Camping Along the Great US Highways

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-1, which runs from Key West, Florida, all the way to Maine at the Canadian border. In many points along its route, it parallels I-95, sometimes relieving the traffic along that corridor! Unless otherwise noted, all camping is within 20 miles of the highway, one-way. Some campgrounds may not be listed; inquire locally.

IMG_8420

FL:
Note: Anywhere in the Florida Keys and southern Florida, you should have reservations for camping. They tend to fill up quickly in all seasons of the year!

Bahia Honda State Park, the Keys
Note: Reservations essential.
Long Key State Park, Layton
Note: Reservations essential.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
Note: Reservations essential.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound
Note: Reservations essential.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach
Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville
Note: This is walk-in or boat-in tent camping only. No RV's, trailers, or other motors.
Tomoka State Park, Osmond Beach
Faver-Dykes State Park, St Augustine
Anastasia State Park, St Augustine
Little Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville


GA:

Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross
Jack Hill State Park, Reidsville
Note: Formerly known as Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park.
George L. Smith State Park, Twin City

SC:

Aiken State Natural Area, Windsor
Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia
Lee State Natural Area, Bishopville
Cheraw State Park, Cheraw

NC:

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Apex
William B Umstead State Park, Cary
Note: There are two entrances to this large park: Cary, and Raleigh.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Henderson

VA:

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield
Prince William Forest Park, Triangle

MD:

Susquehanna State Park, Havre de Grace

NJ:

Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

CT:

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

RI:

Fisherman's Memorial State Park

MA:

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury

NH:

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton

ME:

Bradbury Mountain State Park
Camden Hills State Park
Acadia National Park Campgrounds, Bar Harbor
Lamoine State Park, Lamoine (just outside of Acadia NP)
Cobscook Bay State Park, Dennysville/Edmunds Township
Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle

And you have reached Canada!

Up next will be the Great River Road, but we will take you from where the Great River, the mighty Mississippi, begins, up at Itasca State Park, in Minnesota, and move south. The GRR is not one road; it is a series of many roads linked together to follow the Mississippi River.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along the Great River Route. This is a collection of many different highways and roads that run alongside or near the Mississippi River, from its start at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, down to the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. Unless otherwise noted, all camping sites are within 20 miles of the highway. In some places, you have your choice of traveling on the west side of the river, or on the east side. This list does its best to list the campgrounds that we are certain are there. As always, during spring and early summer, check the location to ensure that flooding is not keeping the Campground closed. At the time of this posting, many campgrounds were closed (or partially closed) due to high waters.

MN:

See also US-2 Western Portion for listings.
Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
Note: You can walk across the start of the river in this park. Mosquito repellent highly recommended!
Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
Cass Lake Campgrounds, east of Bemidji:
S Pike Bay, Chippewa NF
Bimidjiwan, Chippewa NF, Pennington
Note: Formerly Knutson Bay CG.
Winnie Campground, Chippewa NF, Pennington
O-Ne-Gum-E Campground, Chippewa NF, Deer River
Savanna Portage State Park, McGregor
Clint Converse Campground, Washburn Lake, Ironton
Rock Lake Campground, Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd
Crow Wing State Park, Brainerd
Charles A Lindbergh State Park, Little Falls
Ann Lake Campground, Sand Dunes State Forest, Big Lake

Now, Choose your side, west (MN) or east (WI). Remember that bridges are only located in certain towns for crossing that big river!

MN Side:

Frontenac State Park, Frontenac
Kruger Campground, Wabasha
Whitewater State Park, Altura
Great River Bluffs State Park, Winona
Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia

WI Side:

Merrick State Park, Fountain City
Perrot State Park, Trempealeau
Wyalusing State Park, Bagley
Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville

Choose your side again, west (IA/MO) or east (IL/KY)! Of course you can meander from one to another, using the bridges when they're available. Watch out, though, as of this writing (2019), quite a number of the riverside parks are under water.

IA Side:

Bellevue State Park, Bellevue
Fairport State Recreation Area, Muscatine

MO Side:

River Front City Park, Canton
Note: If traveling in spring or early summer, call City of Canton before arrival. This park is right on the River, and has been known to flood.
Wakonda State Park, La Grange
Note: An old favorite. As with the park in Canton, though, it occasionally floods.

