Top Camping Spots Worldwide: Expert Guide & Tips

Camping isn't just about pitching a tent—it's about waking up to views that postcards can't capture. But with so many options, where do you start? I've spent over a decade exploring remote corners of the globe, from crowded national parks to hidden wilderness spots. Let's cut to the chase: here are the world's top camping spots, backed by firsthand experience and practical details you won't find on generic lists.

North America's Must-Visit Camping Gems

North America offers everything from towering mountains to serene lakes. Two spots stand out for their sheer beauty and accessibility.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite is iconic, but that means crowds. The secret? Go beyond Yosemite Valley. Tuolumne Meadows (elevation 8,600 feet) offers cooler temps and fewer people. Address: Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle for 7 days. Open year-round, but Tioga Pass closes from around November to May—check the National Park Service website for updates. From San Francisco, take CA-120 E; it's a 4-hour drive. Book campsites like Upper Pines on Recreation.gov exactly 5 months in advance at 7 AM PST. I missed out once by being 10 minutes late. Pro tip: Skip summer if you hate traffic; spring for waterfalls, fall for colors.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Banff feels like stepping into a painting. Lake Louise Campground is prime, but it's competitive. Address: Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada. Fees: Around $30 CAD per night. Season: June to September. From Calgary, it's a 2-hour drive via Trans-Canada Highway. Book through Parks Canada—reservations open in January for summer. I prefer Two Jack Lakeside for its quieter vibe. Don't forget a bear canister; rentals are available at the visitor center. The water is freezing, even in August—trust me, I learned that the hard way.

Europe's Picturesque Camping Escapes

Europe blends history with wilderness. Think fjords and highlands.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Camping here is about midnight sun and dramatic peaks. Unstad Arctic Surf Camp offers basic sites right on the beach. Address: Unstad, 8370 Leknes, Norway. No formal fees for wild camping thanks to Norway's right-to-roam laws, but respect private property. Season: May to September. Fly to Bodø, then take a ferry to Moskenes. Bring a windproof tent—the gusts can surprise you. I once watched my neighbor's tent fly into the sea. Surfing in July with 24-hour daylight is surreal.

Scottish Highlands, UK

For moody landscapes, head to Glen Coe. Red Squirrel Campsite is a favorite. Address: Glencoe, PH49 4HS, Scotland. Cost: £15 per night. Open April to October. From Glasgow, drive A82 north for 2 hours. Book via their website—it's small and fills fast. The midges (tiny bugs) are brutal in summer; pack repellent. I underestimated them and spent a night itching.

Asia and Oceania: From Rainforests to Beaches

This region delivers diversity—think New Zealand's fiords and Bali's shores.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Milford Sound is famous, but camp at Lake Gunn to avoid the tour buses. Address: Milford Road, Fiordland 9679, New Zealand. Fees: $15 NZD per night for basic sites. Open all year, but winter brings snow. From Queenstown, it's a 4-hour drive on State Highway 94. Book through the Department of Conservation. The sandflies are relentless—long sleeves are a must. I got bitten so badly, I looked like I had chickenpox.

Bali, Indonesia

For beach camping, try Bias Tugel Beach near Padangbai. No official address; just ask locals. Free, but tip the villagers who maintain the area. Dry season (April to October) is best. From Denpasar, drive east for 1.5 hours. It's rustic—no facilities, so bring your own water. The stars over the ocean are worth it. I met a local fisherman who shared his catch for dinner.

Africa's Safari Camping Adventures

Africa is about raw nature and wildlife encounters.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Camping here lets you hear lions roar at night. Seronera Public Campsite is basic but safe. Address: Central Serengeti, Tanzania. Fees: $30 USD per person per night. Open year-round, but the Great Migration (July-October) is peak. Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, then a 6-hour drive. Book through Tanzania National Parks Authority. You must hire a guide—it's non-negotiable for safety. I woke up to elephants browsing nearby; thrilling but unnerving. Bring a warm sleeping bag; nights get cold.

Some say the Serengeti is overrated, but the sheer scale of wildlife is unmatched. Just be prepared for basic toilets and no electricity.

How to Plan Your Camping Trip: Essential Tips

Picking a spot is half the battle. Here's how to nail the rest.

Booking Strategies: For popular parks, set calendar reminders for reservation openings. Use multiple devices to increase chances. I've scored last-minute cancellations by checking sites at odd hours, like 2 AM local time.

Gear You Actually Need: Skip the fancy gadgets. A reliable tent, sleeping pad, and water filter are non-negotiable. I've seen people bring espresso machines—just don't. For cold climates, a four-season tent is worth the investment. REI's used gear sales are gold for budget campers.

Getting There: Always verify road conditions. In remote areas like Fiordland, gas stations are sparse. Fill up before you enter. I ran out of fuel once in Norway and had to hitchhike—fun story, but avoidable.

Leave No Trace: It's not just a slogan. Pack out all trash, including biodegradable items. In bear country, store food properly. I've seen campsites closed due to irresponsible visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the biggest mistake first-time campers make when choosing a camping spot?

First-timers often pick spots based solely on photos without considering accessibility or seasonality. For instance, a stunning lakeside site might be mosquito-infested in summer or inaccessible without a 4x4 vehicle. Always check road conditions, permit requirements, and local weather patterns. I learned this the hard way in Yosemite—arrived to find the campground closed due to snow in early June.

How can I find free or low-cost camping sites in popular areas like national parks?

Look for dispersed camping zones just outside park boundaries. In the U.S., Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands often allow free camping for up to 14 days. Apps like iOverlander or websites like FreeCampsites.net are goldmines. For example, near Banff, there are unofficial spots along the Icefields Parkway that save you $30 a night, but arrive early—they fill fast.

What are the safety considerations for camping in bear country, like in Alaska or Canada?

Beyond storing food in bear-proof containers, most campers overlook wind direction when setting up camp. Always place your cooking area downwind from your tent to avoid attracting curious wildlife. In Alaska, I saw a group have their site visited by a bear because they cooked too close to their sleeping area. Also, carry bear spray and know how to use it—practice before you go.