Best National Parks for Hiking and Camping

National parks offer an amazing opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the United States. With thousands of miles of hiking trails, camping sites, and breathtaking landscapes, it's no wonder that millions of people flock to these parks each year. In this blog, we will be exploring some of the best national parks for hiking and camping, providing an overview of what to expect at each park and sharing some of the best online reviews and resources.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous parks in the world, and for good reason. It boasts an impressive 2.2 million acres of land, including geysers, hot springs, and a vast array of wildlife. The park offers over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. There are also 12 campgrounds throughout the park, with options for both RV and tent camping. Yellowstone is a great place for both experienced hikers and beginners, with trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

According to a review on the National Parks website, "Yellowstone is an absolutely incredible place to hike and camp. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife is abundant. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors."

2. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow slot canyons. The park offers over 90 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backpacking trips. There are also three campgrounds in the park, as well as backcountry camping permits available for those who want to explore further.

According to a review on TripAdvisor, "Zion is an amazing park for hiking and camping. The views are breathtaking and the trails are well-maintained. The campgrounds are clean and comfortable, and there are plenty of amenities nearby."

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California and is home to some of the most iconic scenery in the world. The park offers over 750 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Half Dome trail, which is a challenging 16-mile round trip hike that rewards hikers with stunning views of the valley below. There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite, ranging from primitive backcountry sites to RV parks with full hookups.

According to a review on Yelp, "Yosemite is a bucket list destination for any hiker or camper. The scenery is incredible, and there are so many trails to choose from. The campgrounds are well-maintained, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a backpacker or a family looking for a comfortable place to stay."

4. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The park offers over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Highline Trail, which is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers views of the park's famous glaciers. There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier, ranging from primitive backcountry sites to RV parks with full hookups.

According to a review on the National Parks website, "Glacier National Park is a hidden gem. The scenery is breathtaking, and the hiking trails are challenging but rewarding. The campgrounds are well-maintained, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a solo backpacker or a family looking for a comfortable place to stay."

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. It is famous for its rugged coastline, granite mountains, and picturesque forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Acadia National Park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs up mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Precipice Trail, which leads to the summit of Champlain Mountain. The trail involves climbing steep cliffs and using iron rungs to scale the rocks, providing an exhilarating and challenging experience for hikers.

There are two campgrounds within Acadia National Park: Blackwoods and Seawall. Blackwoods is the larger of the two and is open year-round, while Seawall is smaller and only open during the summer months. Both campgrounds offer tent and RV camping, and there are also several backcountry camping sites available for those who want a more secluded experience.

According to one TripAdvisor review, "Acadia National Park is a gem of a park on the coast of Maine. The scenery is stunning with rugged coastline, tall pines, and the ocean crashing in. The hiking trails are some of the best in the country, and there are plenty of options for all skill levels. We camped at Blackwoods campground and loved it. It was quiet and peaceful, and the campsite was spacious and well-maintained."

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and a must-visit for hikers and campers alike. The park features over 277 miles of the Grand Canyon and boasts some of the most incredible views in the world. With a variety of hiking trails, campgrounds, and backcountry camping options, visitors can experience the canyon in a variety of ways.

The South Rim is the most visited area of the park and offers several campgrounds and lodges for visitors. The North Rim is less crowded and offers a more peaceful camping experience. The park also features backcountry camping permits for those looking to explore deeper into the canyon.

Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Bright Angel Trail, which descends 4,380 feet to the Colorado River, and the South Kaibab Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon. Visitors can also take a helicopter tour for a bird's eye view of the park.

"The hikes in the Grand Canyon are not for the faint of heart, but they're incredibly rewarding," says REI Co-op Journal. "If you're up for the challenge, the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails offer stunning views and opportunities to explore the canyon's depths."

Overall, the Grand Canyon National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that offers incredible hiking and camping opportunities for visitors.

7. Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado.

Rocky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country for hiking and camping. With over 355 miles of hiking trails, this park offers a wide range of experiences for hikers of all skill levels. From the easy stroll around Bear Lake to the challenging ascent of Longs Peak, there's something for everyone. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife such as elk and moose.

Camping options at Rocky Mountains National Park include traditional tent camping as well as RV camping, with several campgrounds available throughout the park. Backcountry camping is also an option for those looking to explore deeper into the wilderness.

Online reviews praise the stunning views and variety of hiking trails at Rocky Mountains National Park. One reviewer on TripAdvisor writes, "Rocky Mountains National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen." Another reviewer on Yelp comments, "I loved camping at Rocky Mountains National Park. The campsites were spacious and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay."

Overall, Rocky Mountains National Park is a top destination for hikers and campers looking to experience the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. With a range of hiking trails and camping options available, it's the perfect place to get back to nature and explore the great outdoors.

National parks are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on earth, and they offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you prefer hiking, camping, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there is a national park that will meet your needs.

From the majestic peaks of Yosemite to the rugged coastlines of Acadia, these national parks offer something for everyone. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out, the trails and campgrounds in these parks are waiting to be explored.

Remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment. By doing so, we can ensure that these parks will be enjoyed for generations to come.