The summer - and especially the Fourth of July - is one of the most popular times for camping in the United States. If you’re planning on heading out for a 4th of July camping trip with friends or family and need some recommendations for some of the best Fourth of July campgrounds, we’ve listed a few favorites below. Planning a last-minute trip? We’ve also got you covered with some camping tips to help you make the most out of your outdoor holiday celebration. 4 Top Places for Fourth of July Camping Farlington, Kansas Crawford State Park in Farlington, Kansas is a fun place to camp with the whole family. This 500-acre park features six campgrounds on the edge of the Ozarks, boasting magnificent views of the lake. For the 4th of July, you can expect a bunch of kid-friendly activities, a live band, a community cookout and, of course, a great fireworks show at the end of the day. Seward, Nebraska The Pawnee State Recreation Area allows tent camping as well as RV camping. It’s located in a beautiful area just 10 miles from Seward, Nebraska (a.k.a. Fourth of July City, USA). Seward has been celebrating the 4th of July since 1868 and has gained national attention over the years. Enjoy strolling through downtown Seward, listening to great music and seeing the Grand Parade that’s part of the annual Independence Day festivities. Council Bluffs, Iowa Head to Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa for a holiday adventure. The park offers canoe and paddleboat rentals and, if you have a boat, it features boating ramps of various sizes. If you love mountain biking or hiking, be sure to explore the park’s winding trails. For the Fourth of July, the park hosts a stunning fireworks show over the lake. Aspen, Colorado Camp at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, a beautiful valley in the White River National Forest located about 15 miles from Aspen, Colorado. Choose from several different campsites, including some with cabin camping. For the 4th, head to Aspen, which boasts an all-day Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration that includes activities such as a parade, concerts, a U.S. Air Force jet flyby, a kids’ bicycle ride and breathtaking fireworks over Aspen Mountain. Top Camping Tips for Last Minute Trips Since so many people love to celebrate the 4th of July camping, many campgrounds get booked up months (some over a year!) in advance. But if you haven’t reserved your camping spot just yet, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on 4th of July camping fun! Read on for a few top camping tips for scheduling a last-minute trip. Pick a Less Crowded Camping Spot While many of the most popular national and state parks will be booked up or overcrowded, there are two less crowded gems for camping in Whitefish, Montana: Whitefish Lake State Park and Glacier National Park. Many of the U.S. National Forests are also fabulous places to camp and are usually less crowded, increasing your chances of being able to reserve a spot for the holiday. Head to a First-Come, First-Served Campsite If you haven’t reserved your site for the holiday, you can still find luck with sites that are first-come, first served. Show up as early as noon or the day before for your best chance of landing a spot! Go on a Remote Camping Adventure Grab your 4x4 vehicle (or rent one!) and head to a campsite that can only be reached with a high-clearance vehicle. Or find a remote spot to set up camp and celebrate! Wherever you camp to celebrate our country’s independence this 4th of July, enjoy the great outdoors and time with loved ones. Have a favorite campground where you celebrate the Fourth of July every year or where you like to camp during the summer? Let us know in the comments!