Seven Best Campsites Around the World

Picture yourself waking up to mist rolling over jagged mountain peaks while your campfire crackles nearby. You’re searching for those rare camping spots that’ll make your jaw drop and give you stories worth telling for years. The world’s packed with incredible places to pitch your tent, but seven destinations stand out from the rest. These aren’t your typical weekend getaways—they’re the kind of places that’ll challenge everything you thought you knew about camping.

Key Points

• Torres del Paine in Chile offers dramatic granite spires and turquoise lakes connected by the famous W Trek.
• Banff National Park features thirteen campgrounds with stunning mountain views and lakeside sites at Lake Louise.
• Kruger National Park provides Big Five wildlife experiences with rest camps offering amenities and basic bush camps.
• Joshua Tree National Park combines unique rock formations with exceptional stargazing opportunities under dark desert skies.
• Lofoten Islands deliver midnight sun experiences between May-September with designated camping near picturesque fishing villages.

Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile

Nestled in Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park offers some of the most dramatic camping you’ll find anywhere on Earth. You’ll wake up to jagged granite spires piercing the sky and turquoise lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks.

The park’s established campsites provide essential amenities while keeping you close to nature’s raw power.

Choose between refugio-style accommodations or pitch your own tent at designated spots like Las Torres Base or Cuernos del Paine. You’ll need reservations during peak season (December-March), so book early.

Weather changes rapidly here – pack layers and waterproof gear.

The famous W Trek connects multiple campsites, letting you experience diverse landscapes from ancient forests to windswept plains. Strong Patagonian winds are constant companions, so secure everything thoroughly.

For the most adventurous campers, the park’s glacial terrain offers opportunities for glacier climbing with proper equipment and experience.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Four seasons of stunning camping await you in Banff National Park, where you’ll discover the Canadian Rockies at their most accessible. You’ll find thirteen frontcountry campgrounds offering everything from basic tent sites to RV hookups.

Lake Louise and Two Jack Lake provide postcard-perfect lakeside camping, while Tunnel Mountain delivers mountain views minutes from Banff townsite.

Book reservations early—popular sites fill months ahead, especially summer weekends. You’ll need to store food properly since black bears and grizzlies frequent the area. Parks Canada provides bear-proof lockers at every site.

Winter camping transforms the experience entirely. You’ll have Johnston Canyon and Tunnel Mountain Village to yourself, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing replacing hiking.

Just pack serious cold-weather gear—temperatures drop well below freezing. Proper winter storage of your camping equipment between trips will help maintain its condition and extend its lifespan through the harsh Canadian winter months.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer camping that’ll redefine your understanding of dramatic landscapes. You’ll pitch your tent beneath towering granite peaks that plunge directly into emerald fjords, creating some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery.

Visit between May and September when midnight sun bathes everything in golden light for nearly 24 hours. You’ll find designated camping areas near fishing villages like Reine and Nusfjord, though wild camping is permitted if you follow Leave No Trace principles.

Pack warm gear—temperatures rarely exceed 60°F even in summer. You’ll need sturdy tent stakes for rocky terrain and windproof equipment for coastal gusts. The islands offer excellent hiking trails, traditional fishing experiences, and Northern Lights viewing during darker months.

For those seeking additional hiking adventures, the region provides access to some spectacular rainforest hiking trails that showcase Norway’s diverse ecosystems.

Book ferries or flights to Svolvær in advance.

Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

From the dramatic Arctic landscapes of Norway, we head to California’s high desert where Joshua Tree National Park delivers an entirely different but equally stunning camping experience.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by otherworldly rock formations and iconic twisted trees under some of America’s darkest skies.

Choose from nine campgrounds, with Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley offering the best stargazing opportunities.

You’ll need to reserve spots October through May, but the cooler temperatures make these months ideal anyway.

Summer’s brutal heat isn’t camping-friendly.

Pack extra water—there’s none available at campsites.

The desert’s silence is profound, broken only by coyote calls at dawn.

Rock climbers flock here year-round, and you’ll understand why once you see those massive boulder formations towering overhead at sunset.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Nestled in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Lake Bled transforms camping into a fairytale experience with its emerald waters, medieval castle perched on a cliff, and tiny island church that seems pulled from a storybook.

Where emerald alpine waters meet medieval magic, creating the perfect backdrop for an enchanting camping adventure in Slovenia’s mountains.

You’ll find excellent camping facilities at Bled Camp, just a short walk from the lake’s shore. Wake up to mountain views and spend your days swimming in surprisingly warm waters or rowing to Bled Island.

Don’t miss the traditional cream cake at Park Hotel – it’s been perfected since 1953.

The area offers fantastic hiking trails leading to Vintgar Gorge‘s wooden walkways and rushing waterfalls.

Spring through early fall provides the best weather, though you’ll encounter fewer crowds in shoulder seasons. Book ahead during summer months.

Beyond the lake’s tranquil beauty, you can engage in various thrilling outdoor activities that will make your camping adventure even more memorable.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Spanning nearly two million hectares of African wilderness, Kruger National Park offers camping adventures that’ll put you right in the heart of the Big Five’s territory. You’ll wake up to lions roaring in the distance and elephants wandering past your tent.

The park’s rest camps provide essential amenities like ablution blocks, shops, and restaurants, while bush camps offer more intimate experiences with basic facilities.

Book your campsite well in advance, especially during peak season from May to September. You can’t leave your vehicle after sunset or before sunrise unless you’re in designated areas.

Pack warm clothes for chilly mornings and bring a good flashlight. Most importantly, store all food securely – baboons and hyenas won’t hesitate to raid unattended campsites.

For those seeking more independence from campground facilities, consider bringing a self-contained camping trailer that provides your own water, waste management, and power systems.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

While Africa delivers raw wilderness encounters, New Zealand’s Milford Sound treats you to camping amid some of the planet’s most dramatic scenery. You’ll pitch your tent surrounded by towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rainforest that drops straight into dark waters.

The DOC campsites at Milford Sound offer basic facilities but unbeatable views. You’ll wake up to mirror-like reflections of Mitre Peak and the sound of waterfalls thundering down vertical cliff faces. Weather changes quickly here, so pack quality rain gear and warm layers.

Book well ahead—these sites fill up fast during summer. The remote location means you can’t just pop out for forgotten supplies, so plan thoroughly. Before heading out, make sure you have all the essential camping items to ensure a comfortable and safe experience in this wilderness setting.

You’ll find the isolation worth every bit of preparation when you’re watching sunrise paint those ancient peaks gold.

Sum Up

You’ve got seven incredible destinations waiting for your tent and sleeping bag. Whether you’re craving Chile’s towering peaks, Canada’s crystal lakes, or Africa’s wild safaris, these campsites won’t disappoint. Pack your sense of adventure—each location promises memories that’ll last a lifetime. From desert stargazing to fjord kayaking, you’ll find your perfect outdoor escape. Don’t just dream about these places; start planning your next camping trip. The wilderness is calling, and you should answer.