Tired of battling to find a camping spot for spring break? This post has the fix. 

We dug into several fan-favorite campgrounds to find the uncrowded’ly awesome places to park it. What follows are our top 15 last-minute spring break camping destinations. 

To find these spots, we filtered for places that are still bookable last minute, offer spectacular outdoors’ing, and are in generally cool places all around the U.S. 

15 Last-Minute Spring Break Camping Destinations

West Coast Wonders

→Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California 

Towering redwoods typify this gem of a state park. The giants that spring up along hiking trails will remind you of what grandness truly means. It’s also a welcome reprieve from the more crowded national park nearby. 

Things to do: Trek along the pristine Smith River, enjoy a hike among giants, and take in the wildlife that abounds here.

Where to camp: Check out Ancient Redwoods RV Park for big-rig-friendly sites and easy access to the state park.

→Alvord Desert, Oregon 

This vast desertscape is a must-see for a different and spectacular side of Oregon. Formed by a dry lakebed, this spot offers stunning views, otherworldly landscapes, and spectacular night sky viewing. 

Things to do: Drive across the vast, flat playa, unwind with a soak in the nearby hot springs, and finish the day with breathtaking stargazing.

Where to camp: The place to stay is The Alvord Hot Springs. Beautiful, spacious campsites and access to a rejuvenating hot spring. What more could you ask for on a secluded spring break trip? 

→Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

This spring break camping spot features over 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone. Petrified trees and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs create curiosities everywhere you trek. 

Things to do: The Valley of Fire is a popular photography spot with epic hikes. To round out your spring break, be sure to check out the White Domes and Fire Wave trails. 

Where to camp: Lake Mead RV Village At Echo Bay — Large RV sites with plenty of room for boats. 

Mountain Escapes

→Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado

This national forest spans almost one million acres and features some of the most spectacular mountain peaks to be found in all of Colorado. Dispersed camping is plentiful, so you can easily escape to spring break solitude. 

Things to do: Explore vast wilderness areas, hike to alpine lakes, and enjoy stunning mountain views. And when you want a taste of town, places like Gunnison, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango are generally within range. 

Where to camp: Meadows of San Juan RV Resort — Stunning mountain vistas and harmonious nature round out this park. 

→Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

Discover hidden waterfalls, hike through old-growth forests, and enjoy the tranquility of the Pacific Northwest at this massively mountainous outdoor playground.

Things to do: Fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities are plentiful in this place.   

Where to camp: Midway RV Park — Midway between Seattle and Portland with big-rig pull-through sites, a restaurant, and nearby antique shops. 

→Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee 

Skip the crowds at Great Smoky Mountains National Park while enjoying the same Appalachian Mountains. 

Things to do: Hike booming waterfalls, spot vibrant wildflowers, cast a line for trout, cruise scenic byways, camp under clear skies, and catch migrating birds at this Southern spot. 

Where to camp: Cherokee Riverfront RV Park — Enjoy babbling brooks while you camp. 

Spring Break Camping – Southern Style

→Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas 

Big Bend National Park’s less-crowded cousin is this no less beautiful state park that offers the same rugged beauty with even more solitude. 

Things to do: Hike through canyons, camp under a sky full of stars, explore ancient pictographs, float the river, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over vast desert landscapes.

Where to camp: Lost Alaskan RV Park — Full hook up sites outside the famous town of Marfa with easy access to the Big Bend area.

→Ocala National Forest, Florida 

Enjoy crowd-less Florida sunshine at this national forest with crystal clear springs, pine forest hiking, and kayaking on pristine waters.

Things to do: Dive into the refreshing waters of Alexander Springs or Juniper Springs, renowned for their natural beauty and consistent temperatures. Explore the vast network of off-road trails perfect for ATV adventures, or simply relax and birdwatch in the forest. 

Where to camp: Ocala North RV Resort — A big rig friendly spot nestled in the heart of Ocala’s horse country.

→Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi 

Enjoy spring break camping where emerald waves meet sugar-white sand. This off-the-beaten-path locale gets you those spring break breach vibes without the crowds. 

Things to do: Explore historic forts, kayak clear waters, and hike coastal trails. You can even fish for your dinner right from the shore. Gulf Islands is a natural escape with a rich history. 

Where to camp: Davis Bayou Campground — Park it right near the beach at this RV-friendly campground with large pine trees for shade.

Midwest Adventures

→Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio 

This park is an outdoorsy dream that’s undiscovered by the masses. Hike dramatic gorges like Old Man’s Cave, explore hidden caves at Ash Cave, and chase cascading waterfalls at Cedar Falls. 

Things to do: The rock climbers among us can rappel down sandstone cliffs at designated areas. Trekkers can spot native wildlife along the Grandma Gatewood Trail. Picnic possibilities abound amidst ancient hemlock forests. Head to Rock House for a unique cave experience.

Where to camp: Hocking Hills State Park Campground — This RV-friendly spring break camping destination sits right by Old Man’s Cave.

→Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan 

Tucked between Canada and Michigan, the Upper Peninsula dips its toe into three Great Lakes. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a secluded place to take it all in. 

Things to do: Hike rugged trails to panoramic Lake Superior vistas, kayak pristine rivers, and fish for trophy brook trout.  

Where to camp: Ontonagon Township Park — Camp right on Lake Superior and enjoy spectacular sunsets at this RV park near the Porcupine Mountains. 

→Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Nestled in Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest encompasses 289,000 acres of diverse landscapes, featuring striking rock formations like those in Garden of the Gods, and abundant forests and waterways. 

Things to do: The national forest offers hiking, camping, and scenic drives. It’s a spring break spot off the beaten path, so you’ll have plenty of solitude.

Where to camp: Johnson Creek Campground — Tree-covered RV camping managed by the national forest. 

Spring Break Camping on the East Coast

→Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia 

Spend time with wild horses at this island oasis on our eastern seaboard. This spring break camping spot is a captivating blend of wild beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. 

Things to do: Explore miles of pristine shoreline, kayak through tranquil waterways, or simply observe the diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species. 

Where to camp: Carve out your own slice of spring break beach at the Oceanside Drive-In RV Campground. 

→Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont 

Nestled within Vermont’s iconic mountain range, this national forest presents a vast tapestry of verdant slopes, rocky peaks, and glistening waterways. 

Things to do: Within the national forest, you’ll find extensive hiking trails like the Lye Brook Falls Trail and the Haystack Mountain Trail. There are also plenty of places for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Where to camp: Pine Hollow Campground is a little gem of a place that offers spring break camping in a lush natural setting. Be sure to check out the spring fed pond!

→Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania 

Allegheny National Forest is a testament to the region’s rich natural history. Originally heavily logged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the forest has rebounded remarkably, showcasing the resilience of nature. Established in 1923, it now protects a diverse ecosystem of hardwood forests, rolling hills, and the expansive Allegheny Reservoir.

Things to do: Hike along numerous trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail. Boat, fish, and swim at the Allegheny Reservoir. There are also many trails for ATVing and off-roading.

Where to camp: The Red Oak Campground offers full hookup sites, a pirate-themed playground, and family-friendly vibes. 

So what are you waiting for? Ditch the spring break crowds at these 15 last minute spring break camping destinations. From the towering redwoods of California to the serene beaches of Mississippi, there’s a perfect last-minute camping destination for every adventurer.

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