9 Fantastic Places to Camp this April and May (+Map of Spring Camping)
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Discover the best places to camp in May and April. In many places, the weather is warming up, and more places in the northern part of the country are starting to open up. Here are 9 fabulous camping destinations that you should visit this Spring!
One thing to keep in mind is that traveling to a camping destination could involve snow or heavy rain during your journey, We suggest being prepared for challenging driving conditions.
Another option is to rent a camper. You can be assured warm nights even if a spring storm moves in and you can rent an RV near your destination. We suggest looking for the best deal (and some insider tips from the locals) at Outdoorsy. You can use our link for a $50 off Outdoorsy coupon.
Where are the best places to camp in April and May? the list below includes my favorite places and you can tent or RV camp!~
Check out the map below.
While you are planning your spring camping trip you will love to have a camping journal along with this season. We have many printables in the shop… but one of my favorites is the camping journal. You can use it to plan your trip with campground information and then have it for recording memories aling the way. Just print and put in a 3 ring binder.
You can kick off this year by planning and recording all your camping adventures in one place. Check out our camping journal in the shop.
Joshua Tree National Park
Experience camping in the Mojave Desert, the only place in the world where the Joshua Trees grow. Pull up space under billions of stars. Camping in the spring brings moderate temperatures and wildflowers. The best month for camping at Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly April.
The park has 800,000 acres and 9 campgrounds to choose from. A couple even have running water and flush toilets. Black Rock Campground is the largest and can accommodate RVs. There are also 3 first-come-first-serve campgrounds if you plan a last-minute trip.
- Highlights: Joshua Trees, desert camping, rock formations, star gazing
- Where to Camp: Belle, Black Rock and Cottonwood Campgrounds
- Rent an RV: Check out this Airstream or imagine renting this Military H-1 Hummer on Outdoorsy
Beavers Bend State Park
If you want to get back to nature and have a more exclusive midwestern experience, you need to check out Beavers Bend State Park. It is situated along the Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River in the mountains of Oklahoma.
Going to this state park is an excellent way to be immersed in nature. Hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are just a couple of outdoor activities that can be found just outside of your RV. Don’t forget to check out the Forest Heritage Center.
There are three RV campgrounds on the property and are in a great location to access the rest of the park through a short drive or walk.
- Highlights: forests of pine and hardwood trees, Broken Bow Lake, hiking, boating
- Where to Camp: Beavers Bend State Park https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/beavers-bend-state-park
- Rent an RV near Beavers Bend on Outdoorsy starting at $99 a night.
Washington, D.C.
You may not think of Washington D.C. being a top RV camping location but going in March, April or May is an awesome time. The National Cherry Blossom Festival only comes around once a year at the beginning of April, so being in the nation’s capital during this very unique time is quite special.
You will spend your time exploring the historic city while being surrounded by white and pink trees in nice cool temperatures. Our favorite places in DC to take the kids were the National Zoo to see the Pandas, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Museum of Science.
One of the highest-rated RV parks in the area is Cherry Hill Park. This is located in College Park, Maryland but it is only 20 miles from the heart of Washington D.C. This makes it super easy to access the city and see all of the beauty that comes at this time of year.
- Highlights: Cherry Blossom Festival, National Zoo, White House, Mall
- Where to Camp: Cherry Hill Park
- Rent an RV for a road trip or a Campervan to fit easily around the city. Even go retro with this Volkswagon Westfalia! Reserve on Outdoorsy
- Tip: Uber around town rather than renting or driving a car
White Sands National Monument
A hidden gem of New Mexico’s landscape is White Sands National Monument. Located in the Northern sect of the Chihuahuan Desert, this area is home to huge fields of dunes. There are about 275 square miles of dune fields throughout the park. While staying here, the most popular activity is sledding down the 30-foot dunes and having a blast with your family.
Fortunately, you are only an hour and a half from El Paso, Texas, right by the Billy The Kid Museum, and a short drive away from the Carlsbad Caverns.
You will also not be able to stay in your RV on the Monument’s property as they do not have RV setups. Only primitive backcountry camping is allowed. Right down the road, there is the White Sands KOA where a majority of the Monument’s visitors stay when tent and RV camping.
