The United States is known for its beautiful parks, scenery and wildlife, which also makes it prime for camping opportunities. If you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone and check out some different camping areas this year, then there are a few you may want to keep in mind. Here’s a look at three U.S. camping destinations that aren’t to be missed in 2018.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Sure this first camping destination isn’t one that the majority of people can just drive to, but it’s just so worth visiting. It’s one of those bucket-list camping experiences that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. When you picture unspoiled nature, Alaska perfectly sums it up. Denali Park is home to a whopping six million acres of wide open land. It’s just hikers and campers and nature, and that’s it. This area is meant for those who are comfortable with cooler conditions, uneven terrain, and mountaineering.
Three U.S. Camping Destinations to Check Out in 2018 Photo Gallery
Trails range from moderate to difficult, so this isn’t really ideal for the novice camper. As far as where you can camp, there are six different campgrounds within the park, with only one of them being reachable by car. It’s important to also note that only one is open year-round.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
A little more accessible is Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, located just 75 miles from D.C. This park features over 500 miles worth of trails through beautiful and lush forests. The wilderness itself is quite peaceful and you’ll even spot some waterfalls along the way. Keep in mind that if you want to embark on the Old Rag Mountain hike, it is a rather gruelling eight-mile hike so you need to be up to the task.
Camping here is seasonal and tends to be in the spring, which is late March. There are a few different campgrounds you can check out, and reservations can be made.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
When you think of camping, it’s normal to picture forests and lush scenery, which is the exact opposite of what you’ll find in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. It’s still all about the scenery here, but the scenery resembles something of an alien planet rather than the typical landscape you may be used to. The climate can be quite rough for campers, so you need to be well-prepared. However if you can handle it, you may just be lucky enough to spot some actual fossils during your adventure.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Gear
Of course, if you are a new camper or you’ve been camping for years it’s important to be sure that your gear is up-to-date and exactly what you need. Woodbury Outfitters acts as a one-stop-shop for all kinds of camping equipment and gear, which means you’ll be able to check off all those important items on your list.
Get Out and Explore
So let 2018 be the year that you get out and explore the great outdoors by visiting some of the greatest camping destinations the country has to offer.
