Campfires and Tents - Best Camping Spots

• Adventure Travel,
• Family Travel,
• Friends Groups

Ok, it's January 1st and I'm already dreaming about escaping the city for long hikes and campfire-cooked grub when the temperatures get warmer and the days get longer...

Planning ahead for camping during the summer months is essential, especially if you're thinking about visiting a national park or popular campground. Here are a few websites that can help you find and reserve campgrounds:

• Recreation.gov: This is a one-stop resource for reserving campsites across various federal lands, including national parks, forests, and more. You can search for campgrounds by location, amenities, and availability.

• ReserveAmerica.com: This site specializes in campground reservations, including for state parks. ReserveAmerica.com allows users to search for campgrounds by state, park, or site type, and you can also check availability for specific dates.

• Campspot.com: Campspot is designed to make finding and booking private campgrounds and RV parks easy. The site offers a wide range of filters to help you find exactly what you're looking for, whether that's a pet-friendly site or campsites with Wi-Fi.

• Hipcamp.com: Hipcamp is great for finding unique and less crowded camping spots, including on private land, vineyards, and in national forests. Hipcamp allows users to filter search results by various camping options such as tent camping, RV parks, cabins, and even treehouses.

For inspiration, here are 10 amazing campgrounds for groups of friends and family:

• Yosemite National Park, California - Upper Pines Campground: Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, this campground offers easy access to famous landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. It's perfect for families looking for breathtaking scenery and a range of hiking trails from easy to challenging. Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and photography.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina - Cades Cove Campground: Cades Cove is known for its rich wildlife (including black bears and deer), and an 11-mile loop road that's great for biking. It's ideal for groups interested in both nature and the history of the Appalachian area. Activities: Biking, hiking, wildlife spotting, and historical tours.

• Acadia National Park, Maine - Blackwoods Campground: Nestled close to the rugged coastline, this campground provides easy access to the park's dense forests and rocky beaches. Families can enjoy the park's carriage roads and trails, as well as the stunning views from Cadillac Mountain. Activities: Hiking, tidepooling, kayaking, and stargazing.

• Glacier National Park, Montana - Apgar Campground: Located near Lake McDonald, Apgar is the largest campground in the park and offers services like a visitor center, shuttle services, and boat rentals. It's a great basecamp for exploring Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. Activities: Boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and guided tours.

• Olympic National Park, Washington - Kalaloch Campground: Perched on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch is perfect for families who love the beach and ocean activities. The campground provides access to several nearby trails and the famous Tree of Life. Activities: Beachcombing, tidepooling, hiking, and ranger-led programs.

• Joshua Tree National Park, California - Jumbo Rocks Campground: With its unique landscape filled with iconic Joshua trees and massive boulders, Jumbo Rocks offers an otherworldly experience. It's perfect for groups looking for challenging rock climbing and surreal desert landscapes to explore. Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and photography.

• Zion National Park, Utah - Watchman Campground: Situated near the park's South Entrance, this campground provides easy access to the park’s shuttle system and the scenic Virgin River. It's a prime spot for friends looking to tackle the famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, river trips, and biking.

• Arches National Park, Utah - Devils Garden Campground: Located deep within the park, this campground offers direct access to several arches and rock formations. The stargazing here is phenomenal, making it a great choice for friends interested in astronomy or simply enjoying the night sky. Activities: Hiking, photography, and guided night sky programs.

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - Moraine Park Campground: Set in a beautiful mountain valley, Moraine Park offers spectacular views and is a gateway to the park’s extensive trail system. It's ideal for friends seeking a mountain adventure with opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and horseback riding.

• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Madison Campground: Centrally located with access to the park’s main attractions, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This site is perfect for groups wanting to experience the full range of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. Activities: Wildlife watching, geyser viewing, hiking, and fishing.

Wherever you're planning to camp and enjoy the wonders of nature in 2024, here's to a year of adventure and exploration!

January 1, 2024

• Previous: Spa Trends to Watch
• Next: Gas and Money-Saving Road Trip Tips