The 2023 Best States for Camping report has been released. Two New England states make the Top 20. One comes in next-to-last.
Lawn Love is responsible for this year’s rankings. They released their 2023’s Best States for Camping back in March, but we’re in New England. March is decidedly not a great camping month. Unless you are among the most hardcore of outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a year-round camper here in New England, I tip my earflapped winter cap to you. You and Christopher Thomas Knight.
Lawn Love’s study “compared the 50 states based on 25 metrics, such as campsite access, acreage, and trails. We also considered safety, supplies, camper satisfaction, and affordability.” If you want to really dig into the data and sources, you can check out the Behind the Ranking section of their report. It’s pretty in-depth and lays out how they ended up with their Top 50.
Best States For Camping: Two New England States Rank High
We’ll get into the Top 20 of their Top 50 below, because the Top 20 does boast two states here in New England. Vermont is one, which isn’t a surprise. The natural beauty across the Green Mountain State is unrivaled. Surprisingly, Connecticut also made the Top 20. Not an obvious choice, but I suppose it tracks given the criteria take into consideration.
Even more surprising, though, is Rhode Island. The Ocean State landed at No. 49 out of 50, with only lowly South Dakota keeping it out of the bottom spot. Again, you can dig into the full study and see all 50 states here. And while we’re on the subject of camping and vacation season here in New England, be sure to check out my latest 12-Inch Poll and vote for your favorite summer vacation destination. In case you haven’t heard, Massachusetts is a top spot for summer vacations nation wide.