Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations

by Stephanie Puglisi, Jeremy Puglisi

Featuring 300+ of the best camping and glamping spots in the USA!

Outdoor adventure, glamping, and camping vacations have never been more popular—and everyone is looking to discover the best destinations with beautiful scenery and desirable amenities. In Where Should We Camp Next?, family camping and RV experts Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi make it easy for you to plan the perfect trip. Whether you're a fan of rustic national parks or luxury glamping resorts, the in-depth profiles of more than 300 amazing outdoor accommodation destinations will help you find the best places to park your RV, pitch your tent, or kick back in your yurt, treehouse, or cabin.

Where Should We Camp Next? is the adventurer's ultimate guide to vacations across the USA and highlights regional cuisine, must-see attractions, and unforgettable activities. Whether you're planning a family camping trip or a romantic couple's getaway, this book is your gateway to making memories with the people you love the most.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, Outdoors

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Shane Kaler · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an extremely thoughtful gift from my fiancé and will be a permanent travel companion (both the book and her). However, it lends us none of the information the title purports. If you are the outdoors type and enjoy camping, DO NOT GET THIS BOOK! If you cannot stand the sights, sounds, and smells of nature without the amenities of a 4 star resort, the idea of a tent and sleeping bag and starting a fire are horrifying to you, and you require a loose “how-to” on when to book your next Disney vacation, then I cannot recommend this guide enough. I didn’t know glamping was a thing (autocorrect is mercifully reassuring me it’s still not), but life is somehow dimmer knowing that this is how people are choosing to “experience” [read: ignore] the natural beauty this country has to offer. Large portions of this comp are devoted to “urban camping” while places like Cherry Springs, PA - the FIRST dark sky park in the world - are willfully ignored. If the “campground” doesn’t have some sort of amusement park and a bomb gift shop: forget about it! Finally, I am 100% convinced this publication was sponsored by a chain of resorts called Yogi Bear’s Jellystone because these are getting top recs in a majority of states (oftentimes twice). Still, there’s mention of plenty unique tourist destinations to make this a worthwhile supplement, but I am open to your suggestions for real camping guides. Seriously. Please and thank you.

[Amberwench · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for: people who want to go see the best, most popular, and most amazing things in all the states. Not so good for: people who want to avoid all the above mentioned people.
If you want less traveled locations, this isn't the book for you.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource that I will keep coming back to as we plan camping trips.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the previous book by this author See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors as it was a comprehensive and entertaining guide for novice campers. However, while this book is also entertaining and published in an appealing format with nice graphics, the content was lacking. The authors offer a handful of campgrounds in each state with an emphasis on national and state parks with a few private parks thrown in (they appear to like KOAs). The problem is if you take this on a trip and plan to stop at many of these parks, chances are they will be full, especially with the recent boom in camping popularity.

Recommended if you are planning a trip for the summer of 2022 (be ready to place your reservations as soon as the window opens as far ahead as a year) but unless you get lucky and happen upon some cancellations, you are going to be out of luck.

Also, watch out for outdated information. One error I noted was the recommendation of Big Mess BBQ at Sam's Town in Las Vegas which has been closed for a least two years (much to my chagrin as it was a favorite place to eat).

Thank you to the publisher for the advance digital galley but this review is based on the published print copy.

[Mystic Miraflores · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I bought a motorhome after retiring 5 years ago. Before that, we rented various RVs while our children were young. So we already have visited many of the places listed in this book, plus Canada. As my husband and I are now empty nesters, we prefer to stay away from the family-themed Jellystone and resort-type campgrounds. We like campgrounds that are in-between the primitive/rustic and the noisy, busy resorts. This book still had many of the type of accommodations we are looking for, even as I disregarded the names of glamping, resort, Jellystone, KOA types of campgrounds. Thank you to the authors for information on campground review websites and apps. I am now curious to read the authors' first book, "See You at the Campground".

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed. I know there are tons of great campgrounds in every state. But, there were a couple in Michigan the author talked about. They are all surrounded by great locations to spend time and enjoy fun activities that weren't even mentioned as an aside. I saw nothing that would make me want to book a stay at any of them. The detail just isn't in this volume.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Where Should We Camp Next?: Budget Camping” by Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi is a treasure trove for the budget-conscious adventurer. This comprehensive guidebook is an essential companion for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

The Puglisis, with their extensive experience in camping and outdoor activities, have crafted a book that is informative and accessible. The book covers a wide range of camping options across all 50 states, from the rugged beauty of national parks to the charm of local campgrounds. It’s a curated collection of experiences that cater to a variety of preferences, whether you’re in an RV, a tent, or looking for a glamping experience.

What sets this guide apart is its dedication to budget-friendly options. The authors have gone to great lengths to highlight free and low-cost activities that don’t compromise on the quality of the experience. They provide practical tips on how to maximize your adventure while minimizing expenses, which is invaluable for both novice campers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

The book is well-organized, making it easy to find information relevant to your next trip. Each state’s section includes detailed descriptions of campgrounds, highlighting their amenities and the activities available in the surrounding area. The inclusion of regional cuisine and must-see attractions adds a delightful layer to trip planning, ensuring that readers can fully immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty.

Moreover, the Puglisis’ passion for outdoor exploration shines through their writing. Their personal anecdotes and recommendations add a warm, personal touch that inspires trust and wanderlust. The guide is peppered with beautiful photographs that capture the essence of each location, making it a visual as well as practical delight.

