Want To Spend More Time In Nature? Visit The World’s Most Gorgeous Camping Spots
With all of the stresses of everyday life, it's vital to take some time to escape into nature every once in a while. From the Canadian Rockies down to Patagonia, there's an enormous variety of breathtaking expanses that are sure to rejuvenate the soul. Whether you're looking for a daring adventure at a place like Norway's Trolltunga, a leisurely stroll through Ireland's serene Connemara, or long for the unique landscape of Ethiopia's Simien National Park, you're sure to find somewhere perfect for your next outdoor excursion. Read on for some of the most gorgeous camping sites around the world.
Torres Del Paine National Park Features Glacier Mountains
Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the most gorgeous spots in Chile's Patagonia region. The camping site features lush, green vegetation down low and snow-speckled mountains up top.
The breathtaking park averages a quarter million visitors each year, half of which are from other countries. From river rafting to glacier hiking, this scenic spot offers plenty of adventurous activities. The area is known for its strong winds, especially between November and January, so be sure to pack a windbreaker.
North Cascades Is Perfect For Hikers And Bird Watchers
Situated in northern Washington state is Northern Cascades National Park. Full of colorful hillsides and snow-covered mountains, the camping site is perfect for those who love hiking and snow sports. The National Park Service operates five campgrounds within park boundaries, so there are plenty of options for visitors.
It's also a great spot for bird watchers as it is home to more than 200 bird species. Watch out for gray wolves and grizzly bears as you explore the deep valleys of this jaw-dropping natural oasis. Take a dip under cascading waterfalls or hike alongside glaciers as you explore the hundreds of thousands of acres this park has to offer.
Aoraki/Mount Cook Is The Tallest Mountain In New Zealand
It's not every day that you come across a mountain with two names. Previously called Mount Cook, the spot was changed to Aoraki/Mount Cook to incorporate its historic name, given by the Māori indigenous people back in the 1300s.
It is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, standing at more than 12,000 feet, and is situated in the Southern Alps. Explore the foot of the mountain range or dare to climb the extravagant peaks. Either way, expect moist air that's sure to rejuvenate any city-dweller.
Jasper Has A Breathtaking View Of The Northern Lights
Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, offering 11,000 square kilometers of trails, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and more. We would highly recommend planning your trip to coincide with the remarkable Northern Lights.
Take a wildlife tour by day and stargaze by night in this serene landscape. If you're feeling daring, take the SkyTram to an elevation of more than 7,000 feet or head out on the Glacier Sidewalk. Cap the day off with a soothing visit to Miette Hot Springs.
Trolltunga Features A Daring Cliff Jut
If you're looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further than Trolltunga. The rock formation is nestled in the Ullensvang Municipality of Vestland, Norway. For those willing to live on the literal edge, there's a cliff jut that hangs 700 meters over the lake.
Brave visitors can walk out onto the jut and gaze at the scenic view with their feet hanging off the edge. The jaw-dropping spot has earned widespread acclaim, increasing visitors from 500 to 80,000 annually in the past decade.
Fitz Roy Inspired The Patagonia Brand Logo
Sitting right on the Patagonian border of Chile and Argentina is Monte Fitz Roy, a snow-covered mountain for the most skilled climbers. The spot is so iconic that it inspired the logo for the Patagonia clothing and gear brand!
Referred to as an "impossible mountain," the steep summit wasn't conquered until 1952 when Lionel Terray reached its peak. For those who don't want to take on one of the most challenging climbs in the world, it's still worth a visit for the unique and breathtaking sights.
Connemara Features A Variety Of Wildlife
Nestled in West Ireland is Connemara National Park, almost 5,000 acres of pristine nature. From mountains to grasslands and woodlands, Connemara has plenty to explore and much to offer in the way of beauty.
The park features varied wildlife and vegetation alike, including the rare roseroot and St. Patrick's Cabbage. Observe bats, rabbits, and foxes at night and keep an eye out for birds of prey during the day. Whether you're looking to explore nature or just need a relaxing retreat, Connemara is a great pick.
Picos de Europa Was Famously Spotted By Historic Sailors
The Picos de Europa is a mountain range in Spain that spans the provinces Asturias, León, and Cantabria. From glistening lakes to rushing rivers and open meadows, this park has all you could ask for when camping.
The cold of winter leaves this spot virtually abandoned, but as soon as July rolls around, you can expect tourists to flood the gorgeous landscape. The historic place is famed for being the land that explorers first saw when returning from the Americas.
The Cordillera Huayhuash Is Revered By Experienced Adventurers
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a breathtaking mountain range in Peru. In addition to its scenic mountains, the spot features immaculate glacial lakes. Though the area is famous among the most avid outdoorsmen, it is still relatively unknown to many tourists.
That means you can expect to experience genuine solitude in this magnificent camping location. Sharp altitudes and extreme weather make this an adventure for the skilled, but there are plenty of shortcuts for the less experienced.
