Top 8 Spring Camping Destinations for Families

The air feels fresher, the days are getting longer, and it’s time to shake off that cabin fever, load up the family, and hit the road because spring is here! From desert sunsets to mountain trails to oceanfront campsites, spring has the perfect balance for camping—warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but not too hot yet under the summer sun.

Not every spring camping destination is created equal. Some places are still too cold, and others are overrun with spring break crowds. From the red rock playgrounds of Utah and Arizona to beachfront camping in Florida, we rounded up the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree's unreal rock formations and wide-open desert landscapes make it feel like a giant natural playground—for kids and adults. With mild spring weather and endless places to explore, it's the perfect spot for families to hike, stargaze, and soak in the desert scenery.

Plus, if you have the skills and feel extra adventurous, Joshua Tree is a world-class climbing destination with over 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 boulder problems.

Best Spots to Explore

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail
• Cholla Cactus Garden
• Skull Rock
  

Where to Set Up Camp

Joshua Tree National Park has 500 campsites scattered throughout the park, most of which can be reserved ahead of time. But there are still some first-come, first-served spots for those who like to wing it. With spring being a prime time to visit, lock in your campsite early.

• Jumbo Rocks Campground
• Cottonwood Campground
• Black Rock Campground
• Indian Cove Campground
• Hidden Valley Campground

2. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way possible. Where rugged mountains and cliffs, winding rivers, and endless desert stretch as far as the eye can see. But it's not just about the trails and the views here—the park is full of unexpected adventures, like soaking in hot springs and fishing on the Rio Grande. And if you're looking for a bucket-list experience, grab a paddle and hit the water. Floating through the towering 1,500-foot canyons is the kind of experience the family won't forget.

Best Spots to Explore

• Boquillas Canyon Trail
• Hot Springs Historic Trail
• Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Where to Set Up Camp

Big Bend has four campgrounds. For families looking to go off-grid, the park has 67 remote backcountry campsites, accessible only with a backcountry permit. Some of these spots require high-clearance 4WD and hours of driving, but the reward is unmatched solitude.

• Chisos Basin Campground
• Rio Grande Village Campground
• Cottonwood Campground

3. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona looks like something straight out of a postcard, but it's far more than just a pretty backdrop. It's a dream destination for those who love to explore off the beaten path–with rugged terrain and endless trails to discover.

Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest, four wilderness areas, and two state parks, it's no surprise that Sedona is a popular destination—but it's easy to escape the crowds and find your own quiet slice of paradise. It's also a mecca for overlanding and off-roading, with countless backroads leading to canyons, remote campsites, and epic views.

Best Spots to Explore

• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Slide Rock State Park
• Broken Arrow Trail
• Schebly Hill Road
• Devil's Bridge Trail
• West Fork Trail

Where to Set Up Camp

Camping in Sedona means waking up to unbeatable views and having trail access right outside your tent. While traditional campgrounds like Manzanita and Cave Springs offer convenient spots closer to town, those with off-road rigs and a love for solitude can find amazing dispersed campsites throughout Coconino National Forest.

• Manzanita Campground
• Cave Springs Campground
• Chavez Crossing Campground
• Dispersed Camping in Coconino National Forest

4. Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona

Lake Havasu is the spot if your idea of spring adventures looks similar to spring break—think sparkling blue water and nonstop fun—without actually going to a spring break destination. Set along the Colorado River, this desert oasis is the perfect place to swim, kayak, paddleboard, or fish. With plenty of sunshine and shoreline to explore, it's a prime destination before the summer crowds roll in.

Best Spots to Explore

• London Bridge Beach
• Rotary Park
• Sara Park Trails
• Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Where to Set Up Camp

Camping at Lake Havasu comes with lakefront views and spending days on the water or exploring the surrounding desert. If you want to escape the campgrounds, BLM land offers plenty of room for dispersed camping and easy access to off-road trails.

• Lake Havasu State Park Campground
• Cattail Cove State Park
• Dispersed Camping on BLM Land

5. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida

Stretching across Florida and Mississippi, this area of white sandy beaches, coastal marshes, and historic forts is all about laid-back adventure. Spend the day with the kids kayaking through the bayou, searching for seashells, or spotting dolphins from shore. When the sun sets, settle into your tent for a night under the stars with the sound of crashing waves in the background.

