Last Updated on October 11, 2024
Discover the Best Terrain Tires for Your Trips
Ready to get out of the house and sleep under an open sky?
We don’t blame you—most of us have been cooped up in our homes for a while, working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As things are opening up and it is deemed safe to travel again, many adventurers will be ready to escape their much-used homes and find a bit of fresh air in the wild outdoors.
That’s why we have rounded up five of the best continental U.S. camping destinations to check out post-quarantine (and the Best Terrain Tires for the journey). These will give you the thrill and freedom you’re dying for after so many days locked inside waiting for the pandemic to subside.
To ensure you’re safe and can traverse any terrain on these camping quests, we’ve recommended some of the Best Terrain Tires for these outdoor environments. These off-road tires will equip your vehicle with the attributes it needs to navigate rough terrain and other challenges you’ll face in the wild.
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Why You Should Camp Here
First on our list is Big Bend, a somewhat hidden gem nestled around the Rio Grande on the border of Texas and Mexico. Although this is one of the less-visited national parks, Big Bend is truly a wonder to behold. Soaring cliffs, beautiful river water, and cool desert nights await you here.
If you want to exchange the feel of regular civilization for something a little more out there, this park has precisely what you need. Sleep under a sky full of brilliant stars, accompanied by the sound of wildlife and flowing waters.
The Road and Weather Conditions
Big Bend is a desert mountain range. Therefore, you need to be prepared for rocky, challenging roads and plenty of dust, sharp rocks, and prickly plants.
Because the park is so large (1,200+ square miles), you’ll spend a decent amount of time in your car. There’s only one gas station in the park, so make sure your vehicle is getting good gas mileage and is up to the challenge of rocky, isolated roads.
The Best All Terrain Tires for Big Bend National Park
1. Uniroyal Laredo AWT3
This AT has many attributes you need when visiting Big Bend National Park: solid grip, aggression, stiffness, and water-channelling capabilities for the occasional encounter with rain or the Rio Grande.
The Uniroyal Laredo AWT3 has a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, so you can trust you’ll get much life out of this tire. Tru-last technology on the tire minimizes its treadwear, gives you better stability, and increases overall performance in various road conditions.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $58.
2. Radar Renegade A/T
This all-terrain tire has the aggressive, sophisticated capabilities you will need as you navigate the vast open spaces of your Big Bend trip. The Radar Renegade is excellent at ejecting stones from the tread – something you’ll need in this rocky environment.
Thanks to its carefully designed sidewalls, this tire will stay stiff and responsive whether you encounter wet or dry roads. Feel safe and secure as you traverse rainy roads, dusty desert paths, and gravel trails.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $63.
3. Presa AT-Pro PJ88
These are the Best Terrain Tires. The circumferential grooves assist with evacuating water and slush away from the tire’s footprint, reducing your risk of hydroplaning.
On your trip to Big Bend, you’ll need a tire that provides excellent traction, and this one does the job. It also has a stiff carcass that improves off-road stability, should you decide to do some exploring on your own.
Experience precise braking, handling, and driving stability while staying comfortable and safe no matter where you roam.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $71.
2. Minnewaska State Park, New York
Why You Should Camp Here
Are you looking for somewhere to go in the northeastern part of the country? Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge and features beautiful, rugged backdrops. Hike to waterfalls, bike around the park’s gorgeous scenery, and once you’re done, check out New York City, just an hour and a half away.
If you’re up for a challenge, use your camping trip at Minnewaska as an excuse to hike Sam’s Point Preserve, the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains.
The Road and Weather Conditions
Depending on when you visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the conditions can change dramatically. During the winter, snow and ice blanket the entire area, making driving conditions a bit intimidating.
In the summer, the park is a different place with warm temperatures, swimmable lakes and ponds, and beautiful green foliage.
The Best All Terrain Tires for Minnewaska State Park
1. Starfire SF LT 510
This M+S-rated tire fits most pickups. It has a modern, 5-rib tread style with superb grip and a uniform, balanced pressure distribution that offers even wear and traction.
Should it rain while you’re in Minnewaska State Park Preserve camping, don’t worry – this light truck tire can take it. The wide footprint and dual tread arc give you superior handling and grip on any road in front of you.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $74.
