Image: Panoramic view of Mount Cook National Park
The glories of a mountain campfire are far greater than may be guessed
John Muir
In today’s hyper-connected world, the call of the wild grows stronger every day. The idea of trading digital notifications for the rustling of leaves and the glow of a campfire holds an undeniable appeal. Discovering the best places to camp in the world has become a priority for travelers seeking authentic connections with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a tech-savvy entrepreneur looking for a digital detox, our planet offers a staggering array of top camping destinations worldwide that promise unforgettable experiences under the stars.
This comprehensive guide goes beyond a simple list of scenic spots; it’s a carefully curated collection of the most spectacular camping locations globally that will fuel your next adventure. From majestic mountains to tranquil coastlines and unique landscapes, we provide insights and practical considerations to help you discover your perfect camping destination. Let’s explore these remarkable places where nature’s beauty reaches its pinnacle and camping becomes a transformative experience.
Mountain Majesty: Where Peaks Meet the Stars
Image: Tent illuminated at night with the Milky Way visible above Banff National Park’s mountains
Mountain camping offers some of the most dramatic landscapes and clearest night skies, making these locations among the best camping spots on the planet.
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand – Alpine Grandeur
Consistently ranked among the top camping destinations worldwide, Aoraki (Mount Cook) National Park showcases New Zealand’s highest mountain and the South Island’s finest outdoor playground. The views from the campgrounds are simply staggering, with crystal-clear night skies perfect for stargazing. The Hooker Valley offers accessible hiking trails that lead to spectacular glacier views, making this a must-visit for any serious camping enthusiast.
Best Time to Visit: November to February for warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Image: Mount Cook National Park
Banff National Park, Canada – Pristine Wilderness
Canada tops many lists of the best places to camp in the world, and Banff National Park exemplifies why. Known for its stunning turquoise lakes, glaciers, and jagged peaks, Banff offers some of North America’s most picturesque camping sites. The park features over 2,400 campsites across 13 campgrounds, ranging from fully-serviced areas to primitive backcountry spots. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake provide iconic backdrops for your camping adventure.
💡Local Tip: Book campsites well in advance, especially for the peak summer season (June-August).
The Dolomites, Italy – European Alpine Splendor
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy offers an exceptional European mountain camping destination. The Dolomites boast an endless network of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, all surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks. As the snow thaws in spring, the Alps transform into a camper’s paradise with beautifully fresh alpine air and quaint villages nestled in the foothills.
Unique Experience: Stay in a rifugio (mountain hut) for a night to experience traditional Alpine hospitality.
Image: Scenic Church and Mountain Landscape in the Dolomites
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia – Africa’s Rooftop
This UNESCO-listed paradise in Ethiopia provides a unique African camping experience with stunning mountain scenery. The jagged Simien massif and its deep precipices rival the Grand Canyon for beauty. Camping here offers opportunities to spot unique wildlife like the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia.
Sustainability Note: Travel with a licensed guide to ensure minimal impact on this fragile ecosystem.
Coastal Escapes: Where Land Meets Sea
Image: Bahia Honda State Park
For those who prefer the rhythm of waves as their camping soundtrack, these coastal camping locations offer the perfect blend of beach relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada – Pacific Wilderness
Vancouver Island’s mind-blowingly diverse ecosystem gets ever more wild as you head north. Pacific Rim National Park and the West Coast Trail are spectacular places to set up camp. Tofino offers idyllic coastal campsites with access to pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and wildlife viewing opportunities. You might catch sight of orcas breaching offshore, sea otters playing in the shallows, or brant geese flying overhead.
Adventure Tip: Take a surfing lesson – Tofino is known as Canada’s surfing capital with waves suitable for all skill levels.
Image: Tofino, BC, Canada
North Stradbroke Island, Australia – Island Paradise
“Straddie,” as locals call it, offers some of Australia’s most beautiful beach camping. Drive your 4WD to your campsite on the island’s stunning beaches and enjoy tea tree lakes and starry night skies. The island is also a perfect spot for wildlife encounters, with kangaroos, koalas, and dolphins frequently spotted. This unique camping experience combines the best of Australia’s natural wonders in one accessible location.
Wildlife Watching: Visit Point Lookout between June and November for whale watching opportunities.