Simien National Park Is Far From The Ordinary
Simien National Park is a perfect spot for those looking for a break from the typical camping scene. The place features staggering cliffs that have thin, yellow-green vegetation and a uniquely jagged look formed from millions of years of erosion.
Located in Northern Ethiopia, the park is home to various endangered species, like the wild mountain goat and the Ethiopian wolf. Internationally recognized for its biodiversity conservation, the area is sure to humble those in need of reconnecting with nature.
Denali Is Alaska's Most Popular Land Attraction
Denali National Park is Alaska's most popular land attraction, according to its website. From mountain peaks down to glacial rivers, the spot is full of wildlife and adventure. Prepare to witness moose, grizzly bears, wolves, sheep, and more while taking a bus tour or exploring on foot.
Mix up hiking by renting a bicycle, raft, or canoe for the day. From September to May, the park also features an Aurora Train that runs along the park and gives you a well-rounded view of the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Maasai Mara Features Safari Wildlife
Located in Southwestern Kenya, Maasai Mara National Reserve features one of the world's most impressive safari viewing ecosystems. The spot is known especially for its impressive wildebeest migration, viewable between the months of July and October.
Take a hot air balloon ride over wildlife, feed giraffes, visit an elephant orphanage, and so much more at this breathtaking coastal oasis. Full of grassy plains and hills, you'll love spotting zebras, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and more in their natural habitat.
Acadia Was The First National Park East Of The Mississippi
Established in 1919, Acadia National Park in Maine become the first of its kind to exist East of the Mississippi River. The area consists of multiple islands along the coast and a chunk of mainland on the Schoodic Peninsula.
For those who love getting lost in the mountains as much as they do splashing in the ocean, this retreat offers the best of both worlds. Covered with woodland, ponds, and lakes, this getaway truly has something for everyone.
The French Alps Feature Three National Parks
The French Alps are home to three national parks: Écrins, Mercantour, and Vanoise. Each is equally magnificent, featuring glistening lakes and mountainous views. Expect to see lilies, orchids, foxes, golden eagles, and much more.
Ski resorts and hiking trails are prevalent throughout the French Alps, providing year-round entertainment. River raft, kayak, or catch sight of the natural landscapes these national parks have to offer. Mercantour is particularly known for its biodiversity and its watersports on Serre-Ponçon lake.
Corcovado National Park Is Known For Its Impressive Forests
Though Corcovado is situated along the coast, it isn't your everyday beach town. The Costa Rican retreat is praised for having forests comparable to that of the Amazon in both their height and thick vegetation.
Consisting of 13 major ecosystems, Corcovado National Park is packed with wildlife and variety. Get lost with pleasure in a wonderland of wildlife that can keep you intrigued for days. Those who are happy roaming aimlessly with nothing but a backpack will adore the adventure lying within the Corcovado forests.
Zion Features Breathtaking Canyons
Full of deep canyons with millions of years of history embedded into them, Zion is a national park you don't want to miss. The Utah hot spot is famous for its unbelievable trails, which run through the deepest canyons and along the tallest mountainsides.
In case hiking through the sights isn't thrilling enough, you can also plan a horseback ride! Those who don't like to go without their usual accommodations will be happy to hear that comfortable lodges are located just 13 miles from the park.
Tasmania Is The 26th-Largest Island In The World
For those who love islands but need more to explore, Tasmania may be the perfect solution. The island state is 240 kilometers south of Australia's mainland and has a population of about half a million people.
Ranked as the 26th-largest island in the world, Tasmania has plenty to offer in terms of adventure. It's whopping 19 national parks feature everything from mountainous hiking trails to beachfront woodlands. Be sure to take a cave tour and check out the thermal springs!
Vancouver Island Has Something For Everyone
Vancouver Island is located off Canada's Pacific Coast and boasts impeccable lakes, waterfalls, and glacier-covered mountains. Beach-lovers can stick along the coast and explore caves, waterfalls, and gardens.
Those eager to hike through the forest will love the 28,000 acres of regional parks that span the island and nearby archipelago. If that weren't enough, the island also features rivers that are a blast to kayak or raft down. Between the sandy shores and clear streams, you won't be able to help but fall for this island.
Lake Tekapo Is A Place To Clear Your Mind
Those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life without completely going off the grid may find a happy medium with Lake Tekapo. The small town only has a few hundred residents, giving the illusion of isolation with the comfort of nearby civilization.
The New Zealand town has mild summers that are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Its soft, rolling hillsides and rustic mountains are met with serene lakes and vibrant forests.
Yosemite Features Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls
No camping site list would be complete without the stunning Yosemite National Park in Northern California. The spot is truly a one-size-fits-all kind of a place, featuring activites for the youngest and most inexperienced all the way up to avid hikers.
Ride bikes under the mist of jaw-dropping waterfalls or brave the graphite slopes of steep mountain peaks. Venture out into the wilderness or check out the wide variety of group activities this lively area has to offer.