While I'm a huge advocate for travel at any age, there's definitely something about traveling in your 20s. Maybe it's the relative freedom you have at that age, or maybe it's just that travel companies spend so much time marketing to young people that we've internalized it, but traveling in your 20s is unforgettable. One of my favorite ways to experience the world is by camping!
âThere are so many incredible places near where I call home, so without further adieu, here are 20 places in the Western United States you absolutely must camp at in your 20s. 1) Arches National Park, Utah
One of Utah's most famous parks, Arches is both pretty self-explanatory and pretty impossible to describe. The deep canyons and weathered stone will have you dying to stay here as long as possible. My personal favorite is the Delicate Arch, a masterpiece of stone, time and erosion; as my dad said, we caught it at just the right time in the geological timescale to witness its beauty. Walk to one of the viewpoints (an easy 100 yards for the lower viewpoint or a half mile for the upper viewpoint) where you can see it clearly, albeit from far away, or hike three miles to see it up close.
2) Bryce Canyon, Utah
This is one of my favorite parks in Utah, and one that I find myself coming back to every few years to experience the wonders of its red cliffs and strange, towering hoodoos. I wrote a post about the top three hikes here, which will tell you everything you need to know!
3) Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Okay, yeah, you can't camp inside the caves, but you can camp near them and then explore them to your heart's content. These are some of the coolest caves I have ever explored, and feature some absolutely stunning formations. It's no wonder this is one of the most famous cave systems in the States!
4) Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon, is home to the cliff dwellings of ancestral Pueblo people. During the day, you can take a self-guided tour along the Canyon Loop Drive, or take a guided tour with a ranger! At night, see what gives Chaco Canyon its reputation as one of the best national parks in America to stargaze.
5) Crater Lake, Oregon
This lake was formed almost 8,000 years ago "when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak," and filled with rainwater and snowmelt. It's the deepest lake in the United States, and one of the most beautiful, to boot, with its stunning cerulean hues and gorgeous surrounding forests... Not to mention the snow that often stays in patches year-round. (I'm from California, so snow is a Big Deal. Besides, how often do you get to have snowball fights in the summertime?)
6) Death Valley, California
Despite the foreboding name (and seriously, practically everything in this park is named something horrible and gloomy), Death Valley is actually a pretty great place to visit. With its rainbow cliffs, massive craters made by meteorites, and gorgeous salt flats, there's no shortage of desert beauty to see here.
7) Del Valle, California
Del Valle is where you go when you want to experience central California like a local. A five-mile long lake surrounded by acres of hills and oak trees, Del Valle is perfect for both hiking and boating. There are plenty of places to rent a little sailboat, or a motorboat for windsurfing. Skip the crowded beach and head straight to the middle of the lake to admire the scenery.
8) Glacier National Park, Montana
Stunning valleys, pristine forests, and crystal-clear lakes make this park one to remember. The worrying effects of climate change means the glaciers here are all melting, but there's still time to see one in person if you so choose. Also, if you can catch it when it's open, hit up "Going to the Sun" road, where you can drive straight into the clouds.
9) Grand Canyon, Arizona
Grand Canyon is one of America's most stunning monuments, and it's pretty obvious why. Words can't quite describe it, but if you go, I have two suggestions for you. One: Skip the more touristy areas and head straight to North Rim. The views are just as beautiful, but there are far fewer people. Second: make a point to wake up early one day to watch the sunrise. It's not something you'll soon forget.
10) Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante is one of the biggest parks in Utah, and has so many amazing things to see, it can get a little overwhelming. I wrote a blog post about the park's top highlights, which you can see in just one day (or spread them out between a few different days, if you have the time for slower travel).
11) Lake Powell and Antelope Slot Canyon, Arizona
Lake Powell is a stunning reservoir straddling Utah and Arizona, but the main attraction here (for me, anyways) is the world-famous Antelope Slot Canyon. Situated on Navajo land, you need to take a guided tour to visit, but it's so worth it, even though you respectfully need to camp far away (outside the reservation). This canyon is unlike anything I've ever seen before, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Pro tip: turn your flash off when you take pictures here, otherwise micro crystals in the stone will reflect the light, causing white, floaty bubbles to appear in your picture.
12) Lava Beds National Monument, California
Again, like Carlsbad, you can't literally camp inside the caves, but you can camp inside the park. I love this park so much I've written an entire blog post about it, which you can check out here!
13) Mesa Verde, Colorado
Another fantastic choice for viewing ancestral Pueblo dwellings, Mesa Verde is a sight to behold. Unfortunately, one of Mesa Verde's most well-known attractions, Spruce Tree House, is closed for the foreseeable future, but there's still plenty more to see here. Far View sites complex and Step House are so much fun to explore, but if you have the chance, I can't recommend taking a guided tour with a park ranger enough. You'll get to see parts of the park normally unavailable to guests, and also learn so much about the people who built this wonderful place.
14) Olympic National Park, Washington
I'll be honest, until a couple years ago, I had no idea the Western US boasted rainforests, let alone rainforests as beautiful as this one. With nearly a million acres of land to experience, it might actually be impossible to be bored here. Don't spend all your time in the forest, either; their beaches are cold but beautiful, and have some great opportunities for tidepooling. â
15) Point Reyes, California
What's better than camping next to the ocean, am I right? Point Reyes is stunningly beautiful, with miles of beach to explore and a gorgeous lighthouse. I suggest checking out the Tule Elk Reserve and other attractions at Tomales Point, and of course, the world-famous (or at least Instagram-famous) Cypress Tree Tunnel.
16) Redwood National Park, California
This park contains the tallest trees on Earth alongside miles of dramatic coastline. There are so many hikes to choose from, both coastal and inland, and they all offer incredible sightseeing--both in the form of nature views and endless potential to catch a glimpse of the animals that make this place their home (my favorite are the elk). I also wrote a post about the best places to visit near the Redwoods, if you're looking for some extra fun outside of the park, too!
17) Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's paradise. The old ranges hold a world of forests, dreamy lakes, and alpine tundra, and seeing wildlife here is all but guaranteed--I lost count of how many deer and elk we spotted here! If hiking is your think, check outmy list of top 5 hikes in the park.
18) Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Small but stunning, Snow Canyon is a state park two hours west of Grand Staircase. It's full of amazing things to see, from lava caves to a slot canyon. I only spent a day here the last time I went, but I've been dying to visit again ever since.
19) Yosemite, California
Stunning waterfalls and glacier-hewn valleys contribute to making Yosemite the fifth most popular National Park in the US. My suggestion? Avoid the tourist crowd and visit either in the off-season, or spend most of your time outside Yosemite Valley, where there are far less people and equally stunning views.
20) Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is a miniature Eden right in the middle of Utah, with its stunning mountains, gorgeous waterfalls and smooth rivers. I wrote an entire post about it here, but for hiking recommendations, I have to suggest Upper and Lower Emerald Pools trail, and the Narrows.
And there we have it! 20 places to camp in your 20s. What other cool spots in the Western US are great to camp at? Share your stories down below :)
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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