There are many ways to enjoy America’s national parks. You can hike, bike, or kayak through them; you can camp out under the stars; and you can even take a boat tour through some of them.
But there’s only one way to really do it right: see these parks from above in a hot air balloon or a helicopter. Here are ten incredible places to see from above while camping, including several spots you’ve probably never heard of before:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Best camping spots in the US that offer scenic views and a unique outdoor experience. |
| Understanding what to consider when choosing a campsite can lead to a more fulfilling camping trip. |
| Camping in nature and disconnecting from technology can provide numerous benefits to mental and physical health. |
| Additional resources such as websites and guides can offer more information and recommendations for camping in the US. |
| Some of the most picturesque and adventurous campsites can be found in national parks. |
Bioluminescent Bay, Puerto Rico
Bioluminescent Bay, in Vieques, Puerto Rico, is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Bioluminescence is when living organisms produce light through a chemical reaction, and due to its isolation from mainland Puerto Rico and its lack of electricity or bright city lights, Bioluminescent Bay has become home to an incredible amount of bioluminescent phytoplankton that create a stunning natural phenomenon when disturbed by waves or your paddle.
To get there you will need to fly into San Juan (the capital) then take the ferry over to Vieques Island where there are regular ferries every hour or so during daylight hours (from 4am-8pm). You can also take a taxi from Fajardo at $36/person one way.
Once you arrive on Vieques Island you can either rent kayaks from Kayak Puerto Rico (which operates out of Fajardo) for about $100/4 hours or find someone else renting kayaks who have space available for about $30-$50/hour depending on how many people are going along with you and what type of boat they have available (single or double person).
There are also some hotels near this area which may offer excursions where they take visitors out into the bay by boat but these tend not to be cheap so it might be better value just renting your own equipment if possible!
Looking for a unique camping experience? Our guide, “The Top 15 Glamping Spots in the United States” The Top 15 Glamping Spots in the United States: Don’t Miss Out on These Gems!, has got you covered. Find the best glamping spots in the country that offer luxury accommodations while still allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve: This national park in Alaska is the only one that has no roads, trails or visitor facilities.
It’s home to Denali (Mount McKinley), the tallest peak in North America. You can hike any of its trails, but you’ll need an experienced guide if it’s your first time visiting this park.
Death Valley National Park: A lot of people think that Death Valley is just a desert landscape with sand dunes and cacti—but there are also mountains here! The highest peak in Death Valley is Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet above sea level. And there are plenty of hiking opportunities for beginners and experts alike!
Top Camping Sites in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
| Camping Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Teklanika River Campground | This campground is nestled in the heart of the park and is only open to privately-owned vehicles. It is situated alongside the Teklanika River and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. |
| Riley Creek Campground | This popular campground is one of the largest in the park and is conveniently located near the park entrance. It offers a range of amenities, including a camp store, amphitheater, and ranger-led programs. |
| Wonder Lake Campground | This remote campground can only be reached by bus, but the stunning views of Denali make it worth the trip. It is situated on the banks of Wonder Lake and is one of the best places in the park to view wildlife. |
| Savage River Campground | This small, rustic campground is located near the Savage River and is ideal for those looking for a more secluded camping experience. It is only accessible by shuttle bus during peak season. |
| Igloo Creek Campground | This primitive campground is located deep in the park, about 7 miles from the park road. It offers a true wilderness experience and is a favorite among backpackers and hikers. |
Note: Brand names were not used in this table as they were not applicable
Joshua Tree National Park, California
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night under the stars, Joshua Tree National Park is your spot.
With its vast wilderness of rock formations and boulders, Joshua Tree is surrounded by desert and it’s easily one of the most scenic places to camp in all of Southern California. The park also offers tons of opportunities for hiking and rock climbing (if you’re so inclined).
