8 Best-Selling Campground Books Millions Love

Discover top Campground books favored by experts Stephanie Puglisi, Gary Hartman, and Marilyn Moore, trusted for quality and best-selling status.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to finding the perfect campground experience. With camping growing steadily in popularity, having access to proven, expert-recommended guides can make all the difference in planning successful trips and discovering hidden gems across the U.S.

Experts like Stephanie Puglisi, who co-authored "Where Should We Camp Next?", bring hands-on RV travel experience with their families, enriching their recommendations with practical insights. Gary Hartman’s focused guide to New York campgrounds provides invaluable local expertise, while Marilyn Moore’s deep knowledge of Florida’s camping scene makes her work a go-to for that region.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Campground needs might consider creating a personalized Campground book that combines these validated approaches into a unique resource just for you.

Best for detailed US campground planning
Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi, well-known creators of the RV Atlas and authors of the Idiot’s Guide: RV Vacations, bring their extensive experience of over 80 nights annually on the road with their three kids to this book. Their deep familiarity with family camping and RV travel informs every page, helping you discover more than 300 diverse campgrounds across the U.S. This guide reflects their commitment to making outdoor adventures accessible and enjoyable for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi bring decades of hands-on RV travel experience to this detailed guide, born from their passion for exploring America’s diverse outdoor landscapes with their family. You’ll find over 300 campgrounds across all 50 states, each described with practical tips on campsite selection, local attractions, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. The book shines in chapters that mix hidden gems with well-loved national parks, making it useful whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country trip. If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of America’s camping options and improve your trip planning skills, this guide offers both inspiration and solid advice without fluff.

USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award Winner
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Best for campground investment guidance
What makes this book unique in the campground space is its clear, focused approach to investment and operation of RV parks and campgrounds. It offers readers a practical framework for understanding the financial and managerial aspects necessary to succeed in this niche market. By distilling complex processes into accessible guidance, it addresses the needs of investors and operators aiming to build or grow their ventures. This book’s proven appeal comes from its straightforward coverage of key topics that matter most to anyone involved with campground properties, making it a valuable resource for those looking to navigate this specialized industry effectively.
2007·156 pages·Campground, Investing, Operations, Campground Management, RV Parks

After analyzing numerous investment opportunities, Professor David Reynolds developed a focused guide for navigating the specifics of RV parks and campgrounds. This book clearly outlines what you need to understand when buying, selling, or operating these properties, from assessing financial viability to managing day-to-day operations. You’ll gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in this niche real estate market, with practical examples drawn from the author’s experience. It’s especially useful if you’re considering entering or expanding within this sector, providing a solid foundation without overcomplicating the subject. If you’re looking for detailed financial and operational guidance in campground investments, this book meets that need directly.

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Best for personal camping plans
This AI-created book on campground planning is tailored to your skill level and interests, offering a custom guide to help you succeed outdoors. By sharing your camping background and what you want to focus on, you receive content that matches your specific goals and experience. This personalized approach ensures you’re not overwhelmed by generic advice but instead get practical, relevant information that fits your unique camping adventures.
2025·50-300 pages·Campground, Campground Planning, Site Selection, Reservation Tips, Gear Preparation

This tailored book explores step-by-step methods to plan and enjoy campground adventures with confidence and ease. It covers essential topics such as choosing ideal sites, managing reservations, preparing gear, and making the most of outdoor experiences. By focusing on your interests and background, this personalized guide reveals how to navigate campground challenges, discover hidden gems, and enhance your enjoyment of nature’s offerings. Combining reader-validated knowledge with your specific goals, it examines practical aspects like campsite setup, safety considerations, and recreational activities, ensuring you’re equipped for successful outings. This tailored approach matches proven insights to what matters most to you, making campground planning both accessible and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Campground Planning Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for New York camping enthusiasts
Campgrounds of New York offers a focused and practical resource for anyone planning a camping trip within the state. Its detailed site maps and comprehensive facility listings help you make informed decisions about where to camp, from the number of spots to the location of bathrooms and swimming areas. The guide’s inclusion of phone numbers for reservations ensures you have the essential logistics at your fingertips. This book is a solid choice if you want a clear, straightforward overview of New York's public campgrounds to enhance your outdoor experience.
1997·100 pages·Campground, Travel, Outdoors, Campground Planning, Site Selection

What started as a personal challenge to navigate New York's diverse camping options became Gary Hartman's detailed guide to the state's campgrounds. You gain practical knowledge on selecting the ideal camping spot, from site layouts and amenities to nearby trails and facilities. The inclusion of up-to-date maps and reservation contacts makes trip planning straightforward, especially if you want to avoid surprises. This book works well if you’re someone seeking an informed, no-frills approach to exploring New York’s parks rather than general outdoor advice.