2. Federal Couragia A/T
Well-balanced and challenging, this all-terrain tire provides a surprisingly quiet ride that is perfect for an enjoyable trip through the state park. The silica tread compound and pattern allow excellent handling at high speeds and good water evacuation.
Should you decide to do a little off-roading, the wide-angled lateral grooves will enhance your traction and give you an excellent performance.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $82.
3. Armstrong Tru-Trac AT
This all-terrain, all-season tire is perfect for various light trucks and SUVs. You’ll quickly note the zigzag circumferential grooves, which give you an excellent grip on the road and promptly evacuate water, mud, and slush.
The Armstrong Tru-Trac AT is extraordinary for off-roading and regular driving, so if you’re road-tripping to your campsite, you can feel secure on whatever route you take. The rugged casing improves high-speed stability and allows you to steer with precision.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $83.
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Why You Should Camp Here
Do we even need to tell you why Yellowstone National Park is on this list? More than four million people visit the park yearly – for good reason. It’s plain gorgeous.
Although you can always check out one of the park’s most popular public campsites, you can also explore the park’s 2-million-acre backcountry. You’ll need a permit to do this. Still, after such a problematic quarantine, many might be interested in going beyond the limits of human exploration in Yellowstone.
The Road and Weather Conditions
Considering that it usually takes about an hour to get from one central point of the park to the next, you’ll spend a lot of time in the car while exploring. You’ll need a vehicle to handle long distances and encounters with the park’s resident bison and other wildlife.
If you visit during winter, remember that Yellowstone gets extremely cold. You’ll likely need a truck/SUV with four-wheel drive to handle the challenging road conditions, marked with M + S or Three-Peak Mountain snowflake symbol.
The Best All Terrain Tires for Yellowstone National Park
1. Westlake SL369
This tire’s rugged appearance perfectly suits a Yellowstone road trip. It’s quiet and provides a comfortable ride, and its rigid tread blocks offer strength when off-roading and braking.
Additionally, the Westlake SL369 easily handles dry, wet, muddy, and light snowy conditions. This is perfect for a park like Yellowstone, which can have different weather conditions at other times of the year. Aggressive sidewall protectors help prevent damage, so your tires are safe even if you drive over sticks and rocks.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $83.
2. Laufenn X FIT AT
This all-terrain tire is made for SUVs and light trucks and gives outstanding off-road performance. So, whether you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone or what route you take, you can trust that it will keep you on the road safely.
The Laufenn X Fit’s four wide circumferential grooves drain water when it encounters it, so rain or shallow rivers are no problem for your vehicle. The zigzag block edge design also gives you extra traction when needed in dry or muddy conditions. You can even tackle snow safely with this tire.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $83.
3. Lionhart Lionclaw ATX2
This aggressive all-terrain tire is made for various light trucks and has beefed-up sidewalls and tread protection—just what you want when driving on rough roads through a massive national park.
The Lionclaw ATX2 provides a comfortable, quiet ride while battling rough terrain. Despite its rugged appearance, you’ll be surprised by how enjoyable this tire makes your road trip.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $84.
4. Assateague Island Campgrounds, Maryland
Why You Should Camp Here
Does the phrase “wild ponies” pique your interest? We thought so.
This beautiful seashore area near Maryland and Virginia has a beautiful herd of wild ponies. Pitch your tent at one of the oceanfront Assateague campgrounds for beautiful, wide open spaces and access to excellent forest trails.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the herd of iconic ponies make their yearly swim across the bay, usually in late July.
The Road and Weather Conditions
We recommend visiting Assateague Island State Park in late spring or summer—you’ll want to experience the beach during its peak season. Although you could visit during early spring or the fall, the weather can be a hit or miss—you might face many rainy, wet conditions.
The Best All-Terrain Tires for Assateague Campgrounds
1. Ironman All Country A/T
Are you looking for great water evacuation and excellent grip when visiting Assateague Island? The Ironman All Country A/T has what you need. It gives you the right off-road and on-road performance to see a place like Assateague.
Are they worried about rain on road trips in Maryland? This tire can easily handle mud, rain, and snow while providing reliable traction. The large tread blocks and deep grooves continuously offer superior grip.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $86.
2. Lexani Terrain Beast AT
Want a smooth, quiet ride and exceptional all-terrain performance? This might be the perfect tire for you. It can withstand severe weather conditions like rain and mud but easily handles water displacement.
