12 National Parks Offering the Ultimate Camping Experiences

With 63 national parks scattered across America, there's no shortage of epic and historic places to visit for your next adventure. However, not all national parks are created equal regarding camping.

While most parks offer camping, some are too small or have delicate ecosystems that can't withstand the impact of campfires, tents, and outdoorsy campers. Not to worry; we've curated a list of 12 national parks where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy some solitude in the wild.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For an unforgettable retreat, head to Great Smoky National Park. At 522,427 acres, it is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. The best part is that entry is free, and camping is affordable.

The park's vast size allows for numerous hiking/biking trails, high peaks, lush valleys, fishing opportunities, and a wide variety of camping areas. There's something for everyone, from group campgrounds and horse camps to backcountry and front-country campgrounds.

Great Smoky Mountains is home to coyotes, black bears, and other critters.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is split into south and north rims by a 277-mile-long canyon. The climate, scenery, and vegetation at both ends of the park are very different, mainly due to the differences in elevation.

Stick to the South Rim if you're camping for the first time or with young ones. This area of the Grand Canyon is usually packed with activities. To get the best experience, make reservations ahead of time.

However, if you're looking for something more challenging or trying to escape the big crowds, head to the North Rim. With an elevation of 8,200 feet, the North Rim understandably sees less traffic. Instead, you get more hiking trails and scenic views, and you can spot abundant wildlife.

Yosemite National Park

Home to some of the most recognizable rock formations in the world, including Half Dome and El Captain, Yosemite National Park is an iconic camping destination and extremely popular among campers. Making reservations as early as possible is best, as campsites fill up fast.

Camp in the valleys, and you have a chance to watch nature. Higher-elevation camping allows you to escape the crowds, and with a wilderness permit, you can camp in the backcountry.

The ancient giant sequoias, which have been around for thousands of years, are a sight to behold. The park also boasts several picturesque waterfalls that are best visited during spring.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park may be small, but it receives 4 million visits yearly and is loved for a reason. The park's boasts 158 miles of hiking trails and four campgrounds.

Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, hidden ponds, and lush forests. The park offers opportunities for kayaking, biking, birdwatching, and climbing.

Due to its popularity, campsites at Acadia are notoriously difficult to book. If you plan to experience nature here, it is best to make reservations ahead of time.

Yellowstone National Park

Very few national parks measure up to the 2.2-million-acre Yellowstone when it comes to sheer diversity and natural spectacles. The breathtaking geysers, deep canyons, forested mountains, and alpine rivers combine to bring the landscape alive. Grizzly bears, wolves, bears, and bison are some wildlife you can expect to find here.

With 12 well-maintained campgrounds and around 2,000 developed campsites, Yellowstone offers campers an opportunity to soak in the wild.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is the melting point of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The two ecosystems meet at one point and combine to create an awe-inspiring variety of wildlife, plants, and geological features. The park is named after Joshua trees, which have distinctive spiky silhouettes and create a landscape like no other.

Developed campgrounds such as Cottonwood and Black Rock Canyon offer amenities like water and restrooms. If you prefer a more primitive experience, Ryan and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds are your best bet.

Arches National Park

If stargazing is your thing, there's no better place to do it than Arches National Park. Its incredibly dark night skies make the park one of the best locations in the world to stargaze.

In addition to the unique sandstone arches all over the park, Arches features towering rock pinnacles, balanced rocks, and fins. If you venture off the beaten path, the park's many trails and stunning scenery will make your stay worthwhile.

Glacier National Park

Last year, almost 3 million visitors poured into Glacier National Park to experience its mountain ranges, waterfalls, and 700 lakes. The park boasts many natural wonders, but the most prominent landmark is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a unique feat of engineering.

The glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain peaks will appeal to campers. With 700 hiking trails, Glacier National Park provides an excuse to take in the breathtaking views. You can also spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and maybe a grizzly bear.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Encompassing towering mountain peaks and alpine lakes, the Rocky Mountain National Park offers opportunities to hike, bike, and spot wildflowers. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, 77 mountains, and peaks above 12,000 feet, the park earned its place in National Geographic's best trips in 2014.

All 260 campsites are located one mile apart and cannot be accessed by road.

You can spot marmots, pika, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep in the park. Horseback riding and fishing are also popular activities.

Zion National Park

Thanks to its sandstone cliff formations and narrow canyons, the 146,597-acre Zion National Park is an extraordinary work of nature. It plays host to around 800 native plants and has more flowers than anywhere else in Utah.

Zion might not be the most popular park in Utah. But with over 290 bird varieties, incredible stone formations, and the 1,500-foot Great White Throne, there is much to see and do at the park.

There are three developed campgrounds, and you can get a wilderness permit to camp in the backcountry.

Grand Teton National Park

With pristine lakes, magnificent alpine vistas, and plenty of wildlife, the 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park feels like a glimpse of paradise. You will likely see bison, elk, mule deer, and moose in this park.

Grand Tetron has eight campgrounds, including spots for recreational vehicles. Most sites in the park provide picnic tables, metal fire grates, and potable water.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is the crown jewel of national parks. This park offers so much diversity, from rainforests and mountains to dramatic coastlines and everything in between.

Sitting on almost a million acres, Olympic offers campers a variety of experiences. They can camp in the mountains, rainforest, and backcountry or enjoy the ocean views. The park is ideal for wildlife viewing, hiking, tide pooling, stargazing, and kayaking.