When you’re finishing an arduous work week, one of the best things you can do is take a good camping trip. Not only does it clear the mind, but it’s also good for the soul. There is something about the wild that allows a person to reconnect with their mind and spirit. When it’s all over, you leave feeling refreshed and energetic, ready to attack the world with a whole new vigor. Of course, it’s important to find the right place, so here are five great campsites to clear your mind from a stressful week.
Yellowstone National Park
This is easily one of the most popular and magnificent places in the nation, so you really can’t go wrong here. This was America’s first national park, and it’s easy to see why. It is full of natural wonders, many of which cannot be seen elsewhere. There are all kinds of geysers and other geothermal attractions…10,000 of them in all. The park even has its own “Grand Canyon”, which is about 24 miles long and 800-1000 feet deep. Those who enjoy rappelling will find a truly unique experience here. Apart from all that, there is more than enough wildlife to keep you interested, as long as you make sure to watch out for the bears!
The Pocono Mountains
This stretch of picturesque mountains is located in Pennsylvania, and it is also one of America’s most popular destinations. Of course, the Poconos are a big place, so there are numerous campgrounds from which you can choose. Because these mountains are frequented by many high-class campers, the accommodations do tend to be a lot nicer than most other wild vacation spots. You should have no trouble finding a place camping in the Poconos that is as luxurious or as rough as you desire. There are waterfalls, all kinds of interesting wildlife, and enough beautiful mountain vistas to please any adventure-seeker. Just make sure you don’t go there during the winter.
Petite Jean State Park
If you happen to live in or around the state of Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park is a great place to consider camping. This is a very well-maintained park, as it is one of the state’s best tourist spots. You should have no trouble finding excellent trails, cabins, bridges, and a nice comfy lodge. This is a great place for climbing, off-road bicycling, golf, swimming, and fishing, and ample space is provided for all these activities and more. If you like caving and rock climbing, there are a lot of sheer and amazing cliffs that can accommodate you.
Chatfield State Park
This is sometimes considered to be the best camping spot in Colorado, a state that is known (and named) for its natural beauty. It’s a huge area, giving you plenty of room to explore and wander. As such, make sure you don’t get lost! Do as the Native Americans used to do and leave signs as you travel. A few sticks on the ground, arranged in the shape of an arrow, will do just fine. Anyway, Chatfield isn’t that far from Denver, making it a popular destination for Denver residents. Above all, this is a park that offers a lot of reservoir lakes. So, if you like water-centric activities like boating and waterskiing, this is the place for you. It even has some nice beaches on the edges of those lakes…so it’s kind of like a trip to the beach without the seagulls, sharks, or pollution.
The Pinnacles
This is a small park located in Berea, Kentucky. It might be off the beaten track, but you can’t really ask for a more peaceful or picturesque spot. As the name implies, the trails mostly go upwards, leading you to a number of different “pinnacles” or lookout points. The east pinnacle provides a clear view for many miles, and is one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen. On top of that, the park is seldom crowded except for a few locals. On certain days, however, they will hold great music festivals in their outdoor amphitheater.
Conclusion
You should remember that these are not your only options, of course. Our nation is filled with great campgrounds, but these five are sure to please. Some of the others might not be so nice, although it will depend on your preferences, too. If you visit any of these fine places, you will surely see why we like them so much.
