Which states offer the best camping spots for a night under the stars? Ahead of National Camp Day on November 19, Lawn Love just dropped its list of the Best States for Camping in 2025, and some of the results might not be what you’d expect.
To find the top contenders, researchers compared all 50 states across 21 metrics, including the acreage of state and national parks, access to campgrounds and RV parks, and even average Hipcamp rates. The result? A definitive guide to where campers can get the most bang for their buck, or, in this case, the best view for their tent.
California snagged the top spot, thanks to its sheer variety of landscapes. From the misty redwood forests of Northern California to the sun-baked deserts of Joshua Tree and the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, the Golden State has it all. Whether you’re into rugged backpacking, coastal glamping, or scenic RV stays, California is a camper’s paradise.
Coming in at No. 2 is Texas, where bigger really does mean better, at least when it comes to wide-open skies and star-filled nights. Campers can explore everything from the rolling Hill Country to the remote beauty of Big Bend National Park, not to mention hundreds of lakeside and desert camping options scattered across the state.
Florida rounded out the top three, offering balmy beachside camping and lush natural parks year-round.
And the least camping-friendly states? Connecticut, Hawaii, and Rhode Island ranked at the bottom.
The top 15 states for camping in 2025
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Michigan
- Colorado
- North Carolina
- Washington
- New York
- Oregon
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Tennessee
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Georgia
