Camping Along the Great US Highways

[DonnaR57]

This thread will include camping spots along some of the Great American US Highways. The routes chosen are either long-distance routes, or routes that are long scenic routes. There are many, many US highways and I won't be including all of them. Also, bear in mind that some cities have parks that can accommodate tents or RV's but they aren't marked, and sometimes there isn't even a website.


US Highways:
US-1

US-2

US Highway 6

US Highway 12

US Highway 20

US Highway 30

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 54

US-60

US Highway 61


US Highway 63


US Highway 66 -- also known Route 66

US Highway 83 (Laredo, Texas to Canadian Border)

US Highway 89 and US Highway 89-A


US-93

US Highway 95


US-101 (Actually on this page, just scroll down)

US-191

US Highway 212 -- Beartooth Scenic Byway

US-395

Great River Road, North to South
-------------------

First up -- US 101, which runs from near the Mexican border all the way north to Olympic National Park. This is a lovely alternative to the I-5 slab; my husband and I have done most of the length of it in California and Washington State.

Public Campgrounds along US-101, south to north (West Coast). Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway. There may be other campgrounds available; inquire locally.

CA:
Note: US-101 parallels/follows I-5 in most places from San Diego to the northern Los Angeles metropolis area. Also to note, CA state beaches fill quickly, especially in the summer anytime, and weekends throughout the year. Reservations are highly recommended if you actually want to have a space!

San Elijo State Beach, Solana Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad
San Onofre State Beach, San Onofre
Note: Portions of this beach is a non-sanctioned nude beach.
San Clemente State Beach, San Clemente
Doheny State Park, Dana Point
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Orange County
Blue Jay Campground, Cleveland NF, Lake Elsinore
Note: This is about 25 miles east of the 101, and UP in the mountains. If beach camping isn't your thing, this is an alternative.
Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu

Note: Use CA-1, PCH, to access. There is no access from US-101.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Note: Recently reopened after the Woolsey fire of 2018.
Point Mugu State Beach
McGrath State Beach
Emma Woods State Beach, Ventura
Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria
Los Prietas Campground,Los Padres NF, near Santa Barbara
Figueroa Campground, Los Padres NF, Santa Ynez
Note: BYOWater.
Refugio Campground, Goleta
El Capitan State Beach, Goleta
NOTE: Wagon Flat Campground, Los Padres NF, listed on many maps, has been permanently closed.
Pismo State Beach
Morro Bay State Beach
Navajo Flat Campground, Los Padres NF, Santa Margarita
Note: About 27 miles, but takes 45 minutes to get there. Very primitive, only 8 sites.
Pinnacles National Park
Note: The campground at Pinnacles is ONLY accessible from CA-25, on the eastern side of the park. This may make it very inconvenient. Included here only because it's a national park and may be a destination place.
Fremont Peak State Park, near San Juan Bautista
Note: Arrive before sundown, as the road up is winding, and the vehicle lights destroy astronomers' view of the heavens. This was a family favorite!
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Note: Access from the PCH, CA-1. About 15 miles, 30 minutes, from US-101.
Samuel P Taylor State Park, Lagunitas
Sonoma Coast State Park
Note: About 27 miles to the coast.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood
Hendy Woods State Park, Philo
Note: About 28 miles from US-101.
MacKerricher State Park , Fort Bragg
Note: About 30 miles from the highway.
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Richardson Grove State Park
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, Garberville
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Weott
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, Carlotta
Note: If you're in a tent, request a site away from the highway. About 15 miles from US-101.
Sue-Meg State Park, Trinidad
Note: Formerly known as Patrick's Point State Park.
Redwood National Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Orick
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State park, Crescent City
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City
Note: Another family favorite. It's always a joy to sleep among the redwoods!


Still to come, US-101 in OR and WA.

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-101, south to north, OR and WA. Unless otherwise noted, all campgrounds are within 20 miles of the highway. There may be other campgrounds available; inquire locally.