IL Side:

Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna
Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Morrison
Delabar State Park, Oquawka
Henderson County State Fish & Wildlife Area, Keithsburg
Nauvoo State Park, Nauvoo

KY Side:

Columbus-Belmont State Park

Choosing again, west side (AR & LA) or east side (TN & MS):

AR Side:

Mississippi River State Park, Marianna
Storm Creek Lake Recreation Area, Marianna

MS Side:

Leroy Percy State Park, Hollandale
Rocky Springs Campground, Vicksburg
Natchez State Park, Natchez

TN Side:

Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville
Meeman-Shelby State Park, Millington

LA:

Lake Bruin State Park, St Joseph
Tickfaw State Park, Springfield
St Bernard State Park, Braithwaite

There are no public campgrounds located on the MS River Delta. Quite a few websites suggest taking a tour boat to see the delta, because the highway ends at Venice, LA (LA-23).

Next up will be US-50, from its start in Sacramento CA all the way to its end in Maryland. Why? There are several reasons. One, the Nevada portion is often called "The loneliest road". Two, there are several parts of it that can be called scenic, especially the portions in Nevada and Colorado. Three, it's a long highway!


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-50, which runs from Sacramento CA to Delaware. Occasionally, this lovely alternative to the interstate slabs follows an interstate, or runs concurrent (i.e. on the same pavement) with one. These will be noted. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, one-way. There may be other campsites available; inquire locally.

CA:

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom
Campground by the Lake, City of South Lake Tahoe
Bayview Campground at Emerald Bay, Tonto NF, South Lake Tahoe
Sugar Pine Point State Park, South Lake Tahoe
Fallen Leaf Campground, Tahoe NF, South Lake Tahoe
D.L. Bliss State Park, Tahoma
Upper Eagle Point Campground, Lake Tahoe
Note: 15 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. Heed the warnings to use the bearproof boxes provided, to store your food.
Grover Hot Springs State Park, Eastern side
Note: Maximum trailer length 25'. Maximum MH length, 27'. If in a tent, tent-trailer (Pop-up) or car tent, use bearproof containers provided!
Lake Tahoe Camping, Other

NV:

Washoe Lake State Park, between Reno and Carson City
Lahontan State Recreation Area, Silver Springs
Big Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Austin
Kingston Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Kingston
Bob Scott Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Austin
Hickison Petroglyphs BLM Land, east of Austin
Ward Mountain Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Ruth/Ely
Cave Lake State Park, Ely (2 campgrounds)
Great Basin National Park Campgrounds (5)
Upper Lehman Creek
Lower Lehman Creek
Baker Creek
Grey Cliffs
Wheeler Peak

CO:
Note: Colorado State Parks are now by reservation-only: no drop-ins are accepted. See each individual state park website for the particulars.

Highline Lake State Park, Loma
Saddlehorn Campground, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Gunnison
Note: Three campgrounds, two easier to access from US-50. Heed the warning to lock your food in the provided bearproof containers if staying in a tent, tent-trailer (pop up) or car tent.
South Rim
East Portal

Curecanti National Recreation Area Camping, Gunnison
Note: Ten campgrounds, seven of which are easy to access from US-50.
East Portal
Cimarron
Lake Fork
Dry Gulch
East Elk Creek
Elk Creek
Stevens Creek

Snowblind Campground, Gunnison NF, Sargents
Monarch Park Campground, Pike and San Isabel National Forest, Monarch Pass
Hayden Creek Campground, Pike and San Isabel National Forest, Coaldale
Note: BYO Water, no potable water on site. Trailers 25' or less work best.
Lake Creek Campground, Lincoln NF, Westcliffe
Note: Some websites report this campground as having heavy usage from ATVs. May be noisy.
Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo West
John Martin Reservoir State Park, Hasty

KS:

Hamilton State Fishing Lake, inquire locally
Chase Campground, Chase State Fishing Lake, Cottonwood Falls
Note: Suggest that one inquires locally about camping at both Hamilton and Chase Fishing Lakes.

MO:

Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster
Robertsville State Park, Pacific
US-50 joins with I-44 (post #29) through the rest of MO.

IL:

US-50 shares with I-64 (post #27) through O'Fallon, IL.

Eldon-Hazlet State Recreation Area, Carlyle
Stephen A. Forbes State Park, Kinmundy
Red Hills State Park, Sumner

IN:

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Vallonia
Versailles State Park, Versailles

OH:

Rocky Fork State Park, Hillsboro
Paint Creek State Park, Bainbridge
Tar Hollow State Park, Laurelville
Lake Hope State Park, McArthur
Note: About 15 miles from US-50.
Forked Run State Park, Reedsville
Note: About 13 miles from Torch, OH, on US-50.

