She Strengthens

Get Ready for the Ultimate Camping Adventure

In celebration of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday, we’ve rounded up the best places to camp in the country. From the rugged White Mountains of New Hampshire to the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park in California, we’ve got you covered.

The Northeast

1. Acadia National Park, Maine: Explore 17 million acres of forest, 6,000 lakes and ponds, and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for a breathtaking sunrise.
   • Cost: $30 per site per night (May to October), free (December to March)
   • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
2. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire: Experience a more rustic, remote camping experience in the Appalachians. Hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain for spectacular views.
   • Cost: Free, with some daily passes and annual passes available
   • Open: Year-round, with varying visitor center hours
3. Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont: Hike a portion of the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the U.S. Enjoy stunning views and try horseback riding or technical rock climbing.
   • Cost: Free, with some campsite fees
   • Open: Year-round, with varying visitor center hours

The Mid-Atlantic

4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Just 75 miles from D.C., this park offers over 500 miles of trails, waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. Hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain for breathtaking views.
   • Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)
   • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
5. Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York: Escape to the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge, featuring 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths. Enjoy horseback riding, technical rock climbing, and stunning views.
   • Cost: $10 per vehicle (entry fee)
   • Open: Mid-May to mid-November, with limited operations during winter
6. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania: Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, explore the scenic park, and visit the Appalachian Trail Museum.
   • Cost: No entrance fee, with campsite fees starting at $15 per night
   • Open: Year-round, with varying visitor center hours

The West

7. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland: Enjoy beach camping, hiking, and stunning ocean views. Don’t forget to spot the wild horses!
   • Cost: $25 per vehicle (7-day pass), $30 per night (campsite fee)
   • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
8. Badlands National Park, South Dakota: Explore the rugged beauty of the Badlands, featuring tall- and short-grass prairies, rock formations, and fossils.
   • Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), $23 per night (campsite fee)
   • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
9. Denali National Park, Alaska: Experience the vast wilderness of Denali, featuring North America’s tallest peak, stunning wildlife, and hiking trails for all levels.
   • Cost: $15 per person (7-day pass), $23 per night (campsite fee)
   • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
10. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: Cruise through the bay, hike to glaciers, and enjoy stunning mountain vistas.
    • Cost: No entrance fee, with campsite fees and tour reservations required
    • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
11. Yosemite National Park, California: Explore the breathtaking wilderness of Yosemite, featuring stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
    • Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), $6 to $26 per night (campsite fee)
    • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter
12. Joshua Tree National Park, California: Experience the unique landscape of Joshua Tree, featuring rock formations, desert flora, and stunning vistas.
    • Cost: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), $10 to $20 per night (campsite fee)
    • Open: Year-round, with limited operations during winter

Remember to check park conditions, COVID-19 guidelines, and reservation requirements before planning your camping trip. Happy camping!