When it comes to camping and the outdoors, kids are a tough crowd. They want everything to be fun, but they also want to be comfortable.
Camping with your family doesn’t mean sacrificing all of your creature comforts though—and it doesn’t have to mean staying in a tent either!
Here, we’ll tell you about our favorite family-friendly national parks for camping in the U.S…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Tips for camping with kids |
| Top family-friendly national parks |
| What is glamping and how to do it safely |
| How to ensure safety when camping with kids |
| Further reading for family camping and national parks |
1. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular family-friendly national parks in the United States. Located in southwest Texas, Big Bend has a variety of attractions that make it a great place to visit with your family.
You can hike along many different trails and explore the wildlife in this park. There are also several campgrounds you can stay at when you visit Big Bend National Park.
If you want an even more luxurious experience while visiting this area, there are hotels and motels available nearby so that you don’t have to rough it out too much during your trip!
Looking for the best campgrounds for the whole family? Look no further than our extensive guide on the best campgrounds for families in the USA. Find the perfect spot for your family vacation this year.
2. Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is a beautiful park located in the northwest corner of Colorado, just outside Dinosaur and Jensen. The monument spans over 1 million acres, making it one of the largest protected areas in the country.
The park has a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems ranging from high desert plains to aspen groves and pine forests.
The best time to visit Dinosaur National Monument is during spring or summer when temperatures are milder than other seasons but still warm enough for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and camping with kids!
There are also plenty of waterfalls within driving distance from this park which makes it easy for families on road trips without having too far away from home base (i.e., your RV).
The entry fee for entering this national monument ranges from $8-$15 per person depending on whether you’re an adult or child under 16 years old respectively; however if you plan on staying overnight then expect another $15 per night fee added onto those initial costs depending on how many nights stay inside their campgrounds area located near Bear Lake Trailhead parking lot entrance gate near Hanna Flats Rd., Fruita CO 81521.”
Recommended National Parks for Kids
| National Park | Activities for Kids |
|---|---|
| Dinosaur National Monument | Fossil discovery, hiking, river rafting, and stargazing |
| Yosemite National Park | Junior Ranger Program, nature walks, bus tours, and rock climbing |
| Grand Canyon National Park | Junior Ranger Program, biking, ranger-led activities, and hiking |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hiking, wildlife viewing, waterfall exploration, and educational programs |
| Acadia National Park | Tide pool exploring, Junior Ranger Program, bike rentals, and animal encounters at the Nature Center |
Note: The table above provides recommendations for some of the best national parks for kids. These parks are known for their unique kid-friendly activities that are aimed at keeping families engaged and entertained throughout their visit.
3. Yellowstone National Park
If you’re looking for a park that has it all, Yellowstone National Park is the place to go. The park contains hundreds of miles of trails, but don’t worry–you won’t have to go far if you just want to enjoy nature without hiking or camping.
You can also see some incredible wildlife like bison and elk right from your campsite!
The facilities at Yellowstone are top-notch and include hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets and sinks inside (or outside), laundry facilities…the list goes on!
Camping with kids can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Our guide on glamping with kids offers tips and tricks to help you make the most of your family camping trip and ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.
4. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It’s one of the most popular national parks in the USA and has been a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts since its establishment in 1890.
Yosemite National Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience some of America’s most spectacular landscapes, including granite cliffs and waterfalls, as well as rare wildlife like black bears and mountain lions (though it’s unlikely you’ll see either).
Recommended Activities in Yosemite National Park
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Half Dome Hike | A challenging 16-mile round-trip hike, with a 4,800 ft elevation gain offering stunning views from the summit. |
| Yosemite Valley Tour | A two-hour, narrated tram tour of Yosemite Valley, visiting all of the must-see landmarks. |
| Ansel Adams Gallery | A gallery showcasing the black and white landscape photography of Ansel Adams, an American photographer and environmentalist who spent much of his life photographing Yosemite. |
| Glacier Point Stargazing | Visit Glacier Point after dusk to experience this popular stargazing spot and take in the view of the Yosemite Valley from above. |
| Mariposa Grove | A grove of over 500 mature Giant Sequoias located near the park’s southern entrance. Visitors can hike the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail for a leisurely one-hour loop through the grove. |
Note: This table provides a list of recommended activities to do in Yosemite National Park. These activities are all unique and offer a different way to experience the beauty and majesty of the park.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile. The park was established on February 26, 1919.
Grand Canyon National Park covers 1,902 square miles (5,000 km2) of land within an area that features dramatic geologic formations including mountains, plateaus and buttes; steep-walled canyons; and mesas with flat tops.
Want to plan the ultimate outdoor adventure? Check out our comprehensive guide on the best time to go glamping. From weather considerations to the top destinations to visit, we cover everything you need to know about glamping.
6. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington state, just east of Seattle and Tacoma. The park encompasses 235 square miles (600 square kilometers) with elevations ranging from 3,000 feet (900 meters) to 14,410 feet (4392 meters).
