Nature benefits mental and physical health in a variety of ways. For one, it’s a healthy outlet for stress or anger, helping improve mood. It can even help people make new connections with others who enjoy camping.
With summer in full swing, it’s high season for campers. The natural greenery is the perfect place to relax and spend your free time. If you have the resources, you can plan the ideal camping trip in one of the many amazing national parks the United States has to offer.
In fact, deciding on one campsite may be difficult. To figure out which places to camp are the best, check out the list below.
1. Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming near Jackson Hole, this national park is home to hundreds of wild elk the area is known for. This area has a long history, and some of the rocks are the oldest found in any American national park–dating back over 2.7 billion years.
The best part about this location is that it’s only ten miles from Yellowstone national park, so park hopping is a viable option.
2. Acadia National Park
Maine is rarely a location mentioned for its camping, but here we are. This park is notable for its location on Maine’s coast, and it offers cobble beaches, granite dome hills, and glacially deposited rock.
Campers can enjoy canoeing or kayaking in the water, exploring or camping on Mount Desert Island, observing peregrine falcons and raptors, or simply hiking among the many lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, or meadows.
3. Big Bend National Park
This national park is located in West Texas, offering different ecology and geology from other parks on this list. There are many different fossils, even dinosaur bones, to discover.
The famous Rio Grande cuts through beautiful canyons in Big Bend, and the dry landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert offers something different for campers.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
The most famous aspect of this park evident in is its name: the Grand Canyon is located here. This park is in northwestern Arizona and features an extensive system of canyons, the Colorado River, plateaus, and plenty of hiking trails.
Because of its popularity, there are plenty of services available to campers here, including Cool Camper Rentals.
5. Olympic National Park
Located in the Pacific Northwest, this park has the lush, green forests that most people think of when they think about camping.
Like Acadia National Park, this spot is also located on a coastline, but this time it’s the Pacific. Campers will find three ecosystems: the Pacific coastline, the subalpine and wildflower meadows, and temperate forests.
More Places to Camp
If these places to camp are too distant, there’s likely a great spot somewhere near you. No matter where you stay, make sure to do your research on the surrounding area.
It’s essential to know the rules and regulations to prevent fines or damage to the park. If the park is located in bear country, read up on keeping yourself and the bears safe.
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