There's no better way to experience the wonders of nature than to pitch a tent. Sleeping beneath the stars, waking up to rolling hills or breathtaking valleys or awe-inspiring ocean waves, and adventuring through rugged hikes or down lofty sand dunes are par for the course at some of the world's most beautiful campsites. Here are the most stunning spots to go camping in American and around the globe.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park
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Best campsite: Seawall campground
Every summer tourists flock to Acadia, and for good reason. The waves crash over rocky shores, Cadillac Mountain provides an insane view over the surrounding environment, the glassy waters of Jordan Pond glisten, and the carriage roads weave through it all.
Fuji Five Lakes, Japan
Fuji Five Lakes, Japan
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Best campsite: Koan campsite
Get a different view of Japan's iconic Mt Fuji from one of the lakes surrounding (and created by eruptions from) the volcano. The Koan campsite on Lake Motosuko will give you that postcard shot.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon
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Best campsite: Bright Angel campground
There are several campsites on top of the Grand Canyon for those who prefer to take in the views, but for adventurers heading into the belly of the canyon, there's nothing better than spending a night at the Bright Angel Campground. You'll need to apply for a permit, but it's worth the hassle to sleep beneath those towering walls.
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Mount Cook National Park
Kuntalee Rangnoi / Getty Images
Best campsite: White Horse Hill campground
Pitch your tent at the feet of some of New Zealand's most epic mountains, the same peaks that helped Sir Edmund Hillary train to summit Everest. There's plenty to see from ground level for non-climbers as well in this stunning mountainous retreat.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park
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Best campsite: North Pines campground
An ideal mix of crane-your-neck towering pines, huge granite cliffs, and a bubbling river make North Pines the perfect spot to enjoy everything Yosemite has to offer. Hikers have access to a bunch of trails and Curry Village isn't far off.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Sunset in Shenandoah
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Best campsite: Big Meadows campground
Wind your way along Skyline Drive until you reach the Big Meadows campground, smack dab in the center of Virginia's celebrated Shenandoah Park. It's an ideal spot to make your base before exploring nearby sights like Dark Hollow Falls and the Franklin Cliffs Overlook.
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Corcovado National Park
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Best campsite: Sirena ranger station
Wildlife enthusiasts will adore Corcovado, where you can encounter a wide range of species, from toucans to pumas, capuchin monkeys to glass frogs. The lush tropical rainforest and scenic coastline are perfect for hiking and exploring. Camping at the Sirena ranger station is convenient for anyone arriving by boat or chartering a plane to the small airstrip.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park
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Best campsite: Devils Garden campground
Utah is home to some of the most otherworldly geography in the United States, and there's no better place to witness the rocky majesty than Arches. Soaring rock structures loom over you as you scramble and hike. Just be sure to bring lots of water in the summer and plenty of warm clothing for chilly fall nights.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake
Chris LaBasco / Getty Images
Best campsite: Lost Creek campground
Stay in style on top of Mt Mazama. Lost Creek is just a quick hike from Crater Lake, easily one of the most beautiful places in America, where the shocking clear water and mountain vistas will leave you speechless.
Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii
Waianapanapa State Park
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Best campsite: "Undesignated" tent area
You'll find Waianapanapa on the east side of Maui. It might be a bit crowded when you arrive, since lots of folks stop by to check out the black sand beaches and climactic waves crashing over the rugged rocky shoreline and vegetation. But most of those visitors will depart after midday, leaving the camping to you and a few other devoted fans of Hawaii's natural bounty.
The Isle of Arran, Scotland
Isle of Arran
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Best campsite: Lochranza
The Isle of Arran is known for its sweeping valleys, brooding mountains, and bubbling streams, along with plenty of centuries-old ruins. Pitch your tent on the green carved out by Lochranza, a picturesque fishing village on a small sea loch.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park
Dennis Stogsdill / Getty Images
Best campsite: Wonder Lake campground
Of Denali's six campsites, Wonder Lake is the closest to the eponymous mountain, which arcs high into the sky just 26 miles away. You'll have beavers, waterfowl, and the occasional moose or grizzly for company, as you enjoy the fields and blue skies.
German Alps, Germany
Best campsite: Waldseilgarten Höllschlucht
Take in the Pfronten Mountains from your own high perch in one of Waldseilgarten Höllschlucht's special tree tents, hung far above the ground from tree branches. The campsite specializes in ropes courses and other high-up activities, but the highlight is getting to sleep in the canopy.
Big Sur, California
Best campsite: Kirk Creek campground
Wake up and fall asleep to the ocean waves at this campsite just off Highway 1 in California's dramatic Big Sur region. The campsite is located on the west side, on a large bluff, meaning there's nothing between you and oceanic majesty.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Jasper National Park
Jeff Penner / Getty Images
Best campsite: Wabasso campground
The Canadian Rockies are just as, if not more majestic than their mountainous cousins down south in the States. Jasper coaxes many campers north of the border with mountain views, hot springs, kayaking, hiking, and other activities, all before giving way to the northern lights in the evening.
Zanskar Valley, India
Best campsite: N/A
During the early summer, make your way to the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh at the northern tip of India to see an excellent combo of high-altitude plains, lakes, mountains, and lush summer bloom. The terrain is rugged and remote, so this is for experienced adventurers only.
Sardinia, Italy
Best campsite: Cala Ginepro Camping
Italy's second largest island after Sicily, Sardinia is an excellent Mederannean getaway for those after sun and relaxation. Steps from multiple pristine beaches, Cala Ginepro on the island's eastern shore offers a mix of cabins and tent sites for all types of campers.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Sabie river, Kruger National Park
Pedro Carrilho / Getty Images
Best campsite: Lower Sabie
South Africa is well known for its outdoorsy types, so it's no wonder it's home to a plethora of shockingly beautiful campsites. Head for Lower Sabie in Kruger National Park, located on the banks of Sabie River in the country's northeast. The river attracts all sorts of wildlife and you can see even more on a local safari, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, and rhinos.
Galicia, Spain
Galicia
jarcosa / Getty Images
Best campsite: Camping Sisargas
A patch of Spain's northwest corner, Galicia offers a rugged, rural coastline full of clifftop paths and hilly interior. Pitch a tent at Camping Sisargas, located in a vibrant pine and eucalyptus forest near the villages of Carballo and Malpica, as you trek through the region.
Merzouga, Morocco
Tents in the Sahara
Zzvet / Getty Images
Best campsite: Auberge Les Roches
Do the full Sahara Desert adventure by booking with one of the glamping tour companies out in Merzouga, on the eastern end of Morocco. With serious desert tents, sand boarding, camel rides, and viciously beautiful sunsets over the dunes, it's an unforgettable experience.
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