Five National Parks with Epic Camp Sites
As National Parks Week comes to a close, we wanted to take a look at one of the most common activities undertaken in our fabulous park system. The thrill of camping in the wild calls many to pitch a tent in a cleared area and listen to the sounds of the forest at night. A controlled open fire is great for bonding and cooking while drinking a beer or two. There are so many great places to camp across America. No matter which one of these stellar camping experiences you choose, you will have an adventure to remember. You will be around other campers to make your experience full and safe. You will also have plenty of alone time. Space is vast in all of these national parks. Make sure you have all the right equipment and supplies to make your camping experience a great one. Here are five epic places to camp in the National Parks :
5) Yosemite National Park
Okay, so Yosemite is obvious, but it is an awesome place to camp. Yosemite has to be included in any list. Most of the camping is available from April until October, but always check the weather for all the best conditions. Day or night, camping in Yosemite is a memorable experience whether you are with your friends or family. Camping prices range from $12 to $26. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and reserve your summer camping site way in advance. The vast mountain range and wilderness never disappoints.
4) Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah may not be the first place people think of when vacationing, but Bryce Canyon is a natural wonder that must be seen. Overnight camping and then morning hiking is just incredible in this peaceful national park. Bryce Canyon is almost like an ancient clay city with no inhabitants. The Canyon is a true wonder to marvel at any time of day. Camping in a tent costs $20 and camping with an RV will cost $30. The canyon is an amazing sight.
3) Joshua Tree National Park
If you have ever wanted to rock climb big awesome red clay and orange colored rocks, Joshua Tree National Park is the best place to start. There are excellent professionals who will take you beginning climbing in the park. You can climb all day and then share your experiences with friends and family over the campfire at night. Camping in the Joshua Tree National Park is $20 per night. You will have water, flush toilets, and available dumping stations at the campsites. Whether Hiking or climbing this is a great camping experience.
2) Great Smoky Mountains
Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway will give you sites of the miles of green lush mountains with a hazy blue color. The fresh air and wilderness go for miles. When you are done driving, you can roll into the Smoky Mountains National Park and camp at any of the eight campgrounds available by reservation. Camping costs $20 a night. Some campsites have showers and others do not. Black Bears, deer and other wild animals are fun to spot in this amazing mountain range. The views are like no other.
1) Dry Tortugas National Park
The number one epic campsite is in the Dry Tortugas National Park. You can only access this park by a seaplane, boat, or ferry. It costs only $15 to $30 a night to camp in the Dry Tortugas. The National Park is located off the coast of Florida. You can access the national park by a ferry from Key West. The camping is totally primitive. You have to only use charcoal fires. You will have to bring your own trash with you back to the mainland. There is no running water. It is usually recommended for each person to have two gallons of water a day with them. The ferry costs about $200 for campers. You get food on the ferry, but that is where civilization stops. You have to provide everything you need for this camping experience.
