National Park Adventures

- Why we love to spend our camping time and dollars in National Parks -

Stunning views on a hike in Glacier National Park

Ever visited in a National Park? They are our nation's most scenic and significant places, and their beauty is protected for current and future generations.

Here's why we like to spend our money there:

Because a national park is a park in use for conservation purposes, created and protected by our national government. Often it is a reserve of natural land with a common idea: the conservation of 'wild nature' for posterity and as a symbol of national pride. These parks generally have the following characteristics:

• They contain one or more ecosystems that have been mostly untouched by human exploitation or occupation

• Resident plant and animal species are of special scientific, educational, and recreational interest or which contain a natural landscape of great beauty

• Visitors are allowed to enter, under special conditions, for inspirational, educative, cultural, and recreative purposes

Here's why we like to spend our time there:

In addition to all of the above, you can't go far in a national park without running in to a knowledgeable ranger who is eager to share with you the facts they are passionate about. They are a wealth of knowledge and often times offer "ranger talks" in the campgrounds. You can see their delight when you ask them a question.

If you plan in advance, staying at campgrounds within the national park boundaries is definitely worthwhile. In our experience thus far, they are usually more sophisticated and spacious than a typical campground. Plan in advance - these sites typically book out 6+ months out. Top recommendations: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park; Mazama Village, Crater Lake National Park.