Camping Along Historic and Scenic Highways of the US and Canada

In this thread, we will cover the campgrounds that are along the historical highways of the US and Canada. Among those that will be included here will be the old "Route 66" (former US-66), the National Highway, and also the Lincoln Highway. Later in the thread, scenic highways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Beartooth Highway will be included.

The requirements to be included is that the campgrounds must be run by a public entity, such as a city, county, state, or even the national governments. It also is usually within a 20 mile drive of the major highway that is included. It also must either have its own website or be mentioned on more than one trustworthy website. If there is no website for the campground itself, there will be an annotation to "inquire locally". Sometimes that's the way to find an out of the way camping spot that is totally legal -- ask the locals.

Highways found in this thread:
The list below generally tracks east to west, but there are some exceptions

US Highways:

US Highway 6

US Highway 12

US Highway 20

US Highway 40 -- also known as The National Road

The Lincoln Highway -- Parts of this are now US-Highway 50, I-80 and others

US Highway 63

US Highway 66 -- also known Route 66

US Highway 83 (Laredo, Texas to Canadian Border)

US Highway 212 -- Beartooth Scenic Byway

US Regional, State and Scenic Highways:

Amish Country Scenic Byway

The Blue Ridge Parkway

CA State Highway 1 -- California Pacific Coast Highway

Connecticut River Scenic Byway

Great Circle Tour -- Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan & Superior

Great River Road, MN to LA

Lakes to Locks Passage (Upstate New York)

Lewis and Clark National Trail

Montana's Scenic Loop (MT-83, MT-35, MT-206, US-2, US-89, US-298, and back to MT-83)

Natchez Trace Parkway

Nevada Scenic Loop (I-15, US-93, US-6 and US-50, NV-375)

Ohio River Scenic Byway

Oregon Trail, MO to OR.

Outer Banks Scenic Byway

San Juan Skyway (Colorado)

The Santa Fe Trail (MO to NM)


Selkirk Loop (Washington)


Selma to Montgomery March Byway


Shasta-Trinity Scenic Drive

Utah State Highway 12 -- Panguitch to Torrey

Utah State Highway 95 -- The US Bicentennial Highway

Complete list of Alaskan Scenic Highways found here.
The Inside Passage (Alaska)

Copper River Highway (Alaska)

Elliott Highway (Alaska)


Canadian Scenic Highways:
More detail on the Canadian Highways found here.
Canada's Icefield Parkway (Banff NP to Jasper NP)

The Canol Road

Scenic Cariboo Road (British Columbia)

Sea to Sea Scenic Highway (British Columbia)

Campbell Highway and Klondike Highway

This post will travel along the route that used to be known as “US-66”, or just “Route 66”. For many years, this road was the prime route for folks heading from the Midwest out to sunny California. The route has mostly been superseded by I-55, I-44, and I-40, but there are a number of sections that still exist under other numbers, “State-66”, or have signs that indicate “Historic Route 66.” Someone wishing to travel this road should get one of the many traveler's guides to old 66, such as the Moon Route 66 by Candacy Taylor, or Travel Route 66 by Jim Hinckley. Both will guide you through the old historic paths that can still be accessed, from the Chicago downtown area, out to Los Angeles.

The purpose of THIS post, however, is to assist anyone that may be wishing to camp or RV along this old route, either with a tent, towable, or motorhome. All listed campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, unless otherwise noted. Some campsites may not be listed; inquire locally.


IL:

See also I-55, as it rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

Forked Creek Forest Preserve, Ballou Road Access, Wilmington
Note: Illinois' forest preserves have the habit of tacking on a major extra fee if you're not a county resident. You may find commercial parks to be a better deal, but this one is listed anyway.
Scottish Rite Recreation Area, Hudson
Note: You must be a member of the Scottish Rite community to use this campground.
Riverside Campground, Springfield Park District, Springfield
Sangchris Lake State Park, Rochester


MO:

See also I-44, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

OK:

See also I-44, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as Route 66.

Spencer Creek Campground, Oologah Lake, Claremore
Blue Creek Campground, Oologah Lake, Claremore
Heyburn Park at Heyburn Lake, USACE, Heyburn
Bell Cow Lake, City Park, Chandler
Scissortail City Campground, Edmond

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".

TX:

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".


NM:

See also I-40, except for a portion that goes from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque.

Villanueva State Park, Villanueva

See also I-25, for the section between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Cibola National Forest, north of Albuquerque
Note: This link will take you to the links for both campgrounds and dispersed camping.

See also I-40, which rides on top of, or parallel to, the pavement formerly known as "66".


AZ:

See also I-40, except for two sections. One section, between Seligman and Kingman, takes AZ-66 up to Peach Springs. The other section is now known as the Oatman Highway.

Peach Springs Section:

AZ-66: There are a few commercial RV parks and campgrounds, but no publicly owned and easily reached car campgrounds along the way. People interested in dispersed camping on Hualapai lands should contact the Hualapai Reservation for suggestions.

The Oatman Section:

Boondocking (dispersed camping) in the Oatman area is available in many areas. This is the BLM Website for the area, but does not specifically mention camping area. Inquire locally.


CA:

See also I-40, except for the Essex section.

Essex Section

Campground for Marble Mountain T634, Essex
Note: Not sure of who runs this place. But it's pretty well just a spot to park your vehicle. Bring your own water and pack out your own trash.

Now, see listings for I-40, I-15, and I-10.

Enjoy your travels!

Public campgrounds along US-40, which runs from near Park City, UT to its eastern terminus in Atlantic City, are available. US-40 was known as “The National Road”, a historic highway when it went from coast to coast. Now, US-40 parallels or runs concurrently with various interstates, as will be noted below. Campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, one way, unless otherwise noted. Not all campgrounds may be listed; inquire locally for other options.

UT:

Jordanelle State Park, Heber City
Wasatch Mountain State Park, Heber Valley
Starvation Reservoir State Park, Duchesne
Rockport State Park, Peoa
Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds, UT
Note: There are two campgrounds in the park's Utah area: Split Mountain, and Green River. These are best accessed from Jensen, UT.


CO:

Yampa River State Park, Hayden
Teal Lake Campground, Lincoln NF, Walden
Dumont Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Dry Lake Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Meadows Campground, Routt NF, Steamboat Springs
Black Tail Creek Campground, Lincoln NF, Kremmling
Note: About 13 miles down CO-134. No water at times.
Pioneer City Park, Hot Sulphur Springs
Note: Small city park with a few campsites.
Idlewild Campground, Arapaho NF, Winter Park
Robbers Roost Campground, Arapaho NF, Idaho Springs

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 from Idaho Springs to Limon.


KS:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 from Oakley to Independence, MO


MO:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70, except to go through some towns along the way, such as Boonville.


IL:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70 throughout the state, not splitting off until Terre Haute, IN.


IN:

Hawthorn Park, Vigo County, Terre Haute
Note: Inquire locally.
Westwood Park, New Castle


OH:

US-40 now parallels or runs concurrently with I-70.

Dayton Metro Parks, Dayton
John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs
Dillon State Park, Nashton
Buck Creek State Park, near Harmony, OH
Barkcamp State Park, near Belmont, OH
Seneca Lake Park, Muskingum Watershed., Senecaville


PA:

Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle

US-40 leaves I-70 and heads southeast into Maryland.


MD:

US-40 runs concurrently or parallel to I-68.

New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD
Rocky Gap State Park
Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro
Gambrill State Park, Frederick

US-40 now rides concurrently or parallel to I-70.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City

US-40 then run concurrently or parallel to I-95 through Baltimore, ME to Newark DE.


NJ:

Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove



Next up will be the Lincoln Highway, another historical coast-to-coast road.

Public campgrounds along the Lincoln Highway are available if you keep your options open. The Lincoln Highway is one of the oldest highways in the United States. In most places, it is designated by a number rather than its name, though localities may call it “the Lincoln Highway,” “Lincoln Street”, “Lincoln Way,” and so forth. A good guidebook is extremely helpful to be able to follow it from one coast to another, as it literally goes from Edison NJ on the East Coast to Berkeley, CA on the West Coast. Campers will be referred to some numbered highways with a link to the campground guide for that highway, such as US-30, US-50, and I-80, that now have taken over the pavement that was once known as the Lincoln Highway. As usual, campgrounds will be within 20 miles one way of the highway, unless indicated otherwise.

NJ:

Allaire State Park, Farmingdale
Note: Non-residents should note the slightly higher fee for camping.

Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

See US-1 NJ for further listings


PA:

See US-30 for most listings from PA to Granger, WY


WY:

See I-80 listings from Granger, WY to West Wendover, NV


NV:

Lincoln Highway is now following US-93 to Ely, NV.

East Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, east of McGill
Note: About 5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Bird Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyable NF, east of McGill
Note: About 7.5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Timber Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, east of McGill
Note: About 12.5 miles from US-93 on NV-486.

Gap Mountain Campground, BLM, Ely

Ward Mountain Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Ely
Note: About 6 miles south of Ely on US-6.

See US-50 from Ely to Fallon, NV

At Fallon, you have two choices: US-50A to Wadsworth then I-80 and US-40 through Reno, over Donner Pass to Sacramento. OR, US-50 Fall to Carson City, around Lake Tahoe and over Johnson Pass (Echo Summit) to Sacramento


"The Northern Route"

See I-80 listings to San Francisco for the Lincoln Highway 50A


"The Southern Route"

See US-50 listings for the Lincoln Highway


And you are in the western US ... next up, we'll start on some scenic highways!

Some previously posted highways are also historic, scenic, or both. Some are in the US, and others in Canada. Some are shared by the two countries. Here's a link to those highways listed under another thread:


Alaska Highway – Historical and Scenic
Note: This highway begins/ends in Dawson Creek, BC, and ends in Delta Junction, AK. It was built by the military to help the military, and has been improved, little by little. There are few places along the highway that are not scenic!

Alaska Gold Rush – Skagway to Whitehorse - The Klondike Hwy South
Note: This is another gorgeous highway, especially going over the White Pass.

