From coast to coast The U.S. boasts endless campsites for those who hear the call of the wild.
The vast and unique landscapes nationwide offer nature lovers unlimited options for a quiet getaway from the noise of everyday life.
During the government shutdown many campers held off on visiting national parks and campsites due to limited services as well as sites facing staffing shortages. Some sites were closed entirely, but some state parks and reserves remained open for those eager for an outdoor escape.
However some states might offer better camping experiences than others, at least according to LawnLove who observed this year’s best states for camping⸺and some of the rankings just might surprise you.
The lawn care website ranked each state based on accessibility (47 percent, quality (18 percent), safety (13 percent) affordability (12 percent), and supplies (10 percent).
The Garden State with its lush forests, numerous parks and hidden trails ranked in the bottom five for best campsites with an overall score of 27.44 out of 100, ahead of Nevada, Connecticut, Hawaii and Rhode Island with Rhode Island being in last place.
New Jersey’s low overall ranking might be attributed to its low access to facilities like toilets, showers and drinkable water at campsites. The state also got a low score for safety with limited phone access on trails, ranking 47th on the list. Affordability is on the lower end with high average costs of rentals or park entrance fees (43rd).
Neighbors New York and Pennsylvania scored much higher than New Jersey, coming in at 8th and 13th places respectively.
So which state outshined the others for best campsite this year? None other than California with a high overall score of 67.47 percent. With its ideal weather conditions almost year round and diverse landscapes for every kind of camper, California is the state to be in for near ideal outdoor exploration.
However, even the highest ranking state has its problems, with The Golden State ranking last at 50th place for safety according to LawnLove’s data.
2025’s best states for camping
(based on overall score out of 100)
2025’s worst states for camping
(based on overall score out of 100)
If you’re planning on visiting a national park soon, check for updates online amid their partial closures as well as lack of staffing and services. The National Parks Conservation Association warns ‘Parks aren’t updating their websites, communication may be spotty, and some trails may be closed,’ and suggests always having a backup plan.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey ranked worst state for camping, per LawnLove