WV:

North Bend State Park, Cairo
Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton

MD:

Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Ann

DE (Alternative):

Trap Pond State Park, Laurel

MD (Alternative):

Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland side only) Camping
Assateague State Park, Berlin

And you have reached the shining Atlantic Ocean!

Next post.....US-60, which goes from Brenda, AZ to the Atlantic Ocean. Why US-60? It used to go coast-to-coast, and many parts are a nice alternative to the interstate slabs, if you have the time.

Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-60, which begins at Brenda, AZ (just east of Quartzite on I-10) and goes to Virginia Beach, VA. Occasionally it is concurrent with or runs parallel to I-64. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, one-way. Other campsites may exist; inquire locally.

AZ:
Note: The area between Brenda, AZ, up to about Lakeside/Pinetop/Showlow area, is desert. In the summer, this means HOT. Some campgrounds close for the summer for that reason.

Quartzsite BLM, Quartzsite
Note: This is only for self-contained RV'ers and in the cooler months. Not recommended for summer!
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Morristown
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Goodyear
Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa
Coon Bluff Campground, Tonto National Forest, Saguaro Lake area
Note: Open WINTER months only. This is the desert! BYO water & TP!
Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction
Tortilla Campground, Tonto National Forest, Apache Lake
Note: Open WINTER months only. This is the desert!
Pioneer Pass Campground, Tonto NF, south of Globe
Note: 9 miles south of Globe. BYO Everything including water.
Sulphide Del Rey Campground, Tonto National Forest, Miami-Globe
Note: Open year-round. BYO Water. Trailers under 20-ft only.
Jones Water Primitive Campground, northeast of Globe
Note: Despite its name, there's no water. Bring your own. This is pretty much dispersed camping. BYO Everything!
Pinal and Upper Pinal Campgrounds, Tonto NF, Miami-Globe
Note: No water, no anything. BYO Everything. Trailers under 20' only.
Timber Camp Recreation Area, Tonto NF, northeast of Globe
Brown Campground Dispersed Camping Area, Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Lakeside
Note: BYO Everything!
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Showlow
Winn Campground, A-SNF, Springerville/Greer
Lyman Lake State Park, St Johns

NM:

Manzano Mountains State Park, Mountainair
Sumner Lake State Park, Sumner Lake
Oasis State Park, Portales

TX:

City of Hereford RV Park, Hereford
Note: RV Park has a mention on several websites, but does not have a site of its own. Camper, beware! Inquire locally!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
Recreation Park, Pampa
Hemphill County RV Park, Canadian
Note: Pampa Recreation Park and Hemphill County RV Park in Canadian, do not have their own websites. This is a PDF document that contains many TX DOT known free/low-cost RV camping. Some will accept tents.

OK:

Boiling Springs State Park,Woodward
Note: About 29 miles north of US-60.
Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka
Note: About 22 miles from US-60.
Great Salt Plains State Park, Jet
Note: About 22 miles from US-60.
Lake Ponca Park, Ponca City
Osage Cove Campground, Kaw Lake, Ponca City
Osage Hills State Park, Bartlesville
Spencer Creek Campground, Oologah Lake, Claremore
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park, Bernice
Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park, Grove
Twin Bridges State Park, Fairland


MO:

Morse Park, City of Neosho, Neosho
Note: This website has no further information. Inquire locally.
Roaring River State Park, Cassville
Note: About 28 miles from US-60.
Cobb Ridge Campground, Mark Twain NF, Chadwick
Note: An ATV area, can be crowded and noisy.
Noblett Lake Recreation Area, Willow Springs
Note: BYO Water.
Big Spring Campground, Ozark National Scenic Riverways (NPS), Van Buren
Markham Spring CG, Mark Twait NF, Ellsinore
Lake Wappapello State Park, Williamsville

KY:

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
John James Audubon State Park
Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Now, US-60 will ride parallel to or concurrent with I-64 (post #27) for many miles.

WV:

US-60 continues to follow I-64 (post#27) till Charleston then heads into scenic area and avoiding the toll road and Beckley.

Babcock State Park, Clifftop

Now, US-60 rejoins I-64 and rides parallel.

Greenbrier State Forest, Caldwell

VA:
Note: still following I-64

Douthat State Park, Millboro

Note: US-60 leaves I-64 at Lexington.

Dispersed Camping, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson National Forests
Holliday Lake State Park, Appomattox
Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland
Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield

Note: After Richmond runs parallel to I-64 again but about 3-4 mi apart in places.

