Ten Great Campfire Destinations in America

Camping Destinations — (Photo: iStockphoto/foodandwinephotography)

As if you need a reminder that August means prime campfire—thus marshmallow toasting—season, August 10, is National S’mores Day. Whether it’s an official holiday or not, you can thank the Girl Scouts who are credited with creating the ooey-gooey delight back in 1927. To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of 10 great spots around the country to enjoy s’mores under the stars, or in the comforts of a hotel, and even save some money, too. And don’t worry if you can’t feast on the holiday—National Marshmallow Toasting Day follows shortly behind on August 30.

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, And Wyoming

Designated as America's first national park in 1872, Yellowstone is the quintessential camping destination. Known for breathtaking scenery and plenty of hot springs and pools to make you feel like you're on a foreign planet, the park has several campgrounds that are perfect for an evening fire. Camping fees start at $12, or you can opt to pitch your tent in the backcountry. Plus, with nearly 50 picnic areas, you don't necessarily have to camp out to fire up your favorite treat. Just check with the entrance station to make sure no special restrictions are in place prior to lighting a campfire, and remember to only light fires in areas with fire grates.

As the name implies, the Campfire Lodge Resort, located on the Madison River in West Yellowstone, Montana, is another option, especially if you'd prefer the comforts of a cabin. Rates start at $80, and many come with their own fire pit.

What do you consider the quintessential destination to build a campfire? Leave a comment below!

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, And Wyoming

What do you consider the quintessential destination to build a campfire? Leave a comment below!

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Known for its beaches, the Cape Cod National Seashore also offers several privately owned campgrounds. But it'll take a bit more than firewood and a box of matches to get a campfire going as permits are required. The good news is that permits are free, and reservations are available either over the phone or in person up to three days in advance.

Need a place to rest your head? The Summer Beach Campfire and S'mores Package at the Bayside Resort in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, includes two nights in a deluxe queen room and continental breakfast. Plus, you can watch the sunset by a campfire overlooking Cape Cod Bay while indulging in your own s'mores kit filled with marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and roasting sticks. The package begins at $329 for midweek stays through September 5.

What's your favorite beach to build a campfire? Let us know!

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma

Just over two hours from Dallas, Texas, and less than two hours from Oklahoma City, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, preserved thanks to the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, is a hidden gem for cycling, hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. Six campgrounds are available in the park, while nearby Turner Falls Park, home to Oklahoma's tallest waterfall, also offers cabins starting at $130 per night. Lake Texoma and Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, are also good options.

Does crashing on a bed rather than a sleeping bag sound more up your alley after a long hike? Book a room at the Sulphur Springs Inn in Sulphur, Oklahoma, adjacent to Chickasaw. An old bathhouse from the 1920s now serves as a bed and breakfast, and during cooler weather, families can roast marshmallows under the covered patio. Rates begin at around $80 per night and include WiFi, bicycle rentals, and evening tea and cookies.

Do you have a favorite under-the-radar campfire site? Share it with us!

Oregon Coast, Oregon

There are plenty of options for camping along the Oregon Coast, including Siuslaw National Forest where you can find several campsites within state parks, such as the Devil's Lake State Recreation Area. Minutes from Lincoln City, Devil's Lake has tent sites starting at $21 per night and yurts from $40 per night. Fire rings and fireplaces are provided to control flames, and certain beach areas are designated for campfires.

For those desiring more creature comforts, the Campfire Package at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon, includes one night in an oceanview room, everything needed to make s'mores, keepsake roasting sticks, and a bucket of firewood. Rates begin at $226 per night, and indoor s'mores kits are available in case of rain. Further south in Depoe Bay, Oregon, the Beach Campfire Package at Pana Sea Ah Bed and Breakfast comes with s'more fixings, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, and use of beach chairs and blankets. Rates start at $159 per night; add $25 for the package.

What are some other great coastal destinations for campfires? Tell us about them below!

Lake Tahoe, California And Nevada

Spanning two states, Lake Tahoe offers water, mountains, forests, and plenty of camping opportunities on both its north and south shores. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit operates 14 campsites , while Lake Tahoe State Park in Nevada and Eldorado and Tahoe national forests in California provide even more campground choices. Just remember to obtain a free campfire permit before striking a match.

