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The Top 5 Camping Locations of 2020

Every once and a while it’s refreshing to take a break from the daily grind and escape into the wilderness. In the words of the indubitably sage Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, “if you can’t be in awe of Mother Nature, there’s something wrong with you.”

So round up your friends and family, find that old tent in the garage, and prepare yourself for a weekend of adventure. To help you select the best destination, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite campgrounds around the U.S.

1. Olympic National Park

Washington


The Olympic National Park is the closest thing to paradise we’ve found in the Northwest. The park spans three different ecosystems and covers almost one million acres. From lush tropical forests to snow capped craggy mountains, this park is a crowd pleaser.

Want to spend a day on the coast? Check out the serene Ruby Beach. Fancy a stroll in a rainforest? The Hoh Forest has you covered. Looking for some awesome skiing? Then Hurricane Ridge is the way to go. Olympic National Park is sure to awaken the adventurer within. But be warned, much of the park's coast is roadless, so pack your comfiest hiking boots before departing.

2. Assateague Islands

Maryland and Virginia


Assateague is a barrier island off of Maryland and Virginia known for its pristine beaches, lighthouses, and wild horses. And due to sustained preservation efforts, the coastal habitats are relatively untouched by humans.

Spanning 48,000 acres, the island has a plethora of beaches and rugged coastline to explore. But a word to the wise, like any extreme wilderness destination, the discerning visitor should plan ahead. The island is known for extreme heat and humidity, mosquitoes, and dramatic storms.

3. Sahale Glacier Camp

Washington


The Sahale Glacier Camp is not for the faint of heart. Set among the North Cascade peaks, this backcountry campsite was designed for backpackers looking for a strenuous hiking challenge. The hike begins in the North Cascade National Park along the Cascade Pass trail, a relatively challenging climb that will give you access to some of the most beautiful views in the region. Once you reach Cascade Pass however, take caution. You’ll encounter over 2000ft of elevation and frequent weather changes, but we think it’s worth it for the stunning scenery.

Once you’ve conquered the mountain, revel in the blue jagged peaks, purple sunrises, and sense of serenity that awaits you.

Protip: Hit the gym before attempting this hike. Scaling a mountain isn’t easy and requires a healthy dose of stamina and endurance. We recommend grabbing a few Next Level Meals for your trip.

The Next Level Meal is a ready to drink shake that will provide all the nutrients of a balanced meal and can be prepared in 60 seconds or less. It is perfect for light traveling and will give you the power boost you need to make it to the top of any mountain.

4. Bartlett Cove

Alaska

In the words of mountaineer John Muir, “to the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” Abundant wildlife, snow dusted mountains, and blue lagoons populate the Alaskan wilderness. Camping can be rough, but we promise that the beautiful surroundings will warm your frostbitten fingers.

Bartlett Cove is a lovely encampment tucked away in the Glacial Bay National Park. Get lost in the lush temperate rainforest surrounding the campground, or take a walk along the glacier lined coast at sunrise. Enjoy these million dollar views and relish in the quietness of the Last Frontier.

5. Kalalau Beach

Kaui, Hawaii


Hawaii is sometimes referred to as the Paradise of the Pacific, and for good reason. The island’s tropical beaches, dreamy sunsets, and crystal blue beaches have been described as Edenlike. Not a bad place to set up camp, am I right?

One of our favorite destinations is the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaui, home to the Kalalau Beach. The twist? It’s only accessible by foot (or kayak for the nautically inclined).

That means an 11-mile trek is the only thing separating you from Kalalau Beach. We know that sounds daunting, but when you arrive, you will be greeted by a secluded, cave lined beach, azure blue waters, and the accomplished feeling of being one of the few to survive what some have called the most dangerous trail in America.

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