The Best Destinations To Go Camping On Memorial Day, According To Reviews

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and along with the opening of public swimming pools and the telltale aroma of burgers roasting on the grill, Americans can look forward to the pleasures of warm-weather camping. That's right: This is one of the best times of year to ogle at wildflowers, hike along exposed ridges, and watch for birds. If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for somewhere new to fill your cup, then you've come to the right place. 

We've gathered some of the highest-reviewed camping destinations around the country that are worthy of hosting you (and potentially your family) over Memorial Day weekend. A few of these spots are natural choices for those who want nothing more than solitude. Others provide remarkable comfort to anyone who may not be well-versed in the details of how to filter water from a stream or use a trowel to dig a cathole. No matter if you want to go glamping or camping, there is a place on this list waiting for you to discover it.

New York's Letchworth State Park is like a giant playground. White water rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and riding in a hot air balloon are a handful of the many fun-filled adventures visitors can embark on. One of the park's most unique offerings is its Autism Nature Trail. This peaceful, ADA-compliant path features "alone zones," sensory stations, a music circle, a playground, and more. Then there are the three highly acclaimed waterfalls, which gush between the high walls of a gorge dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the East." Much of the park is classified as a bird conservation area, so keep your eyes peeled for winged creatures like great blue herons, warblers, and bald eagles.

For overnight stays, you can book a cabin or pitch your tent in a designated campsite. RV sites are available, too. The campground offers plenty of amenities, including firewood, laundry equipment, a concession stand, picnic tables, showers, and a water fill-up station. History buffs should stop by the William Pryor Letchworth Museum to learn more about the area's past. A Tripadvisor user gave the park a glowing review, stating, "We enjoyed our visit here. There is plenty of parking. Trails are well maintained and we enjoyed the views of the waterfalls. It was busy over memorial day weekend."

North Carolina's Linville Gorge Wilderness area is pure bliss in May. The temperatures have not yet soared to their summertime highs, and you might see a few groves of flame azalea or rhododendron in bloom. The area is defined by 12 miles of canyon that line the Linville River; its forests are brimming with unique flora and fauna and cool geological features. The Chimneys, for instance, is a set of rough-and-tumble (some might say whimsical) rock outcroppings popular among climbers and hikers. Meanwhile, Shortoff Mountain offers some of the most picturesque vistas over the gorge. Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Linville Falls, which attracts hordes of photographers every year.

One of the best parts about Linville Gorge is that you can pitch a tent just about anywhere, making it one of the top national parks for camping in the country. Numerous backcountry sites are scattered throughout the gorge, with some of the most convenient, accessible, and well-maintained campsites perched on the Eastern rim. Many folks car camp at one of the sites along Forest Service Road 210 on their first night before hiking into the gorge and securing a more remote spot for the following night. Before setting out, obtain a free camping permit from the District Rangers Office. A permit is required on weekends and holidays between May and October, with only 50 available at any given time.

Indiana Dunes National Park is conveniently located close to two major airports, helping maximize your three-day weekend. On the southern shores of Lake Michigan, this 15,000-acre park is filled with wildlife. How could it not be, with ecosystems ranging from sand dunes to prairies and woodlands to wetlands? The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival takes place in May, proof that if you keep looking up, you'll surely spot some magnificent species, such as owls and bitterns. Keep your eyes on the ground, too, to appreciate the park's 1,000-plus native plants. Its hiking trails weave 50 miles throughout Indiana Dunes National Park, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot the flora and fauna.

When it comes time to rest your head, you'll be in good hands at Dunewood Campground. Sixty-six campsites with hot showers and restrooms are provided, and tents, RVs, and trailers can all be accommodated. While not on the campground, convenience stores are only a quarter mile away for any needs. You can stay connected to the outside world with good cell reception, but with an atmosphere this relaxing, you might want to pick up a book instead. According to Julie, the author and photographer of Earth Trekkers, May is "... a great time to go hiking, with cool temperatures and wildflowers blooming along some trails." Meanwhile, Instagrammer Sammy Seles recommends taking the "... beautiful trail right off the campground that leads directly to the beach. It's mostly shaded and we loved walking it, especially in the evening for watching the sunset on the beach."