Alaska Gold Rush – Whitehorse to Dawson City - Klondike Hwy North connecting to the Top of the World Hwy

US-1: Historical and Often Scenic

US-2: Western portion - Scenic!

US-2: Eastern portion

Great River Road
Note: For many years, rivers were a "road" system. This one follows the Mississippi River, with some very scenic spots.

North Shore Scenic Byway, AKA MN-61 – posted with US-61

US-89 and US-89A

US-191: scenic and historic!


The next will be some scenic byways that we have not already listed, starting with the Beartooth Highway.

Public campgrounds along the Beartooth Scenic Highway, AKA US-212 from Red Lodge, MT into the northeast section of Yellowstone National Park, are plentiful. Though this byway is less than 70 miles long, it's considered one of the most beautiful scenic highways in the US. Bear in mind that because of the elevation, this highway is normally open only from about mid-May to mid-October, and can close quickly in the event of an early snowstorm. All but one of the listed campgrounds are in the Custer-Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests. There may be opportunities for dispersed camping; inquire at a ranger station for information.

A general website for information about camping along the Beartooth Highway

Another informative website about the Beartooth.

Cooney State Park, Roberts

Greenough Lake CG, Custer NF, Red Lodge

M-K CG, Custer NF
Note: This one is listed as FREE. But they don't take reservations, and it's very popular, so arrive early in the day.

Limber Pine CG, Custer NF

Parkside CG, Custer NF

Sheridan CG, Custer NF

Rattin CG, Custer NF

Island Lake Campground, Shoshone NF

Beartooth Lake Campground, Shoshone NF

Crazy Creek Campground, Shoshone NF

Fox Creek Campground, Shoshone NF
Note: This campground was closed during the 2019, 2020 and 2021 season due to construction along the Beartooth Highway.

Colter Campground, Gallatin NF
Note: Hard-sided unit camping only, due to bear activity.

Soda Butte Campground, Gallatin NF
Note: Hard-sided unit camping only, due to bear activity.

Public campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway are there, but you have to look for them. Some are easier to find than others! The BRP goes from Rockfish Gap, near Waynesboro VA, south to Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP), a distance of about 470 miles. To the north of the Blue Ridge Parkway is Shenandoah National Park, whose Skyline Drive extends the BRP from Front Royal to Waynesboro, another 103 miles. For the purposes of this scenic drive listing, we will include Shenandoah National Park's campgrounds.

Note: MP=Milepost, as indicated from Mile 0 at Rockfish Gap, VA.

VA:

Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds
Note: There are four campgrounds: Mathews Arm, Big Mountain, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. There is a large group campground as well, Dondo.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Campground, George Washington NF, Lyndhurst
Note: Located at MP 16, southbound from Rockfish Gap.

Otter Creek Campground, Jefferson NF
Note: Located at MP 58, southbound from Rockfish Gap.

Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson NF, Natural Bridge Station

Peaks of Otter Campground, Jefferson NF
Note: Located at MP 85.6, southbound from Rockfish Gap

Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Floyd
Note: Located at MP 167.1.

New River State Park, Max Meadows


NC:

Doughton Park Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Laurel Springs
Note: Located at MP 239.2. This is about the halfway point between Rockfish Gap and GSMNP.

Julian Price Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Blowing Rock
Note: Located at MP 297, southbound from Rockfish Gap, VA.

Linville Falls Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS, Linville Falls
Note: Located at MP 316, southbound from Rockfish Gap, VA.

Mortimer Campground, Pisgah NF, Edgemont/Lenoir
Note: Located 13 miles from the BRP at Linville, but takes a good 35 minutes to make the trip.

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, Pisgah NF, Burnsville

Black Mountain Campground, Pisgah NF, Burnsville

Crabtree Falls Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS
Note: Located at MP 339.5

Mount Pisgah Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway NPS
Note: Located at MP 408.8.

Sunburst Campground, Pisgah NF, Canton

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds near the BRP
Note: The two closest to the BRP are Balsam Mountain and Smokemont, but there are plenty of others in the National Park.

The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, is one of the most scenic and visited highways in Canada. Located almost completely in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, there are many campgrounds along the stretch of road. It should be noted that some are first-come, first-served, while others accept reservations. Though this road could feasibly be driven in one day, most people spend some time along the way, taking their rig/gear from one campground to the next one. Due to the northern latitude, not all campgrounds are open year-round. For the purposes of this post, we will travel northward from Banff into Jasper, stopping just past the point where the Icefields Parkway crosses the Yellowknife Highway.


Two Jack Main CG, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted. Located out of town, not on the Icefields Parkway though.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: Some sites with hookups for RV's. Reservations accepted.

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, Banff National Park, Banff
Note: All for motorhomes and trailers, as the name suggests. Reservations accepted. Personal experience with this campground: Get reservations! It fills quickly!

Johnston Canyon Campground, Banff National Park
Note: No hookups, no reservations.

Protection Mountain Campground, Banff National Park
Note: No hookups, no reservations. Tents have to be on gravel.

Lake Louise Tent Campground, Banff National Park, Lake Louise
Note: Tents and tent trailers/pop-ups only (no hookups). Reservations accepted. Some loops have a fire ring at each site, others do not.

Lake Louise Trailer Campground, Banff National Park, Lake Louise
Note: Hard-sided units only. (Tent trailer/pop ups use the Tent Campground, which has no hookups.) Reservations accepted. Personal experience with this park reminds others that it is almost a parking lot for trailers with only Electrical hookups. You need to pick up a load of water before you pull into your site, and use the dump station before/after if needed.

Jasper National Park Campgrounds, south to north
Columbia Icefields – tent only, no reservations
Columbia Icefields RV – trailers and RV's only, no water on site
Wilcox – suitable for motorhomes and trailers under 27' – no reservations
Jonas – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Honeymoon Lake – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Kerkeslin – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 25' – no reservations
Wabasco – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 27' – no reservations
Wapiti, at Jasper Townsite – tenting and electrical hookups for Rvs – reservations accepted summers
Wapiti, at Jasper Townsite – winter for RV's only – no reservations in Winter
Whistlers Campground - suitable for all - was closed during the 2019 season for upgrades - when reopened, it will have 30 amp and 50 amp sites available, plus reservations accepted
Snaring, north of Jasper Townsite – suitable for tents, plus motorhomes and trailers under 27' – No reservations

Public campgrounds along the Lakes to Locks Passage, in upstate New York, are mostly located within the Adirondack Park. At times, this Passage runs parallel to I-87. The Passage goes from Waterford, NY (near Albany) to the border of Quebec, Canada. As usual, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway unless otherwise noted, and there may be camping areas that aren't listed. Inquire locally! Also, as of this writing, Adirondack and New York State Parks charge an out-of-state fee of $5, in addition to the resident camping fee.


Peebles Island State Park, confluence of Hudson and Mohawk Rivers

Lake George Battleground Campground, Adirondack Parks, Lake George

Hearthstone Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Lake George

Rogers Rock Campground, Adirondack Parks, Hague

Putnam Pond Campground, Adirondack Parks, Ticonderoga

Crown Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Crown Point

Frontier Town Campground

Paradox Lake Campground

Sharp Bridge Campground

Lincoln Pond Campground

Ausable Point Campground, Adirondack Parks, Peru

Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, Plattsburgh

Frontier Town Campground

This one is new so it may not show up on all sources. Located near the Northway (Exit 29), which still appears to be within 20 miles, and on the property of a former Western attraction (some buildings of which are still standing in various states of decay). This one also has sites for equestrians in case anyone should be in that group while travelling.

Additionally Paradox Lake, Sharp Bridge and Lincoln Pond (also all state run) are between the Lakes to Locks and I-87 between Exits 28 & 31 as well.

Added them, thank for the suggestions. I believe three out of the four were included with I-87, but should have been linked to I-87 or included in here.


Donna

Public campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway, which goes from Natchez MS to Nashville TN, are a mixture of NPS, state parks, Army Corps of Engineers, and USFS entities. The parkway itself is about 444 miles and should be done in 2 or more days. It is a historical as well as a scenic highway. As always, most campgrounds are less than 20 miles from the highway unless otherwise mentioned.

MP=Milepost from Natchez.

MS:

Natchez Trace State Park
Note: Located at MP 8.1.

Rocky Springs Campground, Natchez Trace Parkway NPS, Rocky Springs
Note: Located at MP 54.8.

Jeff Busby Campground, Natchez Trace Parkway NPS, Ackerman
Note: Located at MP 193.1.

Davis Lake Campground, USFS, New Houlka
Note: Located at MP 243.1.

Trace State Park, Belden
Note: Located at MP 259.1.

Tombigbee State Park, Tupelo
Note: Located at MP 263.6. If you're going to catch the Elvis Presley history at Tupelo, you can't get much closer.

Piney Grove Campground, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (Army Corps of Engineers), New Site
Note: Located at MP 293.5

Tishomingo State Park
Note: Located at MP 303.9


TN:

David Crockett State Park, Lawrenceburg
Note: Located at MP 369.9

Meriweather Lewis Campground, Natchez Trace Parkway NPS, Hohenwald
Note: Located at MP 385.9.

Public campgrounds along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, in North Carolina, are few, along a road of about 131 miles in length (but very picturesque). Visitors should travel with the knowledge that two ferry rides are necessary in order to fully enjoy the Byway. Though it technically can take only 6 hours to “see” the Byway, you can enjoy the scenery and a more relaxing trip if you can camp overnight and extend the trip a bit. The whole Byway is located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds
Note: (N to S)
Oregon Inlet CG
Cape Point CG
Frisco CG
Ocracoke CG


There will be more scenic and historical drives with camping added....

Public campgrounds along the San Juan Scenic Skyway in Colorado, are plentiful. This gorgeous byway includes the famous “Million Dollar Highway”, AKA US-550.

For the purpose of this campground guide, will start the loop at Ridgway, CO, head south to Durango, west to Cortez (past Mesa Verde National Park), north to Dolores, then northeast again to Ridgway. Travelers should be advised of four mountain passes (of about 10,000 ft elevation), and another around 8900 ft., as well as the opportunity to take in some hot springs. The highways accommodate larger rigs; just take it easy, they're not high speed interstates!