OR:

Harris Beach State Park
Alfred A Loeb State Park
Humbug Mountain State Park
Cape Blanco State Park
Bullards Beach State Park
Sunset Bay State Park, Coos Bay
Horsfall Campground, Oregon Dunes State Recreation Area, North Bay
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Reedsport
Lagoon Campground, Suislaw National Forest
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence
Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park, Florence
Beachside State Recreation Site, Waldport
Tillicum Beach Campground, Siuslaw National Forest, Yachats
Beverly Beach State Park, Newport
Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, Lincoln City
Cape Lookout State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park, Nehalem
Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond

WA:

Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco
Lake Sylvia State Park, Montesano
Schafer State Park, Elma
Note: About 25 miles off of US-101.

Olympic National Park Campgrounds:
Camping in Olympic NP
Kalaloch Campground (reservations accepted) ONP
Sol Duc Campground (reservations accepted) ONP
Deer Park (not RV-accessible due to the approach road) ONP
Dosewallips Campground (walk-in only) ONP
Fairholme Campground ONP
Graves Creek Campground, Quinault Rain Forest ONP
Heart O' the Hills Campground ONP
Hoh Campground, Hoh Rain Forest ONP
Mora Campground, Quillayute River (reservations accepted) ONP
North Fork Campground, Quinault ONP
Ozette Campground, ONP
Queets Campground ONP (Only accessible from Upper Queets River Rd due to past mudslide)
South Beach Campground ONP
Staircase Campground ONP

Ocean City State Park, Hoquiam
Willaby Campground, Olympic NF, Quinault
Falls Creek Campground Olympic NF, Quinault
Bogachiel State Park, Forks
Klahowya Campground, Olympic NF, between Forks and Port Angeles
Sequim Bay State Park, Sequim
Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend
Fort Townsend Historical State Park
Dosewallips State Park, Brinnon
Hamma Hamma Campground, Olympic NF, Hoodsport
Lena Campground, Olympic NF, Lilliwaup
Potlatch State Park, Shelton


Next up, some time down the road, will be US-395.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds and dispersed camping along US-395, south to north. This list starts at the intersection of US-395 with I-15 in CA. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some campsites may not be listed; inquire locally. Also, note the numbers of campsites that do not have piped water. Bring your own, or bring a jug and fill it before you go to the campsite.

CA:

Walker Pass BLM Campground, Klavah Wilderness
Note: Only 2 sites for car campers. Bring Your Own Water!
Troy Meadows Campground, Sequoia National Forest, Inyokern
Note: About 37 miles, but well over an hour's drive from US-395.
Alabama Hills BLM Land
Note: Bring Your Own Water!
Grays Meadow Campground, Inyo National Forest Independence
Onion Valley Campground, Inyo National Forest, Independence
Sage Flat Campground, Big Pine
Big Pine Creek Campground, Big Pine
Grandview Campground, Inyo National Forest
Note: This is the closest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo NF, White Mountains. It's about 18 miles from/to Big Pine. BYO Water!
Oh Ridge Campground, Inyo National Forest, June Lake
Camping and RV in the June Lake Loop

NV:
US-395 skips over to Nevada for a few miles, then returns to CA.

Washoe Lake State Park, New Washoe City

CA:
Now it's back in California.

Merrill Campground, Lassen NF, Susanville
Note: This is about 25 miles from US-395.
Soup Springs, South Warner Wilderness, Modoc National Forest, Likely
Note: BYOWater.
Stough Campground, Modoc NF, Cedarville

OR:

Goose Lake State Rec Area, New Pine Creek
Idlewild Campground, Malheur NF, Burns
Note: Tents and very small travel trailers only (under 20').
Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, Mt Vernon
Bear Wallow Creek Campground, Umatilla NF, Ukiah
Note: BYO Water.
Frazier Campground, Umatilla NF, Ukiah
Note: BYO Water!

Highway follows I-84 and I-82 for a time, into WA.

WA:

Highway joins I-90 for a time, into Spokane.

