Top Memorial Day Weekend Campgrounds Across the U.S.
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and theres no better way to kick it off than with a camping trip. Whether you’re looking for epic mountain views, peaceful lakeside retreats, or family-friendly campgrounds, the U.S. is full of amazing places to pitch your tent or park your RV. Here are some of the most popular and scenic camping destinations across the country that are perfect for Memorial Day weekend.
National Park Favorites
National parks are a top choice for many campers during Memorial Day. These iconic spots offer stunning landscapes, well-maintained campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
| National Park | State | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite National Park | California | Breathtaking waterfalls, granite cliffs, family-friendly sites |
| Zion National Park | Utah | Dramatic red rock canyons, scenic hikes like Angels Landing |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee/North Carolina | Lush forests, misty mountains, abundant wildlife |
| Arapaho National Forest (near Rocky Mountain NP) | Colorado | Pine-covered peaks, alpine lakes, cooler temps in May |
| Acadia National Park | Maine | Dramatic coastline views, mountain trails, lobster rolls nearby! |
Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
If youre looking to escape the crowds this Memorial Day weekend, check out these underrated camping destinations that still offer incredible scenery and outdoor fun.
| Campground/Area | State | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Custer State Park | South Dakota | Bison herds, scenic drives, Black Hills backdrop |
| Palo Duro Canyon State Park | Texas | The “Grand Canyon of Texas,” red rock views, horseback riding trails |
| Ludington State Park | Michigan | Dunes, beaches on Lake Michigan, great for families and water lovers |
| Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit | Wisconsin | Pine woods, glacial hills, peaceful lake campsites with fewer crowds |
| Sawtooth National Recreation Area | Idaho | Dramatic mountain scenery with alpine lakes and solitude seekers’ paradise |
Tips for Booking Your Spot Early:
- Reserve ASAP: Many national and state park campsites open reservations 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. These go fast!
- Create an Account: Sign up ahead of time so you can book quickly when spots open up.
- Add Reminders: Set calendar alerts to jump on openings or cancellations.
- Be Flexible: If your first choice is full, try weekdays or arrive early Friday morning to snag walk-in spots.
- Avoid Popular Hours: Try booking mid-morning or late evening when websites are less crowded.
Your Memorial Day Adventure Starts Here!
No matter where you go—whether it’s a bucket-list national park or a quiet forest campground—you’ll be making unforgettable memories this Memorial Day weekend. Just remember to plan ahead and pack smart (more on gear coming soon!). Stay tuned for Part 2: Must-Have Camping Gear for Memorial Day Weekend.
2. Essential Camping Gear for a Hassle-Free Holiday Escape
Heading out for Memorial Day weekend camping? Having the right gear can make or break your outdoor experience. Whether youre heading to a national park, lakeside campground, or backcountry trail, this curated checklist of must-have camping essentials will help you stay comfortable, safe, and stress-free.
Must-Have Camping Essentials
Heres a quick look at the key items every camper should pack:
| Category | Gear Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | Tent (with stakes & rainfly) | Your home away from home — protects from weather and bugs |
| Ground tarp or footprint | Adds extra waterproofing and protects tent floor | |
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag (appropriate for temps) | Keeps you warm and cozy through cool nights |
| Sleeping pad or air mattress | Adds comfort and insulation from cold ground | |
| Pillow or inflatable pillow | Better neck support for restful sleep | |
| Cooking | Portable stove or grill | Makes meal prep easy even in remote areas |
| Fuel canisters/propane | Essential for powering your stove or grill | |
| Cookware set (pots, pans, utensils) | For cooking everything from eggs to chili | |
| Lighter/matches & firestarter | To start campfires or stoves reliably | |
| Cooler with ice packs | Keeps food fresh and drinks cold all weekend long | |
| Food & Water | Reusable water bottles or hydration packs | Stay hydrated on hikes and around camp |
| Water filter or purification tablets | Useful if you’re sourcing water from nature | |
| Non-perishable snacks & easy meals | Saves time and energy when you don’t feel like cooking | |
| Campsite Comfort | Camping chairs & table | Adds comfort to your chill time at the campsite |
| Tarp or canopy for shade/rain cover | Makes your site more livable in sun or rain | |
| Lanterns & headlamps (plus extra batteries) | Keeps things lit after dark — hands-free options are best! | |
| Clothing | Layered clothing (moisture-wicking) | Adapts to changing temps throughout the day |
| Footwear | Hiking boots/shoes & camp sandals | Support for trails + comfy kicks for relaxing |
| Safety & Hygiene | First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, meds | Be ready for minor injuries or allergies |
| Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, TP) | Stay clean while respecting nature | |
| Bug spray & sunscreen | Protect against bites and sunburns | |
| Navigation & Tools | Map, compass, GPS app (download offline maps) | Helpful even in areas without signal |
| Multi-tool or knife | For repairs, food prep, and emergencies | |
| Power bank or solar charger | Keeps phones/cameras charged off-grid | |
| Trash bags | Pack out what you pack in — leave no trace! |
| Weather Condition | What to Pack |
|---|---|
| Rainy | Waterproof tent, rain jacket, tarps, dry bags |
| Hot & Sunny | Sunscreen, hat, light clothing, extra water |
| Cold Nights | Warm sleeping bag, thermal layers, beanie |
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
With more people outdoors during Memorial Day weekend, its more important than ever to minimize your impact. Following Leave No Trace principles helps keep nature pristine for everyone.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out)
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Campsite Safety Essentials
A safe trip starts with being prepared. Here’s a quick checklist of safety essentials you should always bring on a Memorial Day camping trip:
- First aid kit with insect repellent and allergy meds
- Plenty of drinking water or a water filtration system
- Map of the area (don’t rely only on your phone)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Bears in the area? Bring bear spray and use bear-proof containers
Pro Tip:
If youre camping with kids or pets, set ground rules early—like staying within sight of camp and keeping food away from tents—to keep everyone safe.