Devon, England – Dramatic Coastlines
The southwest of England feels a million miles from the rest of the UK and offers stunning coastal camping spots. The campsites on Dartmoor and Exmoor are fantastic places to pitch a tent, but the real magic happens along the craggy cliffs that sweep down to the Atlantic on the north Devon coast. Come in autumn, when you can watch a huge red sun dip slowly over the horizon.
Local Experience: Try a traditional cream tea at a local café – just remember that in Devon, the cream goes first, then the jam!
Image: Devon, England
Forest and Lake Havens: Tranquility in Nature’s Embrace
Image: Tent beside a mirror-like lake in Hossa National Park with forest reflection
Forest camping offers a sense of seclusion and connection with nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. These woodland and lakeside camping destinations provide the perfect setting for peaceful retreats.
Hossa National Park, Finland – Nordic Wilderness
Finland’s newest national park (opened in 2017) is in the wild northeast of the country and represents one of the most pristine wilderness camping areas in Europe. You’ll find a rugged landscape of rivers, lakes, and old-growth spruce forests. Finland welcomes wild campers, and the park is dotted with remote lean-to shelters and rustic cabins, all with spots for campfires.
Northern Experience: Visit in summer to experience the midnight sun, when daylight lasts nearly 24 hours.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland – Highland Beauty
The scattered peaks, valleys, and villages of the Trossachs – often called the Highlands in miniature – make an incredibly scenic backdrop for a camping trip. This area offers everything from sprawling caravan parks to remote wild camping spots, making it one of the best camping locations in the UK. The area’s numerous lochs (lakes) provide opportunities for water activities and stunning reflective views.
Camping Regulations: Be sure to read Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code before wild camping, as certain areas require permits during peak season.
Image: The Trossachs, Scotland
Yellowstone National Park, USA – Geothermal Wonders
Named one of the best outdoor destinations in 2025, Yellowstone offers over 2,000 established campsites across 12 campgrounds. This iconic national park combines forest camping with unique geothermal features, wildlife viewing, and vast wilderness areas. From the famous Old Faithful geyser to the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, camping in Yellowstone puts you in the heart of America’s first national park.
Wildlife Watching: Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities to spot Yellowstone’s abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and possibly even wolves or bears.
Unique Landscapes: Adventures Off the Beaten Path
Image: Andes Mountain
For those seeking truly unique camping experiences, these destinations offer landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – End of the Earth
South America’s southern tip, spanning both Argentina and Chile, is as wild as it gets and consistently ranks among the best places to camp in the world. This remote camping paradise features vast landscapes and snow-capped mountain vistas. Follow the RN-40 to discover wide-open skies and pristine wilderness. Torres del Paine National Park offers organized campgrounds, while more remote areas provide true backcountry experiences.
Seasonal Consideration: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February), as winters can be extremely harsh.
Image: Patagonia
The Sahara Desert, Morocco – Starlit Sands
The vast expanse of golden dunes creates a serene and otherworldly atmosphere for a truly unique camping experience. The desert’s clear air and lack of light pollution provide remarkable stargazing opportunities. Traditional camps often include comfortable tents, Berber guides, and camel treks across the dunes. This is camping at its most exotic and memorable.
Cultural Experience: Share tea and stories with local Berber communities to gain insight into ancient nomadic traditions.
Image: The Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Seto Inland Sea, Japan – Island Exploration
In the wide, watery expanse between Japan’s main islands, you’ll find a little-known idyll made up of many smaller islands. This unique camping destination allows you to explore by bike as seven modern bridges now link the islets. At night, camp beside subtropical white-sand beaches and enjoy the blend of traditional Japanese culture with stunning natural beauty.
Transportation Tip: Rent bicycles to explore the Shimanami Kaido, a 70km cycling route that connects the islands via spectacular bridges.
Image: Hatsukaichi, Japan
Zion National Park, USA – Red Rock Wonderland
Known for its red sandstone cliffs, rugged plateaus, and forested canyons, Zion offers spectacular campsite views and three camping options. The Watchman Campground is open year-round, while more adventurous campers can obtain permits for wilderness camping in the park’s interior. The dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop for one of America’s most popular national park camping experiences.
Hiking Recommendation: Don’t miss The Narrows, where you can hike through the Virgin River as it flows between towering canyon walls.
Image: Zion National Park
Practical Tips for Your Global Camping Adventure
Image: Camping gear neatly organized outside a tent with mountains in background
Planning a camping trip to one of the best places to camp in the world requires careful preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure your adventure goes smoothly.
