Growing up, my family’s idea of camping was spending the night in a platform tent cabin in Yosemite National Park, sharing a communal bathroom with other campers. It seems we may have been in the minority, however; camping in the National Parks has long been a favorite family pastime. In 2016, more than 9.8 million people did just that, between tent camping, RV camping, backcountry camping and concessioner camping.* While we can’t say how many of those campers were families, suffice it to say camping in National Parks remains popular.
© Casanowe | Dreamstime
Most of our National Parks welcome campers at affordable prices in a variety of locations. Not only that, but when camping you can bring your own food and cook meals over a fire, saving on food costs as well. Not to mention all of the complimentary entertainment Mother Nature provides well into the night. Uninterrupted stargazing, anyone?
Ready to go? Terrific! The National Park Service website provides plenty of tips to ready you for your camping experience, even if you start in your own backyard to get used to the feel of sleeping outdoors. The How to Camp webpage is terrific for first-time outdoor overnighters.
When you choose the park you’ll visit, take a look online to see if camping reservations are needed, if indeed available. You certainly don’t want to travel to the park only to find out all of the campgrounds are filled, or even closed seasonally.
© Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime
According to the NPS website, most camping within the parks is what is called frontcountry camping, wherein you’ll drive up to a campground and set up your tent not far from your car.
Experienced hikers and campers may opt for backcountry camping to get further away from crowds and civilization. If you’re up for the challenge, backcountry camping can prove to be incredibly rewarding and memorable for every member of your family. Backcountry camping is not to be taken lightly, though — be sure to plan thoroughly, make sure you have the right gear and are physically and mentally prepared.
Still ready to go? Excellent! Go on, get out there — and camp!
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Slideshow
Sep 21, 20236 Tirana, Albania, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tirana, Albania, with us.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 20234 Reasons to Head to Franklin, Tennessee, This Fall and Winter
The next two seasons see Franklin, Tennessee, come alive with festive events, fun pop-ups and colorful lights. Family travelers planning a trip to Tennessee this fall or winter must make time for Franklin, a city just south of Nashville with plenty of history and festivities awaiting.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Sep 20, 2023Where Can You Find Both Bioluminescence and Rockets in Florida?
Mysterious glowing seas? Yes, actually! Through October, Florida’s Space Coast waters within Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon glow with blue-green bioluminescence — a phenomenon resulting from the presence of comb jellies and dinoflagellates (tiny, single-celled marine plankton that exist in some freshwater locations).
ShareThis