In terms of vacation, getting back to nature is always a central component if you want to relax and unwind from the pressures and responsibilities of your everyday grind.
In terms of vacation, getting back to nature is always a central component if you want to relax and unwind from the pressures and responsibilities of your everyday grind.
That said, there are some locations--pristine, exotic, and beautiful locations--that seem to give something back to you. They rejuvenate. They revitalize. They inspire. Of course, of all the places to visit, the ones that imbue you with something beyond the feeling of distance from the city in which you live are the ones you need to visit if you are going to return from vacation--bank account intact--with the energy and newly found vigor to push you forward--to next year's vacation.
In terms of being able to enjoy nature, state parks will satisfy any vacationer. For instance, if you love beaches, Lovers Key State Park offers white sands, blue-green waters, and endless views. With two miles of shoreline spanning Florida's barrier islands, these beaches provide hours of exercise while allowing you to never take your eyes off the stunning landscapes. In terms of seascapes, you cannot find anything better than the romantic sunsets along the coast.
Scenery includes the occasional alligator or egret, and there is a variety of ocean wildlife. Bald eagles visit this region as do dolphins and the ever-calm manatee.
Of course, the type of wildlife you want to see will often determine the type of state park you visit. For the most part, state parks offer the same native wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and regional birds.
For more exotic animals, the following states offer numerous parks that allow you to be on the lookout for specific animals and perhaps take a thrilling photograph or two.
However, sometimes, it is fun to camp for a weekend or even a week. For those times when your itinerary allows you to relax in one or two favorite locations, the following state parks offer some of the best camping experiences in the country.
This state park is known for rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and dense woods. Hiking is a must-do activity, and it is best enjoyed along the 310-mile Superior Trail. To make it easier on your schedule, camping is allowed every day of the year.
Camping features and amenities include primitive campsites. Although the sites do not have electric, RV access is available for those wanting to bring their own luxury with them. Cabins are available as well. However, when it comes to cabins, you will want to plan ahead as they are popular and reserved months in advance.
In the heart of the country is nestled Eldorado Canyon State Park, a premier camping destination for people in love with truly rugged landscapes, challenging hiking, and the ability to be encompassed by nature. Fishing is available for the more meditative sports person, and rock climbing is available for people intent on going vertical.
The canyon, itself, offers views of steep cliffs, which serve to secludes hikers and campers from the rest of the country while South Boulder Creek offers the kind of tranquil experience that only a mountain stream can provide.
That said, being that this favorite hot spot is a state park, restaurants, bars, and other amenities are only 20 miles away at any given time.
For the slightly more adventurous camper, Alaska is sometimes the only true destination. Primitive camping with nothing more than a tent can make people feel as if they are on some faraway, peaceful planet as there is often nothing but nature around you for miles.
For instance, Chena Lake Recreation Area is nestled along the Chena Lakes and is literally in the very heart of Alaska.
Just west of Fairbanks, it offers an abundance of campgrounds, and it is wheelchair accessible. RV access is available at different campgrounds throughout the area, and this recreation area is famous as a family destination for people wanting to escape anything resembling a city. Some of the best highlights of Chena Lake Recreation Area include the following.
Of course, in this particular region of the world, you will need to be conscious of the occasional bear or moose. However, if you enjoy the remote wilderness, these and other such animals are part of the draw.
When you need inspiration and a chance to be away from others, Grant Village Campground near Yosemite National Park is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy the hot springs, which glisten in shades of turquoise and ultra-aquamarine. Steam rises from the springs that, themselves, are ringed in calcium carbonate and other minerals, resulting in a multi-colored, glistening, concentric view of nature more common in caves. Nearby, Yosemite Lake offers views that reach all the way to distant, snow-capped mountains. The lake also offers quiet fishing for anyone intent on not visiting a grocery store for dinner.
In these lands, primitive campgrounds provide the best overnight way to enjoy nature. That said, RV access is available for anyone with an accompanying generator. Although this is one of the most remote destinations in the country, it remains popular. As such, it is important to plan ahead when making your reservations.
