Camping is a perfect opportunity to have fun with your friends and get a great experience, enjoying the beauty of nature and relaxing from the bustle of the city.
In many ways, your camping experience depends on several factors, among which the choice of location is perhaps the most important criterion. After all, the more wonderful and diverse the spot and the more activities available there, the more intense and interesting your trip will be.
At the same time, equipment is also essential to feel comfortable and safe in case of bad weather or sudden temperature changes, which can often occur in the mountains or places near water. Therefore, when planning a trip, you should pay special attention to your gear and get a reliable best 3-person tent with enough space for sleeping and belongings.
Choosing a location you would like to visit can sometimes be difficult due to the many parks and campgrounds. In addition, each campground has its features and activities, which can also complicate the process of finding and choosing your destination. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 3 popular national parks in the United States. These places are popular among travelers and enthusiasts for many reasons, including stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
When choosing a spot for your next trip, we recommend paying attention to these camping locations that are great for both new and experienced campers:
Arches National Park
Among the most popular locations for camping is Arches National Park in Utah. This place is famous for the highest concentration of natural arch formations in the world, with more than 2,500 of them. In addition to the arches, the park’s landscape is decorated with majestic spires, stone ridges, and balancing rocks, creating a unique variety of relief in the Arches territory.
Located in the high desert, the park has an arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. For visitors, there are many hiking trails of different complexity, including a relatively easy 0.3-mile trail around Balancing Rock, as well as a more difficult 3-mile route to the famous Delicate Arch.
At the same time, while camping here, you can enjoy a variety of activities including:
- Guided tours of the Fiery Furnace area;
- Off-road trails;
- Biking;
- Outdoor picnics;
To make your camping experience more diverse, you can also visit the park’s surroundings, which are no less interesting. For example, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are both a 45-minute drive away. In the nearby town of Moab, you can go to restaurants, shop, or visit museums. Also, the desert around Moab is a paradise for mountain bikers with hundreds of miles of trails.
Arches National Park is ideal for a variety of travelers because there is something for everyone!
Big Bend National Park
Another camping location worth visiting is Big Bend National Park in Texas. This is a place where the night sky is pitch black and rivers carve canyons through ancient limestone, creating a memorable landscape. Here, hundreds of bird species find refuge in a secluded mountain range surrounded by weathered desert, and hardy cacti bloom under the scorching southwestern sun. All this biodiversity is astounding and makes Big Bend one of those places you will never forget!
Big Bend is one of the most geographically diverse parks in the United States, and its landscape stretches from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos Mountains. In addition, the canyons of the Rio Grande River form a natural border between the United States and Mexico.
While camping here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. For hikers, the park has over 200 miles of dirt roads and trails to explore, while history buffs can take tours of historic villages. There are also hot springs in the park where you can relax after a day.
Some campgrounds worth considering when planning a trip include:
- Chisos Basin. This is an ideal spot for hikers because Chisos Basin is located close to the park’s hiking trails.
- Cottonwood. This campground is best suited for those who enjoy peace and solitude with nature.
- Rio Grande Village RV Park. This is the only full-hookup RV campground.
The best time to visit Big Bend is in October or November when temperatures are comfortable (50-80°F), less rainfall, and tourists. Spring (especially March-April) is also good, but showers are possible. In the summer, temperatures often exceed 100°F, which can make camping in the Park difficult for some people.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, rugged valleys, and spectacular lakes.
This national park is famous for its stunning landscapes and beautiful nature. With a large number of campgrounds, Glacier is one of the most popular destinations for camping and outdoor activities.
There are more than 700 miles of trails available to visitors, including the famous 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. This makes the Park a haven for enthusiasts and hikers who want to immerse themselves in landscapes steeped in history and culture.
When planning a trip to Glacier, you can choose from 12 campgrounds. There are also historic chalets and cabins available.
Popular campgrounds in Glacier include:
- Many Glacier and Two Medicine on the east side;
- Apgar on the west side;
- Bowman Lake (perfect for those who prefer solitude);
You can also choose free camping. Popular spots include camping along Route 2 near East Glacier and areas on both sides of the North Fork of the Flathead River.
Glacier National Park offers a unique experience of communing with nature and the opportunity to enjoy America’s diverse landscapes, from desert arches to glacial lakes, making this National Park one of the most famous and worth visiting in the United States.
Find out more about camping, tents & camping gear at RBM Outdoors.