National Parks to Put on Your Radar

Written by
Michelle Valenti
Looking to find an awe-inspiring outdoors experience? Head out solo or take your family to one of these national parks. With beauty and history alike, you won't be disappointed.
Point Reyes National Seashore
California
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With 80 miles of coastline and 150 miles of trails you'll never get bored. Go whale watching, ocean kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. Also visit dairy and horse ranches, and enjoy some of California's most pristine beaches.
Camp at Samuel P. Taylor
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Saguaro National Park
Arizona
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Not only will you see North America's biggest cacti, the Saguaro, but enjoy the majesty of the desert. Bike or drive the scenic Bajada and Cactus Forest Loops or plan an overnight backpacking trip through 57,937 acres of wilderness.
Camp at Whitetail Campground
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah
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Unique geological limestone spires create an inspiring playground for kids and adults alike. Choose from a number of day-hikes to explore the area on foot, or go by horseback.
Camp at the North Campground
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Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado
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Of the 5,000 archeological sites in the park, you can visit 600 cliff dwellings from the Pueblo people. Known as some of the most preserved and notable historical sites in the US, attend an evening campfire talk to learn more about this ancient region.
Camp at Mancos
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Bandelier National Monument
New Mexico
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With more than 33,000 acres of canyon country, this is a top destination for travelers passing through New Mexico. Join one of the interpretive programs to learn about local wildlife, people, geology and astrology, and sign your kids up early for the popular Bandelier Daycamp.
Camp at Tetilla Peak
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Big Bend National Park
Texas
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Enjoy total isolation in this Far West Texas desert. Take in the views at the Chisos Mountain Basin, book a float trip down the Rio Grande, and explore on bike with more than 150 miles of roads and trails.
Camp at Chisos Basin Group
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Indiana
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Perfect for a summer vacation, come to the lake for fun in the sun. Sand dunes rise 200 feet from Lake Michigan's shore offering plenty of room for kids to run and play. Enjoy all 45-miles of hiking trails in this 15,000-acre park.
Camp at Lakeside RV Resort
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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Georgia
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"Shoot the Hooch" (as the locals say) in a kayak, canoe or raft. Or spend your time on the shore with a fishing pole in hand. Either way, the river makes for a great outdoor escape. Not interested in fishing? Stroll along the river, and stop to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch.
Camp on Allatoona Lake
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Pennsylvania
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Soak in Revolutionary War history at Valley Forge, site of the Continental Army's '77-'78 winter camp. Learn more about the history of this commemorative park, and sign your kids up for the Junior Ranger Adventure Camp.
Camp at the West Chester KOA
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