Note the unilateral center rib. This ensures stability and a secure ride, whether on the highway or driving through the dirt roads of a campground. This truly is an all-terrain tire that lives up to its name.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $87.
3. Vee Rubber Taiga A/T
Made for light trucks and SUVs, this tire promotes all-weather traction and maintains its grip on soft, loose, or uneven terrain. When visiting a beachy area, you want a tire that can handle moving sand.
Large two-row and shoulder blocks provide exceptional cornering, acceleration, and braking capabilities. The circumferential grooves help evacuate any water or mud from the tire’s footprint.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $87.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Why You Should Camp Here
No, Ozark isn’t just the name of a show. The Ozark National Forest covers over 1.2 million acres of land in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. It offers stunning scenery, especially during the warmer months, and accesses some truly excellent campsites.
One of the main attractions in the Ozark forest is the set of nearby caverns, but its 400 miles of hiking trails also draw campers from near and far. Not into surveying the scenery? Fish, kayak, canoe, bike, or climb around the forest.
The Road and Weather Conditions
Even during summer, Ozark National Forest can get pretty chilly at night. On an Arkansas road trip, you’ll need to prepare for warm days followed by cold nights and the occasional rain shower.
In winter, the forest can see snow almost half a dozen times each month, making it a bit less enjoyable for some travelers to vacation in the Ozarks, Arkansas.
The Best All Terrain Tires for Ozark National Forest
1. Travelstar Ecopath AT
The Travelstar Ecopath AT is made for SUVs and pickup trucks, but it isn’t all about being rough and tough. It will give you the smooth, quiet ride you want as you enter the sanctuary of the trees and hunt down the must-sees in the Ozarks.
Circumferential and lateral grooves help this Travelstar tire evacuate water and slush away from the tire’s footprint, so if you run into any rain or mud while in the Ozarks, you’ll still have a good grip.
Price: This tire’s price starts at $89.
2. Atlas Priva AT
Looking for easy steering as you explore Ozark National Forest attractions? The Atlas Priva AT has all-terrain pattern blocks that ensure you can confidently handle your vehicle on and off the road.
The aggressive sidewall protectors located near the tire’s shoulders serve as a self-cleaning feature. Plus, they provide excellent grip if you hit the less traveled road. The compound satisfies wear resistance and gives you excellent grip in wet conditions.
Price: This tire’s price is $89.
3. Kenda Klever A/T KR28
Last, we want to suggest the Kenda Klever A/T when you drive to Arkansas. This tire has an additional protective rubber layer, enhancing tire pressure stability and air retention.
With long-lasting wear, the tire’s uni design and aggressive sidewall warrant traction for all conditions, but not at the expense of your comfort or handling capabilities.
Price: This tire’s price is $92.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, selecting the best all-terrain tires for camping trips can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. These tires ensure safety and performance, allowing smooth journeys on varied terrains. Investing in the correct set can elevate your camping adventures, ensuring reliability wherever the trail may lead.
Hopefully, this post has inspired you for your post-quarantine camping trip. These sites would make for a beautiful break from the mundane aspects of life.
Are you planning to get out and breathe a little fresh air after staying inside? Be sure to research the openness of the locations you will visit.
To be your safest, be prepared by packing:
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes or spray
• Masks – each state, county, and even city can have different regulations
• Disposable gloves
• Soap and water
• Thermometer – just in case
The beauty of a road trip and camping trip is that they allow you to social distance while enjoying a great adventure.
FAQs
How do I choose all-terrain tires?
When choosing all-terrain tires, consider the terrain you’ll encounter, the vehicle you’ll load capacity, the vehicle’s pattern, and your budget. Research different brands and models read reviews, and consult a tire expert.
Are all-terrain tires suitable for road trips?
Yes, all-terrain tires are excellent for road trips. They balance on-road comfort and off-road capability, making them versatile for various terrains commonly encountered during road trips.
What are all-terrain tires best for?
All-terrain tires are ideal for drivers who want tires capable of handling both on-road and off-road conditions. They perform well on highways, city streets, and rugged terrains like dirt trails, gravel roads, and mud.
What is an excellent aggressive all-terrain tire?
Some popular aggressive all-terrain tire options include the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, and Nitto Terra Grappler G2. These tires offer enhanced off-road traction and durability.
