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1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Why Go: A surreal desert landscape where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge, famed for its namesake twisted trees, massive boulders, and exceptional stargazing. Perfect for climbers, photographers, and solitude seekers

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Top Attractions:

Rock climbing at Hidden Valley.
Stargazing in designated dark-sky areas.
Hiking to Arch Rock or Skull Rock.
Need to Know:
No water sources—bring all supplies. First-come, first-served sites; arrive early

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Avoid summer (extreme heat); visit October–April

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Cell service is spotty—download offline maps

2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Why Go: Dubbed the "Crown of the Continent," it boasts alpine lakes, glaciers, and wildlife like grizzlies and moose. The Many Glacier Campground offers iconic sunrise views

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Top Attractions:

Hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail.
Scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake.
Need to Know:
Summer only (June–September); snow blocks roads in other seasons

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Bear safety essentials required (bear spray, food storage)

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Reserve campsites 6+ months ahead—high demand

3. Zion National Park, Utah (Watchman Campground)
Why Go: Nestled beneath red-rock cliffs with the Virgin River nearby, it’s a base for epic hikes and accessible to park shuttles

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Top Attractions:

Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes.
Riverside stargazing.
Canyon photography at sunset.
Need to Know:
Book exactly 6 months in advance—sites sell out instantly

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Spring/Fall ideal (70–80°F); summer crowds overwhelm

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Shuttle required for trailheads—no private vehicles in core zones

4. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Why Go: America’s most visited national park, with misty peaks, waterfalls, and historic settlements like Cades Cove

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Top Attractions:

Wildlife spotting (elk, black bears) in Cades Cove.
Fall foliage drives (October peak).
Appalachian Trail segments.
Need to Know:
Fall weekends are packed—arrive midweek

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Free entry, but paid parking tags required.
Diverse camping: developed sites to backcountry permits

5. Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
Why Go: Camp beachside with wild horses roaming freely—a unique coastal wilderness experience

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Top Attractions:

Horse-watching at dawn.
Surf fishing and kayaking.
Oceanfront campfires (check regulations).
Need to Know:
Mosquitoes swarm summer—pack heavy-duty repellent

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No reservations for oceanside sites—first-come, first-served

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Nor’easters common in fall/winter; May–June best

6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Why Go: Coastal cliffs, pine forests, and sunrise vistas from Cadillac Mountain—New England’s rugged gem

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Top Attractions:

Cadillac Mountain sunrise drive.
Kayaking around Mount Desert Island.
Popovers at Jordan Pond House.
Need to Know:
October for fall colors; July–August for warm weather
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Vehicle reservation required for Cadillac Summit Road

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Black flies plague May–June—pack head nets

7. Yosemite National Park, California
Why Go: Iconic granite monoliths (El Capitan, Half Dome), giant sequoias, and thundering waterfalls

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Top Attractions:

Tunnel View overlook.
Hiking to Yosemite Falls.
Mariposa Grove’s ancient sequoias.
Need to Know:
Spring for waterfalls; fall for fewer crowds
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Valley campgrounds book 1 year ahead via Recreation.gov

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Bears frequent campsites—use provided food lockers

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8. Olympic National Park, Washington
Why Go: Three ecosystems in one: rainforests, alpine peaks, and wild Pacific beaches

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Top Attractions:

Hoh Rainforest’s moss-draped trails.
Tide-pooling at Ruby Beach.
Sol Duc Hot Springs soak.
Need to Know:
July–September for dry trails; coastal camping year-round

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Prepare for rain—waterproof gear essential.
Drive slowly at dusk—wildlife crossings common

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9. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Why Go: Remote Chihuahuan Desert landscapes with canyons, hot springs, and the Rio Grande—ideal for solitude

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Top Attractions:

Soaking in riverside hot springs.
Santa Elena Canyon kayaking.
Stargazing (International Dark Sky Park).
Need to Know:
Spring (March–April) or fall (October–November)—summer exceeds 100°F

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Nearest gas/3+ hours away—fill up and carry extra water

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Border crossing to Boquillas, Mexico, possible (passport required)

10. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
Why Go: A 469-mile scenic drive through Appalachian highs with campgrounds, waterfalls, and fall foliage

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Top Attractions:

Linn Cove Viaduct viewpoints.
Hiking to Craggy Gardens.
Folk music in Asheville, NC.
Need to Know:
October for peak foliage; May for wildflowers

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RV length restrictions—check tunnel clearances

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Fog common—drive cautiously at dawn/dusk

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Tips for Road Trip Camping 🧭
Booking: Popular parks (Yosemite, Zion) require reservations 6–12 months ahead

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Seasonality: Desert parks (Joshua Tree, Big Bend) avoid summer; mountains (Glacier, Rocky) open late spring–fall

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Safety: Store food in bear-proof containers in bear country; carry extra water in deserts

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Road Readiness: Check vehicle height/weight for mountain tunnels/narrow roads (e.g., Blue Ridge Parkway