5 Spring Break Camping Destinations You Haven’t Considered
Last Updated on March 5, 2021 by Jody
Spring break travel doesn’t have to break your budget. Consider a camping experience for an economical and fun way to get out of town, enjoy some new scenery, good weather and fresh air.
Spring is a great time to visit a state park campground or road trip to a national park. Crowds are lighter than during the popular summer season – you may feel like you have the entire area to yourself!
Don't Forget National Park Week
If you happen to have a 4th grader on spring break, the national parks are a great option as the whole family gets free park admission, thanks to the “Every Kid Outdoors” program.
Get our National Park Camping Tips You Need to Know
If you don't have a 4th grader you can still score free National Park admission and other perks during National Park Week, April 17-25, 2021 with entrance fees waived on Saturday, April 17.
Camping Tips for Everyone provides camping tips and inspiration.
As you plan your trip please check all local safety requirements and restrictions for your destination and abide by those requirements during your visit.
Spring Break Camping Trips
A visit to any of these spring break camping spots will leave you with lasting memories, long after your vacation has ended.
Need camping tips?
Tent Camping 101: Tips for Beginners
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
One of the best spring break camping destinations in the Midwest is Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The park offers recreational and educational opportunities above and below ground!
If you are camping for spring break, the weather in Kentucky is pleasant in spring, with warm days and cool nights. There are three campgrounds at Mammoth Caves, as well as numerous primitive backcountry sites.
Mammoth Cave Campground is only 1/4 mile from the visitor center, so you can be first in line for the underground cave tours.
With nearly 100 tent sites that are separated from the RV parks, this is the perfect camping spot. Bathroom buildings offer flushable toilets and running water, while coin-operated showers are available at the campground store. So, you don’t have to rough it!
Half of the campsites are reservable, and you can make reservations for the cave tours at the same time. Don’t forget to do this, as the really cool tours sell out quickly!
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
For warm weather camping for spring break, it doesn’t get much better than the Sonoran desert of Southern Arizona. Gilbert Ray Campground is one of the best Arizona camping destinations.
Proximity to Tucson means you’ll never run out of fun activities, while the surround national park offers miles of hiking trails.
The campground is just minutes from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, one of the state's world class attractions. Spacious campsites have picnic tables, and nearby bathrooms. No showers at this campground, so bring a solar shower and tent for washing up.
You’ll never forget the special experience of camping here, under the some of the darkest skies in the world, serenaded by howling coyotes at night.
Giant City State Park, Illinois
Southern Illinois has several great spring break camping spots, and is a full eight hours south of Chicago, so warmer weather comes much sooner to this region.
Giant City State Park offers easy access to Shawnee National Forest, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The campground has 85 campsites with water and electricity, plus bathrooms and showers nearby.
If you are traveling with non-campers, Giant City Lodge has 34 cabins for rent, complete with heat, A/C and televisions! Don’t miss the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner at the lodge one night during your stay.
When you have exhausted all of the hiking options at Giant City, head to nearby Garden of the Gods Recreation Area to check out the cool rock formations.
Due to the proximity of Southern Illinois University, alcohol is not allowed in the campground from September through May.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
St. George, Utah is one of my favorite places in the world. Just outside of St. George is Snow Canyon State Park, a magical spot often overlooked for nearby Zion National Park.
Gorgeous spring weather makes this one of the best spring break camping destinations in the Southwest. The campground is small, with 14 RV sites and 17 multi-use campsites, so be sure to make reservations as soon as the window opens, 4 months in advance. There are bathrooms and showers, fire pits and picnic tables.
Snow Canyon State Park has more than 18 miles of hiking trails with arches and sand dunes. Nearby Red Cliffs Desert Preserve is another hidden gem of Southern Utah with more cool hiking trails. Of course, a side trip to Zion National Park is well worth the drive, but you’ll be glad to return to the quiet and calm of Snow Canyon State Park at the end of the day.
Everglades National Park, Florida
You can’t get much further south in the U.S. than Everglades National Park, making it one of the best spring break camping spots for campers seeking hot and humid weather.
Everglades National Park offers endless opportunities for sightseeing, hiking and paddling.
Flamingo Campground is open year-round, however it is first-come, first-served from April 16 – November 19. Over 200 sites offer a variety of services, from electric hookups to tent sites with no electric. 55 of the sites offer views of Florida Bay, so try to reserve one of those if you can!
Modern bathrooms have showers and dishwashing sinks, and don’t forget the bug spray!
Looking for unique camping spots?
Check Tentrr to connect with private landowners.
Or try Hipcamp for campsites on ranches, vineyards, and public lands.
