Base Camp
Expert guides, campground reviews, and travel inspiration from our community.
Park Highlights
Beyond the Campsite: The Best Camping Alternatives for Your Next National Park Adventure
Can't score a national park campsite? Discover creative camping alternatives — from gateway campgrounds and glamping retreats to backcountry permits — that might make your trip even better.
Read Article →Latest Posts
Travel StoriesWhy Jellystone Park Deserves a Spot on Every Family Camper's Bucket List
USA TODAY just spotlighted Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks as top camping destinations — and any family camper who's visited one already knows...
Camping TipsHow to Find Your Perfect RV Campground (Beyond the Same Old 'Best Of' Lists)
National 'must-visit' campground lists are fun, but the perfect RV campground is the one that fits YOUR rig, style, and adventure. Here's ho...
Boondocking GuideBoondocking Near California's Most Celebrated Camping Destination: Your Ultimate Free Camping Guide
California's most buzzed-about campground of 2026 is inspiring road trips up and down the coast — but savvy campers know the real adventure...
Camping TipsLast-Minute Camping in Washington State: How to Score a Campsite Without a Reservation
Washington's top campgrounds book up fast, but last-minute campers have more options than they think. Here's how to find a great site withou...
Camping TipsBlack Canyon of the Gunnison: The Ultimate Camping Guide to Colorado's Most Dramatic Hidden Gem
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Colorado's most dramatic and underrated national park camping destination. Here's everything you need to pla...
Boondocking GuideHow to Build Your Own Family Camping Tradition at State Parks (A Boondocking & Beyond Guide)
Inspired by an Iowa family's multigenerational state park tradition, this guide shows you how to find your anchor campground, build meaningf...
Park HighlightsThe Campsite Red Flags We've Seen (And How to Spot a Bad Site Before You Book)
Bad campsites happen to good campers — but they don't have to happen to you. Here's how to spot the red flags and research any campsite like...
GlampingGlamping at the Gateway: How to Experience National Park Backcountry Beauty Without the Backpack
You don't need a 40-pound pack to experience the magic of national park backcountry scenery. Discover how glamping near America's most iconi...
Family CampingThe Best Family Campgrounds of 2026: How to Find Your Perfect Outdoor Home Away From Home
Award season has campground fans buzzing, but the best campground isn't always the most famous one. Here's how to find the perfect family ca...
Campground CuisinePacific Northwest Campground Cuisine: What to Cook When You're Surrounded by the Best Ingredients on Earth
The Pacific Northwest offers some of North America's most incredible local ingredients — here's how to turn your campsite into a world-class...
Gear ReviewsBest Gear for Exploring West Central Minnesota's State and County Parks This Summer
West central Minnesota's state and county parks are summer camping gold — and having the right gear makes all the difference. Here are our t...