Buying a Home in States With Exceptional Campgrounds: Your Guide to Outdoor Living
Are you dreaming of a home where you can walk out your front door and into nature? Whether you’re a weekend camper, a full-time adventurer, or love peace and quiet, moving to one of the states with exceptional campgrounds could change your life. These areas offer more than just great scenery — they offer a lifestyle. And the team at Gustan Cho Associates can help you finance that dream.
Why Choose States With Exceptional Campgrounds?
The idea of living near top-rated campgrounds is growing fast. More homebuyers want easy access to hiking, fishing, kayaking, and stargazing. After COVID, many families traded city life for open skies and fresh air. Others want a second home for weekend getaways or rental income from vacationers.
You get adventure and value when choosing states with exceptional campgrounds. These states often have lower home prices, fewer crowds, and communities that value the outdoors. And with modern internet access in rural areas, remote work is more doable than ever.
Dreaming of Living Near Beautiful Campgrounds? We Can Help
Find your perfect home in states with exceptional campgrounds, where adventure is always close by.
What to Expect When Buying in Nature-Focused States
Living near national parks or campgrounds may sound like a dream, but it’s important to understand the local housing market, weather, access to amenities, and seasonal trends. If you’re self-employed, rural properties may require different loan types, such as USDA, FHA, or even non-QM loans.
That’s why working with a mortgage team like Gustan Cho Associates is key. We offer low down payment options, loans with flexible credit requirements, and expert guidance for buying in scenic, remote, or non-traditional areas.
Top States With Exceptional Campgrounds to Buy a Home
We’ve picked some of the best states with exceptional campgrounds to call home. These states offer not just beautiful campsites, but also good schools, strong communities, and affordable housing in many regions.
1. Colorado
Colorado is a camper’s paradise with over 4,000 campsites and dozens of national forests. You can hike, mountain bike, and ski all year round. Places like Estes Park, Colorado Springs, and Durango offer homes with access to nature and decent prices.
Top Camping Spot: Rocky Mountain National Park — over 300 miles of trails.
Home Buying Tip: Some mountain homes need special inspections for wells, septic systems, and snow loads. Ask your lender what to prepare for.
2. California
California isn’t just beaches and cities. Northern and Central California offer rich forested land, lakes, and coastal access. From the Redwoods to Yosemite, you can find peace, quiet, and small-town living.
Top Camping Spot: Yosemite National Park — waterfalls, granite cliffs, and wildlife.
Real Estate Insight: Home prices can be high near national parks. FHA and VA loans can help you afford more with less down.
3. Oregon
Oregon is one of the best states with exceptional campgrounds because of its balance between forests, beaches, and rivers. Cities like Bend and Eugene are growing fast with outdoor-focused lifestyles.
Top Camping Spot: Crater Lake National Park — the deepest lake in the U.S.
Lending Tip: USDA loans are popular here, especially in rural counties.
4. Montana
Montana offers big skies, bigger mountains, and lots of open land. It is perfect for anyone who wants solitude and room to roam. The Glacier National Park area is stunning, and there are plenty of seasonal homes and rentals available.
Top Camping Spot: Glacier National Park — alpine trails and crystal-clear lakes.
Homebuyer Tip: Properties in remote zones may require a higher down payment or special appraisals. Gustan Cho Associates can help navigate this.
5. Utah
Utah has five national parks and is one of the best states with exceptional campgrounds for stargazing, rock climbing, and hiking. The weather is dry, the scenery is stunning, and the cost of living is reasonable outside Salt Lake City.
Top Camping Spot: Zion National Park — towering red rocks and scenic views.
Financing Tip: Many areas in Utah qualify for FHA loans even with lower credit scores.
6. North Carolina
North Carolina offers lush forests, rich history, and four seasons, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, real estate is still affordable.
Top Camping Spot: Great Smoky Mountains National Park — wildlife, waterfalls, and hiking.
Local Lending Tip: In North Carolina, programs are available that assist first-time buyers with their down payments.
6. North Carolina
North Carolina is home to lively forests, rich history, and different seasons, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, the real estate here is still pretty affordable.
Top Camping Spot: Great Smoky Mountains National Park — wildlife, waterfalls, and hiking.
Local Lending Tip: In North Carolina, programs are available to assist first-time buyers with their down payments.
8. Washington
From alpine meadows to lush rainforests, Washington has it all. With access to national forests and Puget Sound, it’s a favorite for outdoor lovers. Towns like Leavenworth and Wenatchee offer small-town charm with great views.
Top Camping Spot: Olympic National Park — beaches, forests, and glaciers.
Homebuyer Tip: Many homes here are eligible for VA and FHA financing.
