Have you been itching to camp in one of America’s beautiful National Parks but not able to decide which one to go to? We have compiled a list of the top 10 National Parks and why they are the best. Read on to choose which one is right for you!
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite boasts the distinction of being one of the United States’ first wilderness parks. It is made up of almost 1200 square miles with ancient sequoias, magnificent meadows, valleys that run deep and cascading waterfalls.
There are thirteen campgrounds in the park. Seven of them need reservations from April until September and the rest are on a first come, first serve basis.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is one of the most beautiful of the U.S.’s National Parks. It was the first National Park to be established east of the mighty Mississippi. Campers can combine the beauty of evergreen forest with the rugged, majestic coast of Maine known as Down East.
There are carriage roads to bike, hiking paths along the shore and forest land or just relaxing at your campsite listening to the waves pound the rocks. Campers can set up their tents from December to March for free while in other months a modest fee must be paid.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland & Virginia
Coastal bays, salt marshes, sandy beaches and maritime forests greet the camper when they visit Assateague Island. It is only in Maryland that camping is available. There are no hook-ups but most sites have grills and picnic tables.
Camp either Oceanside or along the bay and go to sleep lulled by waves crashing the shore and wake to the tang of the salt, sea air. Assateague Island is unique in that you can live among the wild horses that make the island their home. Pony Penning week is typically held in July. Call for dates and details.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy their camping experience at Badlands National Park. Home to such species as the fox, black-footed ferrets, the impressive bighorn sheep and the rare bison, this rare glimpse of a disappearing world won’t disappoint.
The park is open to visitors and campers all day, every day, though the visitor center is closed on New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Search for fossils, stop and smell the wildflowers or scramble over the formations of the fragile badlands. A camping adventure here will not soon be forgotten.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Though many people think of the Pacific Coast when Oregon is mentioned, Crater Lake National Park will make you forget all about the stately coastline of the Pacific. The lake is bluer than blue with cliffs rising majestically into the sky at almost 2000 feet in height.
The Mazama Campground has campsites that are on a system for reservations but if you fail to net a spot you can always stay at the Mazama Village Motor Inn or the Crater Lake Lodge.
Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
Come to a desert where you can see snow capped mountains in the distance. This is the Timbisha Shoshone’s home and is considered to be one of the harshest deserts in the world.
Camping is available all year at Furnace Creek Campground, Wildrose and Mesquite Spring, though you can do some seasonal camping at Texas Spring, Sunset, or Mahogany Flat Campgrounds.
At Emigrant there is only tenting allowed. Mountain biking and hiking are the preferred activities but you can feel free to sit back and drink in the beauty of the region if you prefer.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is home to more than 700 miles of hiking trails, magnificent pristine lakes and forests and alpine meadows all set in rugged mountain terrain. It is the perfect place to head when the hustle and bustle of city life gets to be too much and solitude is what you are craving.
To secure your campsite you can check out the Glacier National Park website for up to the minute information not just on campsite availability but a wide range of other important info that will enhance your Glacier National Park experience.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
No list of top 10 camping spots would be complete without the Grand Canyon National Park being mentioned. One of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, visitors flock here from near and far to get a look at the sheer magnificence of the Grand Canyon and the mighty Colorado River.
Take a river raft trip, take a donkey tour to the very bottom of the canyon or simply explore the park on your own. It is a spectacular place that inspires awe in anyone that comes for a visit.
Grand Teton National park and John. D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway, Wyoming
The Teton Range is one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the United States. At the Park there are glacial lakes for fishing and boating and a stunning landscape that will leave you open mouthed with awe.
It is said that almost 4 million visitors come to the Grand Teton National Park to explore Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, Craig Thomas Discovery Center and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Center. The park employs knowledgeable naturalists to make your experience even richer.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Here at Lassen Volcanic National Park one can see for themselves the battle between destruction and creation from the forces that have shaped the earth.
Visit hydrothermal areas that are still active, hike the trails, try your hand at wilderness camping or stay at one of the Lassen Volcanic National Park’s 8 campgrounds. It is an experience to say the least when one decides to immerse themselves in the pristine landscape of this magnificent park.
Now you have a list of ten favorite National Park camping areas, what are you waiting for? Go and make your reservations for your next camping trip where you will be amazed and delighted at the beauty of Mother Nature.
