Though it may not feel like it just yet, summer is winding down in the USA. But there’s still time for one last warm vacation before fall sets in. And if you’re a lover of the outdoors, the perfect vacation might be camping.
Whether you prefer to rent an RV or rough it in a tent, the US is one of the best camping destinations in the world, and here are five of the best spots to visit if you want to sleep under the stars.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Located conveniently close to Seattle, Olympic National Park is replete with rainforests, commanding mountains, and over 70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. Olympic National Park boasts 15 designated campsites with fantastic views of rivers, lakes, mountains, or the ocean; it all depends on the site where you set up camp. And if you’re a true adventurer, you can even choose to backpack to a dispersed camping area.
Glacier National Park, Montana
With over a million acres of unspoiled wilderness nestled next to the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. You can wake up to storybook scenes of glacier-fed lakes and streams and snowcapped peaks by staying in one of the park’s 13 campsites. Just keep in mind that Glacier can be busy in the summer, so you may need to reserve a site in advance.
Duluth, Minnesota
Take a roughly two-hour drive north of Minneapolis and set up your tent or park your RV near the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. Well over a dozen private and public campsites can cater to any interest, and you’ll be conveniently close to the city of Duluth if you need to resupply. Just keep in mind that Duluth starts getting chilly by September, and you may need a warm sleeping bag towards the end of the month.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Far from the hustle and bustle of Detroit, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gives you the opportunity to experience camping on any one of three Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, or Lake Huron. Check out the Sault Ste Marie State Forest or Hiawatha National Forest areas to find your perfect campsite on the beach or in the heart of the woods.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you want to escape the summer heat, head up. Rocky Mountain National Park is a high-elevation treasure with some of the most jaw-dropping mountain peaks in the world, and it’s convenient to access from major cities like Denver and Colorado Springs. There are five main campgrounds, but keep in mind that they’re open in the summer only. It snows early here, so most campsites will close by the end of September.
Insurance for Your Camping Trip
Those who are traveling to the US from another country to go camping should definitely invest in visitors medical insurance. If you aren’t aware, medical care in the United States is very expensive. It is possible that you will not be able to afford treatment for an unexpected injury or illness if you do not have insurance coverage, and the domestic health insurance from your home country is unlikely to be accepted here. Get visitors medical insurance so you can be protected from high US medical costs.
If you’re taking a domestic trip within the US to go camping, consider travel insurance. It can cover your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses in case of trip cancellation, as well as provide coverage for travel delay, trip interruption, and even lost baggage.
Those who are considering taking part in adventurous activities during their camping trip that may not be covered by standard plans should look into hazardous sports travel insurance. Whether you want to go hiking, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting, it’s imperative that you have insurance that can cover it.