To save you hours of research, here’s a handpicked list of the best camping destinations in the USA for August. We’ve got campground counts, fees, reservation tips, and a few hidden nuggets you won’t find on the park brochure.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
With soaring peaks, elk-filled meadows, and starry night skies, Rocky Mountain National Park is a summer dream.
Number of Campgrounds: 5 developed campgrounds
- Aspenglen – Reservation-only, peaceful and close to the Fall River entrance.
- Glacier Basin – Great for families, right in the heart of the park.
- Longs Peak – Tent-only, first-come, first-served, open July to early September.
- Moraine Park – Famous for its views and wildlife sightings.
- Timber Creek – The only option on the park’s west side.
August Camping Prices:
- Standard non-electric: $35/night
- Standard electric: $55/night
- Tent-only (Longs Peak): $30/night
- Group sites: $50–$70/night
(Park entrance fee is extra)
Insider Tip: Longs Peak fills up early—even by 7 a.m.—so have a backup plan if you’re trying your luck without a reservation.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you didn’t start camping years ago. Towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and trails that seem to stretch forever—it’s a photographer’s and hiker’s paradise.
Number of Campgrounds: 13 frontcountry campgrounds (7 reservation-only, 6 first-come, first-served)
- Many Glacier, St. Mary, Fish Creek, Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, and Rising Sun are the most popular.
August Camping Prices:
- Individual sites: $15–$30/night
- Group sites: $30–$90/night
- Hiker/Biker sites: $8/person
Insider Tip: First-come, first-served campgrounds often fill before mid-morning in August—arrive early or risk a long search.
Oh Be Joyful Campground, Colorado
Tucked near Crested Butte, this small but scenic campground is true to its name—especially when the wildflowers explode in August. Set along the Slate River at 9,000 feet, it’s a peaceful escape from big crowds.
Number of Campgrounds: 1 (30 sites)
August Camping Prices:
- Standard site: $20/night
- Group site: $60/night
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Number of Campgrounds: 9 developed campgrounds (333 sites)
- Popular ones include Sylvan Lake, Blue Bell, and Legion Lake.
August Camping Prices:
- Standard sites: $16–$34/night
- Camping cabins: $60/night
- Group sites: $8/person (minimum $140)
- Equestrian: $37/night
(Plus $20 entrance fee per vehicle)
Insider Tip: Book Sylvan Lake early—its glassy waters and rock formations make it one of the most photographed spots in South Dakota.
Teton Valley, Idaho
A base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park without the price tag, Teton Valley offers everything from cozy tent sites to full-on RV resorts.
Number of Campgrounds: Multiple developed + dispersed options
August Camping Prices:
- Forest Service campgrounds: ~$17/night
- Private RV sites: $50–$86/night
- Tent sites (private): ~$30/night
- Dispersed: Free
Insider Tip: If you want prime stargazing, pick dispersed camping areas far from town lights.
Wind River Range & Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
If you’re craving remote, rugged camping away from the usual tourist trail, this is where you go. Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and some of the best backpacking routes in the country.
Number of Campgrounds: Numerous developed + endless dispersed camping
August Camping Prices:
- Developed (National Forest): ~$20/night
- State Parks: $10–$40/night
- Private RV sites: ~$48/night
- Dispersed: Free
- Wind River Indian Reservation permits: $35–$135 + $20 recreational stamp
Insider Tip: If you plan to enter the Wind River Reservation, don’t skip the permit—it’s required, and enforcement is strict.
Best August Camping Spots – Quick Comparison
| Destination | Campgrounds | Price Range (Aug) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain NP, CO | 5 | $30–$70/night | High-altitude alpine views |
| Glacier NP, MT | 13 | $8–$90/night | Glacier-fed lakes & wildlife |
| Oh Be Joyful, CO | 1 | $20–$60/night | Riverfront relaxation |
| Custer SP, SD | 9 | $16–$140/night | Bison herds & rock formations |
| Teton Valley, ID | Multiple | Free–$86/night | Gateway to Grand Teton |
| Wind River & Medicine Bow, WY | Many | Free–$135/night | Remote alpine wilderness |
Final Word
August camping in the USA is all about big skies, cool nights, and mornings that start with coffee and mountain air. Whether you want a fully serviced site in Rocky Mountain National Park or a quiet patch of forest in Wyoming, the options are endless.
Read More: 5 Best Camping Spots in West Coast & Pacific Usa
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