Ridgway State Park, Ridgway
Note: About 4 miles north of Ridgway. Bear in mind that all CO state parks have gone to an all-reservations/no drop-ins campground system, so make plans in advance and call ahead!

A short stop: Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway
Note: It has camping available but it is not publicly owned.

A short stop (but no camping): Ouray Hot Springs, City of Ouray

Amphitheater Campground, Gunnison NF, Ouray
Note: Better for tents and smaller units (less than 35' total length) due to size of campsites. This is bear country, keep a clean site!

Angel Creek Campground, Gunnison NF, Ouray
Note: Very primitive, no water, practice bear protection, keep all food in a hard-sided vehicle.

Thistledown Campground, Lincoln NF, Ouray
Note: Mostly for tents. No Water.

Sig Creek Campground, San Juan NF, Hermosa

Haviland Lake Campground, San Juan NF, Hermosa

Lower Hermosa Campground, San Juan NF, Hermosa
Note: No water at this campground.

Junction Creek Campground, San Juan NF, Durango
Note: Located 5 miles north of Durango, this could be a good base camp for Durango based activities! But not in winter, as it is closed.

Target Tree Campground, San Juan NF, Hesperus

Mancos State Park, Mancos
Note: Bear in mind that all CO state parks have gone to an all-reservations/no drop-ins campground system, so make plans in advance and call ahead!

Mesa Verde National Park Campground: Morefield
Note: Campground is 5 miles up the road from the entrance kiosk. Yup: up a mountain!

McPhee Recreation Area, Dolores


Mavreeso Campground, San Juan NF, northeast of Dolores
Note: Inquire at Dolores about road conditions.

West Dolores Campground, San Juan NF, northeast of Dolores
Note: Inquire at Dolores about road conditions. About a mile further on a gravel forest service road from Mavreeso Campground.

Burro Bridge Campground, San Juan NF, northeast of Dolores
Note: Once again, inquire at Dolores about road conditions! This is very primitive – no services, no water.

Cayton Campground, San Juan NF, Rico
Note: A better bet probably than the previous 3, as this one does not require miles on a gravel road!

Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, Gunnison NF, Telluride
Note: Tents only due to parking space limitations. NO RV's.

Matterhorn Campground, Gunnison NF, Telluride

Sunshine Campground, Gunnison NF, Telluride

Keystone Hill Interpretive Site, Telluride
Note: Other sites have mentioned dispersed camping, AKA “boondocking” areas near this site. Inquire locally.

Caddis Flats Campground, BLM, Placerville

That brings you back to Ridgway. The entire distance is about 233 miles, which could be driven in a day, but why drive it in one day if you can enjoy more stops and an overnight someplace (or a few)?

On a recent trip, my husband and I traveled the entire length of Utah's Scenic Route 12 (UT-12) from its junction with US-89 near Panguitch, all the way to its end at the junction of UT-24 in Torrey. While this 122 mile road is easily driven in a half day, even with multiple stops to get out of your car and take in the view, it also has a number of opportunities to camp overnight, and see a couple of the Utah “Mighty Five” National Parks as well. All campgrounds listed here are within 20 miles of the highway, unless otherwise noted. There are some BLM lands that have camping opportunities, as well. If you can get AAA's Indian Country map (AZ/CO/NM/UT), it shows all the camping opportunities along UT-12 and other places in these four states. I highly recommend this map for the detail it has! Also, due to the higher elevations in this area, bear in mind that not all the campgrounds are open year-round, and UT-12 is subject to closure for weather conditions and bad accidents.

Here is the direct link to the portion of UT-12 from Bryce Canyon NP up to Torrey, including photos.

Red Canyon Campground, Dixie National Forest, Bryce

Tom's Best Spring Road, Dixie NF, Bryce
Note: This is a boondocking spot mentioned on a number of websites. This is one man's experience. Inquire locally.

Bryce Canyon National Park Campgrounds:
Note: North Campground, and Sunset Campground.

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cannonville
Note: Three campgrounds: Basin, Bryce View, and Arch! Arch is limited to small units. None are open year-round.

Note: Be careful when driving through the town of Escalante, and other small towns along UT-12. These are locally well-known speed traps.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Escalante

Barker Recreation Area, Dixie National Forest, Escalante
Note: Please note that this campground is about 16 miles up a dirt road. It does take awhile to get there!

Posey Lake Campground, Dixie NF, Escalante
Note: About 14 miles up a dirt road from Escalante. Takes awhile to get there!

Blue Spruce Campground, Dixie NF, Escalante
Note: About 18 miles up a dirt road from Escalante. Takes awhile to get there!

Calf Creek Recreation Area, BLM, Escalante

Deer Creek Campground, BLM Grand Staircase, Boulder
Note: Tents only. No tow-ables. The sites are small! About 7 miles from the highway. BYO Water.

Oak Creek Campground, Fishlake NF, Grover
Note: Not advised for RV's over 25'.

Upper Pleasant Creek Campground, Fishlake NF, Teasdale
Note: Not advised for RV's over 25'.

Lower Bowns Campground, Fishlake NF, Torrey
Note: No water. BYOW!

Singletree Campground, Fishlake NF, Torrey

Sunglow Campground, Fishlake NF, Bicknell
Note: This campground is not on UT-12, but would make a good camping spot for Capitol Reef if their Fruita Campground is full.

Capitol Reef National Park Camping
Note: On UT-24, not on UT-12, but it's included because many folks (including us) continue their trip on UT-24. One campground, a very pretty one called Fruita. I've camped there, albeit years ago when the scenic view drive through the park was still dirt and gravel. No hookups, but it's surrounded by fruit trees.

There are public campgrounds all along Montana's Scenic Loop, that includes MT-83, MT-35, MT-206, US-2, US-89, US-298, and back to MT-83. For the purposes of this post, we will start in West Riverside MT, loop around clockwise, and return to West Riverside, which is easily accessible from I-90 in Missoula. Unless otherwise indicated, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the scenic loop.

For more information about this scenic loop, please go to the National Geographic Crown of the Continent website


Harpers Lake Campground, MtFWP, Greenough

Salmon Lake State Park, Clearwater River, Seeley Lake

Placid Lake State Park, Seeley Lake

Big Larch Campground, Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake

Seeley Lake Campground, Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake

Lake Inez Campground, Lolo NF, Seeley Lake

Lake Alva Campground, Lolo NF, Seeley Lake

Rainy Lake Campground, Lolo NF
Note: Located just north of Lake Inez and Lake Alva campgrounds.

Lindbergh Lake Campground, Flathead NF

Holland Lake Campground, Flathead NF, Condon

Swan Lake Campground, Flathead NF, 14 mi from Bigfork

Yellow Bay State Park, north of Bigfork

See US-2 western portion listings Columbia Falls to Browning.

Bean Lake Campground, MtFWP, Augusta

Copper Creek Campground, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Lincoln

Browns Lake Campground, MtFWP, Helmsville

Harry Morgan Campground Fishing Access Site, MtFWP
Note: Inquire locally.

Monture Creek Campground, Lolo NF, Seeley Lake

Upsata Lake Fishing Access Site Campground, MtFWP, Ovando

Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site, Bonner
Note: Please camp only in designated spaces. Located 35 miles east of Bonner on Hwy 200, at MP 35.

And now you're back at the intersection!

Though not a designated scenic loop, travelers might find that taking this loop will show them some of what Nevada has to offer within a 2-day round trip out of Las Vegas.

Though this could be taken in either direction, the route has us leaving Las Vegas on I-15 north and taking exit 64 for US-93 north. Take that to Major Place, where you can pick up US-6/50 West to Ely, then continue down US-6 to Warm Springs. There, you could take a shorter route back to Las Vegas and see what the “ET Highway” (NV-375) has to offer, down to Ash Springs, then back to Las Vegas via US-93 South and I-15 south. Or, if the “ET Highway” doesn't interest you, continue on US-6 west to Tonopah. There, take US-95 back to Las Vegas, which will put you within an hour's drive from Death Valley National Park along the way.

This campground guide will offer both options, though there are no camping options on NV-375 “ET Highway”. The land is owned by the military!

For a description of this scenic drive, please click here.
Here's the rest of the trip.

Valley of Fire State Park, Overton
Note: This camping option is located a little further north from the junction of I-15 and US-93. In the summer, it can be very hot out there.

Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca

Spring Valley State Park, Pioche
Note: Located 20 miles from Pioche. Has two campgrounds, Horsethief Gulch and Ranch.

Great Basin National Park
Note: Five campgrounds to choose from. It can be hot in this park in summer!

This loop now takes you west on US-6.

Choice A: ET Highway
No known legal campgrounds or campsites. This is a military area.

Choice B: US-6 to US-95.

Death Valley National Park, California
Note: Not all campgrounds are open year-round, some are not open in summer due to the obsessive heat. Check this website for NPS commentary regarding reservations and seasonal availability.

And this brings us back to glitz and glamour in Las Vegas...

In Nevada, note that gas stations are few and far between. On US-6, there is no fuel between Ely and Tonopah, and there is no fuel on NV-375. If you take the NV-318 "shortcut" from Ash Springs to Ely, there is no fuel. Plan wisely.

Note that there is *private* camping at the Little A'Le'Inn in Rachel on NV-375. There are RV pads with water and 30 amp service, no dump station. $20. They also have tent camping with fire pits and porta-potty. $5.

A few public campgrounds along the historic Cariboo Highway in British Columbia, are available, especially considering the highway goes from Yale (just north of Hope) to Barkerville. Most of the time, the highway is TCH-1 or BC-97, until it turns east to the historic town of Barkerville. As usual, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, unless otherwise noted. Also, there may be campgrounds not listed; inquire locally.

Here's a little history of the Cariboo.


Emory Creek Provincial Park, north of Hope

Skihist Provincial Park, Lytton

Goldpan Provincial Park, Shaw Springs

Downing Provincial Park, Clinton
Note: About 18.6 km (11.5 mi) from Clinton.