The park has two main campgrounds: Paradise and White River. Both are open year-round and offer water, toilets, showers and RV hookups. There are also backcountry campsites available for those who want to get away from it all!
There are plenty of activities to do within Mount Rainier National Park including hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs; skiing at Sunrise area during winter months; snowshoeing throughout most winters; cross country skiing during spring/fall months; sledding down hillside slopes in winter season when conditions permit; scenic drives through meadows filled with wildflowers during springtime months;
boating on Lake Easton or renting a canoe/kayak from Sunrise Lodge near Ohanapecosh Campground – these require advance reservations due to limited availability each day they’re open so make sure your plans align before heading out there!
Recommended Trails in Mount Rainier National Park
| Trail | Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Trail | 5.5 miles (8.9 km) | 1,700 ft (518 m) | Moderate |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 3.5 miles (5.6 km) | 600 ft (183 m) | Easy/Moderate |
| Wonderland Trail | 93 miles (149.7 km) | 22,000 ft (6,700 m) | Strenuous |
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 6.6 miles (10.6 km) | 1,300 ft (396 m) | Moderate |
| Panorama Point Trail | 5.5 miles (8.9 km) | 1,406 ft (429 m) | Moderate |
Note: This table provides a list of recommended trails to hike at Mount Rainier National Park. These trails offer a range of difficulty levels and distances, so hikers of all levels can appreciate the stunning views of the park.
7. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is located in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s the largest national park in the lower 48 states. Olympic National Park offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy while camping with their families.
The park is home to many species of wildlife, including black bears and mountain goats. You can also view elk herds during your stay at one of these family-friendly campsites:
- Hurricane Ridge Campground – This campground has 89 sites available for RVs up to 30 feet long; tent sites are limited here as well; reservations are required for all sites at this location during peak season (June 1 through September 30).
- Heart O’ The Hills Campground – This site offers 39 sites for RVs up to 40 feet long; there are also 12 walk-in tent sites available here as well; reservations are required during peak season (June 1 through September 30).
Looking for the most scenic and beautiful camping locations in the USA? Our guide on the most beautiful camping locations has got you covered. Whether you’re looking for mountains, lakes, or forests, we’ve got recommendations for some of the most stunning locations across the country.
8. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is home to some of the world’s largest glaciers. It also has one of the largest populations of brown bears in Alaska; if you’re lucky enough to spot one, be sure not to get too close!
The park is home to many species of wildlife including birds like ravens and bald eagles as well as seals and sea lions that can be found along its rocky shores. You might even see an orca whale swim by if you’re lucky!
Glacier Bay has some truly stunning scenery–from mountains covered with snowdrifts all year long (even during summer months) to forests filled with massive trees such as Sitka spruce trees that can grow up to 80 feet tall!
There are also plenty of waterfalls here too like Deception Falls which drops into a canyon before emptying into Tarr Creek Lake which sits at an elevation above sea level where visitors often catch salmon swimming upstream during spawning season (mid-May through late July).
Safety is always a top priority when taking the family camping. Our guide on how to stay safe and have fun while camping with kids offers practical tips and advice for keeping your family safe and happy during your camping trip, from gear and equipment to staying aware of potential danger.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to family-friendly national parks.
Whether you’re looking for something secluded and quiet or more adventurous with lots of activities, we have some great suggestions for where you should go!
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more information on family-friendly camping and national parks in the USA, be sure to check out these articles:
Best National Parks with Kids: This article rates some of the best national parks for families with kids and provides information on each park’s unique attractions.
Best National Parks for Family Camping: This blog post offers recommendations on the best national parks for family-friendly camping, including accessible campgrounds and activities for kids.
Best National Parks for Kids in the US: Check out this article for a comprehensive guide to the top national park destinations for families with children.
FAQs
What are some tips for camping with kids?
When camping with kids, it’s important to be well-prepared. Bring plenty of food and snacks, dress appropriately for the weather, and make sure to bring appropriate gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and camp chairs. Don’t forget to bring activities for the kids, like games and books.
What are some of the best national parks for families?
There are many national parks that are great for families, including Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Acadia National Park. These parks offer a wide range of activities that are perfect for kids and adults alike.
What is glamping?
Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a type of camping that combines the natural beauty of the outdoors with the comfort and luxury of a hotel. Glamping sites typically offer amenities such as real beds, private bathrooms, and electricity.
Can I bring my pet when camping with my family?
Many campgrounds and national parks allow pets, but it’s important to check in advance to ensure that you’re complying with any rules or restrictions. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water for your pet, and be prepared to clean up after them.
How can I ensure safety when camping with kids?
To ensure that your camping trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone, it’s important to plan ahead. Bring appropriate gear, including first aid supplies and a map of the area. It’s also a good idea to discuss safety with your children, and to teach them basic camping skills such as how to build a fire and how to properly store food.
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!
