August in the USA is the golden month for camping. The snow has melted from high mountain passes, alpine lakes shimmer under long summer days, and coastal breezes make nights crisp enough for a cozy sleeping bag.
From the volcanic rim of Oregon’s Crater Lake to the wild rainforests of Olympic National Park, this is the season to pitch a tent and live under the stars.
We’ve rounded up five of the best August camping destinations—complete with campground numbers, entry fees, and unique insider details—so you can plan a trip worth bragging about.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon – Camp Beside a Sleeping Volcano
Campgrounds & Facilities
Crater Lake isn’t just another mountain lake—it’s the deepest in the USA, formed inside a collapsed volcano.
August brings clear skies that make the water look impossibly blue.
The park’s main camping hub is Mazama Campground with 214 sites, ranging from simple tent spots to RV sites with full hookups.
Backcountry permits are free for those willing to sleep beneath the stars without amenities.
August Camping Prices
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (7 days)
- Mazama: $21 (tent), $31 (RV no hookups), $36 (RV electric), $42 (full hookups), $5 (walk-in hiker sites)
- Backcountry: Free permits required
Insider Tip: Skip the midday crowds by visiting the Rim Drive viewpoints early morning or at sunset when the lake glows orange.
Olympic National Park, Washington – Three Worlds in One Park
Campgrounds & Facilities
Olympic is where rainforest, rugged coastline, and glacier-capped peaks meet in one breathtaking park.
There are 15 campgrounds with about 900 sites—the favorites include Kalaloch (ocean views), Hoh (lush rainforest), and Heart O’ the Hills (close to Hurricane Ridge).
Backcountry camping permits open up secluded beaches or alpine meadows for the adventurous.
August Camping Prices
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (7 days)
- Developed Sites: $15–$24/night
- Group Sites: $40/night (up to 10 people)
- Wilderness Camping: $8 per person/night + $6 permit fee
Why It’s Perfect in August
This is the driest month in a park famous for rain. Trails are snow-free, beaches are warm enough for barefoot walks, and the meadows around Hurricane Ridge are bursting with wildflowers.
North Cascades National Park, Washington – The Alps of America
Campgrounds & Facilities
The North Cascades are raw, rugged, and surprisingly uncrowded. August brings wildflower meadows and glacier-fed lakes at their most photogenic.
Popular sites include Newhalem Creek, Goodell Creek, and Colonial Creek. For something special, reserve a boat-in campsite on Ross or Diablo Lake.
August Camping Prices
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Developed Sites: $15–$24/night
- Backcountry: $10 per person/night + $6 permit fee
- Northwest Forest Pass: $5/day or $30/year for some trailheads
Why It’s Perfect in August
August is when the higher trails finally shed their snow, revealing sweeping views of jagged peaks.
It’s also the best month for kayaking the emerald waters of Diablo Lake without shivering.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska – Glacier Camping Without the Crowds
Campgrounds & Facilities
Alaska in August means long daylight hours and an explosion of wildlife. Exit Glacier Campground offers 12 walk-in tent sites for free, while public use cabins can be rented for $75 a night.
Backcountry camping is free with a permit, but requires careful preparation for bear safety.
August Camping Prices
- Exit Glacier Campground: Free
- Public Use Cabins: $75/night
- Nearby Camping: $10–$25/night in Seward or Chugach National Forest
Why It’s Perfect in August
This is peak whale-watching season, with humpbacks, orcas, and puffins spotted almost daily.
Glaciers are still intact but accessible, and hiking trails are alive with wildflowers.
Insider Tip: Take a day cruise from Seward to see glaciers calving directly into the ocean.
Mammoth Lakes, California – Sierra Nevada’s Summer Playground
Campgrounds & Facilities
Surrounded by towering pines and glassy lakes, Mammoth Lakes offers more than a dozen campgrounds, from Lake Mary in the Lakes Basin to dispersed camping in Inyo National Forest.
Private options like Mammoth Mountain RV Park give extra comfort, while backcountry permits open endless alpine possibilities.
August Camping Prices
- Developed: $15–$24/night
- Private: $50–$140/night depending on amenities
- Dispersed: Free with permit
- Extras: Showers $5–$10, RV dump $15
Why It’s Perfect in August
Fishing, boating, and high-elevation hikes are all in their prime.
Insider Tip: Ride the gondola up Mammoth Mountain for panoramic views—on a clear August day, you can see as far as Yosemite’s peaks.
Final Word – Which One Should You Pick?
If you want bucket-list scenery, Crater Lake’s blue depths win. For diverse landscapes, Olympic National Park is unbeatable.
The North Cascades are for solitude-seekers, Kenai Fjords for glacier lovers, and Mammoth Lakes for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Read More: Best National Parks to Camp in August 2025
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