Green Lake Provincial Park, 70 Mile House
Note: About 20.3 km (12.6 mi) from 70 Mile House

Big Bar Lake Provincial Park, north of Clinton
Note: About 34 km (21 miles) down a gravel road to the park.

Lac La Hache Provincial Park, Lac La Hache

Dugan Lake Recreation Site, 100 Mile House

Forest Lake Recreation Site, 100 Mile House
Note: BC Site states that at this time, this is a free campsite. Very popular with fishermen, especially in early summer.

Blue Lake North Recreation Site, 100 Mile House
Note: Another freebie site. These are rare!

Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park, north of Quesnel
Note: Located 10 miles north of Quesnel.

Barkerville Historic Town, Barkerville (end of the Cariboo Road)
Note: There are three campgrounds run by the privately owned Barkerville Historic Town. Otherwise, the nearest publicly owned campground is just north of Quesnel, Ten Mile Lake PP.

The scenic Sea to Sky Highway, which runs from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, BC, northeast past Whistler, has a few campgrounds to choose from. However, for the purposes of this listing, we will take the campground listings past Whistler all the way up to Cache Creek, where a traveler may catch the Cariboo (separate listing) and points beyond. This could serve as an approach to the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC. As usual, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, unless noted, and that other campsites may exist. (Inquire locally.)

Description of the Sea to Sky Highway, click here.


Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Vancouver

Alice Lake Provincial Park, Squamish

Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton

Marble Canyon Provincial Park, Lillooet

Public campgrounds along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, AKA CA-1, are plentiful. Most are located on or near the beach. For the purposes of this post, we will begin on the north end, at Leggett, and proceed southward, ending at I-5 in Dana Point, CA. North to south is the best way to travel on this highway if your purpose is to catch some great shoreline scenery, because the scenic lookouts will be on the right-hand side of the road. Don't be in a hurry on this road; if you are, you're better off taking either US-101 or I-5, as the road is not conducive to high speed travel. Most of the campgrounds are either state parks or state beaches, which fill very quickly during the summer months. Reservations are highly recommended!



MacKerricher State Park, Cleone

Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino
Note: Maximum trailer and motorhome length: 24'

Van Damme State Park, Albion/Little River
Note: Trailers/motorhome drivers should park at the regular parking lot first to look at a temporary bridge. Approach is everything!

Sonoma Coast State Beach, Bodega Bay
Note: Maximum lengths, 31 ft.

Doran Park, Sonoma County Park, Bodega Bay

Westside Park, Sonoma County Park, Bodega Bay

Tomales Bay State Park, Point Reyes

Samuel P Taylor State Park, Lagunitas
Note: Maximum trailer length is 27', motorhome length is 31'.

Point Reyes National Seashore Campgrounds
Note: The Nat'l Seashore only offers backcountry camping; no drive-up. Try Tomales Bay State Park, Taylor, or the Mount Tamalpais State Park campgrounds.

Mount Tamalpais State Park Campgrounds
Note: Pantoll and Bootjack Campgrounds are drive-in. Others are hike-in or boat-in.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Campground
Note: Kirby Cove is the only drive-in campground; all others are hike-in.

Half Moon Bay State Park, Half Moon Bay

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport
Note: You must use Hwy 9 to access the campground.

New Brighton State Park, Capitola

Seacliff State Beach, Aptos

Manresa State Beach, south of Aptos
Note: Camping is for tents only.

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur
Note: Trailer length limit 27', motorhome length limit 32 ft. Also note that there is no access to Pfeiffer Beach from this park. That is a separate park and a separate admission is charged, not a state park.

Limekiln State Park, Big Sur
Note: Trailer length limit 15', motorhome length limit 24 ft.

Prewitt Ridge Campground, Big Sur
Note: Inquire locally, as there is no listing for this campground in the Los Padres NF website or any other reliable site. Several of the less reliable sites say it's primitive and free, with a view. The drive up there is hard on sedans and other non-SUV type vehicles, so beware.

Plaskett Creek Campground, Los Padres NF, Lucia

Alder Creek Campground, Los Padres NF
Note: Located 8 miles from the PCH on Willow Creek Road.

Hearst San Simeon State Park, San Simeon
Note: Two campgrounds.

Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay

Pismo State Beach, Pismo Beach
Note: Two campgrounds. Maximum trailer length 31', motorhome 35'.

CA-1 joins US-101 from Las Cruces to Oxnard

Point Mugu State Park, Point Mugu
Note: Two campgrounds, maximum length of trailers & motorhomes is 31'.

Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu
Note: Maximum length of trailers and motorhomes is 31'

Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu
Note: About 7 miles from the PCH. Many films and TV shows have used this park for location shooting, but sadly, wild fires have taken most of the evidence away.

Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach

Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

Now, follow US-101 again down to San Diego - it runs concurrently with I-5.

The Shasta-Trinity Alps Loop is a beautiful and a wonderful place for a summer trip within easy access from the Bay Area (CA) and Portland (OR). There are many opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking in this area. My husband and I took one of our very first vacations here after moving to California years ago, camping in this area with a tent.

The route: Take I-5 to Redding CA. Take CA-299 west from Redding, then CA-3 north as far as Yreka on I-5, a little further north on I-5, then CA-96 west/southwest to Willow Creek, where you catch CA-299 east to Redding again.

Part of the route description here


Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Steel Bridge Campground, BLM, Trinity River, Douglas City

Rush Creek Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, 8 mi north of Weaverville

Tannery Gulch Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, 12 mi north of Weaverville

Bridge Camp Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center


Bushy Tail Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center

Minersville Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center
Note: No water or restrooms. But there is still a charge.

Hayward Flat Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center

Preacher Meadow Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center
Note: Personal experience with this campground, albeit many years ago. Nice to see it's still popular with trail hikers heading up the Swift Creek Trail, as we did! Currently no potable water...BYOW.

Trinity River Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Trinity Center
Note: No water.

Scott Mountain Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Coffee Creek
Note: Open only when there's no snow. Also, no water in this campground.

Sarah Totten Campground, Klamath NF, Happy Camp
Note: Please note the seasonal restrictions.

Fort Goff Campground, Klamath NF, Selad
Note: No water.

Grider Creek Campground, Klamath NF, Selad
Note: Water is for horses only, not for people.

Dillon Creek Campground, Six Rivers NF

Pearch Creek Campground, Six Rivers NF, Somes Bar

Aikens Creek West Campground, Six Rivers NF
Note: No services, no reservations, no water, no fee! Near the Klamath River.

Fish Lake Campground, Six Rivers NF, north of Weitchpec

Hoopa Tish Tang Campground
Note: Their Facebook page is closed off. This is a PDF document from CalTrans. Must have Adobe.

Boise Creek Campground, Six Rivers NF, Willow Creek

Hayden Flat Campground, Shasta-Trinity NF, Big Bar

And this brings you back to Weaverville and on to Redding!

The Lewis and Clark National Trail includes many highways that mostly follow the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. Lewis and Clark were the “water road trip” explorers in the early 1800s, exploring the territory that came with the Louisiana Purchase, as signed by Pres. Thomas Jefferson. These two men, their dog, a group of able-bodied helpers, and eventually a native American guide Sacajawea (and her young son, and husband/interpreter Toussant Charboneau), were trying to find a water route across the USA. Now, many people try to follow Lewis and Clark's routes in their own version of the keelboat and pirogue: the automobile and/or the RV.

Though technically, Lewis and Clark began their journey in Washington DC., for the purpose of our camping guide, we will start at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Missouri River, and follow the trail westward (as they did). A good guidebook, or at least the NPS map “Lewis and Clark National Trail”, plus some good paper maps, are essential. There are many times when a campground might be on one side of the river, in one state, and the next campground listing may be on the other shore in another state. Such is the nature of a route that follows a river (such as the Great River Route, following the Mississippi River).

Those who may want to start their journey further east, could follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway (later in this thread) and then connect to the LCNT via a portion of the Great River Road.

Two good Guidebooks: Adventuring Along the Lewis and Clark Trail, by Elizabeth Grossman; and Traveling the Lewis & Clark Trail, by Julie Fanselow. These can be purchased through your favorite bookseller.

IL:

Camp River Dubois, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Hartford
Note: This is a small interpretive site, with a small re-created Camp River Dubois outside the Visitor Center. There is no campground on site. A short drive up the road will bring you to a small memorial and the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri River, where Lewis & Clark began their journey.

My own account of the tour of Camp River Dubois

Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park, Hartford
Note: Nearest public camping to Camp River Dubois.

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton



MO:

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and Museum at the Gateway Arch, St Louis

Note: This is a museum attached to the St Louis Arch. There is no camping nearby, but Lewis & Clark history buffs would find this museum (and the arch) a not-to-be-missed site!

Bellefontaine Cemetery/William Clark Gravesite
Note: Once again, not a campground (and none nearby), but a history buff's place to stop. Other famous people are buried here.

Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood

Hermann City Park Campground, Hermann
Note: Hermann is also known for its German beer breweries and wineries.

Clark's Hill/Norton State Park, Jefferson City
Note: One of the many campsites utilized by L & C is commemorated here. No camping, though!

Binder Park Campground, Jefferson City

Arrow Rock State Historic Park, Arrow Rock

Van Meter State Park, Marshall

Fleming Park, Jackson County Parks, Blue Springs

Other Jackson County Parks with campgrounds
Note: Blue Springs Lake, Jacomo, and Longview Campgrounds.

National Frontier Trails Museum, NPS[
Note: This museum has a good section about the Corps of Discovery, but also one about the Westward Movement in the mid-1800s. I credit this museum for piquing my own interest in the Lewis & Clark travels. It is also not far from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum and their former home. One can visit both in the same day.

Weston Bend State Park, Weston

KS:

Warnock Lake Campground, City of Atchison

NE:

Brownville State Recreation Area, Brownville (L & C campsite with current day campground)

Riverview Marina State Recreation Area, Nebraska City

Indian Cave State Park, Shubert

Haworth City Park, Bellevue

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Calhoun
Note: A site of interest to L&C history buffs. No campground on site.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley IA/NE
Note: Great place to observe the wildlife that would have been seen 215+ years ago! No campground on site.


