Alternative to the Crowds and Congested Camping in a National Park
There is little doubt that national parks located west of the Mississippi River attract lots of visitors. According to the Department of Interior, national parks in this area received 331 million visits in 2017 and the number are only increasing year after year. Anyone who has visited a national park has experienced the cheek-to-jowl crowds and can attest to the staggering statistic. What many do not realize is one must pass through at least one national forest to reach a national park. So why not take advantage of those alternative campgrounds?
Are national forests a good overall alternative to national parks?
The unique landscapes and extensive wildlife found in national parks are what attract most visitors to national parks. However, one doesn’t have to limit exploration to just national parks. National forests are load with the same attractions. What is identified as a reason to visit a national park can be found in a neighboring national forest. Plus, a national forest do not have the crowds or congestion found in a national park, nor an entrance fee.
Some suggested alternatives to national park campgrounds
National Park National Forest Suggested Campground
Glacier Flathead Big Creek (west of Park)
Helena-Lewis & Clark Summit (south of Park)
Olympic Olympic Klahowya
Crater Lake Rogue River Farewell Bend
Lassen Volcano Lassen Battle Creek (south of park)
Lassen Big Pine (north of park)
Yosemite Stanislaus Diamond O (west of park)
Inyo Tioga Lake (east of park)
Sequoia Sequoia Hume Lake
Grand Canyon Kaibab DeMotte Park (north rim)
Kaibab Ten-X (south rim)
Bryce Dixie Red Canyon
Capitol Reef Fishlake Singletree
Mesa Verde San Juan Target Tree
Rocky Mountain Arapaho Stillwater
Grand Teton Teton Atherton Creek
Yellowstone Gallatin Bakers Hole (west of Park)
Gallatin Beaver Creek (west of Park)
Shoshone Threemile (east of Park)
Gallatin Eagle Creek (north of Park)
The suggested developed national forest campgrounds on this list are within an “easy” drive of the adjacent Park. I’ve provided a link to the U.S. National Forest Campground website’s detailed description for each campground listed. Note: The number of suggested campgrounds has been seriously limited. There are more possibilities found on www.forestcamping.com.
