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WHAT ARE THE BEST CYCLING-FRIENDLY CAMPSITES IN NORTH AMERICA?
For cyclists, few experiences rival combining multi-day rides with camping under the stars. North America offers countless campsites tailored to riders, from bike-in only locations to well-equipped campgrounds near scenic cycling routes. These spots not only provide rest and recovery but also serve as gateways to unforgettable rides through forests, deserts, coastlines, and mountains. In this article, we explore the best cycling-friendly campsites across North America, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and nearby cycling opportunities for every kind of rider.
National park gems
National parks across North America offer some of the most cycling-friendly campsites, combining natural beauty with access to legendary routes. Many of these parks feature dedicated cycling paths, bike-in camping areas, and terrain that challenges both casual and seasoned riders.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a bucket-list destination for cyclists thanks to its famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Several campgrounds within the park, including Apgar and St. Mary, provide excellent access for riders. Early summer and fall are prime times when traffic restrictions allow cyclists to experience the road with fewer cars.
Key feature: access to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Best season: June–September.
Cyclist-friendly amenities: hiker-biker campsites and shuttle services.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite blends towering granite cliffs with pristine campgrounds ideal for cycling access. Campgrounds like North Pines and Upper Pines are close to valley routes, while nearby Tioga Pass offers one of the toughest and most scenic climbs in North America. Cyclists should prepare for steep grades but will be rewarded with epic views.
The park also offers cyclist-specific camping rules that make it easier to secure sites even during busy months, ensuring adventurers always have a place to rest.
Banff National Park, Canada
Located in Alberta’s Rockies, Banff National Park offers a cyclist’s dream: stunning mountain routes, wildlife encounters, and world-class campgrounds. Tunnel Mountain Campground and Lake Louise Campground are popular with bike travelers. The Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper, provides a once-in-a-lifetime cycling journey alongside glaciers and turquoise lakes.
Cycling highlight: Icefields Parkway.
Best season: June–September.
Amenities: showers, bike storage, and access to cycling routes.
National park campsites combine natural grandeur with direct cycling access, making them perfect for riders seeking immersion in North America’s wild beauty.
Coastal cycling campsites
For cyclists who love ocean views and fresh breezes, North America’s coasts offer some of the most scenic campsites connected to epic cycling routes. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Atlantic shoreline, riders can combine seaside camping with unforgettable rides.
Big Sur Campgrounds, California
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous cycling routes in the world, and Big Sur campgrounds provide prime overnight stops. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers cyclist-friendly sites within walking distance of redwoods and ocean cliffs. The ride itself combines challenging climbs with spectacular ocean views.
Route highlight: Pacific Coast Highway.
Best season: spring and fall for milder weather.
Cyclist amenities: hiker-biker sites, showers, and food access.
Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia
Canada’s Cabot Trail is a cycling treasure, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park campsites allow riders to experience it fully. With ocean cliffs, highland climbs, and wildlife sightings, the trail challenges and rewards equally. Campgrounds like Broad Cove give direct access to the loop.
Cyclists here can expect both maritime culture and rugged natural beauty, making it one of the top coastal cycling experiences in North America.
Oregon Coast State Parks, USA
The Oregon Coast Bike Route offers more than 360 miles of cycling, with numerous state parks offering hiker-biker campsites. Cape Lookout and Beverly Beach are particularly popular stops, with affordable sites, showers, and stunning coastal views. The infrastructure along this route makes it beginner-friendly for bike touring.
Length: 360 miles along the Oregon Coast.
Best for: cyclists of all levels seeking coastal scenery.
Unique feature: dedicated hiker-biker camping areas with no reservation needed.
Coastal cycling campsites combine sea views, cultural encounters, and well-equipped facilities, making them ideal for touring cyclists.
Adventure and wilderness sites
For riders who prefer remote trails, gravel routes, or bikepacking adventures, North America’s wilderness campsites offer unmatched opportunities. These locations emphasize solitude, rugged beauty, and direct access to wild cycling terrain.
White Rim Trail, Utah
The White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park is a legendary bikepacking route. Cyclists can camp at designated backcountry sites, creating a multi-day loop through red rock canyons, mesas, and desert vistas. Permits are required, and riders must be self-sufficient, carrying food, water, and repair tools.
Length: 100-mile loop.
Best season: spring and fall.
Key tip: book permits months in advance.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA–Canada
The Great Divide is the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route, stretching from Canada to Mexico. Along the way, countless dispersed campsites and small campgrounds welcome bikepackers. Riders encounter everything from remote wilderness in Montana to desert basins in New Mexico.
Cyclists who tackle the Great Divide embrace extreme endurance, solitude, and the camaraderie of others on the route. Campsites are basic but scenic, often near rivers, forests, or mountain passes.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Ontario’s Algonquin Park is a paradise for cyclists who enjoy gravel and forest routes. The park features numerous campgrounds accessible by bike, with well-maintained trails weaving through lakes and boreal forests. It’s a more accessible wilderness experience compared to the extreme backcountry routes of the West.
Highlights: lakeside camping and wildlife encounters.
Best season: May–October.
Cyclist amenities: dedicated cycling trails alongside campsites.
Wilderness cycling campsites bring adventure riders closer to nature, providing both challenge and reward in untamed landscapes.
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