How to Visit Channel Islands National Park

California is home to 9 stunning National Parks, more than in any other state, including Alaska. 8 of these are accessible by car, but Channel Islands, off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA is a little harder to get to. When you visit Channel Islands, you’ll have 5 beautiful islands to choose from, and 2 harbors you can sail out of. This is bound to be an amazing day trip or camping trip, so here is everything you need to know about getting to Channel Islands National Park.

Dogs are not allowed on the islands.

The Ferry

The ferry is the main way people travel to Channel Islands National Park. While you can take private boats out, the official ferry for Channel Islands National Park is Island Packers. They sail out of both Ventura Harbor (which is the larger harbor, and is closer to LA), and Santa Barbara Harbor (which is further from LA). Tickets are $63 per person, round trip for a day trip, and about $80 per person, round trip if you’re planning on camping on the island you choose. On your ferry ride, you’ll likely see animals like dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

The Islands

There are 5 islands you can choose from when visiting Channel Islands National Park. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because we went in the winter, only certain islands were accessible. Each island is known for some thing unique. For example, Santa Cruz is known for the endangered island fox and the sea caves!

Anacapa Island is known for the famous Inspiration Point and is also one of the islands that’s more accessible in the winter. Santa Rosa Island is California’s second largest island, and is home to over 100 bird species. San Miguel Island is smaller, and is home to the fossils of prehistoric pygmy mammoths and the caliche forest. Santa Barbara Island is the park’s smallest island, but is home to marine mammals and kelp forests that snorkelers love.

Camping on the Islands

Since you can’t drive to the Islands, the only way to camp on the islands is to backpack. You’ll have to carry all your gear, water, food, and shelter with you. Camping gear must be stowed on the ferry, which you’ll get back once you get to the island. There is a designated campground on the island you choose, and you have to camp there in order to preserve the land elsewhere. Island Packers asks that you book your campsite with the NPS before booking your ferry ticket.

Other Island Activities

There is a lot to do at Channel Islands National Park, but most people who were on our ferry chose to hike or kayak. You can rent kayaks at Ventura Harbor if you don’t own one. We hiked to the Potato Harbor Overlook, but there are other trails you can choose from. Each island has its own hiking guide, and you’ll receive a list of trails and a map when you check into your ferry. Other popular activities on the islands are kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife photography. Or you can just explore!

Beautiful Destinations for Beginner Vanlifers

Vanlife is becoming the newest movement, and with so many people embracing the nomadic lifestyle, there are more visitors than ever to a lot of the most popular places in the US. While places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, are incredible, when you drive a large vehicle, these places aren’t as accessible as we might like them to be. However, there are lots of places in the country that are super accessible to vanlifers, and are must see’s when it comes to getting out and exploring the country for the first time. These are my favorites for when you first hit the road.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a vanlife hotspot that everybody already knows about. It’s not a secret destination, but it is incredibly van friendly, and the locals are welcoming to vanlifers. There’s Forest Road to camp along, free water fillups in town, and three major grocery stores to shop at. Not to mention, the endless hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and good plant based food. This is an area that people travel to every year, whether they live in a van or not, and the accessibility of the things to do, great places to sleep, and easy ways to stock up on supplies makes it a great choice for beginners.

Cons: The trailhead parking lots are super small, so if you live in a big vehicle like me, you might have trouble parking at some of the most popular trails.

Learn more about Sedona in last year’s blog post: A Vanlife Guide to Sedona

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

National Parks are notoriously inaccessible, but Joshua Tree is a small exception. This beautiful National Park has large vehicle accessible parking, lots to see, do, and hike, stunning desert scenery, and nearby BLM land to park on, on both the South and North ends of the park. You can also fill up water in all bathrooms with running water, both on the South side of the park at the Cottonwood Visitor Center, and the North Entrance Station.

Cons: Joshua Tree is not dog friendly. While your dog can accompany you into the park, they are only allowed in the picnic areas, and not on any of the trails.

Bend, OR

Bend is easily one of my favorite places to be in the country. Aside from the adorable downtown, dog friendly trails, and nearby free camping in the Deschutes National Forest, this is truly a vanlife hotspot all year long. It’s even the site of one of the largest annual vanlife meetups, Descend on Bend. This is a super van friendly city where the locals know that vanlifers love to pass through. You’re allowed to park overnight on the streets in the city, too, if you don’t feel like driving out to the National Forest.

Cons: It is a larger city, which makes it a bit harder to navigate in a van. Be prepared for skinny dirt roads to get to camp, and busy highways to get into town for groceries.

Your Guide to Our Public Lands

During my time on the road, I’ve spent a lot of time on public land. From my slight obsession with the National Park Service, to using BLM and Forest Land to park my van overnight, I’ve experienced just about every type of public land there is in the United States. The thing is, all these terms can get confusing, and I’ve seen it happen more than once where state parks and BLM land are mistaken for National Parks. Each type of public land is vastly different, has different rules and expectations, and are run by different sectors of the government. This is a complete guide to exploring public land in the United States.

