Walking through wooded trails, breathing fresh, crisp air filled with the typical aroma of a jungle of leaves, wildflowers and combined fruits, discovering the blue and open sky above, playing in the crystal-clear water bodies and streams that appear along the way, listening to the incredible sounds of wildlife and losing yourself in natural beauty during the day, then setting up a tent, lighting a fire, enjoying the starry sky and savoring dishes and drinks at night that awakens in the orange of tomorrow, that's camping! Here are 10 incredible camping locations you should discover.
United States
Located at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania, Pine Grove Furnace Park is the central point of the world-famous Appalachian Trail. There's also the Appalachian Trail Museum, near the middle of the trail. There are up to 70 RV and tent sites available from April to mid-December that you should reserve up to 11 months in advance.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
D.C. residents are lucky to have a breathtaking getaway just 75 miles (120 km) from them, in the form of Shenandoah National Park! It contains more than 500 miles (800 km) of trails, some leading to beautiful waterfalls or viewpoints, and others offering you miles of quiet wilderness. The most challenging route is the 8-mile (13 km) hike to Old Rag Mountain, but it's rewarding in the end due to the stunning view from the summit. Campgrounds are available in spring, summer and fall and reservations are recommended, although some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Denali National Park, Alaska
Looking for acres of open land? You'll get it - six million acres! Want incredible wildlife? You'll get it! Want incredibly beautiful trails? You'll get those too! This is Denali National Park in Alaska! The most enchanting place? Denali itself, named Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. There are trails for pros as well as beginners, most starting near the visitor center, while a few others begin deeper in the park. While this is an amazing camping location, it's not for the inexperienced, so research is essential.
4. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Especially in autumn with foliage taking on various shades of red, yellow and orange, the White Mountains offer you an absolutely incredible experience. While it's a fairly rugged destination, you'll thank yourself for visiting if you're a healthy camper and hiker. The park has 800 campsites, including 24 drive-in sites and 8 walk-in sites in the state park! You can even enjoy backcountry tent camping. Additionally, lean-tos are available throughout the forest for a modest fee.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
With 17 million acres of forest, 32,000 miles (51,500 km) of streams and rivers, and 6,000 ponds and lakes, the state of Maine is a camper's paradise. Acadia National Park, perched on Mount Desert Island in this pine state, is an example of nature's beauty and the ideal destination for campers of all levels. Want to lose yourself in a unique experience? Arrive at the highest point on the east coast, the summit of Cadillac Mountain, at dawn, and you'll be the first person in the country to see daylight that morning! Choose from the park's three campgrounds: Blackwoods (open year-round, permit required December to March), Seawall (late May to September) and Schoodic Woods (late May to Columbus Day). While you can hike in the park, you can only camp in these three designated locations.
Canada
Perched just north of Squamish, Alice Lake Provincial Park offers a world-class network of bike trails, despite its small size. Nearby hiking is steep but spectacular with views all the way to the ocean! And of course, the rock climbing for which Squamish is famous is a must. Not to mention the refreshing swimming in Alice Lake. As if that weren't enough, there's Wonderland, a 3 km roller coaster ride that starts just outside the campground. For an intermediate loop, connect the trail to the Brackendale, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit trails. A short drive away, there are better trails than those in the park, in the form of a trek to the alpine meadows en route to Elfin Shelter, a hike to the three peaks of Stawamus Chief and the steep climb to Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Park.
7. Jasper National Park, Alberta
One of the highest places in the country for car camping, Jasper National Park is a tent perched right next to the Icefields Parkway, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). But the real reason you shouldn't miss it is that it's located opposite the fractured tongue of the Athabasca Glacier descending from the Columbia Icefield and is surrounded by 11,000-foot (3,350 m) snow-capped peaks, one of the most famous scenes in Canada. And of course, the park offers the glacier itself and some world-class hikes.
8. Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
Killarney is known to most Canadians for its white quartzite hills, the Group of Seven, its incredible blue lakes and twisted gray pines. But there's also plenty of spectacular hiking, sea kayaking and canoeing. George Lake campground is the best (and only) campground located near the four lake access points. For an unforgettable experience, hike the La Cloche Silhouette Trail from the campground to the Crack, a vertical slot that will take you to the top of a granite ridge. Driving 7 km east on Highway 637 to the roadside parking lot will save you a few hours.
World
No doubt greenery is essential and refreshing, and the desert is man's karma. Yet the desert has its own charm and beauty, especially at night, with miles of soft white sand dunes and a starry sky above, making it an ideal camping ground. And what else could be an ideal place to camp in the desert than the world's largest desert, the Sahara? Enjoy a traditional Berber camp with activities such as camel trekking and sand surfing. The tents are very luxurious, equipped with wall-to-wall carpets, handmade furniture, solar lighting and an attached bathroom. You can choose to stay in a group of tents or in a smaller private tent for more privacy and intimacy.
10. Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador
Home to one of the world's most active volcanoes and Ecuador's second highest peak, Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi National Park is sure to quench your thirst for hiking adventure. A tent on the flat ground will offer you stunning views of the volcano from all sides and visits from the park's friendly llamas. There's plenty of other wildlife, such as foxes, pumas, wolves, bears, condors, rabbits and more, if you're a wildlife lover. If you want to go climbing, hiking or trekking, it's highly recommended to hire a professional guide.
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