By following these tips, youll set yourself up for an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend full of adventure, relaxation, and great memories in the great outdoors.
4. Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy Outdoors
Memorial Day weekend is a great time for families to get outside and reconnect with nature. Whether youre camping in a national park, by the lake, or at a local campground, there are plenty of fun and easy activities everyone can enjoy. Here are some top outdoor activities that are perfect for families and groups:
Hiking for All Ages
Choose family-friendly trails that offer scenic views without being too strenuous. Look for paths with clear signage, rest areas, and maybe even a waterfall or wildlife viewing spot. Remember to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Kayaking & Canoeing
If youre near a lake or river, renting kayaks or canoes can be a fun way to explore the water together. Many campgrounds have rental services or nearby outfitters. Make sure everyone wears life jackets and follows safety rules.
Campfire Games and Stories
Evenings around the fire pit are perfect for classic games like charades, 20 questions, or telling spooky (but kid-friendly) stories. Don’t forget s’mores — they’re a must-have treat!
Stargazing Adventures
Camping away from city lights gives you the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to stargazing. Bring a star map app or a simple telescope. Try spotting constellations or catching a shooting star.
Easy Activity Ideas Table
| Activity | Best For | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Scavenger Hunt | Younger kids | Printable list, pencil, small bag |
| Kite Flying | All ages | Kite, open space, light wind |
| Bocce Ball / Cornhole | Families and groups | Game set, flat grassy area |
| Fishing | Older kids & adults | Fishing pole, bait, permit (if needed) |
| Smores Making Contest | Everyone! | Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, creativity! |
Tips for Keeping It Fun and Safe
- Always supervise children near water and campfires.
- Pace activities based on your groups age and energy level.
- Pack bug spray and first aid essentials for unexpected scrapes or bites.
- Create a flexible schedule — sometimes spontaneous fun is the best kind!
No matter where you’re camping this Memorial Day weekend, these outdoor activities will help make your trip full of laughter, bonding moments, and unforgettable memories.
5. Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day While Camping
Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer—its a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While youre enjoying nature and quality time with loved ones, there are plenty of meaningful and fun ways to celebrate patriotically at your campsite.
Display the American Flag
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to show your patriotism is by displaying the American flag at your campsite. Make sure its securely mounted and follows proper flag etiquette—raise it in the morning and take it down before sunset unless its properly illuminated at night.
Flag Etiquette Tips:
| Do | Dont |
|---|---|
| Raise and lower the flag respectfully | Let the flag touch the ground |
| Take it down during bad weather (unless its all-weather) | Use it as tablecloths or seat covers |
| Display with pride at a prominent location | Leave it up overnight without lighting |
Host a Classic American Cookout
No Memorial Day weekend is complete without a good old-fashioned cookout. Fire up your camping grill or campfire and serve traditional favorites that everyone will love.
Cookout Menu Ideas:
| Main Dish | Sides | Desserts |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers & Hot Dogs | Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad | Smores, Apple Pie |
| BBQ Ribs or Chicken | Baked Beans, Coleslaw | Brownies, Red-White-and-Blue Fruit Skewers |
Take a Moment for Remembrance
Set aside time during your camping trip for a quiet moment of reflection. This could be as simple as sharing stories about veterans in your family, holding a minute of silence at sunset, or playing “Taps” on a speaker while watching the stars. If youre near a town with a Memorial Day event or parade, consider attending to connect with local traditions.
Create Patriotic Crafts with Kids
If youre camping with children, bring along some red, white, and blue craft supplies. Making paper flags, painting rocks with patriotic designs, or even decorating lanterns can be fun activities that also help teach kids about the meaning behind the holiday.
Play Patriotic Music Around the Campfire
Create a playlist with classic American songs like “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” or even country favorites that celebrate freedom and home. It sets a positive tone for your gathering and reminds everyone of what Memorial Day stands for.
Incorporate a Small Ceremony
You don’t need anything elaborate—just gather everyone around the campfire to say a few words in honor of those who served. You could read a short poem, share a meaningful quote, or offer thanks together as a group.
Sample Moment of Remembrance Script:
“On this Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. May their courage inspire us, and may we never forget their sacrifice.”
Celebrating Memorial Day while camping is a unique opportunity to blend outdoor fun with heartfelt gratitude. With just a little effort, you can make your trip both memorable and meaningful.
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