United States

The Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip. To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll e...

The highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road takes you above 12,000 ft to an alpine tundra. Being above treeline means you have unclogged panoramic views of the night sky and any possible meteors. You can start your trip from Grand Lake in the west or Estes Park in the east. ...

Drive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before th...

Willow Springs Trail is state-owned land located 13 miles north of downtown Moab Utah. The state provides some vault toilets and port-o-lets throughout the area, but there are no designated campsites or fire rings. Along the main road, there are plenty of large flat spots that people with RV's or bi...

At the start of your hike, stay to left and meander your way through a shaded forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. Your steady uphill climb features about two dozen switchbacks with pockets of vibrant wildflowers and a meadow of fallen trees near the rim. At the top, you'll be greeted with impr...

Backcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B". At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extremely...

Once you have reached the island by ferry from St. Mary's, GA, you will receive an orientation about your campsite and the island (You can rent bicycles at the main office on the island, too). Stafford Beach is 3.5 miles from the ferry landing so you will have plenty of time to explore the island on...

The trail begins just past historical Main Street Montezuma. You will see a sign on your right for St. Johns road. This road is officially marked as 275 on a map. The original road lead to St. Johns but not much of the town remains. You will cross the Snake River almost immediately after you turn on...

The trailhead is well established with a small campground and bathroom facilities. The hike begins in dense forest and slowly climbs over Bear Creek through a canyon. You get your typical (but always beautiful!) Bitterroot scenery: jagged rocky mountains towering over you on each side. At 1.5 miles,...

Blackwoods Campground is one of two campgrounds located within Acadia National Park. Since the park does not permit backcountry camping, options to stay outdoors in the actual park are limited to this campground and the Seawall Campground further south on Mt. Desert Island. There are places to camp ...

Bodie exploded as a gold mining town in 1876, after the discovery of gold ore. It is estimated that Bodie produced over $34 million worth of gold over the years. The town was finally abandoned in 1942. While driving on 395, turn onto 270 and follow it 17 mi to the ghost town of Bodie. The last three...

This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing views o...

Beauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, take...

Only about a 50 minute drive away from Tulsa, Sequoyah State Park has a lot of scenery to offer for any outdoor photographer. During the winter season, it is especially beautiful and serene, as there are less visitors and campers and the area is still lush in color with the evergreen trees. Along th...

Escape the NC heat at the quarry at Eno River State Park. Access the Eno Quarry via Cabe Lands Access Point (parking lot off Howe Street). Follow the Cabe Lands Trail (red blazes) from the parking lot. About 80 yards down the path you'll see a trail split off to the left or right. Keep going on the ...

Harris Beach State Park on the Southern Oregon Coast and about a quarter mile north of the town of Brookings, Oregon features a variety of campsites, including yurts, full RV hookups, and even a hiker/biker camp for individuals hiking the Oregon Coast Trail and/or biking the PCH. From either the day...