There is an incredible number of campground in the USA.
Forest and State Parks campgrounds are generally sited in beautiful surroundings, most of
the time in a forest by a lake or a river. (from $2 to 10 for two)
National Parks camps are very popular, arrive early to secure a site or
reserve if possible, most are filled up before noon. (under $20 for two)
The rest of the time we stayed mostly at a Kampground of
America, that are probably a little more expensive than other private
campgrounds ($20/30 for two). They guarantee a sort of standard of comfort,
despite wide variation in quality and cost, not necessarily proportional!.
Their Value Card pays itself in less than a week.
Traveling the USA is not cheap, even when camping, a site cost as much as
a tourist motel in Europe. |
In recreation areas campgrounds are numerous and well signposted. |
Grand Teton NP, Jenny Lake campground, one of the finest mountain view
from a campsite! |
KoAs are the ideal place for a laundry day |
Shaded table in Badlands |
$
The best deal ever, $5 with hot shower, on the Green River bank, Maine! |
$$$$$
Cheyenne's KoA, one of the most expensive of our trip, but definitely not the most
comfortable |
Devil's Tower KoA, perfect place to watch again "Encounters of the
third type" in the original settings |
Camping, yes, but in style, in Maine, lobster is a must |
Yosemite, as in most NP campgrounds, large bearproof food safes are provided |
NP campgrounds are generally set in forested areas, providing a reasonable
level of privacy |
All campgrounds in the USA have barbecues |
Canyonlands NP, one of the finest camp settings |
Death Valley, bring your own shade! |
Mariposa KoA, the most cramped site, good to make friends with neighbors |
Monument Valley NP, incredible setting, unforgettable sunset and sunrise |
Showers are generally not available in NP campgrounds. Solar showers are very convenient. |
|
All sites have a picnic table in variable conditions, a
table cloth adds style to location...
Water is nearly always available, many places recommend boiling it, spring
water is available in gallon jugs from food-stores.
Firewood is for sale from most camp hosts. |
|
Camp etiquette: Campers do not meet or greet the
newcomers, a hi is enough. They respect each other privacy but if you wish
to make contact, you are welcome. Help is given without hesitation, our
flat battery incident was solved in less than five minutes. The campfire
is a ritual, whether you need it for cooking or not, roasted marshmallows
are still very much in fashion.
Our Vermont license plates attracted a lot of interest in the west. Often
we were greeted by a "You are far away from home!", we
then pointed out that we were even further than they thought. A few
wondered where was Vermont, we teased them trying to make them believe
that it was a French speaking state of USA... |
