Summer is too short! There’s only 11 weekends between the summer solstice on June 20th to Labor Day on September 6th. To help make the most of your summer we’ve created this bucket list of 11 fun ways to camp that you might not have done before.

We hope that this list inspires you to broaden your horizons and explore someplace new during these precious few summer months.

11 Summer Weekends: 11 Cool Ways to Camp

1. Van Rental

Van rentals are more popular than ever, and for good reason. For beginners and for experienced campers looking to shake up their next adventure, vans are a comfortable, safe, and unique way to camp.

Van Rental Companies:

• Travelers Autobarn
• Native Campervans
• Wandervans
• Peace Vans

2. Canoe / Kayak Camping

Image from The Dyrt camper Sean M.

Camping is traditionally a land based activity. If you want to keep cool in the water, while still exploring the backcountry – boat-in camping is for you. Be sure to use the “boat-in” filter when searching on The Dyrt for kayak or canoe camping your area.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• Kayaking the San Juan Islands in Washington
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota

3. Motocamping

Image from The Dyrt camper Greg B.

Combine the open air of riding a motorcycle with the open air of camping under the stars and you’ve got a great summer weekend trip. Those mountain roads won’t feel the same after you’ve ridden your motorcycle over them.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado
• Highway 1 in California

4. Hammock

Image form The Dyrt camper Ethan H.

Hammocks are famously relaxing and they naturally rock you to sleep at night. If you’ve never given hammock camping a try, this is the summer for you! Be aware that some national parks and highly trafficked camping areas have banned hammock to protect tree bark.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• The Florida Keys
• Indiana Dunes National Park

5. Glamping

Glamping (glamorous camping) comes in many forms. You can spend a weekend at a mountain cabin, in an oceanside canvas tent, anything in between. After your more primitive camping outings this summer, treat yourself to a relaxing glamping weekend.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• Camp Rockaway in New York
• Mt. Baker Rim Cabin #19 in Washington

6. Hike-in Camping

Hike-in camping, also known as backpacking, is a wonderful way to commune with nature. Just you, your pack, and your wits out in the wilderness. – there’s nothing like it. When using The Dyrt to search for backpacking spots in your area, be sure to use the “hike-in” filter.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina

7. Off Grid Dispersed Camping

Off grid dispersed camping is similar to backpacking in terms of “getting away from it all” but much more comfortable in terms of what you can bring with you. Public lands across the country are perfect for dispersed camping and The Dyrt PRO’s Map Layers will help you find public lands.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• Burr Trail Road Dispersed Camping in Utah
• Ausable River in Michigan

8. Cabin Stays

Cabins are a great way to experience a rustic lifestyle during the summer. They also provide a better feeling of safety than most types of camping, making cabin camping a must-do experience this summer.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• Big Meadows in Virginia
• Cape Blanco State Park in Oregon

9. Farm Stays

Image from The Dyrt camper Sandra C.

Farmers across the country are increasingly allowing visitors to come camp on their land and experience their lifestyle. Part petting zoo, part farmers market,  all fun – farm camping is perfect for families.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• Malabar Farm in Ohio
• Bridgewater Farm in Maine

10. Group Sites

The serenity of nature helps people connect., and group sites allow multiple cars to park and potentially dozens of campers to experience nature together.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• The Gorge Amphitheater in Washington
• Colter Bay Campground in Wyoming

11. Beach Camping

Image from The Dyrt camper Lauren S.

Bucket List Recommendations:

• South Carlsbad State Beach in California
• Assateague National Seashore Campground in Maryland

Even if you’re not able to go camping all 11 weekends this summer, we hope that this list inspires to explore our beautiful country in a new way and enjoy the outdoors in a new light.

The post 11 Must-Try Camping Experiences This Summer appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.