Ready to dust off that tent and enjoy some spring camping? March is the perfect time to head outdoors in many parts of the country. The winter chill is fading, summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, and nature is starting to wake up.
Here are the best places to go camping this March!
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree in March is simply magical. The weather is just right with comfortable days and cool nights. You might catch the desert wildflowers beginning their colorful show, and those iconic Joshua trees create the perfect backdrop for your camping photos.
The stargazing here is incredible too, so don’t forget to look up after sunset! Rock climbers will find endless opportunities on the park’s unique boulder formations, while photographers will love capturing the golden hour light as it illuminates the otherworldly landscape.
Pro tip: book your campsite well in advance, as even March can be popular at this bucket list destination. Among the best places to camp in March, Joshua Tree offers that perfect balance of pleasant weather and stunning scenery.
2. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Want to experience three ecosystems in one trip? Big Bend offers mountains, desert, and river landscapes all in one incredible park. March brings pleasant temperatures before the Texas summer heat kicks in.
You can hike through canyons, soak in hot springs, and even cross over to Mexico for a memorable day trip (just bring your passport). The night skies here are certified as an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best stargazing in the country.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot roadrunners, javelinas, and numerous bird species. The remoteness of Big Bend means you’ll need to come prepared, but that isolation is exactly what makes camping here so special.
3. Ocala National Forest, Florida
Longing for a swim? Ocala National Forest features crystal clear natural springs that stay 72 degrees year round. In March, you’ll enjoy comfortable camping weather without the intense humidity of Florida summers.
Paddle down scenic streams, hike through sandy pine forests, and maybe spot some wildlife along the way. Juniper Springs is a must visit with its historic mill house and winding creek perfect for kayaking.
The forest also offers a unique camping experience with sites nestled among longleaf pines and saw palmettos. Florida black bears call this forest home, so proper food storage is essential, adding a touch of adventure to your camping experience. For those seeking the best places to go camping in March with swimming opportunities, Ocala National Forest should be high on your list.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion in March offers a sweet spot of fewer crowds and beautiful weather. The famous red rock formations look even more spectacular against the blue spring skies. Hiking the Narrows or Angels Landing is less crowded this time of year, and you might catch early wildflowers beginning to bloom throughout the canyon.
Be prepared for variable conditions though, as March in Zion can bring everything from warm sunny days to occasional snowfall at higher elevations. This unpredictability keeps the crowds away and rewards flexible campers with magical moments like watching snow dust the red canyon walls.
The shuttle system typically begins seasonal operation in March, making it easier to access trailheads throughout the park.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada/Arizona
Camp lakeside with stunning views at Lake Mead in March. The temperatures are perfect for hiking the surrounding desert trails and exploring historic sites. You can fish, boat, or just enjoy peaceful mornings by the water.
The contrast of deep blue water against the desert landscape makes for amazing photos. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Hoover Dam nearby, while adventure seekers can explore abandoned mines and ghost towns scattered throughout the recreation area.
The water levels have created fascinating geological features and exposed rock formations that were once underwater. Lake Mead offers both developed campgrounds with amenities and backcountry camping for those seeking more solitude. When researching the best places to camp in March, Lake Mead stands out for its unique combination of water recreation and desert exploration.
6. Moab, Utah
Consider Moab your basecamp for adventure! From here, you can explore both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks while enjoying comfortable March temperatures. The town itself is full of character with great restaurants and outdoor stores.
Mountain bikers flock here for world class trails, but hikers and photographers will find plenty to love too. BLM land surrounding Moab offers free dispersed camping options with million dollar views of the red rock landscape.
When considering the best places to go camping in March for outdoor adventure, Moab consistently ranks at the top. After a day of exploration, check out one of the local breweries for craft beers inspired by the desert surroundings. For a unique experience, book a guided sunset Hummer tour over the famous slickrock terrain, or try your hand at canyoneering through the area’s slot canyons.
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Spring begins to unfold in Shenandoah during March with early wildflowers dotting the forest floor. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer breathtaking views along Skyline Drive, and you’ll likely have many trails to yourself before peak season hits.
Morning fog rising through the valleys creates magical scenes, and wildlife becomes more active after winter. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears emerging from their winter rest and white tailed deer browsing in meadows.
Waterfall lovers will be rewarded as the spring melt powers cascades throughout the park. While many campgrounds don’t open until April, Mathews Arm and Big Meadows sometimes open in late March depending on conditions, offering early birds a chance to experience the park’s renewal in relative solitude. Among the best places to go camping in March on the East Coast, Shenandoah delivers on both solitude and natural beauty.
8. Death Valley National Park, California
Don’t let the name fool you! Death Valley in March is actually quite pleasant and alive with possibility. This is your chance to experience the lowest point in North America without the extreme summer temperatures.
The vast desert landscapes, salt flats, and colorful mineral deposits create an otherworldly camping experience. If you’re lucky, you might witness a rare superbloom when winter rains have been just right, transforming the barren desert into a carpet of wildflowers.
Stargazing here is phenomenal with the park’s Gold Tier Dark Sky designation. Make time to visit Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level, then drive up to Dante’s View for a spectacular panorama from 5,575 feet above. The temperature difference between these points can be 20 degrees or more!
9. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire feels like camping on Mars. The vibrant red sandstone formations glow at sunset, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your campsite.
March temperatures are perfect for exploring the many short trails that lead to natural arches, ancient petroglyphs, and unique rock formations. The park’s campgrounds are tucked among the red rocks, offering some of the most scenic camping spots in the Southwest.
History enthusiasts will marvel at the 3,000 year old petroglyphs carved by ancient peoples, while geology buffs can spot petrified logs from prehistoric forests. Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep navigating the rocky terrain with impressive agility. When listing the best places to camp in March for photography enthusiasts, Valley of Fire deserves special mention for its otherworldly landscapes.
10. Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
Beach camping in March? Absolutely! Hunting Island offers gorgeous oceanfront campsites where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves. The weather is mild, perfect for long beach walks, exploring the maritime forest, or climbing the historic lighthouse.
The island’s boneyard beach, with its weathered trees in the sand, makes for stunning photos. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the park’s fishing pier or try surf fishing right from the beach.
The 5,000 acre barrier island is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including alligators in the lagoon, nesting sea turtles (later in the season), and numerous shorebirds. Movie buffs might recognize some of the lush jungle like settings that were used as Vietnam in films like Forrest Gump. Book well in advance, as these oceanfront campsites are some of the most coveted in the southeast.
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
America’s most visited national park is much less crowded in March. The Smokies come alive with early spring wildflowers and powerful waterfalls charged with snowmelt.
While temperatures can be unpredictable, prepared campers are rewarded with misty mountain views and peaceful campsites that would be packed just a few months later. March is prime time for waterfall viewing, with favorites like Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls at their most impressive volume.
The park’s famous synchronous fireflies won’t appear until late May, but the lack of foliage in early spring offers better views of historic structures from the park’s pioneer past. Pack layers and be ready for changing conditions, from sunny 60s to occasional snow flurries. Cades Cove Loop is less congested this time of year, increasing your chances of spotting black bears and white tailed deer in the meadows.
