Nature is the best rehabilitator for the mind, body, and spirit – and that is a fact. Spending time in nature is the greatest escape from the chaos of the modern world and it does wonders for your overall health. Camping is always a good idea for a short getaway, not just because it’s good for overall health but it also allows one to visit some of the greatest wild locations in the US.
If you have already decided on a camping trip, the first thing that you will need is high-quality gear. Why high-quality? Because you wouldn’t want to wake up shivering in the middle of the night due to the poor insulation or problems with your gear. Proper gear is a great investment and it doesn’t mean it will cost a fortune. At www.hykeandbyke.com, you can find high-quality gear for an affordable price, choosing from multiple collections of different outdoor gear items that will provide you with safety, durability, comfort, and warmth on your camping trips wherever they may be. Choose your gear wisely and make sure it comes with a true lifetime warranty.
Once you assemble your gear, it’s time to search for the best camping places in the US. Below, you will find a thoroughly-researched list, based on the opinion of a few lifelong campers, that can help you decide where to venture next.
Acadia National Park
It’s no secret that Acadia National Park is one of the most scenic camping locations in the US. With an astounding 17 million acres of forest, 6,000 and more lakes and ponds, and many rivers – this Park over time became a go-to camping spot for experienced campers.
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park offers a ton of different adventurous activities to make your camping trip one of the best trips in your life. You can rent out a car or a bicycle and ride along the 27-mile Park Loop Road and see the breathtaking sight that is Sand Beach. Visit places like the not easily accessible Schoodic Point and Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse. Swim in the multiple ponds and lakes in the Park and hike one of the most rewarding trails – Precipice Trail.
Minnewaska State Park Reserve
If you find yourself in New York City drive an additional 97 miles and visit Minnewaska State Park Reserve. This majestic Park Reserve is a part of the Shawangunk Mountains and makes the perfect location for camping, especially if you are a camper who also enjoys hiking with awe-inspiring views.
While there, make sure you visit the incredible 65-foot waterfall called Awosting Falls and go swimming in Lake Awosting. Enjoy walks in the chestnut oak forest and climb to the highest point of the Minnewaska Mountain – Sam’s Point Area. In winter, the Park offers opportunities for some thrilling alpine endeavors as well as snowshoeing.
Shenandoah National Park
This glorious Park is located near Washington D.C. and there you can find one of the most famous hiking trails in the US. The trail is eight miles up Old Rag Mountain and it is on every hiking enthusiast’s bucket list. The Park has five different campgrounds and 600 miles of other thrilling trails for you to explore.
Once you are there, you must tour Skyline Drive. It is a two-way road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park and is an unforgettable ride. If you aren’t there for the exhilarating hiking trails or outdoor adventures and you just want to spend some time in nature – look for a picnic table under the old-growth trees and enjoy a bottle of Shenandoah Valley wine. You can go blackberry picking or visit some of the Park’s waterfalls.
Big Bend National Park
If you are a water sports enthusiast, this is the perfect camping location for you. In Big Bend National Park you will get the opportunity to try every water-related sport. Everything from rafting to canoeing and kayaking. The Park is also a great backcountry camping location if you want a more secluded and adventurous experience away from everything modern. It is also known as the Nation Dark Sky Park because of the clear night skies due to its remoteness. This makes it the perfect location for stargazing and all astronomy enthusiasts.
But there are so many other things that you can try in Big Bend National Park. You can hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, soak in the natural hot springs in the Rio Grande Village area and drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Explore the nearby ghost town of Terlingua and go for some bird watching in the Chisos Mountains.
Ozark National Forest
Arkansas is often overlooked for its natural gems, and Ozark National Forest has quite a few. It has a total of nine beaches and it is the home of the tallest mountain in the state – Mount Magazine. The Forest covers more than 1.2 million acres, so there is plenty to do if you decide to go camping there.
You can search for Edan Falls while hiking in The Lost Valley and rock climb Sam’s Throne. Visit the Blanchard Spring Caverns, an extraordinary underground cave, and go fishing on Shores Lake. While you are there, if you are a hiking enthusiast, The Devils Canyon Scenic Area Trail is an absolute must. No matter what you decide to do, you will never see Arkansas with the same eyes again.
Sawtooth National Forest
One of Idaho’s hidden treasures is Sawtooth National Forest, home to the Sawtooth Mountains and one of the most stunning campgrounds in the US. If you are looking for a camping location, perfect for fall – this one is it. The views in the Forest are otherworldly and there are so many activities that you can try.
You can paddleboard or kayak at Redfish Lake and hike to Alice Lake and Goat Lake. Try out fly fishing and world-class whitewater farthing on the Salmon River and soak in Boat Box Hot Springs. If you are up for hiking, you can try the Snake River Canyon Trail. Once there, there are two things that you definitely will want to check out – Shoshone Falls and Perrine Bridge.
