Is there anything more lovely than beach camping? The opportunity to stargaze at night and awake to the crashing sound of waves is just about as dreamy as it sounds. Fortunately, there are several incredible beach camping sites right here in the U.S. In fact, one of the best sites in the world can be found on Hawaii's picturesque Na Pali Coast. Characterized by sea cliffs and devastatingly blue water, this coastline is like something from a dream. Here's everything you need to know before planning this phenomenal camping trip:
The Na Pali Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that can be found on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Following the challenging Kalalau Trail, advanced hikers can complete the 22-mile round trip trek in two to three days. Yet the views alone are motivation to take things slow and enjoy the views along the way.
Can you imagine a more breathtaking and immersive camping experience? For important details about hiking the Na Pali Coast, including information about obtaining a permit, click here.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
The United States is blessed with incredible natural beauty. From Alaska to the Virgin Islands, Maine to Samoa - and everything in between - there are amazing natural wonders for your eyes to feast upon. And is there any better way to experience our nation's beauty than camping? We don't think so! Camping allows you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and for the time you're there, feel a part of them. With this in mind, we've selected a baker's dozen of U.S. camping destinations scattered across the country that are worth traveling to in order to experience them.
Olympic National Park in Washington is a place that feels unlike any other in the Lower 48 - which makes it a perfect bucket list camping destination. With more than a dozen developed campgrounds in the park, as well as backcountry camping opportunities, Olympic has much to offer any camping enthusiast, whether you're arriving by RV or backpacking to a secluded beach site. Most campgrounds are seasonal and are subject to short-notice closures due to the sometimes-extreme weather on the peninsula. You can find specific campground information on Recreation.gov. Check in with a ranger at the park for backcountry permitting information.
If you're hoping to camp in Hawaii, Koke'e State Park is an amazing place to do so. Perched on the edge of spectacular Waimea Canyon, Koke'e is the perfect place to establish a base camp for some of the best hiking you'll find in Aloha State. Dramatic views of Kauai's wilderness interior, waterfalls tumbling hundreds of feet into the rain forest below, and sweeping Pacific Ocean panoramas are all things you can look forward to in the park. For more information on camping, facilities, and fees - or to make reservations - visit Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
There may not be a more beautiful NPS unit than Glacier National Park in Montana. The dramatic Rocky Mountain setting is studded with stunning features like Alpine lakes, rugged wilderness, waterfalls, and, as the park's name implies, glaciers. You'll also find some of the country's most iconic megafauna, such as black bears, grizzly bears, and moose in the park. Several developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hook-ups to camp stores. But you can definitely camp away from other visitors with a permit for the backcountry. Check out Recreation.gov for reservations and other information.
The feeling of camping among the tallest trees on Earth is... well, indescribable. It's awe-inspiring and humbling, and really something you just need to experience for yourself. Fortunately, this is something you can do at Redwoods National and State Parks in Northern California. The land encompassed by these parks is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the state of California. And it is here that the world's tallest trees grow. In fact, the single tallest specimen is somewhere in the park, though it's location is not disclosed to protect it from too many visitors. But, honestly, from the ground, it's almost impossible to say that one massive redwood is taller than the next. Four developed campgrounds are located in the park, and all are managed by California State Parks. Visit Reserve California for reservation and facilities information.
Southern Utah is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the entire country - Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as Natural Bridges National Monument and Monument Valley, which straddles the Utah-Arizona border on the Navajo Nation. These popular national parks can be extremely crowded. But there's a way you can enjoy the same landscape with far fewer people. Dead Horse Point State Park, near Moab, Utah, is situated on the Green River between Canyonland and Arches, and it shares the same topography as these popular national parks. You'll find two campgrounds at Dead Horse Point - Kayenta and Wingate. Both offer RV and tent camping, and you'll also find some hike-in sites if you'd like some extra privacy. Visit the park's webpage for more information or to make reservations.
One of the nation's first and most visited, Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a wondrous place. With several peaks topping 14,000 feet, Alpine lakes, and valleys teeming with wildlife, the park is also home to the headwaters of the Colorado River. A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park should be on any outdoor-loving American's bucket list. To reduce crowding in the park, a timed entry system is in place from late May through mid-October, and all visitors must have a permit to enter during this time. One loophole, though, is that those with camping reservations may enter the park anytime during their reservation dates. Five developed campgrounds and some of the most gorgeous backcountry in the Lower 48 beckon campers to the park. For reservations and information, visit Recreation.gov. The backcountry office at the park can help with permitting for those who wish to camp outside developed areas.
7. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Minnesota
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers a total backcountry experience in the Northwoods of Minnesota, along the Canadian border. You can only enter the Boundary Waters by hiking or paddling, but once you arrive at your campsite, you will be rewarded with serenity, stars, and the sounds of wilderness denizens, like loons, moose, black bears, and wolves. If you prefer a more front-country experience, several Boundary Waters-adjacent campgrounds in the Superior National Forest are available near Ely, along the Gunflint Trail, and elsewhere on the forest; camping is also available in Voyageurs National Park. Anyone wishing to stay overnight in the BWCAW needs a permit, which are available via lottery between May and October. Check out our Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness guide for more detailed planning information. Front country campsites on the Superior National Forest or in Voyageurs National Park can be reserved on Recreation.gov.
Many national parks protect places that are unique landscapes, and the badlands areas of the Dakotas are nothing if not unique. That's why Badlands National Park in South Dakota should be near the top of your list as a camping destination. Spend your days hiking and exploring this eerie landscape, watching bison and big horn sheep negotiate the terrain. By night, you'll see an explosion of stars against the firmament. The park is home to two developed campgrounds, and you can reserve a site on Recreation.gov. Check with the backcountry office for the permits you'll need to leave the park's developed areas.
People who visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan tend to fall in love with it. Designed to highlight the rugged beauty of Lake Superior's shoreline along this part of the Upper Peninsula, the park offers many opportunities to interact with the world's largest lake: white sand beaches, kayaking, and shoreline hikes through a Northwoods setting. You'll find three, small rustic campgrounds in the park, all of which are seasonal and require a reservation, which can be obtained from Recreation.gov. Backcountry camping is available with the appropriate permits.
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10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - North Carolina/Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the National Park System's jewel of the east. Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee state lines, Great Smoky Mountains preserves some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in North America. It's also pretty easy on the eyes. This is another national park that should definitely be on your must-visit list, whether as a day trip or part of a longer camping adventure. Be warned, however, that this is the most visited national park, so it definitely can be crowded during peak season. Make your camping reservations on Recreation.gov well in advance of your planned visit. As home to a popular stretch of the Appalachian Trail, even the park's backcountry can occasionally feel less than serene. But the park's beauty definitely makes up for it.
If you're as fascinated by the south Florida, Everglades ecosystem as we are, then you'll definitely want to plan a camping trip to the less-trafficked and more pristine Big Cypress National Preserve. This fragile, one-of-a-kind landscape is showcased in this preserve than it is anywhere else in south Florida. Hike the preserve on boardwalks and backcountry trails, paddle its waters, or simply sit outside your tent at night and enjoy some of the darkest skies in this part of the country. The preserve offers eight front-country campgrounds. Most are closed during the heat and rains of the summer, but a couple are open year round. You can make reservations and get more detail on individual campgrounds at Recreation.gov.
There is no better place to get a taste of the wild Maine shoreline than Acadia National Park. With terrain that includes beaches, woods, and a couple of the hairiest hikes in the eastern United States, Acadia offers a little something for everyone. Although there's plenty of wild natural beauty here, Acadia - thanks to its history - has a tamer, more genteel quality than you might expect to find at a national park. That's part of it's charm and a reason to add it to your camping vision board. A handful of developed campgrounds are scattered throughout the park. Sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov or Acadia's designated smartphone app. You should be aware, though, that no backcountry camping is permitted anywhere in the park.
Although not a spot that most people outside New York are familiar with, Rogers Rock Campground in the Adirondack Mountains is a hidden gem of a campground. Located on the northwestern shore of beautiful Lake George, near Hague, NY and the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, Rogers Rock is a perfect combination of water, mountains, and woods. Recreational opportunities, ranging from hiking and fishing to swimming and kayaking abound in the area. One thing that really sets this campground apart, though, is that several of its campsites are located on the small, nearby Lake George Islands. The island sites are far enough apart that you may not even realize that anyone else is there with you. Learn more about Rogers Rock Campground and make reservations at New York Department of Environmental Conservation website.
After checking out these spots, we're sure you'll want to start planning your next camping trip right away. And whether you're a backpacker, an RV enthusiast, or a car camper, REI is a great resource for gear and even trip planning. Which of these U.S. camping destinations will you visit first? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about any other places you would add to our list.