IA:

Western Historic Trails Center, NPS
Note: This is another history museum with displays about Lewis & Clark. No camping on site.

Lake Manawa State Park, Council Bluffs

Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa
Note: As always when traveling along a river and planning to stay at a campground on the water, check ahead! This one has been known to flood.

Sargent Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center, L & C Interpretive Center, Sioux City
Note: No camping on site, but an interpretive center and a museum dedicated to the one who died on the quest westward. (Sgt Floyd probably died of peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix.)

Stone State Park, Sioux City


NE:

Scenic Campground, City of South Sioux City

Ponca State Park, Ponca

Elk Point City Park and Campground, Elk Point

Obert City Park Campground, Obert

Niobrara State Park, Niobrara
Note: Camping available, and is at the confluence of the MO and the Niobrara Rivers.


SD:


Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Yankton

Pierson Ranch Recreation Area, Yankton

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Yankton

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, Vermillion
Note: A historic site with no camping.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Chamberlain
Note: Was this an interstate rest area with L & C Interpretive information added? Or an interpretive site turned into a rest area for interstate travelers? My husband and I came across this one simply by the need for a rest area and the advice to “use the rest area near Chamberlain, there's a great view!” Well, there was that as well. No camping. Each Interpretive site has information about the L & C quest, but it focuses on the journey through that particular local area, as this one did.

Fischers Lilly Park, Fort Pierre
Note: The site where Lewis & Clark determined that they needed an interpreter. Also a campground!

Oahe Dam Visitor Center
Note: See the Oahe Lake from the Visitor Center. This is a huge lake that extends into North Dakota. There are many opportunities for camping along this lake.

Griffin Park City Campground, City of Pierre

Farm Island Recreation Area, Pierre

Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area, Selby
Note: Heavy rains washed out park roads and this park is closed indefinitely. It may reopen in the future; call the park or inquire locally.

See US-83 in South Dakota and North Dakota for Lake Oahe camping opportunities.


ND:

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and On-a-Slant Indian Village, Mandan/Bismarck
Note: Campground available, plus the re-created Native village, the way the Mandan tribe might have had it in L & C's time.

General Sibley Park and Campground, City of Bismarck

Cross Ranch State Park, south of Washburn
Note: The closest camping to the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan replica.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, Washburn
Note: We spent most of a day here, seeing the exhibits (which were extensive), plus running over to the replica of Fort Mandan (about a mile away) for some interpretative talks there twice. No camping on site.

My road trip report from a visit to this site

Lake Sakakawea State Park

Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Note: L & C historic site. Camping in nearby Stanton.

Sakakawea City Park Campground, Stanton

Garrison Dam Downstream Campground, Corps of Engineers, Riverdale/Hazen

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Williston
Note: Sorry, no camping!

Fort Buford State Historic Site, Williston
Note: Site has a primitive campground.

Lewis and Clark State Park, Epping


Our Lewis & Clark journey will continue with MT and sites further west, in the next post....

MT:

On the return trip, Lewis and Clark's party separated. One group followed the Yellowstone River. The others stayed north. At this point, we will follow the northern course, which also happens to follow US-2.


Charles M Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Peck Lake

Fort Peck Lake Project, Corps of Engineers, Fort Peck Lake

James Kipp Recreation Area, BLM, Fort Peck Lake

Coal Banks Landing Recreation Site, BLM, Big Sandy

Judith Landing Recreation Area, BLM, Big Sandy

Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument (BLM)
Note: This monument is not easily accessible by 4-wheel vehicle. A boat or two good feet are necessary to explore most of it. There's a good museum/interpretive center in Fort Benton, near the replica of old Fort Benton.

Fort Benton and other museums

My own forum report about Fort Benton and the Upper Missouri River Breaks. Start at Post 16.

Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center, Great Falls
Note: The focus here is the “Great Portage”, to go around the falls. If you do this center, follow the road up past the state park (no camping there), find the trailhead parking lot, and walk to some of the viewpoints to what's left of the Great Falls. See my trip report.

My Great Falls L & C Interp. Center Forum report.

Museum of the Plains Indian, Browning

Glacier National Park Campgrounds
Note: The Two Medicine site has a bit of history involved, mostly with the tribes. There's a campground there. There are a number of other campgrounds in the park, though this is not specifically a Lewis and Clark historical spot. It's just plain gorgeous!

Gates of the Mountains
Note: This is the website of the marina that can take you on a boat tour through the area that Meriweather Lewis said, “this is the gates to the mountains!”

The NPS Site for Gates of the Mountains

My own report about the boat tour from a road trip report forum.

Between the Gates of the Mountains and the Missouri Headwaters State Park, there are a number of campgrounds near Canyon Lake. See US-12 for details.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Three Forks

Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks
Note: This is where the three rivers come together: The Jefferson, the Gallatin, and the Madison, which together form the Missouri River. There's camping here, too. Take a half day to explore the park.

My forum report about MHSP

Beaverhead Rock State Park, Twin Bridges
Note: Alas, no camping, but a L & C site.

Clark's Lookout State Park, Dillon
Note: Alas, no camping, but an L & C site.

Barretts Station Park Campground, Bureau of Reclamation, Dillon

Reservoir Lake Campground, Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, Dillon

For more Dillon area campgrounds, please see I-15 listings for MT.

Lemhi Pass, Lemhi Pass Road
Note: This is on Lemhi Pass Road, a dirt road! A very important site for L & C history buffs to know, but more difficult to access. No camping up here.

Lost Trail Pass, US-93, MT/ID
Note: Another important site, but at least easier to access since US-93 is a major thoroughfare.

Traveler's Rest State Park, Lolo
Note: The only archaeologically proven rest site for the Lewis & Clark expedition. Alas, no camping.

Lolo Creek Campground, Lolo NF, Lolo

Lee Creek Campground, Lolo NF, Lolo

Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Lolo NF, Lolo
Note: Though there is (seasonal) camping nearby, this is a little interpretive center for L & C due to its proximity to US-12, the Lewis & Clark Highway.


ID:

Please see US-12 for camping opportunities across Idaho. See also US-95.

Wilderness Gateway Recreation Area, Lowell

Canoe Camp, Nez Perce National Historical Park, Orofino
Note: A Nez Perce/L & C site.

Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, Lapwai
Note: Located 10 miles east of Lewiston, ID and 3 miles north of Lapwai.


WA/OR:

Note: Once Lewis & Clark expedition found the Columbia River, their sites of interest will jump between each of those states, as happened earlier in the trip. It will be up to the traveler to find the bridges across the river (with the help of a good guidebook and map).

Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center, Pasco, WA
Note: Sorry, no camping here, but there are some sites nearby.

Hood Park, Army COE, Pasco, WA

Fishhook Park on Lake Sacajawea, Prescott, WA
Note: Appears to be a public park, though not sure who sponsors it.

Hat Rock State Park, Hermiston, OR
Note: Hat Rock was the first landmark visible to L & C as they floated down the Columbia River.

Hat Rock State Park, Hermiston, Camping Reservation Site

Sand Station Recreation Area, COE, Hermiston, OR
Note: Here's another camping area close to Hat Rock. There are plenty of privately-owned campgrounds as well.

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, eastern Columbia Gorge, OR

Please see I-84 for campgrounds along the Columbia River.

Maryhill State Park, Goldendale, WA

Deschutes River State Recreation Area, Wasco (east of The Dalles), OR

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, The Dalles, OR
Note: A Museum, no camping.

Horsethief Lake State Park, Lyle, WA

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, Stevenson, WA
Note: A Museum, no camping.

Memaloose State Park, The Dalles OR

Viento State Park, Cascade Locks, OR

Beacon Rock State Park, Stevenson, WA
Note: A L & C site with camping.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield, WA
Note: A way to experience the wildlife that the Corps of Discovery might have seen. No camping.

Paradise Point State Park, Ridgefield WA


Skamokawa Vista Park, Skamokawa, WA
Note: Another Campground run by Wahkiakum Port District.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Astoria, OR
Note: Here is where the replica of Fort Clatsop stands, as well as the Canoe Landing and the Salt Works, along with an interesting museum. There is no camping on the Oregon side.

Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, Ilwaco, WA
Note: No camping, just a museum.

Cape Disappointment State Park
Note: There's camping here, along with the next two listings. Bear in mind that FOG is often around here. Drive carefully.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, WA
Note: Another very interesting interpretive center, to be combined with a trip across a beautiful bridge to see Fort Clatsop (Lewis and Clark NHP, above). Visitors should be aware that you must pay for both the State Park entrance fee as well as for the Interpretive Center. You'll feed a machine in the parking lot, for your State Park entrance/parking fee, and then pay the Interpretive Center for admission.

My road trip report for the Cape Disappointment and Fort Clatsop area

Fort Canby State Park, Ilwaco, WA
Note: This is now within Cape Disappointment, so you'll only have to pay for one state park entrance fee. The Fort could be walked through (2017). You can also take a hike to the lighthouse nearby.

TAKING THE SOUTHERN ROUTE FROM THE MT/SD STATE LINE

For camping, see I-94.

Makokisha State Park, Glendive

Pompey's Pillar National Monument
Note: This is the only place along the route where evidence of Lewis & Clark's journey is able to be seen by the public before any archaeological digs. William Clark etched his name into the rock. The pillar is named for Sacajawea's young son, whom Meriweather Lewis affectionately called “Pompey”.

May Creek Campground, Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, Wisdom

WA ALTERNATE ROUTE:

Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, Dayton
Note: Yes, camping is available here. This is a known campsite for the Corps of Discovery on their return trip.

Dismal Nitch, near present day Ilwaco, WA
Note: No camping, a known L & C site.

Fort Columbia State Park, Chinook, WA
Note: A day use park only. However, the County runs a campground right along the edge of this state park. It's Chinook County Park, and there is no website. Inquire locally.

Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond, OR
Note: Yes, this one has camping.


You have reached the Pacific Ocean.

