Re-think your next camping trip destination and discover these stunning national forests. They will definitely make a difference.
Camping can be exciting but if you do not find a good place to do it, your holiday trip may fail, for sure. Besides, most people like choosing a place to camp where they do not need to overflow trail bathrooms, or there aren’t packed campgrounds. If that is you, national forests across 193 million acres in the United States could be a good option.
As these forests are specially designed wilderness, they become a great holiday trip choice and the reasons are many. First of all, if you are interested in hiking, camping, or fishing. Secondly, and most importantly, these places rarely feel crowded to visitors. Thirdly, “dispersed camping” becomes a recurrent activity in these national forests. So, our suggestion is: Find a nice spot away from everything and pitch your tent. However, if you are not sure of your choice, you can get informed by the Forest Service who will always be there to provide you with guidelines for finding a good campsite. Another suggestion would be to camp on bare soil or in an area where others have camped before – and star at least 100 feet away from any water source.
So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading this article to discover the 5 most exciting national forests for your next expedition.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
With 3.4 million acres of land and water to recreate, Bridger-Teton National Forest is the fifth-largest national forest in the country, offering breathtaking views of the Tetons and surrounding wilderness. It is located in western Wyoming, United States. This national forest is home to more than 75 species of mammals, including elk, moose, mule deer, bison, coyote, marmot, cougar, and many more. Willows, grasses and sagebrush are found on the lower altitudes, while above the timberline alpine meadows are common.
One of the best spots to camp in this national forest is the Upper Teton View – rated as Campendium’s Best National Forest Camping Site in 2017. And, to get here Jackson Hole Airport is a 30-minute drive away while Idaho Falls Airport is about two hours.
Gunnison National Forest
Created by Theodore Roosevelt, the Gunnison National Forest is a U.A. National Forest covers 1.6 million acres in Mesa, Gunnison, Hinsdale and Saguache Counties in the Western part of the U.S. state of Colorado. Its 3,000 miles of trails and plentiful fishing spots are big draws, but the incredible views of the Painted Wall from the Black Canyon are what vaults this forest over other nearby options. Gunnison National Forest also offers campground sites across diverse landscapes. Dispersed camping is allowed all year and it’s totally free.
To get to this amazing national forest, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is the best bet (a 45-minute drive from the forest).
Pisgah National Forest
It is known for its high peaks that top 6,000 feet and its plethora of cascading waterfalls and whitewater streams. Besides, Pisgah National Forest becomes an excellent location for year-round camping because it has got three Ranger Districts designated for dispersed camping and it is really nice in the fall when the deciduous trees are ablaze with stunning colours.
Asheville Regional Airport is a good air option – it takes just one hour to drive from the forest.
Sawtooth National Forest
Sawtooth National Forest covers 2,1 million acres in the U.S. states of Idaho and Utah. Known as a “Forest for all Seasons,” visitors have plenty of year-round recreational options in Sawtooth. Best of all, this magnificent place has minimal pollution and amazing views of the stars at night.
In this place, there are over 80 campgrounds and picnic areas to choose from. Dispersed camping is allowed, too. To get here, head to Friedman Memorial Airport (an hour and fifteen-minute drive) or Boise Airport (three hours away).
Sierra National Forest
Sierra National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located on the western slope of central Sierra Nevada in Central California and bounded on the northwest by Yosemite National Park. Here you can enjoy plenty of rolling foothills as well as the frosty Sierra Crest. You can also enjoy John Muir and Ansel Adams’ wilderness areas, where you can go for a walk among the giant sequoias.
Besides, there are lots of campsites near Bass Lake and in the High Sierra region. Dispersed camping is allowed, too. To get there, go to Fresno Yosemite International (a 45-minute drive to the forest) or Visalia Municipal Airport (an hour and a half away).