Camping in the United States
Camping is popular in the United States, with many thousands of campgrounds scattered around the country, especially in the more scenic areas near its national parks and other wilderness areas. Car camping and RV camping are most common, and wilderness camping is somewhat popular in the more sparsely populated western states.
Campgrounds may be privately owned or government owned. Privately owned campgrounds generally cost more and offer more amenities and services. Government owned campgrounds generally cost less and offer fewer amenities and services. "Dispersed camping" at ad hoc or undeveloped camp sites is also allowed on many rural government-owned lands, generally at no charge but subject to restrictions on stay length and other uses.
There is much variation in how you claim a site. Popular campgrounds generally recommend advance reservations, and in some cases require them for all campers. The most popular campgrounds often fill up weeks or months in advance, with reservations for each site opening a certain number of days in advance.
Less popular campgrounds are generally "first come, first serve", meaning that the first person to park and/or set up at the site for the night gets it, and they may occupy that site as long as desired, up to any maximum number of days set by the campground rules (often 14 days). These campground usually require registration on site, during which you will get a tag to display at your campsite to indicate you have paid for it. Privately owned campgrounds are less likely to have maximum stay restrictions.
Cost
Rates vary significantly depending on location, campground ownership, season, and amenities provided. Grounds often have different rates during popular holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Government-owned campgrounds are generally low cost ($10-20 per night) and sometimes free, while privately owned campgrounds typically range from $15 per night for tent camping to $60 or more for RVs with full services and amenities.
Campground ownership
Many of the most scenic campgrounds in the States are on government land. The federal government holds huge areas through agencies such as the Forest Service, Park Service, Department of Agriculture, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Land Management. States, counties, and cities may also have their own land available. Government campgrounds are sometimes privately managed through a contracted company.
Many campgrounds, especially those oriented towards RVs, are privately owned. 'RV Parks' specialize in providing services to RVers, and have electrical, water, and waste hookups. There are also some that accommodate tent campers, such as the national chain KOA.
Types of campground sites
Developed and improved
Most campsites are developed and improved. A site being developed simply means a compacted area for pitching shelter is present, and there may be a ring for wood fires and table. A site is improved when it has access to amenities such as drinkable water, toilets, trash bins, or showers. In bear country, you might also have a bear-proof box for food storage.
Electric
Some sites have amenities designed to meet the needs of Recreational Vehicles, such as electrical service. Some even have water and waste hookups at each campsite. For tent campers, some of these places may be just as enjoyable as non-electric sites, while others are about as enjoyable as parking lots.
Backpacking
Sites that aren't accessible by motorized vehicles are considered backpacking sites. You will have to carry in your tent and gear through hiking or horse trails.
Dispersed
Most lands require campers to use designated campsites. However, in some areas dispersed, or backcountry camping is permitted, where any location may be used, subject to a few restrictions. Before planning any trip, the office responsible for oversight of the particular land should be contacted to determine whether a permit is required, and if any special rules must be observed.
Leave-no-trace camping principles must be observed at all times, because unlike developed sites, the land is left vulnerable to damage. If a particular area does become overused, it may be closed off until it is able to recover.
Dispersed camping is possible at National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. National Forests can be found nationwide, whereas BLM lands are generally west of the Rockies.
Group and youth sites
If you are camping with a large group, it can often be cheaper to get a group site for a lower cost per-person. Some grounds even have sites set aside for youth groups.
By state
Illinois
| Name | Electric | Improved | Developed | Dispersed | Group | Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee National Forest | - | 162 | - | Y | Y | - |
| Fox Ridge State Park | 43 | - | - | - | - | Closed |
| Kickapoo State Recreation Area | ~62 | ~62 | - | - | - | - |
| Starved Rock State Park | 133 | - | - | - | - | Y |
Indiana
- Hoosier National Forest (Dispersed, Developed)
- Shades State Park (Improved, Youth)
- Turkey Run State Park (Electric, Youth)
Blue Earth County
- Bray Park and Campground, Madison Lake. This lakeside park is 102 acres and includes a sandy beach, boat launch, cable suspension footbridge over a ravine, paved walking trails, 2 playgrounds, picnic shelters, dump station. 32 electric sites, 20 tent sites, showers, flush toilets.
- Daly Park and Campground
- Land of Memories Park, Mankato.
- Minneopa State Park, Mankato. Park includes a waterfall (separate from campground) and a drive-through bison park. 61 drive-in sites. 6 electric sites. Camper cabins, showers, flush toilets, dump station.
- Rapidan Dam Park, Rapidan. 20 primitive wooded sites near the river.