Pitch a Tent and Unfurl a Sleeping Bag at These 10 Best Camping Destinations in the USA
Pitch Your Tent at These Parks
Americans are known around the world as people who love the great outdoors. If you love fresh air, the exhilaration of becoming one with nature, and peace and serenity, America’s wide-open spaces have a lot to offer.
But with so many fantastic national parks to choose from finding the perfect camping destination for your trip can be a daunting task. Read on to learn about the 10 best camping destinations in the USA and why we thought them worthy of our list! By the end of this post you’ll be gathering your camping gear and hopping in the car for a memorable weekend in nature.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Often topping lists of United States points of interest, Yellowstone National Park is one of the country’s best national parks, the most well-known, and one of the oldest. Founded in 1872, the park is home to an array of wildlife including numerous endangered species, several geothermal features, mountains, lakes, rivers, and canyons.
Though the park is largely located in Wyoming, its expansive size covers parts of Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone is most widely known for the famous geothermal geyser Old Faithful. Mountaineers, hikers and nature enthusiasts alike will revel in their surroundings with numerous camping sites, hiking and climbing trails to choose from.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the USA’s finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Grand Canyon National Park is, of course, home of the Grand Canyon – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Established in 1919 the park is a popular camping and tourist destination. This one should definitely be on your bucket list!
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3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is yet another one of the USA’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in northern California, Yosemite is known for its impressive granite cliffs, clear waters and numerous activities open for guests to enjoy.
Yosemite is open year round, making it one of the USA’s most visited national parks. In addition to hiking and rock climbing, the park offers activities such as horseback riding, hiking tours, rafting and much more.
Although parts of the park close during the winter months, Yosemite continues to offer a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing and skiing for those willing to bundle up and brave the elements.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Established in 1916 as Lafayette National Park, Acadia National Park is a fantastic getaway for those seeking to camp along the coast. Marked by granite cliffs and beautiful beaches, Acadia National Park is one of the best places to camp in the US for those who are looking to enjoy nature at a slower pace.
The park comprises numerous hiking, biking, and scenic driving routes that are sure to please all ages.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Located in southeastern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a visually intriguing park for its shrubbery, geology and desert vista. The park has several camping sites to choose from and is a renowned location for those interested in astronomy and birding. As a large desert area, the park encompasses unique animals and shrubbery you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
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6. Big Bend National Park, Texas
For those seeking adventure travel in the US or want to trek off the beaten trail, Big Bend National Park might be just what you’re looking for. A stunning national park with lower visitor averages as a result of its remote location, Big Bend has great national park camping for those looking to get away from it all.
Explore the canyon and river by boat, or hike along through the parks many trails. Bordered by Mexico along the Rio Grande the park is another popular destination for birding with numerous specimens stopping in the park throughout their migratory seasons.
7. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park is one of the USA’s most scenic national parks, set against the dramatic landscape of earth shaped by water and wind. A favorite spot for travelers seeking souvenir fossils, Badlands National Park is an amateur paleontologist’s dream. This is the perfect destination for camping with kids as there are lots of family-friendly activities to partake in.
8. Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is a tropical paradise for campers interested in exploring an exceptionally biodiverse wilderness. A World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance, Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the USA.
Open year round, Everglades is particularly popular during the cooler months, when the bugs are least active. The park encompasses several walking trails with some campsites alongside the marina. However, if you’re thinking of visiting, you may want to avoid swimming, as many predators such as barracudas and sharks are present in the waters.
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9. Denali National Park, Alaska
Home of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the best national parks for its hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and dog-sledding. The park is quickly becoming another popular destination for fossil-hunters, while the current inhabitants of the park include lynx, sheep, moose, caribou and bears.
10. Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park is aptly named for its Giant Forest, made up of some of the largest Sequoia trees in the world. While the park offers hiking and fishing, the majority of its walking trails lead visitors to some of the park’s most notable highlights, including the General Sherman tree, the Tunnel Log, and the Moro Rock.
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