Best Spots to Explore

• Fort Pickens
• Perdido Key
• Davis Bayou
• Santa Rosa Day Use Area

Where to Set Up Camp

Fort Pickens Campground is the most popular spot, and Davis Bayou provides a more peaceful, tucked-away experience. No matter where you camp, you'll get a front-row seat to some of the Gulf's most beautiful beaches.

• Fort Pickens Campground
• Davis Bayou Campground
• Dispersed Camping (Mississippi side)

6. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Hidden in the rolling hills of Kentucky, the landscape of Red River Gorge is filled with rock arches, sheer cliffs, and winding forest trails. But the best way to experience the Gorge isn't just on foot. The family can paddle through an abandoned limestone quarry, climb the Via Ferrata, or fly through the forest on a zipline tour. Red River Gorge is made for adventure and makes an ordinary family camping trip unforgettable.

Best Spots to Explore

• Natural Bridge State Park
• Auxier Ridge Trail
• Rock Bridge Trail
• Grays Arch Trail

Where to Set Up Camp

Camping in the Gorge puts you right in the middle of the action, whether you're planning to hit the trails, paddle through the rivers, or take on the area's best climbing routes (did we mention this is a rock climber's paradise also?)

• Koomer Ridge Campground
• Miguel’s Campground
• Dispersed Camping in Daniel Boone National Forest

7. Silver Springs State Park, Florida

Crystal-clear water, a canopy of greenery, and a slow-paced, old-Florida vibe. Silver Springs is famous for its glass-bottom boat tours and wildlife, the park is a paradise for paddlers, nature lovers, and families who want to experience Florida beyond the beaches. Kayak alongside manatees and turtles, hike through shady oak trees, or explore the park's historic structures.

Best Spots to Explore

• Silver River Kayak Trail
• Fort King National Historic Landmark
• River Trail

Where to Set Up Camp

Silver Springs campground's spacious, tree-covered sites keep things cool even on warm spring days. But if you're looking to escape the traditional campground, Ocala National Forest is just around the corner, with remote trails, hidden springs, and some of the best off-grid camping in the state.

• Silver Springs State Park Campground
• Dispersed Camping in Ocala National Forest

8. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

This surreal desert landscape is a dream for families who love to roam, climb, and explore freely—no set trails, just a vast maze of sandstone hoodoos. Families who want a little more adventure can wander further into the desert and hike Little Wild Horse Canyon. One of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah (suitable for kids), with winding narrows so tight you'll have to turn sideways to squeeze through. If tight spaces aren’t your thing, you might want to sit that one out—you’ll be rethinking that second helping of campfire chili.

Best Spots to Explore

• The Goblin Valley
• Little Wild Horse Canyon
• Entrada Canyon Trail
• Grays Arch Trail

Where to Set Up Camp

Camping in Goblin Valley puts you in the heart of Utah's strangest desert landscape. The Goblin Valley Campground offers easy access to the hoodoos, plus modern amenities to keep things comfortable. If you're looking for more solitude, there's plenty of dispersed camping on BLM land nearby, where you can experience some of the darkest night skies in the country.

• Goblin Valley Campground
• Dispersed Camping on BLM Land

Spring Camping Gear List

Spring is one of the best times to camp, but it can also come with shifting temperatures and unpredictable weather. Having the right gear makes all the difference in staying comfortable and dry. Here are a few must-have essentials to make your spring camping trip even better:

• Rooftop Tent – Quick setup, off-the-ground comfort, and extra protection from spring rain and mud. (Our new Kali King can fit the whole family!)
• Warm Bedding – Nights can get cold, and nothing derails a good night’s sleep like a kid declaring their feet are freezing at 2 AM. Keep the family cozy with the Rooftop Tent Warming Blanket and Cloud Comforter.
• Awning for Weather Protection – Whether you need shade on a sunny afternoon or shelter from unexpected rain, the 270 Awning keeps the family covered.
• Layered Clothing & Rain Gear – Layers are key for spring adventures, so pack a variety of layers, a rain jacket, and some warm clothing for nights around the campfire.
• Waterproof Footwear – Depending on your destination, you may run into wet ground and dewy mornings. If you're heading to the woods pack waterproof hiking boots to help keep feet dry.
• Camp Lighting – ReadyLight makes setting up camp at dusk or cooking dinner after dark much easier.

For a complete gear checklist, check out our Car Camping Must-Have Checklist, so you're fully prepped before hitting the road!