Riverside State Park, Nine Mile Rec Area CG, Nine Mile Falls
Canyon Creek Campground, Colville NF, Kettle Falls
Note: BYO Water!
Deer Creek Summit Campground, Colville NF, Danville
Note: BYO Water!
Pierre Lake Campground, Colville NF, Kettle Falls


Next up will be US-54, from TX/NM to its northern terminus in IL. Why US-54? I've been up and down it a number of times over the years.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds and camping along US-54, which runs from TX/NM up to I-72 in Pittsfield, Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some other campsites may exist, as they are more obscure; inquire locally.

TX:

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Note: 35 miles from El Paso

NM:

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, Boles
Cedar Creek Campground, Lincoln NF, Riodoso
Note: 37 miles from the highway.
Sumner Lake State Park , Sumner Lake
Note: 45 miles one way!!!!!
Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Santa Rosa
Conchas Lake State Park
Note: 31 miles from Tucumcari
Ute Lake State Park, Logan

TX:

Rita Blanca City Park, Dalhart
Note: This is an example of the elusiveness of city and county parks that accept tents and RVs. There is no official website for this City Park. Inquire locally!

KS:

Arkalon Park, City of Liberal
Note: 10 miles northeast of Liberal on US-54
Meade State Park, Meade
Kiowa County State Lake Campground, Greenburg
Note: Three sites list this little fishing lake. All sites mention camping along the waters, and one site says it's "free". Camper, beware, though, as the site that lists this as "free" has been known to be wrong.
Cheney State Park, west of Wichita
El Dorado State Park, east of Wichita
Fall River State Park, Fall River
Cross Timber State Park, Toronto
Crawford State Park
Note: Park has 6 campgrounds, located about 19 miles from the highway.


MO:

Note: Many, but not all, of MO State Parks require a two-night minimum stay on weekends (either Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun). Please check individual state park websites.

Stockton State Park
Note: About 26 miles from the highway.
Pomme-de-Terre State Park
Harry Truman State Park, Truman Reservoir, Warsaw
Note: About 33 miles from the highway.
Bennett Spring State Park
Note: About 27 miles from the highway.
A trip to Bennett Spring SP,Post 10
This is a personal log of a visit to Bennett Spring State Park.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Osage Beach
Note: A family favorite, but bring mosquito repellent!
A forum article regarding a visit to the lake.
[I]Written by a Lake of the Ozarks full-time resident.[/I
Lakeview Park, Mexico, MO
Note: Personal experience with this park. It's a very pretty park. The lake is not huge like Lake of the Ozarks, but it does have a dock and lots of fishing opportunities. Non-city residents pay extra. To get there, the park is located at 927 Lakeview Rd. Leave US-54 at Busn. 54, follow the signs into Mexico. Make a left onto Lakeview Rd., just after you pass the First Presbyterian Church on your left. You'll see the small lake. Make a left on Fairground to get to the RV Park/Campground.
Graham Cave State Park
Note: 21 miles from the highway; campground has a 2-night minimum on weekends (Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun)
Mark Twain State Park, Florida
Note: Located on Mark Twain Lake. Park has 3 campgrounds, but is 22 miles from the highway.


Next up....US-61, chosen because of its proximity to the Mississippi River in many places, and because of its length. It is a south-north highway that goes from near the Gulf of Mexico in LA, up to Minnesota.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds and sites along US-61, south to north. For the purposes of this list, we start at Baton Rouge and move northward. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are located within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some campsites may be more obscure and not listed; inquire locally. As you travel along this river, be aware that spring and summer can be brutal on river-front campgrounds. Inquire locally.

MS:

Natchez State Park, Natchez
Leroy Percy State Park, Hollandale

TN:

Thomas O. Fuller State Park, Memphis

MO:
Note: US 61 parallels I-55 for quite some miles! Also note that many MO state parks require a 2-night stay on weekends (Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun0.


Trail of Tears State Park. Jackson
Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve
St Francois State Park, Bonne Terre
Washington State Park, DeSoto
Robertsville State Park, Robertsville
Cuivre River State Park, Troy
Wakonda State Park, LaGrange
Note: Personal experience with this park. Lovely! Reopened after flooding in 2019.
Mississippi River RV Campground, Canton
Note: Inquire locally about conditions at this lovely campground when trying to camp in spring and summer. The spring and summer season is often rough along the Mississippi!