“Where Should We Camp Next?: Budget Camping” is an invitation to adventure. It empowers readers to create lasting memories without the stress of overspending, proving that the best things in life—and nature—are often free, or at least affordable. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo escape, or a romantic getaway, this book is sure to become a go-to resource for all your camping needs.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I’d love this book. We love national parks and camping. I’d love to know where to go next. It turns out I’m not the target audience and it was pretty much a bust for me.

First off, it’s more of a campground guide than a park guide. If you know where you’re going and want quick summaries of the camping options nearby, this will tell you who has flush toilets, glamping tents and good views. It won’t tell you how much they cost though, not even one of those simple scales like $$.

Secondly, it covers only 51 national parks, motorways, monuments and other areas. That sounds like a lot but there are well over 400 and none of the ones in this book are near me in Minnesota. In the Midwest they list 2 Michigan sites, one in Indiana, one in Missouri and one in Ohio. So where I should go next is apparently anywhere a thousand miles away. They do list a couple of sites in the Dakotas but we’ve been there already (and she cannot convince me Mt. Rushmore is worth going back to). There are a lot of military and historic battle sites in the mix, along with ones in Alaska and Hawaii. I’m sure these are great sites, but they don’t really pertain to our options or preferences.

Thirdly, there are no photos. I really wanted to be sold on where to visit and a half page about a park along with some AAA type of campsite summaries just didn’t have me really wanting to go anywhere.

Another small gripe is they don’t say what state the parks and sites are in. Sometimes I had to scan two pages in to figure out where an entry was and how far it would be for me.

Honestly, this really did remind me of a AAA guide and we get those for free. Those also do have photos of some of the area and price ranges.

If you are a RVer who wants information on some campgrounds, this might work well, or if you’re going to some of the most popular national parks. It was pretty much a bust for me though.

I read a digital copy of this book for review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent go-to resource on simply what the title states...”Where Should We Camp Next?” Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi become the best friends you’ve never met in the camping world by their wealth of knowledge in their RV Atlas Podcast and now in their two book resources. Whatever your method of camping, it will certainly be helped and enhanced by following how and where this family travels as campers.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital download of this book as part of the publisher's Early Reads program. This guide offers the best campground in each state as well as a few others that are also highly rated. It gives guidelines at the beginning of how to use the book and explains what amenities campgrounds may have on premise. This book will be useful for beginning campers as well as seasoned travelers who are planning road trips around the 50 states.

[Crystal Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for my son's Easter basket. We've had so much reading the book one state at a time and picking out places we want to go. This is a great overview with a few camping locations for each state which means a large portion of the book are campsites that are very far away. So if you are looking to add some bucket list big trips with a few local spots thrown in this is a great book, but if you want to stay close to home this probably isn't the book for you.

[Serenity Griffard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me that people have vastly different opinions and experiences with camping, ranging from loving rustic, primitive trips to preferring outdoor resorts. If you are mostly interested in KOA‘s, RV’s and outdoor resorts, then this is an excellent resource. However, if comfort and convenience fall below nature connection on your priority, then this book will be more of a fun read rather than helpful resource.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT! Stephanie and Jeremey have complied a great list of campgrounds and added a lot of personal and fun touches to make your camping trip an amazing experience. I look forward to the next edition!

[Jenn Kreitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is Quit Telling People Where the Good Campgrounds Are!! We've been camping for a decade and sites are getting harder to get and more expensive. Other than that, keep up the good work Jeremy and Stephanie. Love your podcast.

[Maeve Bolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fun and inspiring. It makes me want to travel more and visit every state. The information is easier to navigate than any website or online travel guide I have found.

[Catherine Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to try all these campgrounds!

[Ginger]

Too many entries for Yogi Bear Jellystones and KOAs.

[Hadiqa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff! I've been to a lot of camp sites that the book mentioned about the state I live in. I wanted to see if it was going to show something different that I already didn't know. But good read!

[Erin Howayeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome resource book for families who like to camp! I look forward to referring to it over and over again as we plan trips for our family.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me want to start camping for family togetherness, and I don't like camping! Very good writing.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super useful reference. Will check out from the library again the next time we're planning a road trip!

[TL Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already know how to camp, but I enjoyed this book for its tips and tricks, introductions to sites I haven't been before, pros and cons of types of camping, and anecdotes.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent guide for to get you started on planning your next family camping trip - not much for tent camping, but an interesting overview.

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't really help at all

[Evelina Zhuk]

Makes you want to go to all the places! Such a cool book for those who love to camp

[oohlalabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful compilation of camp grounds across America that the authors have experienced and is their opinion. I like that they list the different options of camping - cabins and tent sites as I have done both. We’ve been talking about taking our toddlers camping and this book comes in handy. We’ll be using this to help us choose a place!

[Lionheart Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like a road trip. An encyclopedia of campsites. Fun!

“Waking up in a glamping tent with a view of the Statue of Liberty is actually a real thing you can do - but only at Collective Governor’s Island, which is just a short boat ride away from Manhattan and Brooklyn. This unique property offers lots of natural space, but it is a bit rougher around the edgers than pictures suggest. If you go looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, you will have a blast. But if you want quiet and tranquility, head out further from the city.”