As the temperatures rise, the start of summer signals a renewed urge to explore the great outdoors. With picturesque settings suitable for either a group or solo travelers, camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities amongst Americans.
Scholaroo´s newest report uncover the best states for camping. From fuel prices and number of national parks to weather conditions and number of campsites, it considers a depth of topics across 15 metrics divided into 4 key dimensions: Infrastructure, Nature, Affordability, and Safety.
Let´s discover the best destination for camping this summer, and how other states ranked in comparison.
Key Highlights
- Wyoming ranks as the best state in America for camping, featuring the highest number of free campsites and RV parks relative to its population.
- Montana ranks second as the best state for camping in the US. Per 100,000 residents, it had the highest number of hiking trails, offered the second-highest number of free campsites, and paid campsites.
- Texas is the fifth best state for camping in the country. It is the second place with the best weather conditions and is the fourth state with the lowest fuel prices in the U.S.
- Although California ranks third in the Nature category, the state ranks 49th as one of the worst places to camp. Per 100,000 residents, it has one of the lowest number of RV parks and campsites.
Category Breakdown
Rankings
Methodology
In order to determine what are the best states for camping in the U.S., Scholaroo compared the 50 states across four key dimensions:
1. Infrastructure
2. Nature
3. Affordability
4. Safety
We evaluated those dimensions using 14 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 being the max.
Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.
Infrastructure (40 points)
Number of Campsites: Double Weight (12.31 points)
Note: This metric shows the number of campsites per 100,000 residents.
Number of RV Parks: Regular Weight (6.15 points)
Note: This metric shows the number of RV parks per 100,000 residents.
Number of Free Campsites: Regular Weight (6.15 points)
Note: This metric shows the number of free campsites per 100,000 residents.
Number of Hiking Trails: Regular Weight (6.15 points)
Note: This metric shows the number of hiking trails per 100,000 residents.
Number of National Parks and Landmarks: Regular Weight (6.15 points)
Note: This metric shows the number of national parks and landmarks per 1,000 sq miles.
Bicycle Friendly States: Half Weight (3.08 points)
Note: The ranking of the states based on their bicycle-related infrastructure.
Nature (30 points)
Lakes and Beaches: Regular Weight (8.57 points)
Note: The number of beaches and lakes per 100K people in each state.
Average Yearly Rainfall: Regular Weight (8.57 points)
Note: Average Yearly Rainfall (millimeters) in each state.
Weather: Regular Weight (8.57 points)
Note: The average temperature during the summer season.
Species Diversity: Half Weight (4.29 points)
Note: The number of species diversity (no of different species) in each state.
Affordability (20 points)
Average Fuel Prices: Double Weight (13.33 points)
Note: This metric represents the average fuel prices in each state.
Transportation Cost: Regular Weight (6.67 points)
Note: The transportation cost index in Q3 2021.
Safety (10 points)
Deaths Caused By Dangerous Animal or Plant Exposure: Regular Weight (5 points)
Note: The number of deaths caused by dangerous animal or plant exposure per 10 million residents.
Deaths in National Park Visits: Regular Weight (5 points)
Note: The number of deaths per 10 million national park visits.