Dispersed camping on BLM land in California

National Parks

National Parks are easily the most popular and the most commonly referenced public land in the US. Many people believe that all public land is Park Land, which is an easy mistake to make. I used to think the same thing! But really, National Park only refers to the 419 sites run by the National Park Service. This includes sites with “Park Status” such as Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone, as well as National Monuments (Devils Tower), National Military Parks (Gettysburg), National Historic Parks (Harper’s Ferry), and other natural sites, such as National Lakeshores, Recreation Areas, and Seashores.

The National Park Service (NPS) is my personal favorite because they truly go out of their way to protect their land. National Parks are zones free from hunting, lumber, fishing, and more, and are solely used for recreation, conservation, and education.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Camping is only allowed in National Parks if you are in a developed campground. Lots of NPS campgrounds can be reserved in advance, but some are first come first served, so check on the Park’s website before visiting. Backcountry camping is allowed, but like with all public lands, you must have a permit.

Most National Parks require an entrance fee to visit, and this can range from $20-35 depending on the park. I highly suggest purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you are planning on visiting more than 3 National Park Service sites per year.

Glacier National Park, MT

National Forests

While the word “national” often means National Forests get lumped in with National Parks, they are vastly different from each other. The main difference is that National Forests are run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), not the NPS. National Forests are not necessarily actual forests. They often don’t actually have trees! They’re just called forests by the USDA. Oftentimes, National Forests surround National Parks, and they’re recognizable by their brown and yellow welcome signs.

National Forests are always free to visit, as they often surround roads and highways. You will, however have to pay to camp in most developed campgrounds, and sometimes there is a parking fee for trailheads and picnic areas. An America the Beautiful Pass will waive parking fees for National Forests, but not camping fees.

Cathedral Rock, a trail maintained by one of Sedona, AZ’s many National Forests

The USDA is very different from the NPS in the way that they protect their land. Often, people can secure fishing or hunting permits in National Forests (but, please don’t. You know, respect nature). The USDA will use parts of National Forests for lumber farming, so land is not as protected in a National Forest as it is in a National Park.

The main plus-side of National Forests is something I discovered in the vanlife community, but anyone who camps often will benefit from this as well. National Forests usually allow dispersed camping: camping in undeveloped areas. This means you can park off of just about any dirt road in the Forest, and camp for free, so for overlanders and car campers, this can be a great way to never have to pay for a place to stay during a long road trip. Disclaimer: check the USDA website for the Forest you are in to check if there are any specific dispersed camping regulations in the area.

Fun Fact! The USDA and National Forest sector of our public lands is home to the only National Grassland in the prairie region of the United States. The Sheyenne National Grassland is located in North Dakota and it is absolutely gorgeous and unexpected if you happen to be going through the middle of the country.

Sheyenne National Grasslands, ND

State Parks

Believe it or not, people often also confuse State Parks for National Parks. State Parks are incredibly different from National Parks. State Parks are not run by the federal government like the other public lands on this list. State Parks are run by their state’s specific state government, so their rules and laws depend on those of the state, versus those of the federal government. State Parks are often smaller (other than the beautiful Anza Borrego Desert State Park in CA), and all of them require entrance fees averaging at about $10 across the country. The America the Beautiful Pass will not grant you entrance to a State Park (believe me, I’ve tried, many times), and instead, you must purchase a state parks pass for each separate state you visit.

State Parks include State Forests, State Historic Parks, and State Beaches, and we can just go ahead and lump County Parks and similar in this category as well.

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

BLM Land

BLM Land is one of the most confusing concepts for most people. BLM Land is not run by the National Park Service, or the Department of Agriculture, but is instead run by a completely different sector of the United States Federal Government—the Bureau of Land Management.

BLM Land is mostly for camping, rather than other types of recreation. While BLM Land does have developed campgrounds, it’s most often referred to when speaking about dispersed camping. Just like National Forest developed campgrounds, BLM Land developed sites do usually have a fee, and are usually first come first served. Dispersed sites can be found on the sides of secondary (dirt) roads, and are usually unmarked.

Parked on BLM Land in Alabama Hills, CA

Disclaimer: Dispersed camping in both National Forests and on BLM Land is not for everyone. While “free” might sound enticing, these spots have no facilities, no water, and no bathrooms. You must properly dispose of waste (trash and… you know), and Leave No Trace whenever using these sites.

LEARN LNT PRINCIPLES HERE

While public land is everywhere, it is a concept that usually confuses people. Not all public land is the same, and it’s important to know the difference before you go out and use any of it. But the main thing to remember, as with all public land, it’s important to be respectful. Do some extra research on specific destinations prior to visiting, and leave sites the way you found them. Safe travels!

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Looking to plan a road trip that takes you to public land sites in the US? My 3 month, 48 state road trip route is now available in the SHOP!

National Parks and National Emergencies

Visiting Death Valley During COVID-19

It was only a matter of time before I had to start addressing COVID-19 on here. As a travel blog that specializes in adventure travel, the world has felt a little weird lately. People can’t go outside, trails are closing, and only a few National Parks remain open. While certain small and high traffic parks have closed, such as Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and White Sands, some do remain open with modifications.

I am currently living on the road full time. What this means is that I carry my house with me, like a snail, and have been isolated on public land for the past almost-week. While California does have a “shelter in place” order, it was stated that driving no more than an hour to spend time outside is okay, so since the public land I’m calling home was one hour from Death Valley National Park, I wanted to take the opportunity to go in, see the park for the first time, and address how the world has had to make modifications due to this global pandemic.

