10 best national park campsites across the USA

— -- The majority of summers during our first three decades of marriage were spent camping in the national parks -- from Acadia to Zion. And we did so in a series of four VW campers, the first of which was so underpowered it was unable to make the minimum speed limit heading west against the wind on a Wyoming interstate. Indeed, spending three months each summer in a VW bus is the gold standard for testing the oft-repeated vow "….. for better, for worse."

Elements of campground desirability tend to be homogeneous. Most of us probably prefer a peaceful environment, beautiful scenery, spacious sites offering a degree of privacy, availability of drinkable water and flush toilets. Showers, of course, are a nice addition. Cost isn't a differentiating factor for national park campgrounds because rates span a relatively narrow range.

Still, there are some campgrounds that stand out. So, here are some of our favorites. We are listing only those that are accessible via a typical family vehicle. Therefore, no hike-in or backcountry campgrounds are included.

Devils Tower National Monument: Belle Fourche Campground

This is perhaps our favorite among all national park campgrounds. Located in a grove of cottonwood trees (unfortunately, lack of water is causing the trees to look pretty shabby) the campground is seldom crowded. Most campers depart relatively early in the morning after staying only one night. Thus, we nearly always have the campground to ourselves throughout most of the day. A number of campsites offer excellent views of Devils Tower. A trail leads from the campground through a prairie dog town to the visitor center at the base of the tower. Another meanders along the Belle Fourche River.

Glacier National Park: Two Medicine Campground

It's a great location to appreciate this wonderful park without the crowds. Located about 13 miles from East Glacier, the campground is near peaceful Two Medicine Lake and a camp store that was constructed as a chalet by the Northern Pacific Railroad. Many of the nearly 100 sites provide shade while a shuttle offers transportation to locations along the east side of the park. Red Bus tours also make a stop here.

Olympic National Park: Kalaloch Campground

It would be difficult to find a campground with a more spectacular setting than this relatively large unit (170 sites) that sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The driftwood-covered beach below offers a world-class place to stroll, and dozing off with the sounds of circling gulls and the ocean's roar isn't a bad way to spend part of a lazy afternoon. Fog, mist, and wind are frequent visitors to the Washington coast, but this is all part of the coastal experience. Kalaloch Lodge is a short walk north so a warm restaurant with hot coffee isn't far away. During our first drive to Kalaloch many years ago, the fog in the distance was so thick that we were certain a major forest fire was in progress.

Grand Teton National Park: Signal Mountain Campground