Want to avoid thinking about permits and bugs? The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino in Incline Village, Nevada, has s'mores kits that are a perfect match for the lakeside fire pits. Chilly night? Sip on hot buttered rum and hot chocolate. For those who want to luxuriate but get the feel of camping also, the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, California, offers dining by an outdoor fire pit, so you can nosh on chef-created entrees while taking in mountain views.

What other lakes are great for enjoying a campfire? Share your favorites!

Maumee Bay State Park, Ohio

Maumee Bay State Park, located on Lake Erie about 30 minutes from Toledo, Ohio, offers some of the best camping opportunities in the Midwest. The area has two beaches, one on Lake Erie and the other on an inland lake, and nature enthusiasts can explore the area wetlands or any of the three nearby national wildlife refuges. Rent a campsite starting at $24, or book a yurt from $45. For those not wanting to get bogged down with camping gear, Rent-A-Camp units come with a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove, and other essential gear for $35 per night.

As if that weren't enough to get you packing, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center is celebrating National S'mores Day with complimentary treats by the lodge's bonfire pit from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will be campfire stories, sing-alongs, a contest to see who can brown the perfect marshmallow, and the popular flaming marshmallow throw, where contestants get their marshmallows blazing and fling them as far as they can. Rates start at $129 per night. Also, Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center near Columbus, Ohio, sells s'mores kits and has a Saturday-night bonfire throughout the summer.

What's your favorite marshmallow roasting destination? Tell us your top choices below!

Tomoka State Park, Florida

Located a mere three miles from Ormond Beach, and about 10 miles from Daytona Beach, Tomoka State Park is close to all the action of these Florida beach towns, but far enough for seclusion in nature. Popular activities include boating, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching, as more than 160 species of birds thrive in the park. Plus, the water surrounding the park is a designated manatee sanctuary, so keep your eyes peeled for sea cows. Grills at each of the 100 campsites make firing up a toasted treat a cinch, though you may want to take advantage of one of the available fire rings.

Making s'mores doesn't have to mean pitching a tent. At the nearby Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, it means oceanside fire pits. Through August 10, the resort is celebrating National S'mores Day, with s'mores kits for $10, a s'more cook-off, and more. Rates start at $119 per night for midweek stays in August, while Girl Scouts, their families, and friends can receive a special rate of $99 per night during the event when using promotion code "SMORSH." A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council.

Do you know of any great places to enjoy a campfire just outside a city? Let us know!

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park in Luray, Virginia, just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., and is the ideal location for a camping vacation. Almost all of the park's 196,000 acres is open for backcountry camping, and with over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, you'll need every s'more calorie you can consume. Four area campgrounds provide rustic accommodations from $15 per night, while suites, lodge rooms, and cabins start at $89 per night.

This year, the park is hosting the Backyard BBQ and S'mores Festival on Saturday, August 21 at Skyland Resort. Besides s'mores, you can feast on barbecue pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as corn on the cob.

Did we leave your favorite campfire site out? Tell us!

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Home to the largest cliff dwelling in North America, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is the perfect spot to light a fire under the stars and be surrounded by nature and history. During the day, hike any one of the trails that begin from the Morefield Campground area, but if you want to enter the cliff dwellings, make sure to go on a ranger-accompanied hike. In the evening, kick back from $20 per night at one of the 435 campsites, and look up: The Four Corners region provides ample stargazing opportunities.

To make planning easier, the Complete Camper Package comes with everything you need during your stay, including an overnight stay at a campsite, all the fixings for s'mores, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and tours. Rates begin at $89, and the offer is valid through October 13. For travelers wanting a cushier stay, the Far View Lodge has 150 rooms, each with a private balcony, starting at about $120 per night.

Do you know of other great campfire spots to stargaze? Share your favorites below!

Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Superior National Forest, located less than two hours from Duluth, is actually known for its water. The location boasts several bogs and more than 2,000 lakes and rivers. There are also 2,000 miles of maintained trails, 10 swimming beaches, and 77 boating sites. Campsites, such as Cadotte Lake, start at around $12 per night, and with over 2,000 campgrounds, there are plenty of places to toast your marshmallows and rest your head. The adjacent Cloquet Valley State Forest is home to the Indian Lake Campground, an ideal access point to the Cloquet River State Water Trail.

Want to be closer to town? In nearby Duluth, you can relax on the shores at The Inn on Lake Superior with free nightly s'mores for the whole family. Munch on your treat as you stroll by the water on the boardwalk trail along the world's largest lake.

What's your favorite place to roast a delicious treat? We want to hear about your top destinations for lighting the perfect campfire!

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