The World’s 11 Best Camping Sites With Stunning Views of Nature
From the rainforests of Costa Rica to the glaciers of New Zealand, the perfect adventure may be a trek into the wilderness with unforgettable vistas
Summer’s arrival has many travelers turn their attention to the great outdoors. Though you don’t need to travel too far beyond your own backyard to commune with nature, there’s something to be said for taking a road trip or hopping on a flight to some of the world’s most scenic destinations.
To help plan the bucket list-worthy trip that will let you leave the stresses of modern life behind, here’s a compendium of eleven of the best places for outdoor sightseeing you’ll find anywhere on the globe, representing great spots to glimpse rare animals, places to commune with cultures of the past, and a host of unforgettable views you’ll have to see to believe.
From the rainforests of Costa Rica to the glaciers of New Zealand and everywhere in between, take a closer look at some of the outdoor hot spots offering the world’s most spectacular sights. Whether you’re interested in the rustic charm of wilderness camping or you can’t leave certain comforts behind, there’s a national park or a natural destination below with your name on it.
Photo: Getty Images/Kenny McCartney1/11Yosemite, California, USA
To some, Yosemite is the setting of Alex Honnold’s daring ropeless ascent of El Capitan, as captured in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo. But even those with a fear of heights can find plenty to love in this national park that’s roughly the size of Rhode Island. Across its 800 miles of hiking trails, you can gaze upward at the mature sequoias of Mariposa Grove, look down on Yosemite Falls from atop Glacier Point, or take in the peaceful grandeur of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. And yes: Anyone with an interest in rock climbing will want to make sure this mecca of granite climbing is on their bucket list.
Photo: Getty Images2/11Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Whether winter or summer, there’s nothing Utahns love more than spending time in the great outdoors. And with one look at Zion National Park’s sandstone canyons lining the Virgin River, it’s easy to see why. Though you’ll want to reserve a spot at Watchman Campground months ahead of time for an optimal experience, it’s well worth the effort to score sweeping views from Angel’s Landing, wind your way along the waters of The Narrows, and admire the thousand-plus plant species that call these 232 square miles of heaven their home.
Photo: Getty Images3/11Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Not feeling ready for Mount Everest? Head to the home of New Zealand’s highest peak, where Sir Edmund Hillary prepared for his own historic adventure. In addition to the eponymous peak and other stunning summits, glaciers abound. They’re part of why Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular heli-skiing destination, but you don’t need boots to have a good time, as Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake is also accessible by boat from October through May. For those who don’t feel like roughing it in a tent, Mount Cook Village, situated within the park proper, offers everything from humble hostels to high-end hotels.
4/11Hossa National Park, Finland
It’s not every day that the great outdoors double as an art gallery, but Hossa is an exception to the rule. Though only established as a Finnish national park in 2017, the primitive artwork on the rocky outcroppings of Värikallio and Julma-Ölkky depict scenes from at least four thousand years earlier. From suspension bridges spanning crystal clear lakes to rushing rapids and peaceful forests of pine, it’s no surprise that Hossa’s natural ambience has inspired artistry—and even sorcery, if old tales are to be believed—for millennia.
5/11The Isle of Arran, Scotland
Scotland’s rough and tumble topography is full of geological points of interest, but seeing it all can be a challenge. That’s why a two-hour drive on the A841 around the Isle of Arran—often described as Scotland in miniature—can be a shortcut to a comprehensive sightseeing experience. With picturesque peaks, sandy beaches, and verdant forests offering plenty of excuses to pull over and pitch a tent for some wild camping. And though you may not be able to stay in historic Brodrick Castle, there are plenty of glampier alternatives for those who don’t feel like hopping the ferry and taking a train back to Glasgow.
Photo: Getty Images6/11Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
There’s probably no better example of pura vida than Corcovado, the best way to survey the breadth of Costa Rica’s bounty of biodiversity and natural beauty. It’s one of the world’s last great bastions of lowland tropical old growth forest, but Corcovado also features sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and highlands. From the sea to the sky, Corcovado is home to endangered tapirs, colorful macaws, all manner of monkeys, and even the occasional jaguar. Don’t worry, though: All visitors to the park must employ the use of a certified guide who can offer peace of mind from any predators while helping you maximize your enjoyment of these 424 square kilometers along the Osa Peninsula.
Photo: Getty Images7/11Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Fitting for a national park located on the descriptively named Mount Desert Island, Acadia offers a little bit of everything to those willing to travel east to coastal Maine. From the heart-pounding ascent of the Beehive Trail to the gentler rise of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia offers more than its fair share of scenic viewpoints. For a closer look at the coast, see (and hear) the waves resound against the rocks at Thunder Hole, stretch out on Sand Beach, or just pose for a photo in front of the famed Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Though overnight camping within Acadia is not allowed, staying in nearby Bar Harbor offers another way to soak up the Atlantic ambience in this popular corner of Vacationland.
Photo: Getty Images8/11Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Kilimanjaro is far from Africa’s only mountain worth visiting, and this enclave in northern Ethiopia merits particular consideration. Here you can see Ibex scamper over steep cliffs and gaze upon the tufted hair of gelada baboons, just a few of the rare species whose presence has helped the area earn UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In addition to flora and fauna, scenic spots like Gidir Got and Imet Gogo provide an opportunity to take in massive jagged peaks jutting above the high plateaus and lowlands further below.
Photo: Getty Images9/11North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
If you’re really trying to get away from civilization without leaving the lower 48, the North Cascades National Park is your ticket to rugged, eye-opening wilderness. Found just a few hours’ drive from Seattle, the park offers an abundant array of day hikes through forests, streams, and mountains. But for those who really want to earn a magnificent, 360-degree view of the park’s namesake mountain range, snag a permit for Sahale Glacier Camp to spend a night at 7,400 feet and wake up feeling like you’re high in the Himalayas.
Photo: Getty Images10/11Ladakh, India
If you’d rather experience the actual Himalayas, head for Ladakh. Ladakh translates to “the land of high passes” in Tibetan, and this sparsely populated but seriously beautiful region of northern India is a top starting point for trekking. A former trading hub, the regional capital of Leh—itself a destination for those who want to see some monasteries up close— is a fitting gateway to the Markha Valley and all the white water rafting, mountaineering, and trekking you could desire. As home to the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and India’s first-ever Dark Sky Reserve, the greater Ladakh region is a haven for animal lovers and stargazers alike. Though its points of interest may be disparate, the recent introduction of helicopter service makes many of Ladakh’s top areas more accessible than ever for travelers willing to pay for a bird’s-eye view.
Photo: Getty Images11/11Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Featuring mountains, glaciers, and temperate zones, Patagonia is a rugged yet alluring region that draws outdoor adventurers from around the globe to the far end of South America. And for good reason: Walking on the Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate feels like stepping onto the surface of another planet, and visiting El Chalten to see Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre set against the backdrop of a bright blue lagoon is well worthy of a day hike. And those are just a few of the many worthwhile sights making up this massive area between the 40th and 55th southern parallels. Though there’s an abundance of hostels and established campsites throughout the region, wild camping is well tolerated for those who truly want to go it alone.
Originally published in AD US.