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Best for affordable public RV campground seekers
This book stands out in the campground category by spotlighting public campgrounds managed by government agencies across the U.S., offering you affordable and accessible RV camping options. It draws on detailed data including precise locations, contact information, and directions designed to simplify your trip planning. With a focus on convenience and budget-friendly sites that still provide essential amenities and pet-friendly policies, it’s an excellent resource for RV travelers seeking a relaxed and economical camping experience away from commercialized grounds.
2010·300 pages·Campground, Travel, Outdoors, RV Camping, Public Parks

Unlike most campground guides that emphasize commercial sites or luxury amenities, Lee and Jeanne Zaborowski focus on public campgrounds scattered throughout U.S. state, city, county, and federal parks. You learn how to find affordable, convenient spots often tucked in wooded areas, with practical details like GPS coordinates, phone numbers, and turn-by-turn directions from interstates. The book also covers discounts for seniors, military, and disabled campers, and includes local points of interest to enrich your trip. If you’re looking to explore less commercialized campgrounds for your RV that balance cost, comfort, and access, this book offers straightforward guidance without fluff.

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The Unofficial Guide to the Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in Florida & the Southeast stands out by offering candid and detailed reviews of more than 350 campgrounds throughout the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, and the Carolinas. It provides practical information on rates, hookups, and facilities, alongside quality ratings for beauty, privacy, and security, supporting both RV travelers and tent campers. This guide addresses common challenges campers face when selecting sites, combining straightforward directions with tips on local attractions and RV maintenance. Its reader appeal stems from its honest, on-the-ground assessments that help you make informed choices for your outdoor adventures.
2002·360 pages·Campground, Travel Planning, Outdoor Recreation, RV Maintenance, Tent Camping

What started as a quest to simplify camping logistics became a detailed exploration by Grace Walton and Trish Riley, who gathered candid insights on over 350 campgrounds across the Southeast. You gain clear, practical knowledge about campground amenities, rates, and quality ratings—including beauty, privacy, and security—that help you choose the right spot whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent. Chapters on RV maintenance and local attractions enrich your trip planning, making this guide particularly useful if you want to balance comfort with adventure. If you prefer precise, on-the-ground assessments to marketing fluff, this book matches perfectly with your camping needs.

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Best for personal camping plans
This AI-created book on camping improvement is tailored to your skill level, interests, and goals. By focusing on the specific aspects of camping and campground use that matter most to you, it offers a unique learning experience. Personalization allows this book to cover areas where you seek growth, whether it’s mastering essential gear or enhancing safety practices. Instead of a generic guide, it’s crafted to boost your camping confidence and enjoyment efficiently over 30 days.
2025·50-300 pages·Campground, Camping Basics, Trip Planning, Equipment Selection, Campground Navigation

This tailored book explores techniques designed to enhance your camping experiences swiftly and effectively within a 30-day period. It covers essential camping skills, campground navigation, equipment selection, and trip planning, matching your background and interests to ensure relevance and engagement. Through a personalized approach, it examines how to optimize campsite comfort, safety, and enjoyment while addressing your specific goals, whether you're a novice or seasoned camper. Blending proven knowledge with insights drawn from millions of camper experiences, this book provides a focused, enjoyable learning journey that reveals how you can elevate your outdoor adventures and campground stays in just one month.

Tailored Guide
Camping Experience Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for comprehensive Florida campground info
Marilyn Moore’s Foghorn Outdoors Florida Camping offers an extensive, illustrated guide to over 900 campgrounds across Florida, making it a standout resource in the campground category. This third edition combines detailed campsite descriptions, up-to-date ratings, and practical information such as fees and directions, all curated by a local camping expert with deep knowledge of the region. It caters to a broad audience—from families and retirees to snowbirds and solo campers—helping you uncover both standard sites and unique stays like chickee huts and nudist resorts. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure in Florida, this guide provides the thorough, reliable information to make your trip smoother and richer.
2003·630 pages·Camping, Campground, Tent Camping, RV Parks, Outdoor Recreation

Unlike most campground guides that skim the surface, Marilyn Moore’s book dives deep into Florida’s diverse camping landscape, offering detailed profiles of over 900 sites from rustic tent spots to full-service RV parks. You’ll find practical info like facility ratings, fees, and driving directions, plus unique options such as chickee huts and nudist resorts. This guide is particularly useful if you want to explore beyond typical campgrounds and need an up-to-date resource tailored to Florida’s wide range of camping experiences. Whether you’re a family, retiree, or solo adventurer, it delivers a thorough overview to plan your trip confidently.