Canton4
A view from just downriver of the Mississippi (City of Canton) RV Park.

IA:

Fairport State Recreation Area, Muscatine

Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa

WI:

Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville
Perrot State Park, Trempealeau

MN:

Great River Bluffs State Park, Winona
Dorer Memorial State Forest Campgrounds, Wabasha
Frontenac State Park, Frontenac
William O'Brien State Park, Marine on St Croix
Wild River State Park, Snake River Forest Campground, Center City

US-61 becomes MN Rt 61 at Forest Lake or Wyoming MN

Willow River Campground, Willow River
Jay Cooke Campground, Carlton
Goosebury Falls State Park, Two Harbors
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors
Note: Tent camping, walk-in sites only. No RV sites.
Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
Finland State Forest CGs (2)
Ninemile Lake Campground,Superior NF, Finland
Note: It's actually about 16 miles from the town of Finland.
Temperance River State Park, Silver Bay
Note: Has two campgrounds.
Cascade River State Park, Lutsen
Judge Clarence R Magney State Park, Grand Marais
Note: There are other parks managed by Magney State Park, in the nearby area, with campsites.
Grand Portage State Forest
Note: Three campgrounds, all managed by Magney State Park.
Twin Lakes Campground, Pat Bayle State Forest
Note: Campground managed by Magney State Park.

Next up, US-89, which runs from Flagstaff AZ to the Canadian border. Why did I choose it? Scenic value, plus how much of the route I've actually traveled!

Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along US-89 and US-89A, from its southern point in Flagstaff, AZ, to its northern reaches in Montana. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway. Other campgrounds may be available; inquire locally.
UPDATE: I highly recommend AAA's Indian Country map, as it is very detailed and will have the exact locations of the campgrounds in Arizona and Utah. It is available free to members of AAA, and at a low cost to non-members.

AZ:

Pine Grove Campground, Coconino NF, near Flagstaff
Dairy Springs Campground, Coconino NF, near Flagstaff
Bonito Campground, Coconino NF, near Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument
Locket Meadow Campground, Coconino NF
Grand Canyon South Rim Campgrounds: Mather, Desert View, Grand Canyon RV
Note: Desert View Campground is closer to US-89 than Mather and the Grand Canyon RV Park.
Grand Canyon North Rim Campground
Note: More than 20 miles from US-89, but included because GCNP is a destination park.
Jacob Lake Campground, Kaibab NF, Jacob Lake (US-89A)
DeMotte Campground, Kaibab NF, between Jacob Lake and the CG North Rim (US-89A)
Kaibab National Forest (North Rim) Dispersed Camping
Note: Dispersed camping means you can park in a lot of places (check the rules) and set up camp. But, BYO Everything! There's no water, picnic table, camp grill, or any sort of bathroom facilities.

UT:

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, west of Kanab
Note: This park is 14 miles from US-89. There are two roads that lead to the park. The northern one is a better road than the southern one, but they are both the same length. Bear in mind that if there is a lot of wind, everything will be full of sand since the campground is located right near the Dunes!
Donna's brief visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes, post 7
This is a personal log of a brief visit to this state park, 2019.
Zion National Park Campgrounds: South and Watchman
Duck Creek Campground, Dixie NF, Duck Creek
Red Canyon Campground, Dixie NF, Panguitch
Note: In a gorgeous area!
Panguitch Lake Campground, Dixie NF, Panguitch Lake
Bryce Canyon NP Campgrounds: North and Sunset
Donna's tour of Bryce Canyon NP, 2019.
This is a personal log of a trip to Bryce Canyon NP. Post 9.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Note: About 30 miles from the highway.
Otter Creek State Park, Antimony
Palisade State Park, Sterling
Deer Creek State Park, Charleston (US-189)
Wasatch Mountain State Park, Midway (US-189)
Jordanelle State Park (US-189)
Rockport State Park (US-189), Peoa
Willard Bay State Park, Willard
Hyrum State Park, Hyrum

