Dirt road!
Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mountainburg (I-49/I-540)
Devil's Den State Park, West Fork
Withrow Springs State Park, Huntsville
Note: 35 miles.

MO:

Big Sugar Creek State Park, Pineville


And more to come....stay tuned!

Donna

Public Campgrounds along I-72 and I-74, west to east. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds within 20 miles one way. This list may be incomplete, as some campsites are only known locally.

I-72:

MO:

Wakonda State Park, La Grange
Note: About 25 miles north of the start of I-72, along old US-61. Old favorite!

IL:

Siloam Springs State Park, Clayton
Note: About 22 miles from the freeway.
Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton
Clinton Lake State Park, DeWitt
I-74 joins I-72 (or separates, if going westbound) at Champaign-Urbana
Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Oakwood

IN:

Turkey Run State Park, Marshall
Shades State Park, Waveland
Note: Old favorite!

I-74 – Illinois west to east until it joins I-72.

Jubilee College State Park, Brimfield
Moraine View State Recreation Area, LeRoy

NOW see I-72!


Still more...

Donna

Public Campgrounds along I-45, Texas, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. This list may not be complete; other campgrounds most likely exist but are locally known.

TX:

Galveston Island State Park, Galveston
Cagle Campground, Lake Conroe, Sam Houston National Forest
Stubblefield Lake, Sam Houston National Forest
Huntsville State Park, Huntsville
Lake Livingston State Park, Livingston
Double Lake, Sam Houston National Forest, Coldspring

And the lists are like the battery bunny....they keep on comin'...

Donna

For shorter breaks along this highway check HERE.

Public Campgrounds along I-69, south to north. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. Please note that there may be other campgrounds that one can find out about, locally.

IN:

Mounds State Park, Anderson
Salamonie Lake, Lost Bridge State Recreation Area, Andrews
Ouabache State Park, Bluffton
Note: About 19 miles, but a half hour drive.
Pokagon State Park, Angola

MI:

Fort Custer Recreation Area
Sleepy Hollow State Park, Laingsburg
Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area, Metamora
Lakeport State Park, Lakeport



A few more to come...

Donna

Public campgrounds along I-26, south to northeast (SC to TN). Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the interstate, one way. Some campgrounds may seem left out, known better to locals.

SC:

Buck Hall Campground, Francis Marion National Forest
Givhans Ferry State Park, Ridgeville
Colleton State Park, Canadys
Poinsett State Park
Congaree National Park
Dreher Island State Park, Prosperity
Brickhouse Campground, Sumter National Forest
Croft State Park, Spartanburg

NC:

Black Mountain Campground, CFAIA, Burnsville

TN:

Rock Creek Campground, National Forest
Note: There are other campgrounds in this area.
Roan Mountain State Park, Roan Mountain
Note: It's 20 miles!
David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Note: 22 miles.
Warriors Path State Park, Colonial Heights
Little Oak Campground, Bristol
Note: About 22 miles.


Stay tuned....

Donna