Chippokes State Park, Surry
Note: You'll need the free ferry to get to it from US-60 unless you take an alternate route.
Newport News City Park Camping
First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach

And you have reached the Atlantic Ocean!

Next up....US-191, which is a scenic highway that goes from Douglas, AZ (near the Mexican border) to the Canadian border in Montana.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along US-191, which runs from Douglas, AZ (near the border with Mexico) to the Canadian border in Montana. This is an especially scenic highway in many places, and historic in other places. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Please note that there may be other campgrounds available; inquire locally.
UPDATE: I highly recommend AAA's Indian Country map for the states of Arizona and Utah. All the campgrounds are listed by a big red dot! This map can be obtained at a AAA office, usually free if you're a member; low-cost if you're not.

AZ:

Rustler Park Campground, Coronado NF, Douglas
Note from USDA Forest Service: Forest Roads 42 and 42D are gravel roads suitable for two-wheel drive passenger vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles such as pickup trucks or SUVs are recommended. BYO Water.
Bonita Campground, Chiricahua National Monument
Sycamore Campground, Coronado NF, northwest of Willcox
Note: Very short trailers only. BYO Water.
Roper Lake State Park, Safford
Soldier Creek Campground, Coronado NF, Pima
Note: RV's 22 ft and under only. BYO Water. Bear country!
Luna Lake Campground, Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Alpine
Winn Campground, Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Greer/Springerville
Lyman Lake State Park, St Johns
Cottonwood Campground, Canyon de Chelly Natl Mon (NPS), Chinle

UT:

Devils Canyon Campground, Manti-La Sal NF, Monticello

Canyonlands National Park Camping:
Willow Flat, Islands in the Sky District
Squaw Flat, The Needles District

Monticello Area BLM Campgrounds
Wind Whistle Campground
Hatch Point Campgrounds

Moab Area BLM Campgrounds UT-128
Goose Island Campground
Grand Staff Campground
Drinks Canyon Campground
Hal Canyon Campground
Oak Grove Campground
Big Bend Campground
Upper Big Bend

Utah-313 BLM Campgrounds
Horsethief Campground
Cowboy Campground

Utah-279 BLM Campgrounds
Jaycee Park Campground
William's Bottom Campground
Gold Bar Campground

Moab Kane Creek Road BLM Campgrounds
Kingsbottom Campground
Moonflower Campground

Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park, Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab

There are other campgrounds in Canyonlands, but many are only walk-in/hike-in types.

Fred Hays State Park at Starvation, Duchesne

Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds
Split Mountain
Green River
Echo Park

Antelope Flat Campground, Ashley NF, Dutch John
Lodgepole Campground, Ashley NF, Vernal

WY:

Willow Lake Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Pinedale
Note: BYO Everything, including water.
Hoback Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Hoback
Granite Creek Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Jackson
East Table Creek Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Jackson
Curtis Canyon Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Jackson
Note: BYO Water. Also: Bear Country!

Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds
Colter Bay Campground
Gros Ventre Campground
Jenny Lake Campground
Lizard Creek Campground
Signal Mountain Campground
Colter Bay RV Park

Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Bridge Bay
Canyon Campground
Fishing Bridge RV
Grant Village Campground
Indian Creek Campground
Lewis Lake Campground
Madison Campground
Mammoth Campground (open year-round)
Norris Campground
Pebble Creek Campground
Slough Creek Campground
Tower Fall Campground

MT:

Rainbow Point Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, West Yellowstone
Note: This is an old earthquake area. One regular forum participant said it's very worthwhile to do the interpretive area!
Red Cliff Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Bozeman District
Moose Creek Flat Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF
Swan Creek Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Gallatin Gateway
Greek Creek Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Bozeman
Spire Rock Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Bozeman
Half Moon Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Big Timber
Crystal Lake Campground, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Lewistown
Note: BYO Water
James Kipp Recreation Area BLM Camping
Camp Creek Campground BLM Camping, Zortman
Montana Gulch Campground BLM Camping, Zortman

And that's it, you've reached Canada! You can't go further without a passport.


Donna

[Mark Sedenquist]

Looks like a pretty darn good list.

Maybe you should start adding camping options in Canada and Mexico?

Actually the other places that under the official purview of RTA are:
Greenland, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. And I don't remember if you have done the campgrounds in Hawaii and Alaska yet?

Mark

[DonnaR57]

Public camping along US-83, which runs from Laredo TX north to the Canadian border in North Dakota. In most cases, campgrounds are within 20 miles (one way) of this highway. Other options may be available; inquire locally.