Golden Canyon Trail

Currently, all National Parks are free to enter. Please keep in mind that National Parks are different from National Forests, which are run by the USDA, rather than the NPS. Largely, National Parks are not staffed right now. Visitor Centers are closed nationwide and bathrooms, campgrounds, and other facilities like parking lots that need to be maintained are locked. While Death Valley remained open, it felt like a very different, almost eerie experience to visit during this time. With only one ranger sighting throughout the entire park, multiple road closures, and 40MPH wind gusts, visiting a National Park during a National Emergency was an adventure to remember.

Please note: it is inadvisable to travel to National Parks during the COVID outbreak. I live full time on the road, mostly on BLM land, where I am able to isolate. I did not travel to go on a vacation in the National Park. This is my lifestyle, and I am treating it no differently than if I was in a house driving an hour to hike a local trail.

Zabriskie Point

About Death Valley:

Death Valley is the largest National Park in the lower 48, and spans across both California and Nevada. It is most commonly accessed through the west, and we entered through Lone Pine, CA, which is where we are camped. Death Valley is a bit of a mismatched park. It has a little bit of everything, from mountains to desert, and each of its main attractions don’t really feel like they should fit together. From sand dunes to the lowest elevation in the United States at the Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Death Valley is a unique park that should be added to your list for future trips.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Restrictions in the National Park:

While Death Valley remains open at the time of the publication of this piece, there were restrictions within the park. Most visitor centers nationwide are closed right now, as are all public restrooms, lodging/camping, and pay stations. In Death Valley specifically, we were surprised to see that Panamint Springs was open, meaning we could get gas on our way into and out of the park. All parking lots were barricaded, so street parking was our only option for the sites that were open. There were also unexpected road closures, which caused for some disappointment as we tried to access Artists Palette, Dante’s View, Natural Arch, and Devils Golfcourse.

Badwater Basin Salt Flats

What was accessible?

Despite the restrictions, quite a lot was still accessible, and due to the lack of visitors, it was completely possible to still be isolated while in the park. We did not come into contact with any other people, and as avid hikers and outdoorsy humans, we always leave no trace, and that includes the spread of COVID (hands were washed often and we were careful to only touch the natural features of the park).

We were able to access the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Golden Canyon trail, Ubehebe Crater, and Zabriskie Point, so we felt like we got a decent overview of the park, even though we had less than 12 hours there altogether.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The thing is, this trip to a National Park was incredibly different from any other National Park trip I’ve taken in the past. While this was my 35th park, it didn’t feel quite the same without a trip to the visitor center, open roads, and maps to collect. But the thing is, although we visited out of convenience and a need to get outside during this self-isolation, the park isn’t going anywhere. I can always go back and experience it in full. It’s time to let mother Earth heal first, and then the adventure can continue.

-HWS

All the National Parks on the East Coast, Ranked

Okay, well not all of them. I haven’t been to the Florida National Parks, and I promised when I started this blog that I’d never write about a place on here that I haven’t personally been to. Instead, this is everything north of Florida. There aren’t a ton of National Parks on the East Coast of the United States, but there are definitely a lot of great qualities about the ones that do call these states home.

I’ve been to all of the National Parks along the East Coast that aren’t located in Florida, so I’m so excited to share my love for them with all of you. They’re all so unique. On the East Coast, we’ve got swamps. We’ve got mountains. We’ve got waterfalls. The East Coast is incredibly green, and is home to so much wildlife, from armadillos in the south to moose in the north.

This is every National Park on the East Coast (except Florida), ranked.

I do want to clarify that this list only contains NPS sites recognized as having Park status. There are so many more NPS sites on the East Coast that are also worth visiting.

Congaree National Park, SC

6: Cuyahoga Valley, OH

I decided to throw two non-coastal states on this list because, let’s face it—there just aren’t a lot of National Parks on the East Coast. Most of the countries parks are out west, but that doesn’t mean these parks don’t deserve some love too! And Ohio and Kentucky are most certainly eastern states, so let’s get on with it.

I did really like Cuyahoga Valley, but it has to sit at #6 because it is a small park. There isn’t too much to do and it’s built within a neighborhood. That doesn’t mean it’s not absolutely gorgeous though! Cuyahoga Valley is amazing for waterfall chasing, and has a few good hiking trails as well! Don’t miss Brandywine Falls, and make the little trek out to Bridal Veil Falls—both are gorgeous!

Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

5: Mammoth Cave, KY

This was super hard to put this low on the list because I genuinely loved my time in Mammoth Cave. Its campground was amazing (honestly up there with my favorite campgrounds, and it would’ve made this list if the list was longer), and the people were so nice. It was a nice cross between a small and big park (no entrance fee, but so much to do, and it’s all contained in itself). Mammoth Cave is the largest cave in the world, at over 600 miles long. The cave itself is awesome, but the park didn’t have a ton of hiking available to me because the ferry was closed when I was there, so I couldn’t access part of the park. Definitely get there early and book a cave tour. They don’t cost very much, and it’s spectacular. I wish I got to take a tour, but they were all sold out by the time I decided to do it. But honestly, Mammoth Cave is an absolutely gorgeous area—definitely add it to your list.