Want to find the most scenic camping spots in the USA? Look no further than our guide, “The Best Camping Spots in America” The Best Camping Spots in America: A Guide to the Most Scenic Locations. Discover the most beautiful places to camp and experience the great outdoors in all its glory.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is in the southern part of Utah, near Moab. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches and was one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.
The red rock formations are so beautiful that it’s hard to believe they’re real! You can hike or bike along paths all through them and spot wildlife like deer or birds, too.
Top Camping Sites in Arches National Park, Utah
| Camping Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Devils Garden Campground | This is the only campground in the park and features 52 sites, including 22 that are suitable for RVs. It is located near the park’s main attractions and offers stunning views of the red rock formations. |
| Moab KOA Holiday | This family-friendly campground is located just outside the park and offers tent and RV sites, as well as deluxe cabins. It features a range of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, and playground. |
| Slickrock Campground | This campground is also located in Moab, just a few minutes from the park entrance. It offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The campground is situated on 80 acres of land and features a petting zoo and playground. |
| Sand Flats Recreation Area | This BLM-managed recreation area is located just east of the park and features over 120 campsites, as well as trails for hiking, biking, and off-roading. The campground offers stunning views of the La Sal Mountains and the surrounding red rock desert. |
| Under Canvas Moab | For those looking for a glamping experience, Under Canvas Moab offers luxury canvas tents with a range of amenities, including a private bathroom and shower, wood-burning stove, and king-size bed. The camp is located just a few minutes from the park. |
Note: Brand names were used in this table where applicable.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is a national park in Washington, located just east of Seattle and Tacoma.
The park was established March 2, 1899 as the fifth national park in the U.S., and encompasses 236,381 acres (983 km²).
Mount Rainier is a dormant volcano that stands 14,410 feet (4392 m) above sea level with a summit elevation of 14,408 feet (4390 m). It’s an active volcano last erupting 200 years ago!
Mount Rainier is also one of three mountains in North America that has more than 1000 glaciers on its slopes the other two being Mounts Hood in Oregon and Baffin Island in Canada. If you’re looking for an epic camping spot to check off your bucket list then this could be it!
Nature at its finest – camping in the most beautiful locations in the USA is an experience everyone should have. Check out our guide, “The Most Beautiful Camping Locations in the USA” The Most Beautiful Camping Locations in the USA, for a list of stunning camping spots that will take your breath away.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is a United States National Park located in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona.
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times; it features one of the most complete sequences of Phanerozoic geologic formations in North America.
Grand Canyon was declared a national park by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and visited by over 25 million people each year a figure which includes over 6 million who visit just a small portion on the south rim near Las Vegas.
It is not an exaggeration to say that no place on earth evokes such awe as does this natural wonder—30 miles long and averaging 6,000 feet deep (1,829 m).
Top Camping Sites in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
| Camping Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Mather Campground | This is the largest campground in the park and is located near the South Rim. It features over 300 sites for tents and RVs and offers amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. |
| Trailer Village | This camping site is located near Mather Campground and offers full hookups for RVs. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the park without sacrificing the comforts of home. |
| Desert View Campground | This smaller campground is located on the eastern end of the park and offers 50 campsites for tents and RVs. It is situated near the Desert View Watchtower and offers stunning views of the canyon. |
| Phantom Ranch | For those looking for a unique camping experience, Phantom Ranch offers rustic cabins and dormitory-style lodging at the bottom of the canyon. The site can only be reached by hiking, riding a mule, or taking a rafting trip down the Colorado River. |
| Camper Village at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel | This camping site is located outside the park in Williams, Arizona, and offers RV and tent sites, as well as cabin rentals. It is situated near the Grand Canyon Railway Depot and offers amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and restaurant. |
Note: Brand names were used in this table where applicable.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Located in the southern tip of Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
It’s also home to more than 1,000 species of birds, including the American crocodile and American alligator. But don’t worry about getting attacked by a croc or gator in fact, you’re more likely to come across a Florida largemouth bass!
