America’s Most Unusual Camping Spots: From Ice Fields to Desert Oases

Camping has always been a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature. However, for those who yearn for an experience beyond the typical campground, the United States offers some of the most extraordinary and unusual destinations for setting up camp. From icy fields in Alaska to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Hawaii, these unique spots cater to RV, tent, and van life campers seeking adventures that are anything but ordinary.

Ice Camping in Alaska

In the heart of Alaska, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers an ice camping experience unlike any other. This vast wilderness, covering over 13 million acres, provides brave souls a chance to sleep among glaciers and rugged peaks. Campers can look forward to waking up to the crisp, clean air and possibly even witnessing the ethereal aurora borealis.

Here are some top locations where you can experience ice camping in Alaska:

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: The largest national park in the U.S., offering vast glaciers and remote landscapes perfect for experienced ice campers.
• Denali National Park and Preserve: Known for North America’s highest peak, Denali offers ice camping opportunities amidst its high alpine environments and glacier-draped mountains.
• Glacier Bay National Park: Accessible only by boat or plane, this park provides unique ice camping experiences near its dynamic glaciers and stunning fjords.
• Kenai Fjords National Park: Offers ice camping near the Harding Icefield, where campers can explore numerous glaciers and rugged terrain.
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve: For a truly remote and wild ice camping experience, this park offers untouched landscapes above the Arctic Circle, with no roads or trails.

These locations provide challenging and breathtaking opportunities for those looking to camp on ice, surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery in the world.

What to Expect

The icy landscapes are both breathtaking and challenging. The silence of the snow-covered expanses is profound, offering a peace that only such remote locations can offer. Wildlife sightings may include caribou, bears, and a variety of birds, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Facilities and Access

Those arriving by RV or van will find designated areas where vehicles can be parked safely away from the fragile glacier surfaces. Preparation is key in such extreme conditions, including having appropriate gear and possibly hiring a guide for the safest experience.

Volcano Camping in Hawaii

Hawaii’s volcanic islands offer a dramatic setting for campers at spots like Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Camping here allows you to sleep on ancient lava flows and wake up to landscapes that are constantly being reshaped by volcanic activity.

Camping near volcanoes in Hawaii offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Here are the top locations for volcano camping in Hawaii:

• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: This park is home to Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. The park offers several campgrounds, such as Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki, where you can camp amid volcanic craters, steam vents, and lava flows.
• Mauna Loa: As the largest volcano in the world, Mauna Loa offers a rugged and adventurous camping experience. The Mauna Loa Observatory Road provides access to high-altitude campsites with breathtaking views.
• Haleakalā National Park: Located on Maui, this park includes the dormant Haleakalā Volcano. Visitors can camp at the Hosmer Grove or Kīpahulu Campground, offering a chance to witness spectacular sunrises and diverse ecosystems.
• Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Also on Maui, this upland forest offers cooler temperatures and is located on the slopes of Haleakalā. It’s a unique environment for camping, different from the typical volcanic landscapes.
• Kau Desert Trail: For a more primitive camping experience, the Kau Desert on the flanks of Kilauea offers stark, volcanic landscapes with trails leading through lava fields and past ancient petroglyphs.

These locations provide a mix of both developed campgrounds and backcountry experiences, each offering a different perspective on Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes.

What to Expect

The terrain here is unlike any other—lava fields extend as far as the eye can see, interspersed with lush tropical vegetation. The air carries a hint of sulfur, and the ground beneath can feel unnervingly warm, reminding campers of the powerful natural forces at play.

Facilities and Access

Several campgrounds and parks provide drive-up sites suitable for RVs and vans. These spots are equipped with basic amenities, though the volcanic environment requires campers to bring additional supplies like water and fire extinguishers.

Desert Retreats in Arizona

The Sonoran Desert in Arizona offers an enchanting yet rugged camping experience. This region is characterized by its towering cacti and dramatic mountain ranges, providing a unique blend of solitude and natural beauty.

Arizona’s expansive deserts are some of the most picturesque and distinctive camping destinations in the United States. Here are the top locations for desert camping in Arizona:

• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Situated in southern Arizona, this area is celebrated for its rare organ pipe cacti. The monument features scenic campgrounds like Twin Peaks and Alamo Canyon, perfect for enjoying star-filled skies and tranquil desert vistas.
• Joshua Tree Forest: Along the northwestern Arizona border, this region boasts the densest Joshua Tree forest. Dispersed camping along the backcountry roads offers a remote desert experience.
• Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: Renowned for its rugged terrain and desert bighorn sheep, Kofa provides dispersed camping sites ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure deep within the Sonoran Desert.
• Saguaro National Park: Surrounding Tucson, this park is dedicated to the iconic giant saguaro cactus. Both its Rincon Mountain District and Tucson Mountain District offer extensive backcountry camping opportunities.
• White Tank Mountain Regional Park: Located near Phoenix, this regional park features camping facilities and numerous trails that traverse the Sonoran Desert landscape, adorned with large granite boulders and vibrant spring wildflowers.

