Camping combined with outdoor activities is a great way to get involved with nature. National parks can provide an excellent backdrop for some of your outdoor activities. Activities like hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, rafting and kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering are just a few of the sports you can include in your camping adventure.
It is important to wear the right clothing when traveling. Always include some clothing for the rain and wind, a wool jacket is also a good idea. A first aid kit and plenty of drinking water should always be available. Of course, if you plan to do any outdoor activities in the winter, you will need more clothing, etc. Take your bikes and hiking boots with you if you have them. Equipment rental will generally be available for activities that you generally don’t do.
Regardless of what outdoor activity you decide to do, it’s always a good idea to do some research. Most of the national parks that you will visit have excellent websites where you can check and see what kinds of hiking trails and activities are available. Information such as popular points of interest in the parks will also be available in travel books and park brochures. Depending on where you will be staying, you can also research the area you will be visiting for information on bike rentals, kayak rentals and lessons, and boating. There will be different equipment providers available in the area that can offer tours and rentals through the park you are visiting.
One of the most convenient and popular camping activities is hiking trails. For some people, a walk may be a simple walk in the park, while others prefer a much longer walk. Regardless of the type of hike you take, a little preparation will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable ride. The hiking trails offer incredible and scenic views of nature. Hiking is a wonderful way to see nature at its best, as the parks are truly preserving special parts of our wilderness. Depending on the park you are hiking in, the trails will offer different ranges of difficulty levels. Many trails will lead to scenic views as easy hikes, while other hikes can be significantly more challenging and too steep for some.
Always be prepared for the weather when hiking. Bring a backpack with some water, a rain / wind jacket, a fleece / fleece jacket or sweater, a first aid kit, and some food. Good hiking boots are essential. On some of your hikes, you are very likely to come across wildlife such as elk, black and brown bears, bighorn sheep, and deer. It is a good idea to know the dos and don’ts when you come across animals. Parks will often have signs if animals have been sighted at the campground.
Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy sports and see beautiful streams, oceans, lakes, and rivers throughout the United States. National parks offer fresh and saltwater fishing. Check state fishing regulations for exact dates and detailed fishing information, including applicable licensing requirements. Some fishing opportunities will require out-of-country use permits overnight. It is always important to respect the park in which you fish, to maintain the quality of the waters that protect the natural populations of fish and the food sources of bald eagles, ospreys and otters, among others.
Biking is a great and convenient way to explore the national park or area where you are staying. Bringing bikes with you so you can get up and go wherever you are. It is important to check in advance where cycling is allowed. Most national parks only allow biking on paved dirt roads and out of the country in all parks. Most of the hiking trails do not allow bicycles. Most of the bike tour of the parks will be on the same roads that are used for cars. For this reason, special care must be taken; stay alert and visible by wearing your headlights and taillights in conjunction with reflective clothing. Look towards the area where you will be camping. There may be trails available specifically for cycling.
Horseback riding can be a fun and exciting option while visiting a national park. Several parks offer gravel trails for horseback riding, some parks also have horse rentals and guided tours available. A list of stables and vendors can be obtained from visitor centers or consulted through travel guides and brochures.
Whitewater rafting is one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to visit inside a park. Some of the most amazing National Parks may have river rafting excursions that run through the park, river rafting is usually offered by various companies and vendors. If whitewater rafting sounds a bit dangerous, perhaps a kayak excursion through one of the splendid rivers would seem more prudent. Imagine kayaking through one of the popular national parks past geysers, hot springs, and clay pots. Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore areas that are not affected by vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Cross-country skiing is another popular way for the whole family to visit and see beautiful winter landscapes. Many parks have several excellent trails available for cross-country skiing. Several National Parks will offer ski slopes for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to experience the wilderness of the parks during the winter season. Snowshoe trails may also be available in the parks.
The national parks of the USA offer some of the most incredible climbing and mountaineering activities in the world. Climbing and mountaineering are usually sports reserved for people with a little experience. Climbing and mountaineering can offer wonderful and different perspectives on landscapes. Both sports require proper equipment and knowledge for safety reasons. Many national parks offer established climbing routes that will have a wide range of difficulty levels; usually no permits are required, unless it is an overnight stay in the field. It is important to check the weather conditions beforehand and be careful, never climb alone.
What better way to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world than with some fun outdoor activities? The options for outdoor activities are endless. Whether you decide to visit one of the incredible National Parks or choose to go camping in a favorite place, the list is limitless. Many of the activities that might interest you will be available in the cities near the parks. Various vendors and companies outside of some of the popular National Parks will offer tours that go to the parks. Whatever activity you decide to enjoy, it is always advisable to do a little research to know in advance what to expect, always check what the weather conditions will be to avoid dangerous situations.