Something on my own bucket list is a trip around all 5 Great Lakes, on both the USA side as well as the Canadian (Ontario) side. A trip of this size just calls for some sort of trailer or RV, due to the amount of travel. So this list of Public Campgrounds is going to be LONG, and broken into four separate posts. In this case, we are going to take an imaginary trip around the Great Circle Route, our first post starting with at Alexandria Bay in upper New York state, travel along the south side of Lake Ontario, then Erie, around Lake Huron. About half of this route is also called the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

The second post will take us all the way around Lake Michigan. The third post will take us all the way around Lake Superior in both the US and Canada. The fourth post will complete the trip by taking us north over Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario on the Canada side.

Of course, one can use this information to plan smaller trips, perhaps around one lake at a time, or just a section. Doing it all the way this plan is laid out, would mean about 6500 miles of driving and probably 2-3 months to really enjoy it. But for those with limited vacation time, one lake at a time would be easily done.

Because of the sheer amounts of state parks, state recreation areas and provincial parks along this route, our camping spots will focus on those. About all of the campgrounds featured in this scenic drive are right next to the highway, or darned close to it, and most of them are close to the water. There may be other local campgrounds available; inquire locally.

NY:
Note: NY State Parks charge an extra $5 fee per night, for out-of-state residents.


At this point, we are along the St Lawrence Seaway/River along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

Kring Point State Park, Redwood

Wellesley Island State Park, Fineview

DeWolf Point State Park, Fineview

Grass Point State Park, Alexandria Bay

Cedar Point State Park, Clayton

Burnham Point State Park, Cape Vincent

Now we're south of Lake Ontario!

Long Point State Park, Three Mile Bay

Westcott Beach State Park, Henderson

Southwick Beach State Park, Henderson

Selkirk Shores State Park, Pulaski

Fair Haven Beach State Park, Sterling

Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin

Lakeside Beach State Park, Waterport

Golden Hill State Park, Barker

Four Mile Creek State Park, Youngstown

We are now on the south side of Lake Erie!

Evangola State Park, Irving

Lake Erie State Park, Brocton


OH:

Geneva State Park, Geneva

East Harbor State Park, Lakeside-Marblehead

Maumee State Park, Oregon


MI:

Note that you must purchase a MI Recreation Passport in order to enjoy the MI state parks. Information can be had by clicking here.

Sterling State Park, Monroe

Algonac State Park on Lake St Clair, Marine City
Note: This campground is not located on any of the 5 lakes, but instead, on Lake St Clair.

We are now beginning to head around Lake Huron, on the MI side.

Lakeport State Park, Lakeport

Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin

Albert E Sleeper State Park, Caseville

Bay City State Park, Bay City

Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas

Harrisville State Park, Harrisville

Hoeft State Park, Rogers City

Cheboygan State Park, Cheboygan

Straits State Park, St Ignace
Note: To reach this park, you must cross the Mackinaw Bridge to the Upper Peninsula of MI. If you are continuing the trip on the eastern side of Lake Michigan, you'll have to cross the bridge in the opposite direction after your stay.

To be continued in my next post.

Still in Michigan, as we leave St Ignace, we are traveling on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. We are heading south, around the southern tip in Greater Chicagoland, then we will travel north in IL and WI. By traveling in this direction, the lake is always on our passenger side of the road.

Note also that you must purchase a very inexpensive Michigan Recreation Passport, in order to enjoy MI state parks, and that camping fees are over and above the cost of this passport.

MI:

Petoskey State Park, Petoskey

Traverse City State Park, Traverse City


Leelanau State Park, Northport
Note: This park shows up on Rand McNally maps as a no-camping-available park. However, it does! Thank you to GLC for noting the absence of this park and bringing it to my attention.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Campgrounds
Note: Two campgrounds easily reached, D.H. Day and Platte River.

Orchard Beach State Park, Manistee

Ludington State Park, Ludington

Mears State Park, Pentwater

Silver Lake State Park, Mears

Muskegon State Park, North Muskegon

Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon

Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven

Holland State Park, Holland

Van Buren State Park, S Haven

Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer


IN:

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton
Note: Other than some forest preserves that are way off the Grand Circle, this is your last opportunity for public camping near the lake until you traverse through greater Chicagoland. The next opportunity is almost to the IL/WI state line!


IL:

Illinois Beach State Park


WI:

Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan

Point Beach State Park, Two Rivers

Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek (Door County)


MI:

John Walter Wells State Park, Cedar River

Indian Lake State Park, East Unit, Manistique

Brevort Lake Campground, Hiawatha NF, St Ignace

Straits State Park, St Ignace


To be continued in my next post, the trip around Lake Superior.

We are now going to travel on the south side of Lake Superior, by going through Michigan and Wisconsin to Duluth, MN. Keep in mind the requirement to have a Michigan Recreation Passport and that camping is over and above that cost.

MI:

Brimley State Park, Brimley

Monocle Lake Campground, Hiawatha NF, Brimley

Bay View Campground, Hiawatha NF, Brimley

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise

Muskallonge Lake State Park, Newberry

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Campgrounds
Note: There are three drive-in campgrounds and all of them require reservations! See the website for information. Campgrounds are Twelve Mile Beach, Hurricane River, and Little Beaver Lake.

AuTrain Lake Campground, Hiawatha NF, AuTrain

Van Riper State Park, Champion

Baraga State Park, Baraga

F J McLain State Park, Hancock

Twin Lakes State Park, Toivola

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagan


WI:

For Ironwood MI to Ashland, WI, see US-2. Most of this is not along the lake's shore. At Ashland, you turn north up toward Bayfield, and you'll get lake views.

Birch Grove Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Washburn

City of Washburn MI Campgrounds
Note: Though I wrote it as “Thompson County Park” back in my 2014 trip report, it is really a city park. We thought it would be a beautiful place to camp or have a picnic.

Donna's description of Bayfield, 2014.

Bayfield Area Public Campgrounds

Big Bay State Park, La Pointe
Note: You need to take a ferry out to Madeline Island (Apostle Islands) from Bayfield.

Little Sand Bay Recreation Area and Campground, Town of Russell

Copper Range Campground, Brule River State Forest
Note: This campground is not located near Lake Superior.

MN:

When US-2 gets to Duluth, you will turn northeast on MN-61, which puts you on the northern edge of Lake Superior. See MN-61 listing with US-61. MN-61 is also called the North Shore All-American Scenic Byway.

Note: All MN state parks now require reservations ahead of time. Don't just show up, and don't rely on the Internet to get your reservation on the same day as you plan to arrive! State forest campgrounds are still first-come, first-served. National Forest campgrounds are hit-and-miss: some are reservable, others are not.


Burlington Bay Campground, City of Two Harbors

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors

Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay

George Crosby Manitou State Park, Silver Bay

Finland State Forest Campground, Finland

Eckbeck Campground, Finland

Temperance River State Park, Silver Bay

Cascade River State Park, Lutsen

Judge Clarence R Magney State Park, Grand Marais

Isle Royale National Park Campgrounds
Note: The park may have 36 campgrounds across the island, but it's a vehicle-free island. You need to walk or boat-in. You can take a ferry and do some backpacking, but your car stays on the mainland!

At this point, you will be crossing into Canada. Better have your passport and any needed paperwork with you!


ON:

City of Thunder Bay Campgrounds
Note: Two campgrounds, but not on the Lake. One is Trowbridge Falls, the other is Chippewa Park.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay

Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Rossport

Neys Provincial Park, Terrace Bay

Pukaskwa National Park, Heron Bay

Lake Superior Provincial Park, Wawa

Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Batchawana

To be continued in my next post, to finish this Great Circle Tour.

Once you have reached Sault Ste Marie, you will be going along the north edge of Lake Huron.

ON:

Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay, Killarney

Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park, Point au Baril

The Massasauga Provincial Park, Parry Sound
Note: This is a park that only offers hike-in and boat-in camping.

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, Port Severn

Craigleith Provincial Park, The Blue Mountains

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory

Sauble Falls Provincial Park, Wiarton

MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Port Elgin

Inverhuron Provincial Park, Tiverton

The Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend

When you reach Sarnia, you will need to travel over to the north side of Lake Erie. You are still in Ontario, which is a huge province!

Point Pelee National Park, Leamington
Note: Only the OTENTIKS (cabin-like tents) are available – no regular RV or tent sites at this campground.

Port Burwell Provincial Park, Port Burwell

Rondeau Provincial Park, Morpeth

Long Point Provincial Park, Port Rowan

Turkey Point Provincial Park, Turkey Point

Selkirk Provincial Park, Selkirk

Rock Point Provincial Park, Dunnville

Sadly, there are no public campgrounds near Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, but there are plenty of privately owned parks which take reservations. After a good view of Niagara Falls, it's time to move on to the north side of Lake Ontario, which will take you over to Toronto and beyond.


Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Oakville



Darlington Provincial Park, Bowmanville

Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton

Sandbanks Provincial Park, Picton

Note: To cross back over into the US from Ontario at this point, you'll have a choice. You can use the Thousand Islands Bridge, which is actually a series of bridges which will take you into Alexandria Bay and the northern terminus of I-81. Or, you can go a little further northeast, and cross at the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge. The Thousand Islands Bridge is heavily used, especially by truckers. See EZ Border Crossing website for more details.

Though only 50 miles long, and could be seen in about 2 hours, the Selma to Montgomery March By Way, an All-American Byway, is historical. Back in 1965, it was the setting for one of the most famous Civil Rights Marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The historic byway follows US-80 between the two cities. There are a few campgrounds to choose from.

Six Mile Creek Campground, Corps of Engineers, Selma

Paul M. Grist State Park, Selma

Prairie Creek Park Campgrounds, Corps of Engineers, Lowndesboro

Lowndes Wildlife Management Area Primitive Campground, Lowndesboro
Note: This is a PDF file. Be careful WHEN you camp there, as hunting season can be dangerous to your life!

Gunter Hill Park, Corps of Engineers, Montgomery

The Selkirk All-American Byway, which runs from the Canada/USA border at Porthill (BC/ID) around to the Canadian border in WA state, is beautiful and worth spending a couple of days on if you're in the area. You should note that if you want to cross the border into Canada, you will need a passport and/or the proper paperwork. From Porthill, use ID-1 south, which will join with US-2/95, continue on US-2, then head north in Washington state on WA-20 then WA-31.

