Best Camping Destinations for Wildlife Watching in the USA
As a passionate nature lover and avid camper, one of my greatest joys is exploring the great outdoors while experiencing the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitats. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of camping in some incredible locations that are teeming with wildlife, from majestic bald eagles soaring overhead to curious deer wandering through the forest. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time camper looking to immerse yourself in nature, finding the best camping destinations for wildlife watching can enhance your adventure. In this article, I’ll share some of the top camping spots in the USA where you can enjoy remarkable wildlife experiences.
1. Yellowstone National Park – A Wildlife Haven
Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list destination for anyone interested in wildlife watching. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it’s one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, home to a diverse range of animals. I visited Yellowstone a few summers ago and was blown away by the sheer variety of wildlife I encountered. From bison grazing along the roads to wolves running through the trees, this park is a wildlife lover’s dream.
Yellowstone is particularly famous for its grizzly bear population, and during my visit, I was fortunate enough to spot a mother bear with her cubs from a safe distance. The park is also home to elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and over 300 species of birds, making it one of the best camping destinations for wildlife watching in the country. The park offers several campgrounds, with some of the most popular being the Madison, Canyon, and Fishing Bridge areas.
2. Everglades National Park – A Swampy Paradise
If you’ve never experienced the Everglades, it’s truly a unique ecosystem. Located in southern Florida, the Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a completely different type of wildlife experience. During my visit to this vast wetland, I was able to witness the incredible diversity of life, from alligators lounging in the sun to manatees peacefully swimming in the waters.
The Everglades are also home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, and the endangered American crocodile. I highly recommend camping at the Long Pine Key Campground, which is centrally located and offers easy access to the park’s wildlife-rich areas. The best way to explore the park is by canoe or kayak, which gives you an up-close look at the wildlife while quietly navigating the water channels.
3. Denali National Park – The Wild Heart of Alaska
Denali National Park, located in Alaska, is the ultimate destination for anyone hoping to experience untamed wilderness and wildlife in its most pristine form. The park is famous for its towering peak, Denali, which is North America’s highest mountain, but it’s also a haven for wildlife. During my time camping here, I was fortunate enough to see grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and even a pack of wolves in the distance.
One of the unique aspects of Denali is its remote and wild nature. The park is vast, and you won’t find any paved roads beyond the park entrance. Instead, you’ll explore by bus, on foot, or via backcountry routes. The Teklanika River Campground is a great base for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying close encounters with Denali’s abundant wildlife.
4. Shenandoah National Park – A Beautiful, Accessible Wildlife Retreat
For those who want a more accessible wildlife experience without venturing too far from home, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is an excellent choice. This park is not only stunningly beautiful, with its scenic overlooks and cascading waterfalls, but it also offers fantastic wildlife watching opportunities. I visited Shenandoah last fall and was able to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even a family of black bears from a safe distance.
Shenandoah is a great destination for beginner campers, as it’s easily accessible from Washington, D.C., and features over 200,000 acres of protected land. The Big Meadows Campground is popular for its proximity to the park’s main attractions and abundant wildlife. The park’s Skyline Drive offers panoramic views and is a great spot to catch a glimpse of animals grazing in the fields, especially at dawn or dusk.
5. Grand Teton National Park – Majestic Wildlife in the Shadows of the Tetons
Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, offers a spectacular combination of breathtaking mountain views and unparalleled wildlife watching opportunities. During my camping trip to this beautiful park, I had the privilege of watching elk herds in the early morning mist, spotting bison on the move, and witnessing a bald eagle gliding above the Snake River.
Grand Teton is home to moose, pronghorn antelope, black bears, and over 300 species of birds. The park offers several campgrounds, with Jenny Lake Campground being a favorite for its proximity to popular wildlife viewing areas. The best time for wildlife watching in Grand Teton is during the fall when the elk are in rut, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t forget your binoculars, as the opportunities for bird watching are also abundant here!
6. Olympic National Park – A Diverse Ecosystem for Wildlife Lovers
Olympic National Park in Washington state is another gem for those looking to experience diverse ecosystems and an incredible variety of wildlife. During my trip here, I was amazed by the difference in terrain, ranging from lush temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines. The wildlife here is just as varied, with opportunities to see Roosevelt elk, black bears, and sea otters, among many others.
Olympic National Park is a great destination for campers who want to explore multiple environments in one trip. You can camp in the forested areas of the Quinault Rainforest or along the beaches of Rialto and Kalaloch. One of the highlights of the park is the chance to witness tide pools filled with marine life along the coastline. I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle perched high above the cliffs while exploring the beach!
7. Custer State Park – A Hidden Gem in South Dakota
If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path wildlife experience, Custer State Park in South Dakota is a hidden gem. This park is home to one of the largest bison herds in North America, and during my visit, I had the privilege of driving through the park’s wildlife loop, where I saw dozens of bison roaming freely in the open grasslands. I also spotted prairie dogs, wild turkeys, and even some bighorn sheep on the rocky hillsides.
Custer State Park offers several campgrounds, and the combination of hiking trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife make it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts. The park’s more intimate and less touristy atmosphere compared to other national parks makes it a peaceful retreat for those wanting to connect with nature in a serene setting.