From inside the largest cave in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

4: Congaree, SC

Okay, this feels like an unfairly low rank for this park because it’s actually one of the most unique places I’ve been. I promise this list keeps getting better! Congaree is genuine swampland. It’s home to tons of amazing insects and spiders, owls, armadillos, and even an invasive crocodile. It’s free to enter, but is also a contained park, so it had a similar vibe to Mammoth Cave. This is one of the most kid friendly parks I’ve been to, and I actually took my little cousins. We did the boardwalk loop, and they became junior rangers, which was so much fun, so definitely do that while you’re there (or in any park for that matter). Take this park in slowly. There’s so much to see that you’ll miss if you’re moving too fast.

The unique landscape of Congaree National Park, SC

3: Shenandoah, VA

Alright, so I genuinely love Shenandoah National Park. I had an absolutely beautiful, nearly spiritual experience here, and it’s such an absolutely gorgeous park full of so much wildlife (aka, my favorite thing about camping). I saw deer, bears, frogs, and even had a butterfly land on me for about 10 minutes. I met another empath here who taught me to listen to the forest. I had an entire campground to myself in the rain. But more than anything, this park has everything you could need. There’s showers and laundry available, gorgeous hikes, and super nice people.

I personally did two hikes in the park, and not the one I came to do. I originally planned on hiking Old Rag but it was going to be the hottest day of the year, so I opted for one that was closer to camp. My first day, I hiked Doyle River Falls, which has three waterfalls, some small creek crossings, and plenty of time to play and swim in the falls. It is super steep heading back though, so be ready for that incline! The second hike I did was Rip Rap, a ten mile loop trail with an ice cold, blue swimming hole in the middle. This hike is a must-do, but hike it backwards: downhill 7 miles first, swim, and then uphill for 3 miles!

Waterfall #3 of the Doyle River Falls hike, Shenandoah National Park, VA

2: Great Smoky Mountains, TN and NC

The Smokies are the most visited National Park in the country. They’re located across two states, Tennessee and North Carolina, and they’re so, so pretty. The Smokies get their name from the thick fog that rests on the mountains every day, and they’re a great place to see wildlife, and tons of biodiversity in the plants. It’s also worth driving part of the Blue Ridge Parkway if you get the chance. I hiked Charlie’s Bunion while I was there and it was so pretty, I made it my profile picture on basically every social media platform I use. The only reason this one is #2 instead of #1 on this list is because of the crowds. There are tons of people in the Smokies, so prepare for tourists, and hit the road early if you can! This park has free entry, but it’s definitely a big park, so give yourself time to drive through and see the sights!

This picture: me at Charlie’s Bunion, aka my profile pic everywhere. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC

1: Acadia, ME

Acadia was on my list of my favorite places I visited in 2019, so it’s only natural that it was #1 on this list. Acadia is the perfect mix of mountains and ocean: my two favorite landscapes on this planet. You’ve got pine trees, rocky cliffs, mountains to climb, and rocks to boulder. Acadia is located on an island, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the ocean. If you go in the summer, make sure you get there early in order to do famous attractions like Sand Beach, but if early isn’t exactly your speed, just show up and enjoy the ride (around the gorgeous loop road of course).

My favorite spot in Acadia National Park, ME. If you can find it, it’s yours.

The East Coast is full of big cities and gorgeous landscapes. While there aren’t a lot of America’s Best Idea’s floating around back east, the ones that do call the East Coast their home are stunning, and definitely shouldn’t be missed.

To add these to a larger road trip, consider downloading my ebook: Around the States in 90 Days.

A Quick Guide to Devils Tower National Monument

I’ve written about Devils Tower quite a few times now, so it’s clear that it’s one of my favorite spots in the continental United States. It’s also one of the most unique landscapes I’ve experienced, and is home to one of the most popular and challenging climbing spots in the country. Devils Tower was the first National Monument in the United States, and is located in Eastern Wyoming.

The tower itself is actually the remains of what used to be a volcano, and the area surrounding it is considered sacred by the Native American tribes in the area. When visiting, please respect prayer flags you might see hanging on trees and appreciate their unique beauty.

Devils Tower doesn’t just have cultural and geologic history, it’s also a huge piece of pop cultural history. Devils Tower was a major part of the set and story in Stephen Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and because of that, many of the surrounding souvenir shops sell alien themed gifts.

Devils Tower is run by the National Park Service, but it is not a National Park. Despite the fact that it’s been a National Monument since 1906, it hasn’t received that legendary upgrade. A lot of people say that this is because the park itself is so small, but in my opinion, the tower itself is so magnificent, it deserves park status.

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Preparing for your visit: things to know

Although Devils Tower is an incredibly small park, it’s absolutely magnificent. The road through the park is very short—only about 6 miles long from the entrance gate to the visitor center, and there is only one entrance. Regardless, the drive will take you past gorgeous red rocks, a prairie dog town, the park’s campground, and through gorgeous pine forests before you get up close and personal with the tower.