ID:

Meadow Creek Campground, Idaho Panhandle NF, north of Bonners Ferry

Smith Lake Campground, Idaho Panhandle NF, north of Bonners Ferry

Springey Point Recreation Area, Sagle/Sandpoint

Riley Creek Recreation Area, Albeni Falls

Priest River Recreation Area, Albeni Falls


WA:

Pioneer Park Campground, Colville NF, Newport

Skookum Creek Campground, Little Pend Oreille Forest, Newport

South Skookum Lake Campground, Colville NF, Newport


Browns Lake Campground, Colville NF, Newport


Panhandle Campground, Colville NF, Usk

Lake Leo Campground, Colville NF, Colville

Gillette Campground, Colville NF, Colville

Edgewater Campground, Colville NF, Ione

Millpond Campground, Colville NF, Ione


Crescent Lake Campground, Colville NF, Metalline Falls

West Sullivan Lake Campground, Colville NF, Metalline Falls
Note: Located 12 miles from the highway on a forest service road.

Boundary Dam Forebay Campground, Utility Owned Site, Metalline Falls
Note: This is about the closest you can get to British Columbia without being in it. Check locally about this campground. Appears to be accessible by boat only.

Poking around the Amish Country of Ohio, you might come across the Amish Country Scenic Byway and some of its off-shoots. Leaving from Loudonville, for instance, you'll head towards Millersburg on OH-39/60. From Millersburg, you can go to Wilmot on US-62, or down to Danville in the other direction on US-62. Also on the route would be the scenic drive from Berlin to Dover on OH-39.

A few words of caution about the Amish culture. Amish folks do not wish to have their photographs taken. So if you are wishing for some scenic photos, make sure that any Amish faces are turned away or that the people are not going to be in your photo. Also, when you are driving, slow down! They usually drive a horse and buggy, or an open cart, and horses can be easily spooked by a motor. Whatever you do, do NOT honk.

Be sure to stop in some of the towns along the way – Millersburg, Berlin and Sugarcreek are well-known places for good old-fashioned Amish cooking, and often the shoppes are run by Amish. Baked goods, candy, and quilts are among some of the purchases that friends of ours have made. Also keep your eye out, in summer and fall, for the old-fashioned produce stand.

Here is a general website about the area.


Mohican State Park, Loudonville

Other than Mohican SP, most of the campgrounds in this area are privately owned. However, for a camping experience that might be similar to the Amish lifestyle, one could camp at
Turkey Hollow Campground.
Note: This campground only accepts tents. There is one running water spigot on the property, but there are no other hookups. It should be noted that the rates are in line with public camping, but only cash or PayPal is accepted.

A few miles down the road in Warsaw, there's a little known campground next to a little waterfall. Check out:
Magical Waterfall Campground, Warsaw
Note: There is no other website for this campground.

There are any number of private RV parks in the area.

The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a 950 mile long drive that begins in East Liverpool, OH (on OH-7) and ends in Cairo, IL. Along the way are a number of public campgrounds and any number of private RV parks and campgrounds. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles one way of the byway. Inquire locally for others that may exist. Realize, too, that when traveling along a river, sometimes the campsite is on the other side of the river, so have a good map with you in order to find the bridge.

If a traveler is hoping to use this to extend the Lewis and Clark National Trail from points further east, this byway can be connected with the LCNT via the Great River Road.

OH:

Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool

Paden City Park Campground, Paden City (WV)

Leith Run Recreation Area Campground, Wayne NF, New Matamoros (OH)

Forked Run State Park, Reedsville

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne NF, Ironton
Note: Three Campgrounds: Iron Ridge, Oak Hill and Pine Knob.

Shawnee State Park, West Portsmouth


East Fork State Park, Bethel
Note: 17 miles from the byway.

Steamboat Bend County Park, Cincinnati
Note: This website is maintained by the users. User beware.


IN:

Madison City Campground, Madison

Clifty Falls State Park, Madison

Charlestown State Park, Charlestown

O'Bannon Woods State Park, Corydon
Note: The campground is listed as closed until further notice. Please call the state park for current status.

Harrison County Parks, Corydon
Note: Inquire locally. It's a large county.

German Ridge Campground, Hoosier NF, Tell City

Harmonie State Park, New Harmony
Note: 12.5 miles up the road from Mount Vernon.


IL:

Pine Ridge Campground, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, Shawnee NF, Karbers Ridge

Cave-in-Rock State Park, Cave-in-Rock

Tower Rock Campground, Shawnee NF, Elizabethtown

Dixon Springs State Park, Golconda

Lake Glendale Recreation Area, Shawnee NF, Vienna/Eddyville

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville

Now, if you are connecting this scenic byway with the Lewis & Clark National Trail, please see the Great River Road in southern IL.

The Bicentennial Highway, which is UT-95 between Hanksville and Blanding, is a beautiful way to connect a trip from Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park, with Canyonlands and Arches NP. In so doing, you can drive through the northeastern end of the Lake Powell region at Hite, and do a short stop at Natural Bridges National Monument. The drive is easily done in a few hours but if connecting those dots, you may want to stop and camp somewhere. Here are some ideas.

Trip report from July, 2019, about the Bicentennial Highway

Goblin Valley State Park, north of Hanksville

An RTA forum regular's comment on camping outside of Goblin Valley:
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.

Starr Springs Campground, BLM, Mount Hillers

Hite Dispersed Camping, Lake Powell, near Hite Marina

Natural Bridges National Monument Campground
Note: No running water at the site. BYOW!

Devil's Canyon Campground, Manti-La Sal National Forest
Note: Located between Blanding and Monticello, north on US-191.

The Connecticut River Byway, which runs 490 miles from South Hadley, MA to the NH/Quebec border, follows the river. In the fall, it passes through some lovely places to go “Leaf Peeping”. There are some lovely places to camp; however, do be aware of their closing dates and the facilities offered. This list is not all-inclusive; inquire locally for those elusive places known only to the locals!

MA:

DAR State Forest Campground, Goshen


VT/NH:

Fort Dummer State Park, Brattleboro (VT)

Surry Mountain Lake Campground, Army Corps Of Engineers, Surry (NH)

Wilgus State Park, Ascutney (VT)

Mount Ascutney State Park, Windsor (VT)

Quechee State Park, Hartford (VT)


NH:

Storrs Pond Recreation Area, Hanover

Coleman State Park, Stewartstown

Lake Francis State Park, Pittsburg

The Santa Fe Trail goes from New Franklin, MO (near Boonville) to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Alignments of the state, US, and interstate highways don't allow one to follow the route used by traders and settlers exactly. However, there are museums, trail sites, and even places where the ruts of wagons are permanently ingrained into the soil. Those interested in history/historic sites and in early “road trips” can make this trip either state by state, or as a longer present day road trip.

Public campgrounds along the route exist, though in some cases you may have to go a few miles off the “trail”. There are also a number of private campgrounds and RV parks along the route.

The Santa Fe Trail NPS website

One guidebook to the Santa Fe Trail: William E Hill's Santa Fe Trail: Yesterday and Today.


MO:
Note: Sites in bold indicate sites of interest to the trail. Campgrounds are not listed in bold unless they are also sites of interest to the trail, and camping is noted.

Museum at the Gateway Arch, St Louis
Note: The museum underneath the Arch goes into much detail about westward exploration and expansion. Any pioneer trail buff should consider this a “must see”. The nearest public camping is at Lewis & Clark State Park, Hartford, IL.

Franklin Site, Old Franklin
Note: Nearest public camping is at Arrow Rock or Van Meter.

Boone's Lick State Historic Site, east of Arrow Rock
Note: Nearest public camping is at Arrow Rock or Van Meter.

Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock
Note: Not only is this a historic spot, it offers camping as well. Historic items from Trail days include the Landing, Santa Fe Springs, and Huston Tavern.

Van Meter State Park, Miami
Note: Camping spot.

Harvey Spring/Weinrich Ruts, north of Marshall

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, Sibley

Jackson County Courthouse, Kansas City

Sites in Independence, MO
Note: Many places to see in Independence: the Jackson County Truman Log Courthouse, Kritser House, Lewis-Webb House, Woodlawn Cemetery, Waggoner House, Lower Dependence (Blue Mills) Landing, Upper Independence (Wayne City) Landing, Independence Square, and the Santa Fe Trail Park Ruts. Also Brady Cabin, and Independence Spring. Camping can be had in 3 Jackson County campgrounds, listed below.

National Frontier Trails Center, Independence
Note: This is a fantastic museum that combines the three trails that started in Independence (Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails) plus the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Camping nearby is in Jackson County campgrounds, listed below.

Jacomo Campground, Jackson County, Lee's Summit
Longview Campground, Jackson County, Lee's Summit
Fleming Park, Jackson County, Blue Springs

Sites in Kansas City MO
Note: Of interest to the history buff are the Harmon Park Ruts, Shawnee Mission, Grinter House and Ferry, Mahaffie Farmstead, Westport Landing, Harris House, Jim Bridger Store, Big Blue River Crossing, Red Bridge Crossing, and Gum Springs. Camping listed previously in Jackson County, MO.

KS:

Fort Leavenworth, The Rookery
Note: Of interest for the history, not for camping!

Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Park, Fairway

Douglas County Santa Fe Trail Information
Note: Website full of information.

Turkey Point Park, US Army Corps of Engineers, Osage Lake
Note: Camping.

Eisenhower State Park, Osage County
Note: Camping.

Douglas State Fishing Lake, Edgerton
Note: Site notes that a camping spot or two is available. Inquire locally.

Council Grove Trail Sites
Note: Sites include the Conn Store, Hays Tavern and House, Kaw Mission, Last Chance Store, Hermit's Cave, the Council Oak and the Post Office Oak.

Hillsdale State Park, Paola
Note: Camping.

Council Grove Lake Recreation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Council Grove
Note: Three campgrounds.

Marion Reservoir, US Army Corps of Engineer, Marion
Note: Campground.