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Best for broad US travel and campground exploration
During his extensive 30-year career as a writer and editor, Joe Yogerst has crafted travel narratives for major outlets like Conde Nast Traveler and CNN Travel, as well as over 40 National Geographic books including this best-selling "50 States, 5000 Ideas" series. His firsthand experience living across continents enriches this guide with authentic insights into American and Canadian travel. Yogerst’s background in photography and storytelling brings the destinations to life, making this more than just a list—it’s a vivid invitation to explore the diverse landscapes and hidden gems that define North America.

National Geographic's decades of travel expertise culminate in this richly illustrated guide that dives into the best experiences across all 50 states and Canadian provinces. You’ll learn where to catch unique excursions—from the world's longest yard sale in Tennessee to sea otter watching spots on California’s coast—with detailed tips on timing, locations, and local highlights. The book offers practical insights into a wide range of outdoor destinations including national parks, Civil War battlefields, and hidden museums, making it a reliable companion for anyone wanting to explore beyond typical tourist paths. If you crave both well-known and off-the-beaten-track adventures, this guide will expand your travel horizons with vivid descriptions and useful travel facts.

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Best for capturing and organizing camping memories
Bri M Tarros is an avid record-keeper and journaling enthusiast whose lifelong passion for diaries inspired her to create this camping journal. She understands how documenting trips can deepen reflection and preserve memories. This book offers a thoughtful framework for capturing the full spectrum of camping experiences, from practical campground info to personal moments and social connections, making it a useful tool for anyone wanting to keep their adventures vivid and organized.
2020·120 pages·Campground, Camping, Travel Planning, Memory Keeping, Outdoor Activities

What started as a personal passion for journaling led Bri M Tarros to develop this specialized camping journal, designed for families and RV travelers alike. You’ll find 120 pages filled with prompts to capture vital details like campground amenities, weather, and memorable moments, alongside spaces for photos or sketches that bring your adventures to life. This book helps you track not just logistical info but also the social and emotional sides of camping trips, such as new friends met and favorite activities. If you want a structured yet flexible way to preserve your outdoor experiences and plan future trips, this journal fits the bill perfectly.

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Proven Campground Strategies, Personalized

Get expert-backed campground methods tailored to your unique travel style and camping goals.

Custom Travel Plans
Expert Insights Included
Time-Saving Guidance

Trusted by thousands of campground enthusiasts and outdoor travelers

Campground Success Blueprint
30-Day Camping System
Strategic Campground Mastery
The Campground Code Secrets

Conclusion

These eight best-selling Campground books offer a rich variety of proven strategies and trusted advice, from broad national guides to specialized regional insights. If you prefer proven methods with extensive practical details, start with "Where Should We Camp Next?" or "Foghorn Outdoors Florida Camping." For validated approaches to campground investment, "How to Buy, Sell and Operate RV Parks and Campgrounds" is invaluable.

Combining books like "Campgrounds of New York" with "RVers BEST PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS" can provide a focused yet expansive view of affordable and accessible sites. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Campground book to blend these proven methods with your unique preferences.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in navigating the diverse and rewarding world of campgrounds, ensuring your next outdoor adventure is both enjoyable and well-planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Where Should We Camp Next?" for a thorough, practical overview of campgrounds across all 50 states. It balances detailed site info with useful travel tips, making it accessible and inspiring for most readers.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Campground?

No, many titles like "RVers BEST PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS" and "Camping Journal" are beginner-friendly, offering straightforward guidance and tools to make your first camping experiences easier and more enjoyable.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with broad guides such as "50 States, 5,000 Ideas" to get inspired, then move to regional favorites like "Campgrounds of New York" or "Foghorn Outdoors Florida Camping" to plan specific trips.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests—investors might choose "How to Buy, Sell and Operate RV Parks and Campgrounds," while travelers benefit from the detailed campground guides. Each offers distinct value.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Where Should We Camp Next?" provides practical tips on campsite selection and local activities, making it highly actionable for planning your next outdoor adventure immediately.

Can I get a Campground book tailored to my specific interests and experience level?

Yes! While these expert-recommended books offer great guidance, you can also create a personalized Campground book that combines proven methods with your unique needs, saving time and focusing on what matters most to you.

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