Entrance to the park is $25 or an interagency pass. You can either enter the park coming from Sundance or Hulett, but again, there is only one entrance, so it just depends on which direction you’re coming from. Hulett, which is about 10 miles from the park, has the closest gas station, but just outside the park, there are other services at the KOA (grocery and souvenirs), and the other souvenir shop across the street, which has WiFi. Having access to WiFi while I was there was a huge life saver for me, since I work online. This makes Devils Tower rank high for me in terms of accessibility to full time travelers. (If you’re trying to get on the road full time, or simply want to learn different ways to make money online, check out Wired Creatives HERE).

The visitor center will be your best friend while you’re here. The rangers are super helpful, and there is plenty of parking, including parking for larger vehicles and RV’s. The visitor center is the closest you can get to the tower without climbing it, and is the site of the Tower Loop Trail, a paved trail that I’ll get into more detail about in a couple sections.

Staying in or near the park

There really are only two options for a stay at Devil’s Tower. My personal preference is to stay in the park. I stayed at Belle Fourche Campground, which had amazing views of the tower from site A12, and cost $20 per night. The campground had picnic tables, flush toilets, and clean water for drinking. Plus, there’s the added safety of being inside the park, which is a huge plus when you’re a solo female traveler. The campground got strong AT&T service, which was also a plus because I didn’t have to go totally off the grid while I was there. If you stay in Belle Fourche, make sure you go to a ranger program or two—they’re super fun, and you can see climbers descending the tower at night from the amphitheater.

The other option is to stay at the KOA. Here, you’ll have more options for accommodations, from electric hookup sites for RV’s to little cabins if you’re not into camping. The KOA is much more expensive, and comes with a wider range of amenities.

Sunset over Devils Tower from my campsite in Belle Fourche Campground

Hiking Devils Tower

While Devils Tower is incredibly accessible to all kinds of tourists, you can easily see all of the easy-to-reach places in one day. These include seeing the prairie dog town, hitting the visitor center, and walking the Tower Loop Trail, a paved trail that circumnavigates the tower. Rock climbing is also popular here, but it’s not recommended unless you’re an advanced climber. You can also work the Tower Loop Trail into a much longer day hike, which I’ll get into in a second.

You can easily just do one of the few trails in the park, but none of the single trails are very long at all. Instead, since I’m an experienced hiker, it was recommended to me to do the “Devils Tower Marathon,” which connects all of the 8 miles of trails into one big hike. To do this, you’ll start by driving up a dirt road that’s near the visitor center to the Joyner Ridge Trail. From there, you’ll take a connector trail to the first half of the Red Beds Trail. From Red Beds, you can either cross the road and do the Valley View trail, which will take you near the prairie dog town. I opted out of this section because it was very overgrown and ticks and stinging nettles are a real thing. Instead, I just continued on the Red Beds Trail until I reached the visitor center, where I did the Tower Loop Trail before finishing the Red Beds Trail. Red Beds ends back at the connector trail, where you can go back and finish the Joyner Ridge Trail. This hike is between 6.5 and 8 miles total, depending on how many sections you complete.

View from the Red Beds Trail

Devils Tower is a unique experience everyone should have at least once in their life. It was an unexpected adventure for me, and I think it will forever be one of my favorite places in the country. From its cultural and pop cultural history, to its trails and wildlife, there’s so much to see here, and it should definitely be on your list for 2020, or any future year after that.

To add Devils Tower into a much longer US road trip, check out my ebook, Around the States in 90 Days.

My Top 5 Favorite Campgrounds

Even though I do a lot of free camping in my vehicle, there’s something I absolutely love about staying in a campground. From the amenities to safety to that good campground getaway vibe, there’s nothing I don’t love about getting to stay in the middle of a beautiful place like a National or State Park.

I’ve stayed in so many campgrounds, I couldn’t even count them if I tried, but these are the five that have made the biggest impression on me. They put you right in the middle of some of the prettiest landscapes in the US, and they’re all incredibly unique. Of course, a lot of them are in more touristy places, but that doesn’t mean they’re not the best way to experience those places for yourself. So, pack a warm sleeping bag, tent, and some firewood, and let’s hit the road.

(To shop my favorite camping gear, head on over to MADERA OUTDOOR and get 20% your order)

Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT

5: Atl Atl Campground in Valley of Fire State Park, NV

It was so hard to put this one at number five, and the only reason I did is because if you visit in the summer like me, the potable water in the campground is too hot to drink. Atl Atl Campground is located right in the middle of Valley of Fire’s beautiful red rocks. It costs $20 for a site, and includes drinking water, showers, and after park hours access. The state park actually closes at sundown, and the campers are the only ones allowed to stay later than that. Each site comes with a parking spot, tent pad, and shaded picnic table (which is super necessary if you visit in June!). This campground will give you awesome views of the Nevada desert, and one of the prettiest sunrises you’ll ever see, if you can wake up for it.

To learn more about Valley of Fire State Park, head over to the Halle’s Wandering Soul YouTube channel to watch me explore the park.

