You may be wondering, "what are the best places to camp near me?" One of the best things about traveling around the U.S. is that there are so many great places to camp. Nature lovers can enjoy the fresh air, glorious mountains, and clear lakes and streams during a weekend (or longer) camping trip. Not only can you set up a tent at these picturesque locations, you can also enjoy plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and more activities in the great wide wilderness. From the piney woods of Maine to the crisp lakes of Alaska, your perfect outdoor trip awaits.

If you're looking for a rugged hike, look no further than this northernmost part of the Appalachian Valley. The sights are particularly magical in the fall when leaf-peeping season is at its peak. Plus, the forest has several campgrounds with a combined hundreds of campsites. Currently, several campgrounds, climbing areas, and shelters remain closed.

A short drive from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles of trails, including an eight-mile hike up Old Rag Mountain that's a must-do for avid hikers. This glorious park gives you plenty of lush views of forest and waterfalls. Its facilities are open in the spring, summer, and fall, and it has five campgrounds to choose from. The park has reopened, but campgrounds are currently operating at reduced capacity.