ID:

Bear Lake State Park, Paris
Note: Non-ID residents get charged an extra fee.
Pine Bar Campground, Caribou-Targhee NF, Freedom
McCoy Creek Campground, Caribou-Targhee NF, Palisades Reservoir
Palisades Creek Campground, Caribou-Targhee NF, Irwin
Calamity Campground, Caribou-Targhee NF, Irwin

WY:

Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds: Colter Bay, Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Lizard Creek, Signal Mountain
Note: Some campgrounds are hike-in only.
Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Donna's trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
This is a personal log of a longer trip that included these two parks. Start at Post 65 and continue.

MT:

Eagle Creek Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Gardiner
Canyon Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Gardiner
Note: Do not confuse this one with Canyon Campground in Yellowstone! This one is NF.
Dailey Lake Campground, Montana Fish and Wildlife, Emigrant
Loch Leven Campground, Mt Fish & Wildlife, Livingston
Pine Creek Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Livingston
Skidway Campground, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Townsend
Note: Just reopened, 2020, after a 2 year closure. The maximum trailer size is 16'.
Kings Hill Campground, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Neihart
Note: May or may not open. Call the National Forest office to inquire before going.
Many Pines Campground, Helena-Lewis & Clark NF, Neihart
Aspen Campground, Custer-Gallatin NF, Neihart
Choteau City Park and Campgrounds. Choteau
Glacier National Park Campgrounds, East Side
Note: There are 5 campgrounds on the east side of the park near US-89. One is primitive (Cut Bank), so BYO Water.


Next up, US-30, in places known as the Lincoln Highway. Chosen because of familiarity with the route.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-30, a coast-to-coast highway leaving from near Astoria, OR, to Atlantic City, NJ. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some sites may not be listed; inquire locally.

OR/WA:

Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond (OR)
Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco (WA)

Then follow listings for I-84.

ID:

Note: Follows I-84/86 through much of ID.

Summit View Campground, Caribou-Targhee NF, Georgetown
Bear Lake State Park, St Charles
Note: Charges extra for out of state residents.

WY:

Hams Fork Campground, Bridger-Teton NF, Kemmerer
Note: About 25-1/2 miles from Cokeville on US-30 to the campground, but about 80 minutes!

Then it follows I-80 all the way to Nebraska, and along I-80 in NE until it veers away at Grand Island.

NE:

Then it follows I-80 in NE until it veers away at Grand Island.

Mormon Island State Recreation Area, Doniphan
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, Fremont


IA:

Wilson Island State Recreation Area
Black Hawk State Park, Lake View
Note: About 23 miles from US-30.
Springbrook State Park, Guthrie Center
Note: About 25 miles from the highway.
Dolliver Memorial State Park, Lehigh
Ledges State Park, Madrid
Union Grove State Park, Gladbrook
Morgan Creek County Park, Linn
Coralville Lake, Army Corps of Engineers, Camping
Note: There are three campgrounds here, ranging from primitive to some with hookups. Campgrounds are at Sandy Beach, Sugar Bottom and the Dam Complex.

IL:

Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Morrison
Prophetstown State Recreation Area, Prophetstown
Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, Shabbona
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Note: Four campgrounds, most of which are more than 20 minutes drive from US-30. However, if you are considering the Greater Chicagoland as a destination, these could be considered as an option. However, they're a bit pricey for non-Cook County residents; compare to the cost of a commercial campground.
Forest Preserves of Will County
Note: Four other campgrounds, all in the south suburbs of Chicago. All sites are primitive. However, they're a bit pricey for non-Will County residents; compare to the cost of a commercial campground.