TX:

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, Laredo
Garner State Park, Concan
Notice: This park fills quickly. It's recommended to get reservations if you want to camp on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool
South Llano River State Park, Junction
Abilene State Park, Tuscola

Childress Fair Park Campground, Fair Park, Childress
Note: Here's one of those campgrounds that doesn't seem to have its own website, but other sites mention that this one has camping available, like this RV Life site. Inquire locally!

Collingsworth County Pioneer Park Campground, Wellington


OK:

Beaver Dunes State Park, Beaver
Note: Reputed to be haunted!


KS:

Arkalon Park, City of Liberal
Note: 10 miles northeast of Liberal on US-54
Lake Scott State Park


NE:

Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, McCook
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, North Platte
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historic Park and State Recreation Area, North Platte
Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground, 17 mi east of Thetford
Smith Falls State Park, 12 miles from Valentine


SD:

Ina Maka Sun Dance Grounds Campground, Rosebud
Farm Island State Recreation Area, Pierre
Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area, Fort Pierre
Note: Three campgrounds!
Okobojo Point State Recreation Area, Lake Oahe, Fort Pierre


ND:

Langliers Bay County Campground, Strasburg
Note: This is another one of those local campsites with no website of its own. Inquire locally.
Strasburg City Park Campground, Strasburg
Beaver Creek Recreation Area, Linton, ND
Note: Lake Oahe goes from Pierre SD to Bismarck. It's long!
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Bismarck
Cross Ranch State Park, Washburn
Note: This is the closest public camping to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Washburn, which has a Fort Mandan replica.
Lake Sakakawea State Park, Hazen
Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison


This one was added because I was reading a book set along US-83 in South Dakota, which I was trying to follow along on the map. As I read, I realized just how much of this road I had been on over the years!


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Camping along US-63, which goes from Ruston, LA to near Benoit, WI (at US-2). Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles, one way, from this highway. Some campgrounds may not be listed; inquire locally.

LA:

Lake D'Arbonne State Park, Farmerville
Corney Lake Campgrounds, Kisatchie National Forest, Summerville


AR:

Moro Bay State Park, Jersey
Ste Marie Park, Pine Bluff
Lake Poinsett State Park, Harrisburg
Note: This is about 21 miles from Marked Tree.
Lake Frierson State Park, Jonesboro
Old Davidsonville Historic State Park, Pocahontas
Lake Charles State Park, Powhatan


MO:

Noblette Lake Recreation Area, Mark Twain NF, West Plains
Paddy Creek Recreation Area, Licking
Montauk State Park, Salem
Note: 14 miles east of Licking.
Lane Spring Campground, south of Rolla
Pine Ridge Recreation Area, Mark Twain NF, Fulton/New Bloomfield
Finger Lakes State Park, Columbia
Note: Popular with off-road vehicles. You are warned!
Thompson Campground, Rothwell Park, City of Moberly
Macon County Campground, Macon
Long Branch State Park, Macon
Thousand Hills State Park, near Kirksville
Note: 8.3 miles west and south of Kirksville.


IA:

McGowen Wildlife Area Campground, Bloomfield
Lake Wapello State Park, Drakesville
Note: About 14 miles from Bloomfield.
City of Ottumwa Campground, Ottumwa
Note: Fans of the movie or TV show M*A*S*H will recognize this as being Cpl. Radar O'Reilly's hometown. Yup, you can camp in Radar's hometown!
Lake Keomah State Park
Note: Just 4 miles from Oskaloosa.
Rock Creek State Park
Note: About 22 miles from Malcolm.
George Wyth Memorial State Park, Waterloo
Bremer County Parks, Tripoli


MN:

Lake Louise State Park, Le Roy
Mystery Cave State Park, Spring Valley
Chester Woods Park, Eyota
Note: About 10 miles east of Rochester on US-14, in Eyota.
Hok-Si-La City Park and Campground, MN side of Lake Pepin
Frontenac State Park, Red Wing


WI:


Two Lakes Campground on Lake Owen, Drummond
Wanoka Lake Recreation Area, on US-2

[DonnaR57]

This is a list of Public campgrounds along US-6, which goes from Bishop, CA, out to the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. In some cases, this highway runs parallel to or concurrently with I-80, so only those areas where the highway is more than 10 miles from the interstate will be listed. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the US highway, one way. Some campgrounds may not be listed; please inquire locally.

