The Journal
Destinations to consider, gear we actually trust, checklists worth saving, and a few honest sounds and stories from the community.
Colorado’s 2026 Drought and Wildfire Season: What Campers Should Know

If you’re planning a Colorado camping trip this summer, it’s worth knowing the state is dealing with some of its most severe drought and wildfire conditions on record….
Boundary Waters Wildfire Closures: What’s Open Right Now

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota has been closed to overnight camping since mid-July due to wildfire activity, but the Forest Service has been reopening…
2026 Michigan State Park Campground Closures: What to Know Before You Book

Several Michigan state parks are running major infrastructure upgrades in 2026, and a handful of campgrounds are closed for part of the season as a result. Since Michigan…
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Flood Recovery: What’s Open Right Now

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri closed its campground after a record-breaking flood event this summer — officials called it the highest water flow in the park’s history….
Green River Lake State Park Is Reopening After Flood Damage — Here’s What’s Available

Green River Lake State Park in Kentucky is beginning a phased reopening after last year’s historic flooding left much of the campground underwater and knocked out its entire…
Trap Pond State Park Is Getting a Splash Zone — Here’s What to Know

Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation has broken ground on a new splash zone at Trap Pond State Park, one of our favorite budget-friendly picks in the state….
KOA vs. Boutique Glamping: Which Is Right for Your Trip?

If you’ve done any road-tripping in North America, you’ve probably passed a KOA sign. With over 500 locations across the US, Canada, and Mexico, Kampgrounds of America is…
The 3 Best Campgrounds & Cabins in Connecticut

Eastern Connecticut has a genuine cluster of well-established campgrounds and cabins, most within an hour of Hartford and easy reach of New Haven. Here are three worth building…
The 4 Best Campgrounds & Cabins in North Dakota

North Dakota’s camping scene splits neatly into two: the dramatic Badlands around Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the west, and river-country state parks further east. Here are four…