Buy a Home Close to Nature’s Best Campgrounds
Discover properties in states with the best outdoor adventures and campgrounds.
Most Popular Mortgage Options for Nature Lovers
If you’re thinking of buying in states with exceptional campgrounds, here are mortgage options to consider:
- FHA Loans: Low down payment and more straightforward credit guidelines.
- VA Loans: 100% financing for veterans.
- USDA Loans: Great for rural areas — 0% down and low rates.
- Conventional Loans: Ideal for second homes or investment cabins.
- Non-QM Loans: For unique properties or self-employed buyers.
Gustan Cho Associates offers mortgage solutions in all 50 states, and we specialize in helping people buy in unique or non-traditional areas.
Tips for Buying in States With Exceptional Campgrounds
- Know the Seasons: Snow, wildfires, or floods can impact rural areas.
- Check Internet Access: Great for remote workers or online schooling.
- Understand Local Rules: Some places limit vacation rentals or RV parking.
- Explore Before Buying: Rent a cabin or camp in the area before moving.
- Work With Local Realtors: They understand zoning, access, and land use.
Can Buying in These States Be a Smart Investment?
Yes! Homes near national parks and scenic areas tend to hold value or appreciate faster than in less desirable regions. They can also generate income from vacation rentals. Many buyers use them as second homes and enjoy both personal use and passive income.
Work With the Experts at Gustan Cho Associates
If you’re ready to explore states with exceptional campgrounds, we’llwe’re help you every step of the way. Whether it’s your first home, second home, or vacation property, we’ll guide you from pre-approval to closing. Our team works 7 days a week and can help you get a mortgage even if other lenders said no.
Final Thoughts: Living Where Others Vacation
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, spending your weekends exploring trails, and building memories around a campfire — all from your backyard. With today’s low down payment loan programs and a nationwide team of lending experts, buying a home in states with exceptional campgrounds is more possible than ever.
Ready to take the first step?
Call or text Ronda Butts at 407-460-7999 or email at ronda@gustancho.com for more information and further assistance. Ronda is an experienced referral agent, a dually licensed real estate agent, and a mortgage originator. Ronda Butts has successfully guided many homeowners through obtaining a home on both the lending and real estate side. She does not represent buyers or sellers but offers free consultation in 48 states at Gustan Cho by connecting homeowners, buyers, and sellers to the needed sources.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the States with Exceptional Campgrounds:
Q: What are the Best States with Exceptional Campgrounds to Buy a Home?
A: Some top states with exceptional campgrounds include Colorado, California, Oregon, Montana, Utah, North Carolina, Arizona, and Washington. These states offer amazing places to hike, camp, and live close to nature.
Q: Why Should I Buy a House in States with Exceptional Campgrounds?
A: If you love the outdoors, buying a home in states with exceptional campgrounds lets you enjoy nature anytime. You can hike, fish, or relax without needing to travel far from home.
Q: Are Homes Near Campgrounds More Affordable?
A: Many homes in states with exceptional campgrounds are in rural areas, which can mean lower prices than in big cities. Places like Montana or North Carolina still have affordable options for buyers.
Q: Can I Get a Mortgage for a Home in a Rural or Campground Area?
A: Yes! At Gustan Cho Associates, we help buyers get approved for loans in rural areas, including USDA, FHA, VA, and even special programs for unique properties.
Q: What Kind of Loan is Best if I Want to Buy in States with Exceptional Campgrounds?
A: It depends on your situation. USDA loans are great for rural areas, VA loans for veterans, and FHA loans for buyers with lower credit. We can help you find the best option.
Q: Can I Use the Home as a Vacation Rental?
A: In many states with exceptional campgrounds, yes—but always check the local rules. Some areas may limit vacation rentals, so it’s good to ask before you buy.
Q: Is Internet Access Good in These Nature-Heavy Areas?
A: More rural areas now have high-speed internet, making it easier to work from home even in states with exceptional campgrounds. It’s smart to check before you move in.
Q: What Should I Watch Out for When Buying in Campground Areas?
A: Some homes might have wells or septic tanks or be off-grid. Weather events like snow or wildfires can impact certain areas. Our team can help you know what to expect.
Q: Can I Buy a Second Home in One of These States?
A: Many people buy vacation homes in areas with great campgrounds for weekend trips or to relax. You can also make extra money by renting it out.
Q: How Can Gustan Cho Associates Help Me Buy in These Areas?
A: We offer home loans in all 50 states and work with buyers like you who want to live near nature. Whether it’s your first home or a vacation property, we’ll guide you through the mortgage process—even if others said no.
This blog about “Buying in States With Exceptional Campgrounds” was updated on July 18th, 2025.
Invest in a Property Near Nature’s Best Campgrounds
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