Unreachable Beauty: Discovering Hidden Campgrounds in US National Parks
Forget the road less traveled when it comes to camping in US national parks. How about sacking out in places where there are no roads?
Even though most national park campgrounds are easily accessible by motorized vehicles, some of the coolest digs are in places that you can’t drive to. We’re talking permanent campgrounds with basic facilities that you can only reach by foot or boat.
Sure, you’ve got to haul in all of your own food and equipment (and carry out your waste). But the reward is a wilderness sojourn that doesn’t get spoiled by obnoxious car exhaust, annoying RV generators, or having your sleep disturbed by people arriving way too late or leaving before the crack of dawn.
Here are some incredible US national park campgrounds that are off the beaten path and can’t be reached by driving:
- Garden Key (Dry Tortugas National Park): Escape to a romantic desert island accessible only by the daily ferry from Key West, Florida.
- Bright Angel Campground (Grand Canyon National Park): Camp deep inside the Grand Canyon after hiking the Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim.
- Scorpion Canyon (Channel Islands National Park): Experience island camping on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of southern California, accessible by ferry from Ventura Harbor.
- Little Yosemite Valley (Yosemite National Park): Camp in the stunning Yosemite Valley, a perfect base for hiking to Half Dome or exploring the John Muir Trail.
- Palikū Campsites (Haleakala National Park): Venture into the remote Haleakala volcanic crater on Maui for a camping experience that feels like being on the moon.
- Washington Creek (Isle Royale National Park): Explore the wilderness island of Isle Royale in Lake Superior and camp at the scenic Washington Creek campground.
- Weaver Point (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area): Discover the beauty of the North Cascades range in Washington State and reach Weaver Point by boat or a scenic hike.
- Sea Camp Beach (Cumberland Island National Seashore): Enjoy 17 miles of pristine Atlantic beach camping on Cumberland Island off the Georgia coast.
These campgrounds offer unique experiences away from the crowds and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these national parks. So, leave the car behind and embark on an unforgettable adventure in these off-the-grid campgrounds.