IN:

Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty
Chain O'Lakes State Park, Albion

OH:

Ottawa Metro Park Campground, near Lima
Mohican State Park, Loudonville
Guilford Lake State Park, Lisbon


PA:

Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown

US-30 follows I-76 thru the state quite a bit. US-30 is a nice alternative to the slab of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Kooser State Park, Somerset
Note: About 21 miles from US-30.
Shawnee State Park, Bedford
Cowans Gap State Park, Fort Loudon
Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville
Codorus State Park, Hanover
Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry
French Creek State Park, Elverson

NJ:

Wharton State Forest, Hammonton
Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton


Next up will be US-95, which extends from the Yuma, AZ area all the way to the Canadian border in Idaho. Once again, this is a route that I have traveled before, usually in spurts, and can be considered very scenic in many spots.


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public Campgrounds along US-95, beginning at Yuma, AZ, and ending at the Canadian border in Idaho. Unless otherwise noted, all camping areas are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some campsites may be left off the list; inquire locally.

AZ:
Note: Night driving is not recommended on this stretch of US-95.

Imperial Sand Dunes, west of Yuma on I-8
Note: located about 14 miles west of Yuma in California. Permits required for BLM camping. This is pure desert, so it gets HOT in the summer (and doesn't cool off all that much at night). BYO Everything!
Quartzsite BLM Area, Quartzsite
Note: BYO Everything!
Buckskin Mountain State Park (AZ-95)
River Island State Park, Parker (AZ-95)
Cattail Cove State Park (AZ-95)
Note: Some seasons require a two-night minimum stay. See the website for details.
Lake Havasu State Park, (AZ-95)

CA:
See AZ-95 for access to Lake Havasu area campgrounds (Buckskin Mountain SP, River Island SP, Cattail Cove SP, and Lake Havasu SP).

NV:

Lake Mohave Recreation Area Campgrounds
Lake Mead Recreation Area
McWilliams Campground, Mt Charleston
Mt Charleston Area Camping
Rye Patch State Recreation Area, Lovelock
Lye Creek Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, McDermitt
Note: About 22 miles from the highway, some of it on dirt and winding road. Heed the instructions on the website.

OR:

Camping at Leslie Gulch

ID:
Note: Idaho State Parks and Recreation Areas may charge a separate fee for non-state residents.

Big Flat Campground, Payette NF, Cascade
Ponderosa State Park, McCall
Seven Devils Canyon Campground, Wallowa-Whitman NF, Pollock
Castle Creek Campground, Nez Perce -Clearwater NF, Grangeville
Winchester Lake State Park, Winchester
Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston
Heyburn State Park, Plummer
Mokins Bay Campground, Idaho Panhandle NF, Hayden
Farragut State Park, Athol
Round Lake State Park, Sagle
Priest Lake State Park, Coolin


Next up, another cross-country highway, US-2. Why? Because it's very scenic in many places!


Donna

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along US-2, which runs from Everett, WA to Maine, but is purposely split because of the Canadian land. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some campgrounds may not be listed; inquire locally.

WA:

Wenberg County Park (formerly a state Park), Stanwood
Soda Springs Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF,Naches
Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth
Nason Creek Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, Leavenworth
Tumwater Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, Leavenworth
Note: Has been closed since 2014, due to fire-caused issues. No projected opening date yet.
Lincoln Rock State Park, East Wenatchee
Wenatchee Confluence State Park, Wenatchee
Daroga State Park, Orondo
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, Coulee City
Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City
Note: About 17 miles from US-2.
Riverside State Park, Spokane

ID:

Round Lake State Park, Sagle
Farragut State Park, Athol
Priest Lake State Park, Coolin
Outlet at Priest Lake CG, Idiaho-Panhandle NF, Priest River

MT:

Yaak River Campground, Kootenai National Forest, Troy
Bad Medicine Campground, Kootenai NF, south of Troy
Note: About 25 miles south of the highway.
Logan State Park, near Libby
Note: VERY close to the highway!
Ashley Lake North Campground, Flathead NF, Kalispell
Note: Very small, BYO Water.
Ashley Lake South NF Campground, Flathead NF, Kalispell
Note: Even smaller than the North campground. BYO Water. Check Tally Lake Ranger District for road conditions.
Whitefish Lake State Park, Whitefish
Wayfarers-Flathead Lake State Park
Note: Right about 21 miles from the highway.
Lost Johnny Point Campground, Flathead NF, Hungry Horse
Note: About 10 miles south, but this is grizzly bear territory! Lock up your food in the boxes provided!
Murray Bay Campground, Flathead NF, near Essex, MT
Devil Creek Campground, Flathead NF, near Essex, MT
Note: Adjacent to US-2.

