It’s peak camping season, especially in Arizona, where sunny skies and mild temperatures make roasting s’mores more appealing than scrolling through your phone.
According to the 2026 Togetherness Index, outdoor enthusiasts aren’t just pitching tents, they’re seeking connection, community and shared experiences under the open sky.
Compiled by Campspot, the report ranks destinations where camping isn’t just about scenery, it’s about solidarity. To determine the winners, the index blends real-time traveler interest with actual booking behaviors from 2025, including group travel volume, length of stay and momentum in booking growth. Places that attract larger parties staying longer get high marks because they indicate campers are prioritizing quality time together over solo escapes.
This year, an unconventional destination claimed the top spot in the West for fostering togetherness among campers. Hint: Arizona gets bragging rights again.
The rising popularity of these connection-driven getaways indicates a broader shift in how people view camping in 2026.
Here are the best camping spots in the United States.
What is the number one campground in the United States?
Based on the 2026 Togetherness Index, here are the best-rated campgrounds in each region of the US:
- West: Yuma – Warm winter weather and Colorado River days make it easy for groups to slow down, spend time outdoors together and stretch trips beyond a quick weekend. Desert Holiday RV Resort and Rivers Edge RV Resort were named top places to stay thanks to strong group travel trends, longer stays and its growing appeal for multigenerational and community-focused trips.
- Midwest: Waterville, Minnesota – A lake-and-trail setting built for long, shared days outside helps make multi-family trips and reunions feel effortless.
- South: Jekyll Island, Georgia – Bikeable beach paths, wide shoreline and a slower pace create the kind of trip where the best moments happen in between the plans.
- Northeast: Lake George, New York – Adirondack scenery, water time and multi-night stays make it a natural destination for groups looking to reconnect and linger.
Reporting by Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
