• Arizona: Dead Horse Ranch State Park

The park is found near Cottonwood off Historic Highway 89A. Fees run $19 with electricity, $12 without. Information: 928-634-5283; www.azstate-parks.com/Parks/DEHO.

• Utah: Colorado Riverway

The area of the Colorado River along Utah 128 northwest of Moab has become a camper's mecca with nine designated camping areas. Fees range from $8 to $12. Information: 800-635-6622; www.discovermoab.com.

• New Mexico: Chaco Culture National Historical Park

To reach the park, take US Highway 550 to County Road 7900, three miles south of Nageezi and follow the signs to Chaco. Much of the 21-mile drive is unpaved. The campground features 47 sites available on a first-come basis. Fees run $10 per night. Information: 505-786-7014; www.nps.gov/chcu.

• Colorado: San Juan Mountains

Located north and east of Durango, the San Juans offer dozens of campgrounds and undeveloped campsites. Most are located in the San Juan National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan) but there are also fine Bureau of Land Management sites (www.blm.gov/co) between Silverton and Lake City. Fees vary by location. Information: 970-247-4874.

• Wyoming: Mammoth Campground

Mammoth Hot Springs lies five miles south of Yellowstone National Park's north entrance on US 89. The campground offers 85 sites available on a first-come basis. Fees run $14 per night. Information: 307-344-7381; www.nps.gov/yell.

• Montana: Anywhere that feels good

The state boasts campsites in national parks, forests and recreation areas, plus dozens of state, county and private campgrounds. Information: Montana Travel Bureau, 800-847-4868; www.visitmt.com.

• Idaho: Lochsa River

The area along US 12 contains a dozen Forest Service campgrounds of various sizes. Jerry Johnson Campground is 11 miles southwest of Powell. Fees of $8 apply at most sites. Information: Clearwater National Forest, 208-942-3113;

• Washington: Salt Creek Recreation Area

Located on top of the Olympic Peninsula near the village of Joyce, the park can be reached on Washington 212 west of Port Angeles. Fees for nonresidents run $18 per night. Information: 360-928-3441; www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_saltcreek.htm.

• Oregon: Silver Falls State Park

Oregon 214 east of Salem slices through the center of the park. The campground offers 45 tent sites and 52 electrical hookup spaces. Fees vary by season with summer rates running $16 for tent sites and $20 with power. Information: 503-873-8681; www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php.

• California: Whitney Portal

To reach the campground, turn on the Whitney Portal Road two miles north of Lone Pine on US 395. There are 43 sites with a fee of $19 per night. Advance reservations (877-444-6777, www.recreation.gov) are recommended. Information: U.S. Forest Service, 760-876-6200; www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo.

• Nevada: Beyond the glitz and gambling

With most of the state publicly owned, Nevada offers matchless remote camping possibilities. A few favorite starting points include US 50, dubbed the ''loneliest road in America,'' US 95, the ''Silver Trail'' and Nevada 375, the ''Extraterrestrial Highway.'' Information: Nevada Commission on Tourism, 800-638-2328; www.travelnevada.com.