Sand Hills State Park, Hutchinson
Note: Years ago, we camped here. What do I remember? Flies!

Note: At this point, in Cimarron KS, the Santa Fe Trail splits. Part goes through “The Mountain Route”, which is following US-50 to US-350 to I-25 at Trinidad CO, then US-64 in NM to Santa Fe. The camping opportunities will be listed here. See below, if you wish to follow “The Cimarron Route”, which goes south on US-56 through OK's panhandle and meets with the “Mountain Route” on I-25 at Watrous, NM.

The Northern, “Mountain Route”:

KS:

Beymer Park, Kearny County, Lakin
Note: Camping, county park.

Hamilton State Fishing Lake, Syracuse
Note: As with all Kansas state fishing lakes, inquire locally about the advisability and availability of camping.

CO:
Note: Both listings are camping opportunities. CO State Parks require reservations. A previous listing is no longer allowing camping, so it was removed.

John Martin Reservoir State Recreation Area, CO

Trinidad Lake State Park, Trinidad

NM:

Sugarite Canyon State Park, Raton

Cimarron Canyon State Park, Maverick Campground, Ute Park

Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Eagle Nest
Note: About 30 miles east of Taos.

La Sombra Campground, Carson NF, Taos
Note: About 8 miles east of Taos. BYO Water.

Las Patecas Campground, Carson NF, Taos
Note: About 4 miles east of Taos. BYO Water.

Orilla Verde Recreation Area, BLM, Carson
Note: Rio Bravo Campground and Pilar Campground are both near Pilar.

Hyde Memorial State Park, Santa Fe
Note: Park elevations are above 8400 ft. It keeps you cool in summer and can make you cold in the “shoulder seasons”.

The Cimarron (southern) Route:

KS:

Cimarron River Campground, Cimarron National Grassland, Elkhart

OK:

The nearest public campgrounds from US-56 in OK are actually along US-54 (see listings for US-54)

NM:

Clayton Lake State Park, Clayton

Mills Canyon Campground, Cibola NF, Roy
Note: One of the access roads, Mills Canyon Road, is not recommended for vehicles pulling trailers. This appears to be a campground for tenters that use a high clearance vehicle. BYO Water.

Conchas Lake State Park

PUBLIC CAMPING AND SITES – OREGON TRAIL

The Oregon Trail is a historic trail, undertaken by many thousands of pioneers in the mid 1800s. Its official starting place was Independence, MO, and went from there out to its end in Oregon. Along the way, the Santa Fe and California Trails both branched off toward those destinations.

This post will include not only current-day public campgrounds (state, county and city run), but will also include some of the more pertinent historic sites. One of the most commonly seen sites are ruts from the wagons, which have been preserved. However, many of these are also located on private property.

For the sake of those who are traveling by modern vehicle, this post will include ONLY those historic sites that are easily reached by modern highways or a short hiking trail.

Note that sites in bold are museums and other areas of sightseeing/historical interest. Those with camping available will be noted. Non-historical campgrounds will be listed in regular type.


Map of the Oregon Trail Online

Main NPS Site, Oregon Trail


MO:

Sites in Independence, MO
Note: Many places to see in Independence. Camping can be had in 3 Jackson County campgrounds (See later listings in MO.)

National Frontier Trails Center, Independence
Note: This is a fantastic museum that combines the three trails that started in Independence (Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails) plus the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Camping nearby is in Jackson County campgrounds.

Jacomo Campground, Jackson County, Lee's Summit
Longview Campground, Jackson County, Lee's Summit
Fleming Park, Jackson County, Blue Springs

KS:

On the St Joseph Road (US-36):
Brown County Agricultural Museum, Hiawatha

Pony Creek Lake Campground, City of Sabetha

Back on the Main Trail:

Lone Elm Campground
Note: Despite its name, there is no camping currently available here. This is a historic site where the pioneers camped.

Kansas River Crossing/Pappin's Ferry

Lake Shawnee Campground, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation, Topeka

Vieux Cemetery/Red Vermillion Crossing, St Mary's

Riverside Park, City of St Mary's

Scott Spring, Westmoreland

Hollenberg Station, Hanover


NE:

Rock Creek Station National Historic Site, Fairbury
Note: It has camping available! It is also an Equine Park, for those that might be traveling with horses.

Thirty-Two Mile Station, 32 miles from Fort Kearny
Note: It's just a marker.

Susan Hail Grave and Ruts, Lowell

Fort Kearny State Historical Park, Kearney
Note: No camping here, but it's available at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney
Note: Camping here.

Holdrege City Campground, Holdrege

Fort McPherson National Cemetery (near North Platte)

Buffalo Bill Ranch Historic Park and State Recreation Area, North Platte
Note: Campground.

Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, North Platte

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, Lexington

Midway Pony Express and Gothenburg Pony Express Stations, Gothenburg

O'Fallon's Bluff, Sutherland
Note: It's a rest area on I-80. No overnight camping.

California Hill
Note: Currently fenced off, it's got a historical marker.

Ash Hollow State Historic Park, Lewellen
Note: No camping here. See the next two listings for nearby places to camp.

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area
Note: Camping here at these two State Recreation Areas.

Amanda Lamme Grave
Note: A historical marker.

Scotts Bluff National Monument
Note: No camping here.

Riverside Campground, City of Scottsbluff
Note:Camp here if seeing Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

WY:

Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Fort Laramie
Note: No camping.

Ayres Natural Bridge County Park, Douglas
Note: No camping.

Riverside Park Campground, City of Douglas
Note: Camping here.

Hembree Grave, west of Douglas

Register Cliffs, south of Guernsey on US-26

Fort Caspar Museum and Mormon Ferry, Casper

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Trails Interpretive Center Foundation site
Note: Two websites for the same place.

Casper Mountain Park, Natrona County
Note: Camping, but BYO Water.
Bear Trap County Park, Natrona County
Note: Only county campground with water.
Black Beach Park, Natrona County
Note: BYO Water.

Independence Rock State Historic Site, Alcova

To be continued....

WY: (Continued)

Devil's Gate,southwest of Casper
Note: This is the NPS site.
Devil's Gate/Martin's Cove, southwest of Casper
Note: This is a site that talks about the controversy of renaming the Devil's Gate site (a massacre site) to Martin's Cove.

Split Rock

South Pass National Historic Landmark, South Pass

Atlantic City Campground, BLM, South Pass City
Louis Lake Campground, Shoshone NF, South Pass City
Note: BYO Water.

Dry Sandy Crossing

Big Sandy Crossing

]Lombard Ferry Crossing[/B]

Church Butte

Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Note: Sorry, no camping.

ID:

National Oregon/California Trail Center, Montpelier
Note: Sites near this center include Thomas Fork Crossing, Big Hill,Peg Leg Smith's Trading Post, Bear River, Clover Creek, Soda Springs, Steamboat Spring, Oregon Trail Public. Park wagon ruts, Wagon Box Grave, Sheep Rock (now called Soda Point), Pioneer Cemetery, Hudspeth Cutoff.
More information on the Oregon Trail Landmarks here.

Montpelier Canyon Campground, Caribou-Targee NF, Montpelier
Emigration Campground, Caribou-Targee NF, Montpelier

Fort Hall Replica, near Pocatello
Note: This is definitely a replica. Not a government owned site. The real one is located on private reservation land, and not open for tours.

Massacre Rocks State Park, American Falls
Note: This is both a historic site and a modern-day campground! Non-state residents can expect an extra fee to be added to the overnight fee.

Register Rock State Historic Park, American Falls
Note: No camping here. Try Massacre Rocks SP, above.

Coldwater Hill Rest Area
Note: This is a rest area along the eastbound section of I-86. No camping.

California Trail Junction/Raft River Crossing

Milner Historic Recreation Area and Ruts, near Burley
Note: The Milner Ruts are visible by an interpretive trail. Also, a BLM primitive camping area is there.

Caldron Linn Canyon, Murtaugh

Murtaugh Lake Park, Twin Falls County, Murtaugh
Note: Campground.

Three Island Crossing State Park, Glenn's Ferry
Note: Historical AND campground! It's a state park – expect non-resident fees if you don't live in Idaho.

Stricker Store/Rock Creek Station, Hansen

Schipper Campground, Sawtooth NF, 18 mi south of Hansen
Note: Camping, but temporarily closed due to fire damage. Check before arriving. BYO Water.

Ward Massacre Site Marker

Fort Boise Replica, Parma
Note: Like Fort Hall, it's just a replica. The real one is long gone, burned out.

OR:

Farewell Bend State Park, south of Huntington OR on US-30
Note: Historical and campground.

Keeney Pass Interpretive Site, Vale

Baker Heritage Museum, Baker City

National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Baker City
Note: BLM Camping nearby, see 2 next listings.

Spring Recreation Campground, BLM, Vale
Hilgard Junction State Park

Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing

Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, Meachum

Emigrant Hill, on I-84
Note: Do not try this if you are driving a covered wagon. :-)
This is the description of the road.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla WA
Note: No camping available.

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, near Pendleton OR

Echo Meadows National Historic Site, Echo
Note: No campground.

Fort Henrietta Historic Park and Campground , Echo
Note: As the name says, it's both a historical park and a campground.


Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, The Dalles

Memaloose State Park, The Dalles

Taking the southern Barlow Route here; the northern route basically follows I-84.


Wildwood Recreation Site, Welches
Note: Surprisingly, no campground here. Next listing has the nearest campground.

Green Canyon Campground, Mt Hood NF, Welches
Note: BYO Water.
Philip Foster Farm, Eagle Creek
Note: Privately owned.

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Oregon City

WA:

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver

Books that were of assistance in preparing this post:

Hill, William E., The Oregon Trail: Yesterday and Today, 1986, Caxton Printers, Caldwell ID

Buck, Rinker, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey, 2015, Simon & Schuster. This is an account of the author and his brother who took a covered wagon, 3 mules and a lot of courage to try to follow the Oregon Trail tracks in 2011. A must-read for the Oregon Trail history buff, but also a lesson in road trip stamina! However, folks sensitive to bad language may want to avoid this book.