Best States For Camping: Two New England States Rank High
The 2023 Best States for Camping report has been released. Two New England states make the Top 20. One comes in next-to-last. Lawn Love is responsible for this year’s rankings….
(Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
The 2023 Best States for Camping report has been released. Two New England states make the Top 20. One comes in next-to-last.
Lawn Love is responsible for this year's rankings. They released their 2023’s Best States for Camping back in March, but we're in New England. March is decidedly not a great camping month. Unless you are among the most hardcore of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're a year-round camper here in New England, I tip my earflapped winter cap to you. You and Christopher Thomas Knight.
Lawn Love's study "compared the 50 states based on 25 metrics, such as campsite access, acreage, and trails. We also considered safety, supplies, camper satisfaction, and affordability." If you want to really dig into the data and sources, you can check out the Behind the Ranking section of their report. It's pretty in-depth and lays out how they ended up with their Top 50.
Best States For Camping: Two New England States Rank High
We'll get into the Top 20 of their Top 50 below, because the Top 20 does boast two states here in New England. Vermont is one, which isn't a surprise. The natural beauty across the Green Mountain State is unrivaled. Surprisingly, Connecticut also made the Top 20. Not an obvious choice, but I suppose it tracks given the criteria take into consideration.
Even more surprising, though, is Rhode Island. The Ocean State landed at No. 49 out of 50, with only lowly South Dakota keeping it out of the bottom spot. Again, you can dig into the full study and see all 50 states here. And while we're on the subject of camping and vacation season here in New England, be sure to check out my latest 12-Inch Poll and vote for your favorite summer vacation destination. In case you haven't heard, Massachusetts is a top spot for summer vacations nation wide.
20) Indiana
Apparently you don't have to be in a costal state to do some dune camping!
19) Vermont
Again, you can't go wrong with the natural beauty of the Green Mountain State.
18) Iowa
Camping is even more fun when you're biking across the Hawkeye State!
17) Pennsylvania
Apparently Greene County is a PA camping hotspot. S'mores, anyone?
16) Missouri
Forget everything you saw on the TV show: the Ozarks are beautiful for camping out.
15) Illinois
The state has but one National Forest, but it's a beaut.
14) Connecticut
Waterfalls? Hiking? Rock climbing? Connecticut has it goin' on for campers!
13) Arizona
Four words: The Grand Friggin' Canyon.
12) Tennessee
Imagine camping on Loretta Lynn's land? It would almost make traveling to TN worth it!
11) Ohio
Lots of activities and amenities for those camping in the Buckeye State.
10) Minnesota
The state that's so popular among campers you might need an app to find a campsite that's free!
9) North Carolina
Just be mindful of those wildfires. Not just in NC but anywhere you plan on camping.
8) Virginia
Virginia is for lovers. And campers. And paddleboat enthusiasts.
7) Michigan
You can camp in a yurt in Michigan? Yes, you can camp in a yurt in Michigan!
6) Colorado
Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, so it's no surprise to see it near the top of this list.
5) New York
Taking this opportunity to remind you to respect the local wildlife when camping out, no matter the state.
4) Florida
Don't forget about the Forgotten Coast!
3) Texas
I'd be willing to bet camping in Texas nowadays isn't too far off what camping in Texas was like back in the day.
2) Washington
The state, mind you. Not Washington D.C. Too much concrete. Not great for camping.
1) California
From the redwood forests to the deserts to the coast, it's no surprise California tops this list.