These locations offer a spectrum of desert camping experiences, ranging from well-equipped campgrounds to remote sites perfect for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the desert wilderness.

What to Expect

Desert camping involves dramatic temperature shifts from day to night, which can be challenging but also reward campers with exceptionally clear skies for stargazing. The sunsets are particularly breathtaking, painting the horizon with brilliant hues as the day ends.

Facilities and Access

Cliffside spots are more suited for tents and vans capable of handling steep, narrow roads. Safety equipment and knowledge of mountain camping are essential for these locations.

Conclusion

These unique camping spots across the United States offer more than just a place to pitch a tent; they offer an entrance into some of the most breathtaking and extreme environments imaginable. Each location provides a unique blend of challenges and rewards, promising unforgettable adventures for those willing to step off the beaten path.

Underwater Themed Camping in Florida

Near the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, some campsites provide a unique underwater-themed experience. These locations merge camping with snorkeling or diving, creating a seamless transition from your campsite to the underwater world.

Florida is renowned for its diverse underwater-themed camping spots, particularly appealing to snorkeling and diving aficionados. Here are some of the best places to enjoy such experiences:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Situated in Key Largo, this park lies within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is home to America’s first underwater park. It offers traditional camping facilities alongside easy shore access for snorkeling and diving.
• Bahia Honda State Park: Located in the Lower Keys, this park is famed for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for underwater-themed camping. It features excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, complete with waterfront campsites.
• Dry Tortugas National Park: Only accessible by boat or seaplane from Key West, this isolated park is celebrated for its historic Fort Jefferson, pristine waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Camping here allows for exceptional snorkeling and diving right off the beach.
• Blue Spring State Park: In Central Florida, this park is known for winter manatee sightings. Although not a marine site, its clear blue springs are perfect for freshwater snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Sebastian Inlet State Park: This park, located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, is noted for its fishing, surfing, and snorkeling. It offers waterfront campsites that provide direct access to the rich marine life in the inlet’s waters.

These spots blend snorkeling, diving, and traditional camping, enabling you to immerse yourself in Florida’s vibrant underwater ecosystems directly from your campsite.

What to Expect

Expect to encounter warm waters filled with colorful fish, coral formations, and occasional shipwrecks. Nighttime dives can illuminate the water with bioluminescent life, creating a magical underwater glow.

Facilities and Access

Access to these unique campsites typically involves a brief boat journey. Campers should come prepared with appropriate diving certifications and gear, though rental options are often available at these sites.

Cliffside Camping in Colorado

For those not faint of heart, camping on the cliffs of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado can provide an adrenaline rush like no other. These campsites offer unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes, nestled at altitudes that challenge even seasoned campers.

Cliffside camping in Colorado offers some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring vistas in the United States. Here are top locations for cliffside camping where you can enjoy breathtaking views and rugged terrain:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Known for its steep, dark, and deep canyon, this park offers cliffside camping at the South Rim Campground. The views are spectacular, and the sheer drops are exhilarating for those who camp close to the rim.
• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: Located near Cañon City, this park is home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Camping near the gorge provides stunning views of the surrounding area and the Arkansas River below.
• Ridgway State Park: Offering views over the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre Plateau, this park has several campsites that sit on elevated terrains providing a cliffside-like experience.
• Telluride Town Park Campground: Nestled in the historic mountain town of Telluride, this campground offers scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and is a popular base for hiking and climbing in the area.
• Palisade Basecamp RV Resort: Located in Palisade, Colorado, this unique resort offers cliffside RV sites with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and mesas, combining luxury with adventure.

Each of these locations provides a unique way to experience Colorado’s renowned mountainous landscapes, with camping options that range from traditional tent camping to RV sites, all positioned to make the most of the stunning cliffside views.

What to Expect

The views from these heights are truly spectacular, with eagles soaring at eye level and the vast expanse of the Rockies stretching out below. The altitude can be a challenge, so acclimatization days are recommended.

Facilities and Access

Cliffside spots are more suited for tents and vans capable of handling steep, narrow roads. Safety equipment and knowledge of mountain camping are essential for these locations.

Conclusion

These unique camping spots across the United States offer more than just a place to pitch a tent; they offer an entrance into some of the most breathtaking and extreme environments imaginable. Each location provides a unique blend of challenges and rewards, promising unforgettable adventures for those willing to step off the beaten path.