UPTOURIST

Like many avid campers, you dream of crackling campfires and sleeping under the stars. Your smartphone is most likely full of photos of your family set against gorgeous backdrops featuring the natural beauty of blue skies, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery.

When you’re hunting for the next camping destination, here are a few to add to your list. Each campsite offers a little something special for the most adventurous travelers.

Treebones Resort, Big Sur, California

Treebones Resort is the perfect camping destination for birdwatchers. You’ll feel like one of your feathered friends sleeping in the Human Nest or Twig Hut. These wooden structures let the outdoors in. You’ll enjoy the night sky and the sunrise seeping in through the tree limbs of your home. You’ll need to carry in your sleeping bags and a tent to set up in case of rain. If you’d like a room with a roof, yurts are available too.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Campers can explore over 800 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Experienced travelers can hike or drive to the remote Cataloochee campground. Your adventure begins with a ride up a winding three-mile gravel road that leads to the campsite. You’ll leave the crowds behind and experience majestic views of the surrounding mountains and streams. Travel through this natural setting on horseback while you explore over 90 historic log buildings throughout the park.

Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, California

Distinctive prickly vegetation called Joshua trees give this National Park its name. Joshua trees are in the agave plant family, and it’s best to just look and resist the urge to touch them. While you’re here, the family can camp among giant granite boulders at Jumbo Rocks campground. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene from the Flintstones. 

The campground features an amphitheater for outdoor ranger talks. You’ll be roughing it here without any amenities or cellphone reception. Pack plenty of water since there are no sources available at the campsite.

Glacier National Park, West Glacier, Montana

Snow-covered mountain peaks await you at Glacier National Park. Travel up the winding Going-to-the-Sun Road and view the stunning Grinnell Glacier. You’ll find a variety of camping options inside the park. If you want to wake up with the sun and look forward to a breathtaking sunrise over glittering lake waters, pitch your tent at Rising Sun campground.

The sun makes its debut each morning as it rises above St. Mary Lake with Red Eagle Mountain in the background. Rising Sun is also the ideal spot for campers who desire luxuries such as a casual restaurant, showers, and a camp store. Add a side of adventure with a guided whitewater rafting tour down the Flathead River. 

Add these destinations to your list of campsites to try. Each one has something unique to create an adventurous trip while you sleep under the stars. Why not rest among the Joshua trees, huge boulders or in the shadow of a glacier?

Cover photo credit: Wikipedia