- Highlights: sand sledding, hiking, camping
- Where to Camp: KOA Alamogordo
- Rent an RV for your New Mexico camping trip: this Jayco hybrid on Outdoorsy is only 23 feet and sleeps 8!!
Arches National Park
About a 10-hour drive, Northwest lies Arches National Park. This is one of Utah’s most beautiful areas. Along with the Arches Visitor Center, you must visit the Balanced Rock, Devils Garden, the Courthouse Towers, and some other great landmarks on the park’s property.
Devil’s Garden Campground accommodates RVs. The campground starts taking reservations on March 1, so make sure to sign up right away. This campground is located 18 miles from the park entrance, so you are in the heart of the park under the stars.
- Read our suggestions for One Day at Arches
- Everything you need to know about camping in Moab
- Where to Camp: Devils Garden Campground
- Rent an RV and explore the Utah National Parks from $99 night
Atlanta, Georgia
Yes, there are a lot of national parks and natural attractions that are awesome to visit. However, sometimes exploring big cities can be just as exciting. One American city that is a must-visit is Atlanta, Georgia. Despite Atlanta being one of the biggest cities in the country, there are still tons of RV camping options right outside the city.
One of the attractions that Atlanta is known for is being home to the Georgia Aquarium. This is the largest aquarium in the entire country and is even home to a whale shark, which is an animal rarely seen by most of the public.
In addition to the aquarium, there is the College Football Hall of Fame, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Piedmont Park, and so much more for the whole family!
- Highlights: History, Aquarium, Park
- Where to camp: Stone Mountain RV Park
- Rent an RV: Check out this Tweet the yellow Camper
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a bucket-list location for travelers who want to experience a natural wonder of the world. You will see some spectacular sights within the 277 miles of the canyons and uplands surrounding the Colorado River.
Everywhere from the south rim to the north rim offers you some great views and memorable days. If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, try booking a hiking trek or river rafting trip.
- Highlights: Grand Canyon is 1 mile deep, canyon hiking, rafting, dark night skies
- Where to camp: Trailer Village RV Park
- Rent an RV: Check out the Good Times Campervan or the Happy Glamper on Outdoorsy
Orlando, Florida
One of the best destinations in April and May is Orlando. This is because of the huge amount of activities and weather warm enough to fully enjoy the beach experience.
Of course, Disney World and Universal Studios, are not to miss destinations. Within an hour’s drive, at Blue Spring State Park you can see hundreds of manatees in the clear blue waters.
One of the best-rated RV parks in Orlando is Bill Frederick Park. Located right on Turkey Lake, one of the best fishing lakes in the whole state. Another option if you are visiting Disney is the Fort Wilderness Campground.
Camp amid the magic of the great outdoors. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground evokes the timeless beauty of the American frontier, with deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming the Resort’s 750 acres of pine and cypress forest.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Highlights: beaches, ocean, manatees, Walt Disney World
- Where to Camp: Bill Frederick Park or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.
- Rent an RV : This hybrid trailer sleeps 7, is Disney approved and rents for $55 a night on Outdoorsy!
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem in western Wyoming sits Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Tetons are a perfect place to visit in late April and May. The winter is quite cold and the summer can be busy, but late spring is quieter and fill of wildflowers…. and babies.
You might get the chance to see Bison, moose, bears, elk and more with a cub or fawn in tow. I have watched a mother elk with her young twins for hours. They are just so amazing!!
An RV is the best way to camp in the Tetons in the spring because the weather can still be unpredictable and cold at night. The Hoback area is one of our favorites. In fact, we watched the total eclipse at Granite Creek Campground but Kozy or Hoback is more likely to be open in April.
- Highlights: Spectacular views, large game, wildflowers, fishing, and babies
- Where to Camp: Hoback River Area
- Rent an RV from Outdoorsy for a Tetons adventure.
Final Thoughts about Places to Camp in April and May
Spring is a wonderful time to go camping. The weather is warming up in the northern part of the country and still cool and comfortable in the desert areas. You can choose from an adventurous trip to the national parks, an exciting time at Disney or a exciting time in a big city. The possibilities are endless.
This is part of our series on camping in every month. Check out more on out blog:
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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