Sunrise from Atl Atl Campground, Valley of Fire State Park, NV

4: Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park, WY

This is one of the most accessible campgrounds I’ve ever stayed in. There were nice and clean bathrooms and a dish washing station right across from my site, and I got a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground came with 2 free showers per night, laundry access, and it was nearby a café with WiFi access and a gas station. It felt like a little outdoor town in the middle of the Wyoming wilderness. The only downside was the price. I had to book ahead of time (like 6 months ahead of time), and it cost $35, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a budget, or if you’re a spontaneous traveler like myself. If price isn’t an issue, though, Canyon is located in North East Yellowstone, not too far from the Lamar Valley. You’ll pass Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on your way there from the Southern section of the park, as well as plenty of other sites like Yellowstone Lake and the Mud Volcano.

Canyon Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY

3: Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon, AZ

While this campground doesn’t have the canyon views you might be dreaming of for your trip to Grand Canyon National Park, the wildlife is what helped this campground make this list. Within twenty minutes of checking in, a herd of about 20 elk came through the campground snacking on the trees. They would hang out there every day, and weren’t very afraid to be in the vicinity of people.

It’s super important though, that I drop a Leave No Trace warning here: please stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife. They are wild animals, and can react like so if provoked, which can put you and the animal in danger.

From Mather, there is a super convenient shuttle system that can take you around the park so that you don’t have to worry about finding parking at trailheads or the visitor center, so definitely make sure you take advantage of that! This was also my first solo camping trip, and I felt 100% safe in Mather.

Mather costs $18 to camp in.

For more information about Mather Campground and the Grand Canyon, head to the Halle’s Wandering Soul YouTube channel.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (unfortunately, not the view from Mather Campground, but the view from Mather Point instead)

2: Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park, CA

It was so hard not to put this at number one. This is one of the first campgrounds I stayed in that wasn’t part of a family camping trip, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. This is the famous climbers campground of Yosemite, and you might recognize it from documentaries like Valley Uprising. It’s walk-up only, meaning tents only, and you actually share a site with other campers. Each registered camper ($6 per person per night) will receive a bear box, but you’ll share your fire ring with the other campers in your site. This makes for an incredible environment of bonding with your neighbors, and has allowed me to make friends I still talk to. Camp 4 is accessible by shuttle, and is home to one of the toughest bouldering spots in the state.

View of Yosemite Falls from Near Camp 4, Yosemite National Park, CA

1: Rising Sun in Glacier National Park, MT

Glacier National Park is number one on pretty much every list of mine, but Rising Sun Campground was actually incredible. It was “hard side only” when I was there, which meant it was closed to tent campers, so make sure you check with a ranger before camping in any part of Glacier National Park. I loved Rising Sun because it was located in East Glacier, the side of Glacier with the best views. The other campground here, St. Mary’s, requires reservations, and the other campgrounds are located in either West Glacier or Many Glacier, which are a bit out of the way of the true Glacier experience (although you need to stop in Many Glacier during your trip here—it’s incredible). Rising Sun has its own shuttle stop, restaurant, gift shop, and shower access, and costs $20. The site came with access to flush toilets and some of the best tasting campground water I’ve ever had.

Sunrise view from Rising Sun Campground, Glacier National Park, MT

Camping is the best way to truly experience the outdoors. From the red deserts of Nevada to the towering mountains of Yosemite, there are beautiful campgrounds all over the country. While these are my absolute favorites, some honorable mentions include: Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree, Wooden Frog State Forest Campground in Minnesota, and Belle Fourche Campground in Devils Tower. So, grab your gear, hit the road, and get ready to spend a night under the stars.

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I am currently writing an ebook covering everywhere I traveled during my first summer on the road, due to launch in the shop on December 1, 2019. For more information about most of the places on this list, subscribe to my weekly newsletter so you can be the first to know when the book is available.

Top 5 Southern National Parks

With temperatures dropping in most of the country, some of the only spots you can hit without being bombarded by snow are along the southern strip of US destinations. From Southern California to the Southwest to the Deep South, there are plenty of options for the nature lover during these cold months.

It’s important to remember though, that these states do get cold, just, maybe not quite as cold as the rest of the country. Pack warm, quality gear, and remember to leave no trace.

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(Disclaimer: I unfortunately haven’t visited any of Florida’s National Parks. While I’m sure they’re beautiful, I’ve committed myself to only writing about places I’ve personally been to and experienced)

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Deep South

When we think of the South, we often picture that little strip of states between Florida and Texas. While there aren’t a ton of National Park Service Sites here that actually have National Park Status, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is one not to be missed. This small park includes both natural areas and a downtown historic district. It got its name from the historic bath houses in the town, and when you stay in Gulpha Gorge Campground, you’ll get the best of both worlds. With trails that lead straight from the campground to the historic district, you’ll get to experience everything this little hidden gem has to offer.

Dead Chief Trail in Hot Springs National Park, AR

Texas

Texas is absolutely huge, but it’s only home to two National Parks. While Guadelupe Mountains contains the highest peak in Texas, the park that has to make this list for me is Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is one of the most unique landscapes I’ve encountered (for a list of other bucket list landscapes, click HERE). From the Rio Grande River on the Mexican border to the Chisos Basin mountains up at higher elevation, this desert park is expansive and diverse with hidden gems around every corner (hello, hot spring)!