For people wanting to look out over the country rather than up at it from the confines of a canyon or valley, Death Canyon Shelf Camping Zone offers true aerial vistas that allow you to camp at the top of the world. Situated in the Grand Teton Mountains, Death Canyon Shelf Camping Zone is a backpacker's paradise. The ground is relatively even, and the views are always out before you. Rocky buttes rise up in the distance and along the hills around you. Camped out on the shelf, you will enjoy views of majestic evergreens far below.
Popular hikes include going to Static Peak or to Phelps Lake. If hiking in this rugged land is something that appeals to you, you will want to schedule between five and seven days to see everything.
If you prefer sand and water to rocks and precipices, you will enjoy a variety of relatively remote areas that also provide once-in-a-lifetime camping experiences. For instance, camping on a beach is something many people only see if they watch movies about people stranded on islands. However, Cape Lookout National Seashore offers just that.
Although Cape Lookout is located in North Carolina, it is actually a 56-mile stretch of island paradise just off the state's shores. It provides a natural sea barrier to Harker's Island and Shackleford Banks. Primitive camping in tents is available for people who want to enjoy the beach without ever having to leave it.
One thing to remember is that the camp is situated just off Harker's Island and is geographically close to a lot of amenities. That said, no stores are available within this park. During your visit--as close as you are to everything--you are removed from everything. Knowing this, you should bring all your food, supplies, and gear for an amazing back-to-nature camping trip unlike any other. In fact, camping in this region is so natural that you have to check the tide conditions before you set camp and before you build your fire.
As part of your daily explorations, you can enjoy seeing the remains of shipwrecks as well as the jutting remains of various archaeological sites. Of course, you will have plenty of time to relax on the beach.
Because of the moisture and occasional rain in this part of the world, you will want to ensure your tent is equipped with a rain fly.
For this particular park, other things to bring include the following.
Reminder: in any remote area, especially one that places you front and center in an arid, sunny beach, you will want to ensure you have the capability of remaining hydrated. Otherwise, you will end up trekking back to the mainland for gear, which will kind of spoil the experience.
Jalama Beach County Park in California offers primitive camping along the beach. As such, you are going to enjoy a relatively remote experience while being only a short drive away from Santa Barbara.
For families, dogs are welcome visitors. In terms of amenities, campers have access to picnic tables and fire pits.
Padre Island National Seashore offers primitive camping, but it is also a favorite destination for RV enthusiasts. Of course, you will want to avoid the islands in March and April as students inundate the region during spring break. However, for early-summer vacationers looking for access to the largest raw swath of barrier islands in the world, Padre Island National Seashore offers scenic days and nights amid the roaring waters south of Texas. Activities include surfing, hiking, and sailing.
Because this is one of the premier destinations in the country for people wanting to experience nature, you will want to plan your vacation early.
Because getting back to nature is a different kind of experience than staying in a hotel or resort, you will enjoy yourself more if you have a variety of gear designed to keep you comfortable. More important than comfort, however, is the fact that you will want to save yourself time as things like cooking and cleaning take longer than you might predict. For the most enjoyable experience possible, the proper gear can help you cut through these types of chores. Finally, as indicated above, the outdoors is not a place for the timid. To enjoy it, you must come prepared with items that will keep you safe and ensure you enjoy your vacation instead of heal from it.
In terms of being environmentally responsible, getting back to nature requires you to remove all your trash and maintain a zero-presence footprint. When you depart, it should be in such a manner that no one could tell you were ever-present. Doing so will preserve the region's natural treasures and make it possible for the next series of vacationers to enjoy themselves.
For the best experience, it is sometimes enjoyable to look for a destination that offers a unique blend of woods, beaches, and amenities. For this, the surprising destination is Luddington State Park, Michigan.
Set on the eastern side of Lake Michigan, beach lovers can enjoy 5,000 acres of sandy dunes. Water lovers can enjoy boating, swimming, or fishing. Exercise enthusiasts can enjoy hiking among the trails, and remote camping among the dunes is available for people looking for an overnight stay.
Although the most common scenic spot is Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the best scenery is actually visible on the water from your own kayak or canoe. Whether you enjoy land or water, this particular state park will allow you to wear out your hiking boots while also providing your the ability to relax via a day out on the water.
If you have pets, prior to visiting any remote area, you need to check to see if they are allowed. For instance, Luddington State Park does not allow pets while Eldorado Canyon State Park encourages you to bring furry family members of all sizes.
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