First-come, first-served campgrounds provide a way for people to show up to campgrounds and claim a campsite. If you get there first and there’s a free spot, then it’s yours for the taking, and they’re not reservable, but you still need to pay for the spot.
In the modern age, many people are now booking months or even years in advance online to get a spot at the most beautiful campgrounds in the US, which makes it challenging for many people to enjoy the outdoors.
First-come, first-served campgrounds, and boondocking are excellent ways to just get out and enjoy nature without worrying too much about booking or planning.
Top 6 Most Beautiful First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds
We, the Camping Feed Staff, have selected 10 of the most beautiful first-come, first-served campgrounds for you to try out. Just remember that you may not get a spot or may have to wait at some of the most population destinations, especially during peak season.
You may need to boondock for a few nights or find another campground close by that may have first-come, first-served sites available.
1. Hidden Valley Campground – Joshua Tree National Park
Hidden Valley Campground is located in the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, located between the huge boulders and the famous Joshua Trees, providing an excellent basecamp for your hiking and exploring the park.
There are 44 sites that can accommodate tent camping or RVs up to 24 feet long; there are pit toilets but no water or showers available. As this is the hot California desert, it’s important to have enough water with you for drinking and anything else you may need.
Location: California
2. Lewis Mountain Campground – Shenandoah National Park
Lewis Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park is the smallest and most secluded campground in the park; it provides easy access to all areas of the park for you to explore and enjoy, and then you can retreat back to your private area for peace and solitude at night.
There are 30 campsites available with picnic tables and fire rings. In-season you’ll have access to water, showers, bathrooms, and coin-operated laundry facilities. The campground is only open for summer, fall, and spring.
Location: 361 Lewis Mountain Entrance Road, Shenandoah, VA 22827
3. Desert View Campground – Grand Canyon National Park
Desert View Campground in the Grand Canyon National Park provides you with a more secluded campground that has fantastic views of the Grand Canyon, but it is further away from the major attractions at the Grand Canyon, but that’s the price you pay for solitude.
There are 49 sites available for tent or RV camping, your RV can’t be longer than 30 feet, or your trailer can’t be longer than 20 feet. You do have seasonal access to fresh water and flush toilets, as well as a camp store in-season that can sell firewood, ice, and a range of other items.
Location: Arizona
4. Longs Peak Campground – Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak Campground in the Rocky Mountain National Park is a tent-only campground with amazing views due to the high elevation of 9,500 feet. It’s the perfect location to base yourself for hikes up Longs Peak and to stay clear of the busier family campgrounds.
There are 26 sites available for tents, and you’ll have access to toilets, but the biggest problem if you plan to stay a while is that there is no water at this campground, so make sure you bring your own and enough to last your trip.
Location: Colorado
5. Hoh Rainforest Campground – Olympic National Park
Hoh Rainforest Campground in Olympic National Park is surrounded by huge rainforest trees and lush ferns on the forest floor, providing excellent hiking and exploring through one of the wettest places in the US but one of the lushest and beautiful.
There are 78 sites available, with restrooms, fresh water, and picnic tables. You can go exploring by yourself through multiple trails, or there are interpretive tours and education opportunities with the rangers.
Location: 18113 Upper Hoh Road, Forks, WA 98331
6. Bowman Lake Campground – Glacier National Park
Bowman Lake Campground in Glacier National Park provides excellent tent and small RV camping throughout the year. The campsites are secluded and tucked into the tree line right by Bowman Lake, so you have a quiet spoke to enjoy the views across the lake and have opportunities to go hiking or fishing in the lake.
There are 46 sites available with vault toilets, and water is only available during summer. If you’re camping in an RV, you can’t bring anything longer than 21 feet.
Location: Montana
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds In The US
You’ll find that almost every National Park has some sites available for first-come, first-served camping, and some like the ones above are dedicated to only that style of camping. You need to trade the convenience of last-minute camping and beautiful views with fewer amenities available to you.
Your chances of getting a campsite are generally very good as the amenities are minimal at these types of campgrounds. Even if you’re waiting, you may be able to find another campground nearby for a few days or try boondocking, which is legal on most BLM or USFS land.
