Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
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You can have one of the world's largest barrier reefs right outside your tent when you go camping at Dry Tortugas National Park, located just off the coast of Key West in South Florida. Campers can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War. This area is also great for stargazing at night and bird-watching during the day, so pack a pair of binoculars. All campers are advised to plan ahead and bring everything they'll need (including tents, fresh water, ice, food, and fuel), carry out all trash, and book their ferry transportation from Key West as early as possible, as tickets tend to sell out months in advance.
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Big Bend National Park, Texas
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If you're looking for a great place to go rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande in Texas is an excellent choice. There are also trails along the park's desert, mountain, and river landscapes for hiking or backpacking. You'll find three developed campgrounds (Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood), an RV camping area, and plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping. All require advance reservations, while backcountry permits are required for river trips and approved backcountry use at the park's primitive sites.