Where to Camp Near the Best Flower Festivals in the U.S.

Mar 6, 2023 | Campgrounds

Where to Camp Near the Best Flower Festivals in the U.S.

Check out these spring and summertime flower festivals in the U.S.—with recommended nearby camping—updated with 2023 dates and events.

By Brooke Raines

With spring comes longer days, warmer weather, blooming wildflowers, and the promise of new camping trips. 

Luckily you don’t have to trek deep into the backcountry to experience this year’s best blooms (unless you want to). Instead, head to one of these flower festivals in the U.S. with excellent camping opportunities nearby. From a pastel sea of cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital to rainbow rows of tulips in Washington and Michigan—there’s a flower show out there for everyone.

The recommended campsites below are selected based on their amenities, distance to the festival (less than 30 minutes), and positive reviews by the Campendium community.


Cherry Blossom trees

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.

First on the list of the best flower festivals in the U.S. is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The flower festival runs from late March to early April. According to the festival’s FAQ page, the peak bloom date varies year-to-year, with 2023’s peak prediction set for March 22 to 25. Cherry blossoms can be viewed at the Washington Monument, the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, and East Potomac Park.  

Where to Camp

Cherry Hill Park offers various camping options, including tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, just 30 minutes away from downtown D.C.

Related Visiting Washington D.C. in the Spring


Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Mount Vernon, Washington

Located on the other side of the U.S. is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington. This year’s festival takes place from April 1 to April 30. The festival recommends checking its website closer to your arrival date for updates concerning the tulips’ bloom date. Attendees will be able to view the tulips at Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde in addition to some 350 acres of tulips you’ll see peppered throughout the Skagit Valley. Camping near this flower festival is easy and beautiful.

Where to Camp

Burlington-Anacortes KOA is only 20 minutes away from the festival. You can expect all of the usual KOA amenities at this campground—full hookups, a pool, free WiFi, and more—plus stunning views.

Mount Vernon RV Park is a convenient campground located less than 10 minutes from the festival with 85 RV campsites and amenities.


A travel trailer next to a field of bluebonnet flowers
McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas, when the bluebonnets are blooming. | Photo by: Joe Hendricks

Bluebonnet Festival, Burnet, Texas

Each April, Burnet turns into a wildflower oasis as native bluebonnets blanket the region, from its rolling hills to the side of the road. This year’s Bluebonnet Festival runs from April 7 to 9. Visit the website for further information on ticketed or reservable events. The Bluebonnet Festival takes place in Texas’s Highland Lake region, which means incredible lakeside camping is nearby.

Where to Camp

Inks Lake State Park offers a variety of camping options less than 20 minutes away from the festival. Campsites range from RV-friendly sites with hookups to primitive hike-in sites for tent camping.

Galloway & Hammond City Park is the perfect campsite for anyone who would like the option of walking to the festival. The park has excellent amenities, and there are laundry facilities onsite.


A bee pollinating a poppy

California Poppy Festival, Lancaster, California

You don’t have to travel to the Land of Oz to experience sprawling poppy fields—instead, head to Lancaster at the end of April for the annual California Poppy Festival. This year’s festival runs from April 21 to 23, but you’ll likely still be able to see these stunning wildflowers when camping in this region throughout the spring. 

Where to Camp

The Californian RV Resort is clean and well maintained, with a gated entrance and plenty of campsites.

Saddleback Butte State Park Campground offers 37 first-come, first-served campsites along with restrooms and potable water.


Tulip Time Festival, Holland, Michigan

The Tulip Time Festival was created to celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage and will run from May 6 to 14. Festivalgoers will be dazzled by the beautiful tulips spread throughout Holland’s local parks and streets.

Where to Camp

Oak Grove Resort Campground accommodations range from premium full-hookup sites to cabins. There’s no tent camping allowed.

Holland State Park’s Beach Campground is a waterfront campground for trailers and RVs that’s big rig friendly with water access.


Rochester Lilac Festival, Rochester, New York

The Rochester Lilac Festival offers ticketed events like a wine expo and road races in addition to free events like the Lilac Parade and viewing gardens. The festival will take place from May 12 to 21. Rochester borders Lake Ontario, meaning there are excellent camping and adventure options nearby.

Where to Camp

Webster Park Campground provides tent, trailer, and RV campsites on 550 acres of hills and forests that border Lake Ontario.

Red’s Twilight on the Erie RV Resort is located on the historic Erie Canal with state-of-the-art amenities.


Closeup of a rose

Portland Rose Festival, Portland, Oregon

The Portland Rose Festival dates back to 1907 when city leaders started the festival to attract summer tourists. The festival’s 2023 theme is “Focus on Fun.” The festival opens on May 26 with events through June 11. With Mount Hood and the stunning Oregon Coast less than 2 hours away, this is a fun festival for those looking to add extra adventures to your trip. There are several campgrounds nearby that provide easy access to this flower show.

Where to Camp

Portland Fairview RV Park is located 17 minutes outside of Portland near the Columbia River and provides typical RV park amenities.

Jantzen Beach RV Resort is located 15 minutes from the city center on Hayden Island.


Three RV trailers parked in wildflower field with mountain in background
Dispersed camping on Washington Gulch Road. | Photo by: Chris

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Crested Butte, Colorado

The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place over 10 days when the region’s wildflowers are in full bloom. This summertime festival features more than 200 wildflower-based programs, and runs from July 7 to 16 in and around the Gunnison Valley. 

Where to Camp

Check out national forest camping in the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest.

Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting, located 20 minutes from Crested Butte Town Park, offers full hookups and an onsite restaurant. 

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