Missouri's St Francois Mountains may be overshadowed by larger ranges like the West Coast's Rocky Mountains and the East Coast's Appalachian Mountains. However, they contain some of the most stunning geological features found anywhere in the American Midwest, including what some call a natural water park at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Camp overnight, and you'll have plenty of time to bask in the sun and play in the water among the grandiose rocks. Fishers are welcome to try their hands in the Black River, but should avoid areas with swimmers. While rock climbing and rappelling are popular during the fall, winter, and early spring, they are not allowed shortly before Memorial Day weekend.

Tents and RVs are accommodated at the campground, and there are showers, bathrooms, two laundry facilities, two camp stores, and drinking water for your comfort. It is also dog-friendly, so if you can't bear to part with Fido for the weekend, bring your pup along; just don't take them on the trail to the shut-ins, as the rocky outcroppings, steep drops, and gushing water are too dangerous. Regarding the latter topic, a reviewer on The Dyrt wrote, "While the water area itself is beautiful you do need to be extremely careful. Especially with little ones. There are areas up top that you can hang out with children and let them swim without issue." They also recommended booking a campsite well in advance and noted that the campground "... has long been one of our favorite places to go as a family."

Virginia's Shenandoah National Park may receive excessive attention during the fall, when autumn foliage paints the Appalachians in stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow. May is also a divine time to visit, and one of the best parts of the year for seeing wildflowers. More than 862 wildflower species grow in the park, like large-flowered trillium, flowering dogwood, violets, buttercups, and wild azaleas, which bloom in mid to late May.

While it's feasible to wear shorts and a T-shirt on sunny days in Shenandoah National Park, you should still pack layers for overnight camping trips. To account for Memorial Day weekend crowds, we suggest sticking to less popular, yet still wonderful hiking routes, such as Hazel River Falls and the Sugarloaf Loop. Additionally, the Rose River Loop Trail has a stunning waterfall; you might even choose to hop on a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit in Shenandoah National Park, but Loft Mountain Campground is an excellent choice for a more formalized overnight stay. "Beautiful views from the amphitheater, very good sized and maintained campsites, nice people, and a wonderful little shop where you can get coffee and beers," a previous visitor wrote on Google. Reservations are highly recommended for this campground, especially on weekends, but there are a handful of first-come, first-served sites available, too. Its popularity is largely due to its proximity to two stunning waterfalls, and tent and RV campers can use it. Firewood is available for purchase, but charcoal grills are not allowed, so plan your Memorial Day meal accordingly.

Ohio's Cuyahoga National Park comes alive with wildflower varieties like wild geranium and Jack-in-the-pulpit in May. With more than 125 miles of trails, you can stop and smell the flowers without worrying about being trampled by crowds. You can also photograph the waterfalls, perhaps while hiking the Brandywine Gorge Loop or en route to Blue Hen Falls. Bring a bike; the Towpath Trail is a well-traveled, crushed limestone path that is part of the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Twenty miles of the Towpath Trail run through the national park, but it is more than 90 miles from end to end. Finally, consider riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, especially if you have children.

Although camping is not permitted in Cuyahoga National Park, several options are nearby, including Valley Overlook. This 62-acre campground is less than 5 miles away and offers a wide range of accommodations. The canvas tents, for instance, are set up with furnishings like beds, reading tables, dining tables, chairs, and fire pits. Meanwhile, the cabins can have kitchens or kitchenettes, bathrooms, and televisions. If you prefer to pitch an old-fashioned tent, you can do that, too; you'll be provided with a fire ring and picnic table. RVs and camping trailers are not allowed, though. During your stay, you can bike, hike, fish, kayak, and more. You might also get a chance to be social; as a Google reviewer noted, "We especially enjoyed the Saturday morning coffee that allowed us to meet some of the other campers."

Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has fantastic walkability. If you are physically able, hike to the Gunnison River, where you can camp overnight. Indeed, an overnight stay makes visiting the North and South Rims of the park more feasible.

Fourteen of the canyon's 48 total miles are within park boundaries, so it will take some time to explore. Driving along the South Rim is an easy and comfortable way to see the 2-million-year-old canyon, but you can also ride a horse along the North Rim, hike, birdwatch, or fish. The metamorphic rock spires and walls, which include some of the steepest cliffs in North America, are mesmerizing. By Memorial Day weekend, enough snow has melted for inaccessible roads to open.

If you don't want to hike into the canyon, we recommend staying at the North Rim Campground. It is remote, and sites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis, but that is part of its charm. After driving on 7 miles of unpaved road, you will be greeted with an idyllic, rustic campground where you can finally get off the grid (don't count on cell reception). Most spaces are better suited to tents than RVs. A Campendium reviewer noted that you can expect "Great shady, treed camp sites with trails along the cliffs edge ... If you want to just relax, drink your coffee on the edge of the cliff and listen to the river below."

