The Best US States For Lovers Of The Outdoors To Visit In 2026

The US is one of the best countries for lovers of the outdoors to grab their backpacks, sling a water bottle onto their belt, and go for a hike and a camp out under the stars.

And seeing as the US is one of the biggest countries in the world, it’s very possible you might just find a hidden gem that very few other people have ever seen before!

That’s one of the best things about outdoor exploration through the American landscape. There’s a lot to discover, plenty of wildlife to tangle with, and quite a few spots where you can down tools and set up a camping stool.

And with all that in mind, here are a few picks for the best US states for outdoor lovers to visit throughout the rest of 2026.

Montana

If you’re enthralled by the old American west, as well as all the history surrounding the early pioneering lifestyle, you’re going to love visiting Montana.

It’s the kind of state where you can’t move for open fields, mountain ranges, and plenty of fresh air. And if you’ve been stuck in urban centers for way too long at this point, that’s exactly the kind of scenery you need right now!

On top of all of that, it’s also the best state for visiting Yellowstone National Park too!

Texas

Texas - and this might not come as a surprise - has a lot of ground to it! And while a lot of it is privately owned, the state is big enough to still have some of the most expansive national parks and monument grounds.

And that’s good news for people who love outdoor activities. You can access some of the best camping and fishing in texas throughout the whole of the United States, and that’s one of the biggest draws when it comes time for tourist season.

Pack up your fishing gear, make sure you’ve brought your wading boots along with you, and find a campground that lets you set up a chair where you can kick back with your fishing rod in hand.

Washington

Washington will let you get up close and personal with the Pacific coast, and that’s something water lovers are going to adore getting to embrace.

‘Cause Washington isn’t just good for camping out all year round. It’s also great for finding your sea legs, as well as finding out exactly how good you are at climbing over rocklands and desert landscapes. It really does have it all!

You can also go hiking through forestland and deserts that lead to waterfalls, and plenty of natural pools that you can go fishing and/or swimming in. Just double check it’s safe to do so first!

If you want to get outdoors a bit more often, make sure you’ve got a trip planned to any of the states above in 2026. Whether you love spending time on the water, exploring the desert, or camping out in the grass, they’ll have you covered.

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