The park’s ecosystem is made up of three distinct mangrove forests: Northern Everglades, Shark River Slough and Big Cypress Swamp.
The Gulf Coast region has an average annual rainfall equal to that of Seattle but with temperatures reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months (June through September).
Choosing the perfect camping spot can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. Let our guide, “Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Camping Spot” Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Camping Spot give you the tools and tips you need to select the right location and have a fulfilling camping trip.
Yosemite National Park, California
In the heart of California lies Yosemite, a place so majestic and beautiful that it’s been featured in countless movies and television shows.
But if you’re only familiar with the park from screen images, you’ll be sorely disappointed when you see it in person.
The real thing is better than anything Hollywood could ever dream up. The towering trees the sequoia grove alone contains some of the largest trees in the world—and endless waterfalls are simply breathtaking.
If your trip to Yosemite includes camping there (and we recommend this), set up camp at one of these scenic spots:
Chugach State Park, Alaska
Alaska’s Chugach State Park is a great place to go if you want to see moose, bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is also home to the Alyeska Resort and the Alaska Railroad.
For nature lovers, finding the right spot to camp can be crucial. Check out our guide, “The Top Camping Spots for Nature Lovers in the USA” The Top Camping Spots for Nature Lovers in the USA for a list of the best places to enjoy nature while camping in the USA. From beautiful hikes to breathtaking scenery, these locations have it all.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a national park located in the state of Maine. The park was established on July 8, 1916 and has over 50 miles of hiking trails. It’s also home to Cadillac Mountain, which is at 1,530 feet above sea level and offers views of more than 20 different states.
Acadia National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1966 because it has such strong ecological significance and historical value as one of the first national parks ever created (the first being Yellowstone).
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the central region of the U.S. state of Colorado. The park’s borders are shared by the states of Colorado and Wyoming, with a small portion extending into Montana.
Established in 1915, it was designated as a national park in 1921 and has since grown to become one of the most popular parks in all of North America.
The park spans an area of approximately 415 square miles (1,062 km2) and features several distinct ecosystems including alpine tundra, large lakes and high peaks with glacial valleys between them as well as low-lying forests along streams.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. The park has a variety of activities to do, including fishing and hiking.
If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting this national park, there are several campgrounds available within its borders that are perfect for camping enthusiasts.
While visiting during summer is a popular time because it’s warm outside and there’s less chance of rain/snowfall, late spring is also an ideal time because flowers will be blooming all over the place!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many beautiful and breathtaking places in the U.S. to visit while camping.
This list includes only a fraction of what this country has to offer and we hope that it inspires you to get out there and explore! Happy travels!
Further Reading
Looking for more information on camping in the United States? Check out these additional resources:
Travel + Leisure: Most Scenic Campgrounds in the US – a list of 14 picturesque campgrounds throughout the country, from beachside to mountainous locations.
The Outbound: 25 of America’s Best Campsites – a collection of campsites recommended by outdoor enthusiasts and experienced campers that offer various outdoor adventure opportunities.
The Culture Trip: 21 Scenic Places to Go Camping in the United States – a list of some of the most beautiful and unique camping spots in the US, including mountain escapes, desert oases, and national park campgrounds.
FAQs
What are the most scenic camping spots in the US?
There are various scenic camping spots all over the United States, but some of the most picturesque ones include Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Glacier National Park.
What are the best campsites for outdoor adventure?
Some of the best campsites for outdoor adventure are located in national parks, such as Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Acadia National Park. These areas offer various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
What are the benefits of camping?
Camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. It can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost mood and creativity, and provide opportunities for exercise and socialization.
How do I choose a campsite?
When choosing a campsite, consider factors such as location, facilities, and activities. Look for a spot that is close to the amenities you want, has a level camp pad, and is private enough for your needs.
What gear do I need for camping?
Essential camping gear includes a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, cooler, headlamp or flashlight, and hiking boots. Additional gear may include a camping chair, portable grill, backpack, and camping table.
I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
