The kids are back in school and work is in full swing, which means you’re already planning your next vacation. Are we wrong? Therefore, why not enjoy the splendor of North America’s greatest National Parks – without all the pesky crowds and blistering heat? Autumn is nature’s gift when the leaves change while their color pallets are spectacular, especially in these glorious National Parks.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
     There is no better place to see the wonderful fall foliage than along Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. A short two-hour drive from our nation’s capital, Shenandoah and Skyline drive are most popular between September and November for the breathtaking views of color-changing leaves as far as the eyes can see. Skyline Drive runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of waterfalls and the occasional wildlife.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
     For people in the Pacific Northwest, you are already aware of the majesty of Mount airier. Just a short two-hour drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier looms large over the city’s skyline. This destination will be chilly but expectedly beautiful as you will have the hiking trails to yourself. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails that take you to the mountain’s impressive heights.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
     Nine million people a year can’t be wrong – the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a national treasure. Autumn here is simply divine – with an impressive array of fall foliage, you have to consider the experience a true joy when the weather is just perfect. The hiking is a pleasure with well-manicured trails and waterfalls all over the place.

Arches National Park, Utah
     Utah has some of the most diverse terrains and environments around and their National Parks are some of the best. Summers can be drainingly hot – avoid heatstroke and visit the Arches in the Fall. The arches are really incredible and the nighttime celestial display of stars and planets are like nowhere else. Horseback ride during the day and do some stargazing at night.

Acadia National Park, Maine
     If fall foliage is what you desire, there is nowhere else on Earth that offers these incredible views. It is about a three-hour drive from Portland, Maine but the drive is well worth it if you seek the leaf. You will see all the colors of the rainbow as the leaves slowly die and fall to the forest floor.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
     We all know about the geysers that erupt on a clock like a schedule but the crowds in the summer are terrible. Avoid the throngs of tourists and head to Yellowstone in the Autumn. The wildlife in Yellowstone at this time is very active, so expect to see elk, moose and even bears.

Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in America. According to a study by the Outdoor Foundation, camping ranks as the third most popular outdoor activity, with more than 31 million people participating each year. If you’re one of those people who love to camp or are just getting into it and looking for some great camping spots, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss five excellent camping resorts every camper should visit at least once.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in the United States for travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse, and it’s easy to see why. The park is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The mild climate makes it a great place to visit any time of year. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain National Park is a campground that everyone should visit at least once.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in Virginia. The park offers various camping options, from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with electrical hookups. There are also many activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Shenandoah is also home to various wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. One of the best things about Shenandoah National Park is its proximity to Washington, D.C. The park is just a short drive from the nation’s capital, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique campgrounds in the United States. Situated on the border of Montana and Canada, the park is home to more than 1,000 glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse visiting Glacier National Park can enjoy various activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and there is no better place to experience the beauty of nature. In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park also offers a sense of peace and tranquility that can be hard to find in today’s busy world.

Yosemite National Park

Few places on Earth are as naturally stunning as Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is home to towering waterfalls, pristine meadows, and some of the tallest trees in the world. Visitors can experience Yosemite’s natural beauty by hiking through its many trails, camping under the stars, or simply driving through the park to take in the sights. There is truly something for everyone at Yosemite, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. However, what sets Yosemite apart from other campgrounds is its accessibility. Although it is located in a remote corner of California, the park is easily reachable by car, making it an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. Yosemite should be at the top of your list whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a more extended vacation.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a campground everyone should visit at least once. The park is located in Texas and boasts more than 8,000 feet of elevation. Big Bend is also one of the largest national parks in the contiguous united states. The park has more than 1,200 hiking trails, passing through various landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including javelinas, black bears, and mountain lions. Campers can also enjoy stargazing, bird watching, and horseback riding. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the country.

Conclusion

There are many beautiful and unique campgrounds located throughout the United States. However, there are five that stand out above the rest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Glacier National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Big Bend National Park are all must-see destinations for anyone who loves camping. Each park offers unique scenery and activities, making it a great place to spend a weekend or longer. Pack your camping gear and head to one of these five scenic campgrounds today.

STAY AT A B&B OR DON’T STAY AT ALL

     A charming Bed & Breakfast will only amplify the quaintness of the whole experience. There are plenty of reasonably priced options available in the area. If you can sneak out on a Friday, it always makes for a better weekend if you can wake up at your B&B on Saturday morning.

ACTIVITIES GALORE!

     It’s hard to believe and potentially unnecessary, but there are plenty of great activities in Napa Valley that don’t involve wine tasting.

Oxbow Public Market: This lively market is perfectly nestled right against the Napa River. It’s full of plenty of vendors selling all sorts of fresh produce and also contains numerous restaurants. So this is a great place to grab a quick lunch.

The Silverado Trail: This beautiful trail just about runs the entire length of Napa Valley. It has amazing views and can be a perfect place to clear your head and get your calm on. And if you’re more of the active type, it’s great for biking!

Greenhaus Day Spa: What’s a weekend getaway without a trip to the spa? Greenhaus Day Spa in downtown Napa is widely considered the best spa in the area. Get the full treatment with a relaxing massage, a cleansing facial, and the all-important mani-pedi combo.

WINERIES ON WINERIES

     If we’re talking about Napa Valley, we’re talking about wine. There are plenty of amazing wineries and vineyards in Napa, but here are our personal favorites.

O’Brien Estate: This is one of the most popular wineries in all of Napa and actually requires booking your tasting in advance. Make sure you try the Chardonnay and the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pride Mountain Vineyards: This vineyard requires a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it. The whole property covers about 235 acres and has gorgeous views in every direction. When it comes to wine, their claims to fame are their Cabernet Sauvignon and their Merlot.

V. Sattui Winery: While the wine here is truly excellent, this spot is also great for a picnic lunch. You can grab everything you need in-house: the cheeses, the fresh bread, the antipasto spreads, and a nice bottle of wine and then grab one of the many picnic tables outside and take it all in.