Base Camp
Expert guides, campground reviews, and travel inspiration from our community.
Camping Tips
Black 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 plan an unforgettable trip to this stunning dark-walled gorge.
Read Article →Latest Posts
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...
Gear ReviewsBeyond the Brochure: The Camping Gear That Makes National Park Campgrounds Feel Like Home
National park campgrounds are breathtaking — but they demand smart gear choices. Here's the equipment our team swears by for NPS camping tri...
Boondocking GuideBoondocking Near NorCal's Best State Parks: A Free Camping Guide to Northern California's Wild Side
Northern California's state parks get all the glory, but the real secret is the world-class free boondocking hiding just beyond their border...
Travel StoriesWhy Every Camper Should Care About the Future of Our National Parks and Public Lands
Our national parks and public lands are the foundation of every great camping adventure — and they need our voices now more than ever. Here'...
RV LifeYour Ultimate Guide to County & State Park Camping This Summer: Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
County and state parks are summer camping's best-kept secret — affordable, accessible, and packed with natural beauty. Discover how to find...
Boondocking GuideBoondocking in Drought Country: How to Camp Smart at Utah's State Parks This Season
Utah's drought is changing the camping game at state parks — but with the right prep and a boondocking mindset, your trip can still be epic....