If someone in your party has never gone camping before, or you simply prefer to be close to the comforts of civilization, check out Ocean View Resort Campground in New Jersey. This place is huge; with over 11,000 campsites, you could very well make a friend or two during your stay. You can sleep in a tent, a cabin, or an RV. Despite its size, there are opportunities to find quiet moments at this resort. "We've never stayed at a resort that did not allow golf carts, but having now stayed at OVR, I can say it was nice to see people biking and walking and to NOT have the noise and congestion of carts," a Tripadvisor user noted.

What makes Ocean View Resort Campground so one-of-a-kind is its diverse activities that will keep the whole family entertained. Whether it's putting balls in a competitive match of mini golf, scoring big points at an arcade, or challenging one another in a game of pickup basketball, you won't run short of chances to bond with your loved ones. Craving a dip in the water? Not far away is the New Jersey shoreline, but within the park is a large freshwater lake with paddle boats and an activity pool perfect for the tiniest of campers. Needless to say, you will be thankful for the tram that helps transport you around the resort. Finally, be sure to stay updated with special Memorial Day weekend activities. This year, candy bingo, spin art, and a flea market are just a few of the festivities.

Visit Maui's Haleakalā National Park and hike inside the crater of a volcano; you can even set up camp amidst otherworldly terrain. The backcountry campsites, available by reservation only, aren't for beginners; they are remote, exposed, and high in elevation. You'll need to bring a windbreaker and warm clothes for the morning and evening, but temperatures generally become more pleasant during the day. While May is not considered part of Maui's rainy season, a rain jacket is always a good idea, too, just in case.

At 6,940 feet above sea level, the Hōlua campsites are nestled in native shrubland and can be accessed by either a 3.7-mile or 7.4-mile trail. You will find four campsites, one group site, and a cabin. Meanwhile, at 6,380 feet above sea level, the Palikū campsites are adjacent to a rainforest zone and primarily accessible by a 9.3-mile hike. Like Hōlua, four individual sites, one group site, and a cabin are available. For a unique experience, Stasia Stockwell of Treeline Review recommends to campers: "Get up early to hike under the stars and arrive at the summit for sunrise before all the folks driving up."

Unless you are local to Hawaii, this is a good camping expedition to plan within an extended vacation. Reserve a day or two beforehand to gather your supplies, and spend a week recuperating on the beach afterward. May is still shoulder season in Hawaii, so you can soak up the views minus the crowds. 

Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park can make for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and its geologic features are awe-inspiring. Sixty-seven spires, known as sedimentary pipes, rise from the ground, and you can admire them while hiking, mountain biking, or geocaching. You can even ride a horse for up to two hours on the Panorama Trail with guides from Red Canyon Trail Rides. Expect warm weather during the day, but pack plenty of layers and a high-quality sleeping bag for the night, since it could drop below freezing.

There are three campgrounds within the park. We recommend Basin Campground for its location and amenities. Tripadvisor users lauded its bathroom facilities, and one reviewer who visited during Memorial Day weekend noted, "The elevation difference makes Kodachrome a warmer place to camp/hike than Bryce Canyon, which [results in] perfect weather in May." With picturesque views of the park's white hills and one of the more notable sand pipes, you can pitch a tent or park your RV in Basin Campground. 

Awaiting you will be the comforts of flush toilets, hot showers, and a dishwashing station. Alternatively, bunkhouses can be convenient for families; they are temperature-controlled and feature grills and refrigerators. If you are traveling as a couple, try to snag the Santa-Fe-Hut for its romantic vibes. Once the sun sets, you can tell stories around the campfire or rent discs from the Visitor Center for a unique round of disc golf (the baskets are lit at night).

These camping destinations were selected based on a thorough analysis of online reviews across multiple websites. We especially took note of reviews posted in May to better account for factors like weather and crowds. For instance, Memorial Day weekend may not be the best time of year to visit a southern destination that is already hot and teeming with mosquitoes. Instead, we looked for locations where the weather in May is somewhat predictable and comfortable.

We intentionally featured campgrounds across the United States with various amenities and accommodations. Backcountry campsites, RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins can all be found in this guide. Some campgrounds are quiet, while others are vibrant with human activity. Cost was not a factor in curating this list.