Big Bend National Park, TX

Southwest

The Southwest has got such a huge collection of National Parks, I can’t pass it up on this list. Since we’re moving westward, I’ll start with the first real cave I ever explored: Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns is one of the coolest caves in the country, and is so big, it feels never-ending when you’re walking through its passages. It honestly feels like a different world, and depending on what type of explorer you are, you can either hike into the cave or take the elevator. It’s also a great place to see wildlife: every night at sundown, you can sit in the amphitheater to watch the bats fly out of the cave! Check the park website for the cutoff time for admission to the cave prior to visiting, as it varies by season.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Of course, I couldn’t leave Arizona off this list. While it’s at a higher elevation, which can make it the coldest park on this list, the Grand Canyon should not be passed up. While you might think it’s overrated due to its fame, there’s no place like Grand Canyon National Park. From snow on the trails in the winter months to fantastic wildlife spottings, and incredible views, Grand Canyon National Park is one of my personal favorite places on Earth. Within an hour of arriving in the park and checking into my campsite at Mather Campground (the only campground open in the off season), I was visited by a herd of about twenty elk passing through to have their lunch. This park never stopped amazing me with everything it has to offer, and everybody’s visit to the Grand Canyon is so unique, you just have to see it for yourself.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Southern California

Of course, if you’re looking for warm weather this time of year, California is surely on your radar. While Joshua Tree National Park does get cold (and sometimes gets snow), it’s certainly a more pleasant experience than any of the snowy mountain passes in Northern California. Joshua Tree National Park is known for its tall agave relatives, known as Joshua Trees, which look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. It’s a climbing hotspot, and it’s far more pleasant to visit in the winter than the summer (when temps reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the regular). Plan ahead when coming to this popular park, and if you want to read more about Joshua Tree, head over to my complete guide I wrote HERE.

Want to include Joshua Tree in a longer road trip itinerary? Shop trip itineraries below to see where the road can take you!

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

From the expanse of desert in Big Bend and Joshua Tree to the lengthy cave of Carlsbad Caverns, there’s plenty for the nature-lover to explore in the cold months of the year that won’t be covered in thick blankets of snow. All of these National Parks are unique from each other, and you won’t be disappointed by any of them. Just remember, it’s important to keep these spaces natural, so explore safely, and leave no trace.

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Your Guide to the National Parks of the PNW

It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the most desirable travel destinations in the United States, especially in terms of nature. While there are plenty of beautiful hikes and natural areas to visit in Oregon and Washington, from Multnomah Falls, to Mount Hood, to Forest Park, there are also four National Parks hiding in these two beautiful states. You’ve probably heard of Mount Rainier, but what about the other three?

Well, in Washington, you’re in luck because all of the state’s National Parks are within only a few hours drive of each other, and in Oregon, Crater Lake stands as one of the most unique landscapes in the country. (For other unique bucket list locations, check out THIS ARTICLE).

This is your complete guide to all four National Parks in the PNW, so get ready for some hiking and sightseeing, it’s gonna be a beautiful ride.

Olympic National Park, Shore Section, WA

Crater Lake, OR

I figured it might be useful to start with Crater Lake because it’s not only the smallest of the four National Parks in the PNW, but it’s also the only one in Oregon. Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is positioned at a very high elevation, making it only fully accessible during the warmer months. Crater Lake’s water is extremely blue, and deep, and there’s only one trail that actually allows you lake access. This is the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest lake in the world.

Crater Lake is definitely a small park. While there are plenty of little trails, which I spent my very cold day there hiking, there are only a select few longer trails, and only two campgrounds, one of which currently has no water (Lost Creek). Regardless of its size, Crater Lake is absolutely stunning. It’s only here that you’ll find water this blue surrounded by mountains, pine trees, and sometimes snow.

Crater Lake National Park, OR

North Cascades, WA

By now, I’ve talked about North Cascades a couple times (HERE and HERE), so I’m gonna keep this short.

North Cascades is the secret National Park of Washington. It’s made up of the famous Cascade Mountains, and is interspersed with National Forest land. There are quite a few campgrounds in the North Cascades, and plenty of diverse trails to explore, and on top of that, it’s dog friendly. This is another small park, but it’s a great getaway for a few days, as there’s plenty to explore as long as you have gas in the tank.

North Cascades National Park, WA

Olympic, WA

Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s most famous National Parks, and it’s also its most diverse. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, most of the park isn’t drivable. The roads simply go around the park, cutting into each of the park’s unique landscapes: the mountains, lake, rainforest, and shore section.

I spent three nights exploring Olympic, and got to see three of these four landscapes. I spent two nights up in Fairholme Campground near Lake Crescent, and took one of those days to explore the Hoh Rainforest, the only temperate rainforest in the continental US that you can drive into. To get there from Fairholme, you simply head south through Washington’s famous city of Forks (which you might recognize from the Twilight series). This awesome spot is home to some pretty cool wildlife, like banana slugs, and you can hike through the rainforest to your heart’s content (and you can even get a backpacking permit if you want). The rainforest offers one of the most unique views of Washington’s landscape, and truly allows you to get a feel for just how diverse this strange and beautiful northern state really is.

The third night, I spent the night in a privately owned campground near Rialto Beach because it was simply the better deal than staying in Mora Campground run by the NPS. Rialto Beach is one of my favorite beaches in the country. It’s home to crazy rock formations, tidepools, fallen driftwood trees, and is surrounded by pine, making it the perfect combination of mountains and beach (aka my favorite things ever). Olympic is truly a park with something for every type of explorer, and if you don’t like one section, you can just move on to the next—they’re so different, it’ll feel like you’re in a different place entirely.

