Yosemite, the Grand Canyon offers accommodations that are widely considered among America's best
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As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as an independent nation, there is no better time to appreciate the incredible natural beauty the country has to offer.
Several campsites have been located within legally protected areas for over a century.
Yosemite Valley, for example, was preserved under the Yosemite Grant, which President Abraham Lincoln signed into law in June 1864.
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The area became Yosemite National Park in 1890, decades before other national parks were established in the early 20th century.
James Kaiser, a Montana-based author of several national park guidebooks, said each of our featured campgrounds offers a unique way to experience America's natural beauty.
Several of the country's best-known campgrounds offer visitors easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing and unforgettable scenery. (Stock)
“The North Pines in Yosemite and the Watchman in Zion offer spectacular scenery — even by national park standards,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Both are under steep cliffs, and you'll enjoy a spectacular light show [the] golden hour. … When it's time to sleep, you'll sleep under a glowing blanket of stars.”
He noted that Blackwoods, Mather and Many Glacier are all located in forests with limited views, but campers are very close to some of the country's most beautiful scenery.
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These campsites are “steps from some of the most beautiful places in America – Maine's rugged coastline, the colorful depths [the] The Grand Canyon, and the high peaks of the Glacier,” he said.
Here are five campgrounds that are generally considered the best around the country.
1. North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park
North Pines Campground is one of three campgrounds in Yosemite Valley that accepts reservations.
The campground is known for waterfalls, granite cliffs, deep canyons and giant ancient sequoias, according to Recreation.gov.
Standard campsites sell out within minutes of availability, the site notes.
The campsites are located near the Merced River, which offers rafting opportunities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing and photography are also popular.
Campgrounds in Yosemite often sell out within minutes of availability. (Stock)
2. Mather Campground in Grand Canyon National Park
This campground is steps from the Grand Canyon's South Rim, where visitors can see the famous panoramic views.
The National Park Service's (NPS) website notes that the campground offers 327 campsites.
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“Each includes a fire ring … a picnic table, parking and room for up to six people, three tents and two vehicles,” the site said.
There are flush toilets and drinking water according to the area.
The campground offers 15 first-come, first-served sites that go on sale at 8 a.m. daily, and the site does not offer hookups or electricity.
Mather Campground puts visitors just steps from the Grand Canyon's South Rim. (Robbin Goddard/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
3. Watchman Campground in Zion National Park
Along the Virgin River, Watchman Campground offers easy access to trails for hiking, biking, monitoring programs, photography and stargazing.
“Zion is known for its rich geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception,” says Recreation.gov.
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Named after the rocky mountain above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that turn red and orange at sunrise and sunset.
Campers can also cool off in the river, which runs near the campsite.
Travelers can get up close to some of the country's most beautiful places at the top campgrounds in the nation. (Josh Brasted/Getty Images)
4. Many Glacier Campgrounds in Glacier National Park
Many Glacier Campgrounds are located within Glacier National Park, near Browning, Montana.
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The campground offers hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing among mountain peaks, mountain lakes and dense forest.
It is located in a Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen forest, Recreation.gov notes. “The vegetation is dense and provides shade for almost every camp,” the site says.
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Officials warn that strong winds can occur at times, although the tree cover provides some protection.
Most Glacier Campgrounds are east of the Continental Divide. Trails are available for hiking and overnight camping, the site says.
Most of Glacier Campground sits among Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen trees that provide shade for many campsites. (Stock)
5. Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine is the only national park in New England.
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It offers visitors access to the rugged Atlantic coast, as well as granite peaks and beautiful hiking trails.
Blackwoods Campground, located on Mount Desert Island, offers campers access to mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows and beaches.
America's national parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience high mountains, deep valleys, forests, rivers and beautiful coastlines. (DeAgostini/Getty Images)
All campsites are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the beach, according to Recreation.gov.
Beach walking, hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing and kayaking are all favorite pastimes in Acadia.
