17 of the best campsites across the US for a scenic outdoor getaway

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• Most people have been following self-isolation guidelines and putting a pause on international travel due to the novel coronavirus.
• As national parks and campgrounds around the country begin to reopen, many are turning to the outdoors for vacation plans, as camping provides a more socially distant alternative to hotels or Airbnbs.
• A horse farm in Kentucky, Nevada's fabled Valley of Fire, and a beachside bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean are among our favorite campsites in the US to pitch a tent, park an RV, or cozy up in an airstream.
• Read more: The best RV rentals

After months of isolation, self-quarantine, and canceling travel plans, many people are starting to think about vacations again and future trips. The possibility of hitting the road with nothing but open fields and endless trails sounds especially good right about now.

Research shows that most Americans are looking to travel domestically first, and camping offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while continuing to social distance. Additionally, tour operators and travel agents are seeing an uptick in interest from many travelers looking to explore nature and national parks.

But before you dive headfirst into making grand camping plans, it's important to consider health and safety concerns.

While the National Park Service (NPS) has been increasing access and reopening parks around the country in what they're calling a "phased approach" in response to Covid-19, it's imperative to check the website of any park and campsite to understand if, and how, they're still operating. It's also important to follow all CDC guidelines and refer to their specific guidelines for camping safely, here.

For those looking to pitch a tent or sleep under the stars, there's no shortage of amazing campsite options, from a horse farm in Kentucky to the red rock mesas in Nevada's Valley of Fire. We chose top campsites based on our own travels, reviews from sites like Trip Advisor, The Dyrt, and PitchUp, as well as input from colleagues and outdoor enthusiasts who have been camping for decades. Camping is also extremely affordable with sites ranging from free up to around $50 per night for those loaded with amenities.

Once you know where you're going, we've even got your essential camping packing list covered.

Looking for more outdoor vacation ideas?

• The best hotels near US national parks
• 6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
• The best camper van rentals

These are 17 of the best campsites in the US, sorted by price from low to high.Read the original article on Business Insider