Best Parks & Campgrounds Travel Reference Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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For avid campers and nature enthusiasts, Parks & Campgrounds Travel Reference Books are an essential tool for planning and enjoying their next outdoor adventure. These comprehensive guides provide detailed information on campsites, hiking trails, wildlife, and other natural attractions in national and state parks across the United States. With maps, photos, and insider tips, these books offer a wealth of knowledge to help travelers make the most of their trip. Whether planning a family vacation or a solo wilderness excursion, Parks & Campgrounds Travel Reference Books are a must-have resource for any outdoor explorer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores Cover #TOP 1
National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition Cover #TOP 3
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Parks & Campgrounds Travel Reference Books

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic
Oct 18, 2022
National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores Cover
National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition is the ultimate travel guide for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 400 parks, monuments, seashores, and recreation areas, this 544-page reference book is filled with full-color photos, detailed maps, and practical facts on the location and top-rated activities of each park. It also provides historical backgrounds and the best times to visit. Published by one of the world's leading nonfiction publishers, National Geographic, a portion of the proceeds goes to fund exploration, conservation, and education. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves camping and RV cooking books.

Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide)

Lomax, Becky
Oct 18, 2022
Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide)

The Moon USA National Parks travel guide is a comprehensive resource for exploring all 63 national parks across the United States. It offers strategic lists and itineraries for visitors, including the best parks for hiking, wildlife, families, and scenic drives. In addition, it provides detailed information on outdoor adventures such as backpacking, biking, climbing, kayaking, and rafting, as well as expert advice on how to avoid crowds and where to stay inside and outside the parks. With full-color photos and a detachable fold-out poster map, this guide is a must-have for any national parks enthusiast.

National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition

National Geographic
National Geographic
Feb 2, 2021
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition Cover
National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition

The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition is an excellent resource for anyone planning a visit to one of America's 62 national parks. This fully revised and comprehensive guidebook features expert travel advice, candid tips for hiking and wildlife spotting, and detailed maps to help navigate through the great outdoors. The book includes the newest additions to the United States park system and week-long regional road trip itineraries so that visitors can explore multiple parks in one vacation. With over 300 photographs and 80 full-color maps, this inspiring book is a must-have for any nature lover.

Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations (RV or Camping Trip Planning Guide for a Family-Friendly Budget-Conscious Vacation)

Puglisi, Stephanie
Puglisi, Jeremy
Sourcebooks
Mar 2, 2021
Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations (RV or Camping Trip Planning Guide for a Family-Friendly Budget-Conscious Vacation) Cover
Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations (RV or Camping Trip Planning Guide for a Family-Friendly Budget-Conscious Vacation)

Where Should We Camp Next? is an essential guidebook for family-friendly RV or camping trips featuring 300+ of the best camping and glamping spots in the USA. Written by family camping and RV experts Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi, this book provides in-depth profiles of more than 300 amazing outdoor accommodation destinations, making it easy for readers to plan the perfect family-friendly, budget-conscious summer road trip. The book also includes regional and state-by-state breakdowns of campgrounds and RV resorts, campsite types, prices, when to book, and how to book. Recommended for RV campers and those with children, this book offers a well-organized resource for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

#TOP 5

Corps of Engineers Camping: Directory of 942 Camping Areas in 35 States

Campgrounds, Ultimate
Mar 21, 2022
Corps of Engineers Camping: Directory of 942 Camping Areas in 35 States Cover
Corps of Engineers Camping: Directory of 942 Camping Areas in 35 States

The Corps of Engineers Camping book is an excellent directory for anyone who loves outdoor recreation. It features 942 camping areas in 35 states, all provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From campgrounds to lakes and marinas, it provides a comprehensive guide to all the recreational opportunities available. This reference book is perfect for anyone planning a camping trip or looking for new places to explore. Overall, the book is well-organized and provides detailed information about each camping area. It is an essential resource for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.

100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Yogerst, Joe
National Geographic
Feb 12, 2019
100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do Cover
100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

Looking for a comprehensive guide to the best national, state, and city parks in North America? Look no further than "100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas" by National Geographic. This expert guide is filled with stunning photography and helpful travel tips, making it the perfect resource for travel and national park enthusiasts. From Yellowstone National Park to Central Park, this book covers it all. The top 10 lists throughout highlight the best-of destinations for river trips, monuments, panoramic views, beaches, and more. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to plan a memorable park visit in North America.

#TOP 7

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 2nd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

White, Mel
National Geographic
Oct 25, 2016
National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 2nd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores Cover
National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 2nd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 2nd Edition is a 544-page reference guide that offers a comprehensive travel planner for all things national parks. It covers recreation areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds. The book is filled with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, and practical facts on the location of the park system properties, as well as the best times to visit and top-rated activities. The author, Mel White, is a seasoned travel writer with extensive experience in exploring North America's outdoor sites. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor recreation and wants to explore the United States' national parks system.

2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar: 12-Month Nature Calendar & Photography Collection (Monthly Calendar)

National Park Foundation
Sourcebooks
May 1, 2022
2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar: 12-Month Nature Calendar & Photography Collection (Monthly Calendar) Cover
2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar: 12-Month Nature Calendar & Photography Collection (Monthly Calendar)

The 2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar is an exceptional 12-month nature calendar and photography collection that showcases the beauty of America's national parks. Published by the official charity of America's National Parks, this calendar is not only an inspiring and informative guide to the parks but also helps support the preservation of these natural treasures. Featuring breathtaking photographs, detailed information about foundation-supported sites, and historical facts, this calendar is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors. Overall, this calendar is a must-have for anyone who loves nature and wants to support the preservation of America's national parks.

Waterman, Jon
National Geographic
Nov 19, 2019
National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks Cover
National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks

The National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks is a stunning book that showcases America's sixty-one national parks. The book is richly illustrated with maps, graphics, and photographs, providing an up-close look at what makes these lands so special and uniquely American. Former ranger and author Jonathan Waterman introduces readers to the country's scenic reserves and highlights the extraordinary features that distinguish each park. The book offers plenty of well-researched and effectively written textual material, as well as numerous crisply detailed photos, maps, and illustrations per spread. Overall, this book is an excellent reference for visitors, students, and anyone interested in learning about America's natural treasures.

National Parks Postcards: 100 Illustrations That Celebrate America's Natural Wonders

Fifty-Nine Parks
Clarkson Potter
Apr 27, 2021
National Parks Postcards: 100 Illustrations That Celebrate America's Natural Wonders Cover
National Parks Postcards: 100 Illustrations That Celebrate America's Natural Wonders

The book "National Parks Postcards: 100 Illustrations That Celebrate America's Natural Wonders" is a beautiful collection of 100 postcards featuring timeless designs of all 63 of America’s national parks. In addition to the most popular parks, the set offers bright, gorgeous art that can be sent to friends and family or framed for walls. Each postcard includes a fact about the park on the back, making it an educational and inspiring collection. The book is a great way to celebrate the unique beauty of America's public lands and would make a perfect gift for nature lovers and collectors.

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Editor's Notes

During our parks & campgrounds travel reference book research, we found 1,000+ parks & campgrounds travel reference book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,485 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parks & campgrounds travel reference books list. We found that most customers choose parks & campgrounds travel reference books with an average price of $17.71.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.