Choosing the Right Campsite: Location Matters
When selecting a campsite, consider these factors:
- Accessibility: How difficult is it to reach? Is a 4WD vehicle required?
- Terrain: Is the ground suitable for pitching a tent?
- Proximity to water: Both for drinking/cooking and for scenic value
- Exposure to wind: Especially important in coastal and mountain locations
- Local wildlife: Research potential encounters and necessary precautions
Pro Tip: Use camping-specific apps and websites to read reviews from other campers about specific sites before making your decision.
Permits and Reservations: Plan Ahead
Many of the top camping destinations worldwide require advance planning:
- Research campsite permits well in advance, especially for popular national parks
- Book campsites months ahead for peak season visits
- Check if wild camping is legal in your chosen destination
- Understand fire regulations, which vary significantly by location
- Verify if specific permits are needed for activities like fishing or hiking
Booking Strategy: For popular destinations like Yellowstone or Banff, set calendar reminders to book exactly when reservation windows open (often 6 months in advance).
Essential Gear: Be Prepared
Your packing list will vary by destination, but these items are universal necessities for camping experiences around the world:
- Quality tent appropriate for the climate
- Weather-appropriate sleeping bag
- Cooking equipment and food storage
- Navigation tools (maps, compass, GPS)
- First aid kit and emergency supplies
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Water filtration system for backcountry locations
Image: Screenshot of the GoHub eSIM webpage, highlighting the destination input field with “Destination” selected, illustrating how users can easily search for eSIM data plans
💡Connectivity Tip: Consider a Gohub eSIM for reliable connectivity in remote areas, allowing you to access maps, weather updates, and emergency services without relying on spotty local networks.
Camping with a Conscience: Sustainability and Responsible Practices
Image: Camper cleaning up a campsite, leaving no trace behind
As more people discover the best places to camp in the world, responsible camping becomes increasingly important.
Leave No Trace: Minimizing Impact
Follow these seven Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful camping destinations:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Environmental Tip: Pack out all trash, including food scraps, and use biodegradable soap for washing at least 200 feet from any water source.
Supporting Local Communities
When camping internationally, consider how your visit impacts local communities:
- Purchase supplies from local businesses
- Respect cultural norms and traditions
- Learn a few phrases in the local language
- Consider hiring local guides when appropriate
- Participate in community-based tourism initiatives
Cultural Respect: Research local customs before your trip to avoid unintentionally offensive behavior.
Seasonal Considerations for Global Camping
Image: Four-season collage showing the same camping location throughout the year
Timing is everything when planning a visit to the best places to camp in the world. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan:
Northern Hemisphere Highlights
- Spring (March-May): Ideal for desert camping in places like the Sahara or American Southwest
- Summer (June-August): Perfect for mountain destinations like Banff, the Dolomites, and Yellowstone
- Fall (September-November): Excellent for forest camping with colorful foliage in New England or Japan
- Winter (December-February): Consider southern destinations or embrace winter camping in prepared locations
Southern Hemisphere Options
- December-February: Prime time for New Zealand, Patagonia, and Australian camping
- March-May: Shoulder season with fewer crowds in places like Tasmania
- June-August: Winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but still viable in northern Australia
- September-November: Spring brings wildflowers and moderate temperatures to many southern locations
Planning Tip: Research the “shoulder seasons” (just before or after peak season) for popular destinations to enjoy good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Conclusion: Your Next Adventure Awaits
Image: Campers toasting marshmallows around a campfire with a starry sky above
Camping offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature, embark on new adventures, and create lasting memories. The best places to camp in the world span every continent and ecosystem, from the mountain majesty of Banff and Mount Cook to the coastal beauty of Tofino and Devon, the forest tranquility of Yellowstone and Hossa, and the unique landscapes of Patagonia and the Sahara.
As you plan your next camping adventure, remember that the perfect destination depends on your personal preferences, experience level, and desired activities. Whether you seek the thrill of the mountains, the serenity of a lakeside retreat, or the charm of coastal escapes, our planet is full of breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored.
Before finalizing your plans, ensure you have reliable connectivity for your journey. Gohub’s eSIM solutions provide seamless internet access throughout your adventure, allowing you to navigate remote areas, check weather conditions, and share your experiences without worrying about finding local SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming fees.
Pack your bags, plan your trip, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors. The world’s most beautiful camping destinations are calling – which will you answer first?