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, WA

Mount Rainier, WA

While Mount Rainier is probably the most famous National Park in Washington, it’s definitely my favorite (which is funny because I actually spent the least amount of time here). Mount Rainier is at a very high elevation, and is pretty much always covered in snow (the mountain, not the park). From some of the hikes in the park, you’ll be able to see glaciers, wildlife such as foxes and bears, and plenty of wildflowers (most of the year).

Mount Rainier is a huge park with different sections to explore, and while I only got to see a very small part of it during my stay at White River Campground, it was one of my favorite nights on the road due to the overall landscape of the place and the welcoming rangers.

Mount Rainier does get some crazy weather. Luckily it was only raining when I was there, but there’s always a world where it might snow, so come prepared with warm clothes, and an extra warm sleeping bag (shop my favorite sleeping bag at Madera Outdoor HERE).

View of a glacier in Mount Rainier National Park, WA

From the towering peaks of Mount Rainier to the deepest lake in the country, the Pacific Northwest is full of diverse landscapes and beautiful National Parks. The Washington National Parks are only a couple hours away from each other, and Crater Lake, while further south, will encourage you to explore its surrounding natural areas, and even cute towns like Bend. The Pacific Northwest is only just getting started in terms of being a popular tourist destination, and it’s sure to get even more popular over the years, considering its popularity on social media. So, head out now to these beautiful spaces, and enjoy the unique solitude of the northern mountains. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures.

Top 3 Dog Friendly National Parks

We all love our dogs so much, and we’d like to bring them everywhere we go, but the sad truth is, America’s Best Idea isn’t a huge fan of Man’s Best Friend. While most of the big and famous National Parks such as Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon don’t allow dogs in most areas of the park (although they are allowed on the paved Rim Trail in GCNP), there are some Parks that may surprise you. I’ve visited more than half of America’s National Parks, and as a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast (or so says my insta bio), I’m always looking out for where I might be able to return later in life with my own pup. National Parks are tricky when it comes to traveling with a dog, but these are three I definitely wouldn’t miss if your dog is your travel partner.

(Since my dog is actually a family dog, he was unable to join me when I visited these parks when I was driving across the country. I did meet plenty of pups on the trails though, and it was a breath of fresh air after being away from home for so long).

North Cascades National Park, WA

Shenandoah National Park, VA

I wasn’t expecting it, but Shenandoah had quite a few dog friendly trails. Of course, dogs are always allowed in campgrounds on leash, but I was happy to see plenty on the Doyle River Falls trail. This is a great trail that leads you to three waterfalls, all of which you and your dog are allowed to swim in. You can go as far as you want on this trail, but the best waterfalls are the last two. It’s definitely a great option if you and your pup want to cool off on a humid day. Since this trail is pup-friendly though, it’s definitely not the only one in the park. Dogs are allowed on most trails in Shenandoah as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. As with any National Park, though, make sure that you respect wildlife, and do keep your pups off of trails that have heavy wildlife traffic like Old Rag. This is a larger national park, so give yourself plenty of time to explore!

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Acadia National Park, Maine

I was surprised to learn that Maine’s beautiful Acadia National Park is dog friendly! I’d already fallen head over heels for this perfect combination of pine trees and Atlantic Ocean, so knowing that one day I can return with my future best friend makes me so happy. Acadia is known for its ocean access, but it also has over 100 miles of dog friendly trails where pups are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet. The only place you can’t camp with your dog in Acadia is Isle Au Haut and Duck Harbot, but dogs are allowed in the other campgrounds run by the NPS here in Acadia. While Acadia is known for its beaches, dogs are unfortunately not allowed on Sand Beach, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of dog friendly ocean access in this island park.

Acadia National Park, ME

North Cascades National Park, WA

This is easily the most dog friendly National Park I’ve been to. It simply hasn’t changed the rules for the areas that are National Park land because it’s so interspersed with National Forest land, which is run by the USDA, instead of the NPS. Because of that, dogs are allowed on most trails here, and I saw at least three during my little walk in the woods out to Thunder Creek, a longer trail that you can follow to a number of peaks, depending on how many miles you feel like putting in. The most popular peak on this trail lies at only 1.5 miles and ends at a glacial river which you and your dog are welcome to splash around in.

Read more about North Cascades HERE!

North Cascades National Park, WA

Surprising places in other parks:

·       Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park, WA

·       Various spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

·       Mirror Lake Loop, Yosemite National Park, CA

It’s also important to mention that as these are National Parks, it’s important to adhere to “no dog” rules. If a trail says dogs aren’t allowed, they’re not trying to control you, it’s simply for the safety of your dog and other animals. Make sure you perform tick checks after taking your dog on any of these trails, and bring plenty of water for them on any hike you decide to do. Most importantly, have fun, and get ready for a wagging tail when your dog realizes he gets to come with you.

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We all love our animals, so it’s only natural that we’d want to help others that are less fortunate than our furry best friends. To support animal sanctuaries around the US, shop ethical apparel at Wholesome Culture!