Hidden Gem Campgrounds You Need to Visit This Year

Hidden Gem Campgrounds You Need to Visit This Year.Camping offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, unplug from technology, and experience the raw beauty of the outdoors. But not all campgrounds are created equal—some are overcrowded and commercialized, stripping away the serenity many campers crave. That’s why discovering hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year can completely transform your travel experience.

Whether you’re seeking mountain solitude, coastal charm, or forest tranquility, these lesser-known campgrounds offer unforgettable experiences without the usual crowds. Here’s a carefully curated list of stunning and underrated spots across the globe where you can pitch your tent or park your RV for a truly refreshing escape.

1. Malaekahana Beach Campground – Oahu, Hawaii

If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway without the resort prices or packed beaches, Malaekahana Beach Campground is your paradise found. Located on the North Shore of Oahu, this campground offers lush surroundings, golden sand beaches, and consistent surf.

What makes this one of the hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year is its laid-back vibe and seclusion. You can sleep steps from the ocean, enjoy sunrise walks, and even spot sea turtles. It’s the kind of place where the sound of the waves becomes your lullaby.

2. Shoshone Lake – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

While Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., few venture to Shoshone Lake, a backcountry treasure accessible only by foot or paddle. The remote setting makes it one of the most peaceful and pristine locations in the park.

This is the kind of wilderness camping that rewards effort. Pack light, follow the trails or canoe route, and immerse yourself in the heart of Yellowstone. With no vehicle access and limited campsites, Shoshone Lake earns its place as one of the hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

3. Lums Pond State Park – Delaware, USA

Often overlooked in favor of more famous East Coast spots, Lums Pond State Park offers a quiet retreat with something for everyone. Whether you enjoy kayaking, hiking, or horseback riding, this park’s campground serves as a perfect base.

Nestled near the water and surrounded by woodland, the campground includes modern amenities and cozy yurts for those who want a glamping twist. It’s a tranquil haven that deserves a spot on your list of hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

4. Campsite Les Criques de Porteils – Collioure, France

Tucked between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this French coastal campsite offers unbeatable views, crystal-clear waters, and cliffside pitches. Despite being near the popular village of Collioure, it remains relatively unknown outside Europe.

The site offers both tent spots and mobile homes, along with direct access to private coves. If you’re looking for an international destination to add to your travel plans, this is one of the most breathtaking hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

5. Lake O’Hara Backcountry Campground – British Columbia, Canada

A protected area within Yoho National Park, Lake O’Hara’s campground requires a reservation system due to its sensitive environment and limited capacity. What that means for you? Fewer people, more peace.

Surrounded by alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and some of the most scenic trails in North America, it’s no wonder seasoned hikers consider this one of the best-kept secrets in the Rockies. It’s undoubtedly one of the most exclusive hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

6. Jasper Point – Prineville Reservoir, Oregon

A quieter alternative to Oregon’s busier camping areas, Jasper Point offers panoramic lake views, shaded campsites, and direct access to Prineville Reservoir. It’s a paradise for stargazers and anglers alike.

Thanks to its tucked-away location, it rarely feels crowded, even in peak season. There’s also excellent wildlife viewing, including eagles, deer, and more. When seeking out hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year, this Central Oregon hideout checks all the boxes.

7. Coolendel – Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia

Located along the Shoalhaven River and surrounded by national parks, Coolendel offers a secluded camping experience with the charm of Aussie bushland. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and overflowing with wildlife—from wombats to goannas.

Its off-grid nature and lack of phone signal make it the ultimate digital detox destination. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or paddling in the river, Coolendel easily earns its spot among the hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

8. Sandsend Camping – Whitby, England

With dramatic cliffs, a sweeping beach, and the charming town of Whitby nearby, Sandsend is the English seaside at its best—minus the tourist crush. The camping here is basic but idyllic, with sea views from your tent.

It’s perfect for fossil hunting, surfing, or simply enjoying long coastal walks. For a unique UK camping experience that combines history and natural beauty, Sandsend is one of the hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

9. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Camping – Iceland

Not far from the famous Ring Road, this quiet Icelandic campsite sits near the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Imagine falling asleep under the northern lights or waking up to mist curling over mossy cliffs.

Though minimal in amenities, the scenery more than compensates. Its remote location and jaw-dropping vistas make it one of the most magical hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

10. Mount Field National Park – Tasmania, Australia

Last but not least, Mount Field offers rainforests, alpine terrain, and waterfalls—all in one park. The campground is small but well-maintained, perfect for those who want immersion in nature without forgoing comfort.

You’ll be surrounded by ancient trees, glow worm grottos, and curious wildlife like pademelons and echidnas. It’s a southern hemisphere stunner and a must-see among hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year.

Final Thoughts

Traveling off the beaten path leads to richer, more personal experiences. By choosing hidden gem campgrounds you need to visit this year, you’ll avoid the crowds, deepen your connection with nature, and find unforgettable memories in places few others have explored.

So pack your gear, grab your map, and get ready to uncover the wild, peaceful corners of the world that are waiting for you—before everyone else finds out about them.