Glacier National Park Campgrounds close to US-2:
Camping in Glacier NP
Apgar Campground (west side)
Two Medicine Lake Campgrounds (Upper and Lower) (east side)
Donna's trip to Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes
This is a personal log of a trip that included Glacier National Park.

Lake Elwell Recreation Area Campgrounds:
VFW Campground
Note: BYO Water!
North Bootlegger Campground
Note: BYO Water!
Willow Creek Campground, Lothair
Note: BYO Water

Fort Peck Lake Camping
Downstream RA CG, Fort Peck West CG

ND:

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit, Juniper Campground
Note: This campground rarely fills except on holiday weekends. However, it is a good hour's drive from the highway. Included here because this may be a destination.
Lewis and Clark State Park, Epping
Grahams Island State Park, Devils Lake
Turtle River State Park, Arvilla

MN:

Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
Note: About 28 miles from US-2. Park's feature is the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, where you can "walk across the Mississippi River". Bring mosquito repellent!
A journey across MN and WI
A personal log of a longer trip that included Lake Itasca and Lake Superior, some along US-2.

Cass Lake Area Campgrounds
Cass Lake Campground Loop, Chippewa NF, Bemidji
Norway Beach Campground, Chippewa NF, Cass Lake
South Pike Bay Campground, Chippewa NF, Cass Lake

O-Ne-Gum-E Campground, Chippewa NF, Deer River
Hay Lake Campground, Savanna State Forest

WI:

Pattison State Park, Superior
Birch Grove Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Washburn
Note: No reservations available. This area is beautiful, though!
Namekagon Lake Campground, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Cable
Note: About 23 miles from the highway.
Two Lakes Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Drummond
Wanoka Lake Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Iron River
Copper Falls State Park, Mellen

MI:

Lake Gogebic State Park, Marenisco
Marion Lake Campground, Ottawa NF, Watersmeet
Bewabic State Park, Crystal Falls
John Walter Wells State Park, Cedar River
Note: About 27 miles south of the highway.
Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Camping Site, Hiawatha NF, Rapid River
Note: BYO Water. There is no trash service, so bring out what you bring in. Also, at the 2023 writing, no reservations are taken for the 5 sites in this campground, but there were also no fees (i.e. free).
Flowing Well Campground, Hiawatha NF, Rapid River
Note: Has water! Located a mere 3 miles from the highway.
Indian Lake State Park, Manistique
Brevort Lake Campground, Hiawatha NF, west of St Ignace
Lake Michigan Campground, Hiawatha NF, St Ignace
Straits State Park, St Ignace
Note: Two campgrounds, waterfront and a view of the Mackinac Bridge.

End of the western portion of US-2. The eastern portion will be continued in the next post.

[DonnaR57]

Public campgrounds along the eastern portion of US-2, Vermont to Maine. Unless otherwise noted, all campsites are within 20 miles of the highway, one way. Some campgrounds may not be listed; inquire locally.


VT:

Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle
Little River State Park, Waterbury
Note: Bear country! Better read, and heed, the instructions regarding pets! This is the nearest public camping to Ben & Jerry's.
New Discovery State Park, Marshfield
Big Deer State Park, Groton
Stillwater State Park, Groton

NH:

Moose Brook State Park, Gorham
Dolly Copp Campground, White Mountain NF, Gorham
Basin Pond Campground, White Mountain NF, Chatham
Cold River Campground, White Mountain NF, Chatham/Fryeburg
Wild River Campground, White Mountain NF, Jackson/Gilead

ME:

Crocker Pond Campground, White Mountain NF, Bethel
Note: BYO Water
Mt Blue State Park, Avon

Donna