CA:

Bitterbrush Campground, Inyo National Forest, Bishop
Note: On CA-168, 13 miles west of Bishop.


NV:

Ward Mountain Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Ely
Note: Near Murray Summit, southwest of Ely.
Cave Lake State Park, Ely
Great Basin National Park Campgrounds
Note: Five campgrounds!


UT:
Note: US-6 and US-50 are running concurrently on the western part of Utah. Please see US-50 listings.

Oak Creek Campground, Fishlake National Forest, Oak City
Little Sahara Campsites, BLM, Eureka
Note: Attracts a lot of off-road sand-buggy vehicles.
Tinney Flat Campground, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Santaquin
Payson Lakes Campground, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Payson
Price Canyon Recreation Area, BLM, Price
Note: The road up there is steep and narrow, and not recommended for long vehicles. About the most they recommend is a truck with a short trailer, total length less than 35'.

Note: US-6 intersects with I-70 at Green River and runs concurrently, or parallels it, all the way into Denver. Please see I-70 through Denver.

CO:
Note: This listing starts at Denver and heads northeast.

Jackson Lake State Park, Orchard
Note: Colorado State Parks have gone to an all-reservation, no drop-ins, system. Call ahead!
North Sterling State Park, Padroni
Note: Colorado State Parks have gone to an all-reservation, no drop-ins, system. Call ahead!
Haxtun City Park Campground, Haxtun
Note: There is no website, but several sites mention this campground. Inquire locally!


NE:

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
Swanson Lake State Recreation Area
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, McCook
City of Cambridge Campground and RV Park, Cambridge
Medicine Creek Reservoir State Recreation Area, north of Cambridge
Fort Kearny State Historical Park, Fort Kearny
Holdrege City Campground, Holdrege
Note: Several sites mention the existence of this city-run campground, though it has no website of its own. Inquire locally.
Adams County Fairgrounds Campground, Hastings
DLD State Wayside Area Campground, Hastings
Note: No website, no information available, though several sites mention it. Inquire locally.
City of Sutton RV Park, Sutton
Note: Inquire locally.
Bluestem State Recreation Area, Sprague
Note: 21 miles from Dorchester, NE or Pleasant Dale, NE.
Pawnee State Recreation Area, Lincoln

From here to Council Bluffs, IA, US-6 runs concurrently with I-80.


IA:

Lake Anita State Park, Anita

For most of IA and IL and part of IN, US-6 runs concurrently with or parallel to I-80. .


To be continued in the next post....

[DonnaR57]

Continuing from the previous post.... For most of IA and IL and part of IN, US-6 runs concurrently with or parallel to I-80.

IN:

Up until Portage, please see I-80/90 (link above).

Bixler Lake Park Campground, Kendallville
Note: In June 2024, this city's website had an issue. We will check this at a later date.


OH:

Mary Jane Thurston State Park, McClure
East Harbor State Park, Lakeside-Marblehead
Big Creek Park, Geauga Park District, Chardon

Linesville Campground, Pymatuning State Park
Note: This campground is easily reached from US-6. There are other campgrounds in this very large Ohio State Park.


PA:

Woodcock Creek Lake Campground, Crawford County Parks, Meadville
Buckaloons Recreation Area, Allegheny National Forest, Warren
Red Bridge Recreation Area, Allegheny National Forest, Kane
Twin Lakes Recreation Area, Wilcox
Note: USFS states, "Due to small-sized campsites and a railroad underpass with a 10-foot clearance located on the entrance road, it is not recommended for use by RV’s longer than 28 feet or needing greater than 10 foot clearance."
Lyman Run State Park, Galeton
Note: 8 miles from Galeton.
Cherry Springs State Park, Galeton
Note: 18 miles down a forest service road from Galeton.
Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro
Note: Located between Wellsboro and Mansfield on US-6.
Lackawanna State Park, North Abington Township


NY:

Harriman State Park, Ramapo


CT:

Kettletown State Park, Southbury
Black Rock State Park, Watertown
Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret


RI:

There are a few public campgrounds in RI, but not on US-6. So sorry!


MA:

Myles Standish State Forest, Carver
Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sagamore
Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Sandwich
Nickerson State Park, Brewster
Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, Wellfleet
Note: Nickerson and Wellfleet Hollow campgrounds serve the Cape Cod National Seashore. CCNS does not have its own campgrounds.


THAT'S IT! THE END OF US-6! Still to come in this thread: US-20, one of the longest continuous roads in the US.