Introduction
It’s no surprise why people are so passionate about outdoor excursions and outdoor adventures. From visiting awe-inspiring landscapes to camping under the stars, the opportunities are almost limitless when you take part in outdoor activities. Hiking and camping are two of the most popular outdoor activities and one of the best places to find adventure is in America's national parks. Whether you’re a solo hiker or a camper with family and friends, these parks have an incredible range of terrain, wildlife, and incredible beauty that make for an amazing outdoor experience.
In this article, we will cover some of the best national parks for hiking and camping in the United States.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Thanks to the iconic rock formation of the hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah is one of the most breathtaking parks in the country. Based on its location in the Central Rocky Mountains, Bryce Canyon has plenty of elevation change, making it ideal for ambitious hikers looking for a good challenge.
Bryce Canyon is a great choice for anyone looking to explore its expansive trail network and wander through different hoodoo formations. The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is from May through October when most of the trails are open and the temperatures are comfortable.
Things to do at Bryce Canyon
- Hiking Trails: With more than 25 miles of trails to explore throughout the park, Bryce Canyon is a great hiking destination. Some of the more popular trails are Fairyland Loop, Bristlecone Loop, and Rim Trail.
- Camping: Whether you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience or you want to rough it, the campgrounds at Bryce Canyon offer it all. North Campground and Sunset Campground offer grassy and wooded sites, while the backcountry is great for adventurous campers.
- Scenic Drive: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park by car with a scenic drive on Highway 12. On this scenic route, drivers will be able to view some of the most famous sites in the park, like Bryce Point and Rainbow Point.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is possibly the most iconic national park known worldwide. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is known for its sprawling steppes, winding trails, and numerous thermal features like geysers, hot springs and bubbling mudpots. Inviting both serious adventurers and casual visitors from around the world, Yellowstone is a unique location with over 3,500 miles of hiking trails and plenty of camping sites, making it one of the best national parks for hiking and camping.
Things to do at Yellowstone
- Hiking Trails: With so much to explore in the backcountry, visitors can find numerous trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty. Some of the more popular hikes in Yellowstone include Lamar Valley, Slough Creek, Fairy Falls, and Hellroaring Creek.
- Camping: With 12 developed campgrounds, Yellowstone National Park is a great place to set up camp whether in the backcountry or a developed campground. Make sure to book your campsite in advance to ensure availability.
- Geysers & Hot Springs: In addition to the awe-inspiring landscape and trails, Yellowstone is home to the world’s most famous geysers, hot springs, and thermal features. Catch a glimpse of Old Faithful or soak in the peaceful hot springs.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers a wondrous landscape of red rocks and steep canyons that can be explored by both seasoned adventurers and casual visitors alike. Located in Utah, Zion National Park is one of the best national parks for hiking and camping featuring over 260 miles of trails and numerous camping sites.
The stunning array of striking canyons, plateaus, and mesas make Zion an unforgettable outdoor destination. It’s most popular for its trademark red rock formations, which are unlike anything else in the world. The best time to visit Zion is from April to October when the weather is mild and the trails are accessible.
Things to do at Zion
- Hiking Trails: With so many trails to explore, visitors can choose from a variety of options depending on the experience they’re looking for. Notable hikes include The Narrows, Observation Point Trail, Riverside Walk, and Hidden Canyon Trail.
- Camping: Zion offers a variety of camping options with numerous campsites both in the backcountry and in the developed campground. Reservations are required at the campground, so plan ahead and book early to ensure availability.
- Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive through Zion National Park with a 40-mile round trip drive on Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. This scenic drive is the only way to access the backcountry, so be sure to plan ahead and obtain a permit for the road.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of America's most iconic natural wonders, a deep, steeply sculpted chasm cut into the desert by the powerful Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and spans more than 1.2 million acres, making it one of the most beautiful and largest national parks in the country. With over 200 miles of trails, this park offers hikers and campers an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
One of the main draws of the Grand Canyon is its incredibly diverse range of terrain. From rugged desert landscapes to shady forests, visitors can explore the stunning beauty of the canyon and its many overlooks. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is from November to April when the temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Things to do at Grand Canyon
- Day Hikes: With numerous hiking trails, visitors can explore the Grand Canyon with day hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Some highly recommend hikes are Rim Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, and Horseshoe Bend.
- Backcountry & Overnight Hikes: For those looking for an extended adventure, the backcountry of the Grand Canyon offers hikers an unforgettable experience. Just make sure to obtain a backcountry permit from the park office before setting out on an overnight hike.
- Camping: There are plenty of camping options available in the Grand CanyonNational Park, from that developed campgrounds to backcountry spots. For a unique experience, make sure to check out the Historic Village and Backcountry Campsites.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gear up for an adventure in one of the most popular national parks in the United States: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national park spans across Tennessee and North Carolina, making it the most visited national parks in the US.
The Great Smoky Mountains offer far more than beautiful mountain views. Filled with sweeping ridges, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife, this park is the perfect place for hikers and campers looking for an immersive nature experience. The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is vibrant.
Things to do at Great Smoky Mountains
- Hiking Trails: With 15 moderate trails, 8 of which stretch across 5 or more miles, the Great Smoky Mountains offers hikers plenty of exploration options. Notable trails include Alum Cave, Grotto Falls, and Cucumber Gap Loop.
- Backcountry Camping: For the adventurous among us, the Great Smoky Mountains has over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters. A permit is necessary for backcountry camping.
- Frontcountry Camping: The Great Smoky Mountains also has 10 developed campgrounds throughout the park, offering ample opportunities for setting up camp. Most campsites offer tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Glacier National Park
Discover nature’s truest masterpiece at Glacier National Park, located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Home to some of the most epic landscapes in the world, Glacier National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly breathtaking outdoor experience. With hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, Glacier has something for every type of hiker.
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from June through September when most of the park’s hiking trails are accessible and the temperatures are mild. During this period, you can find plenty of camping opportunities both in the developed campgrounds and in the backcountry.
Things to do at Glacier
- Hiking Trails: With more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park offers an extensive network of thrilling hikes. Time-honored trails like Going-to-The-Sun Road, Highline Trail, and Iceberg Lake Trail all make epic day hikes in the park.
- Camping: Whether it’s roughing it in the backcountry or setting up camp in one of the developed campgrounds, visitors will find plenty of camping options throughout the park. There are 13 developed campgrounds, making it simple for visitors to find a campsite.
- Scenic Drives: One of the main highlights of Glacier National Park is the Going-to-the-Sun