- Why we love to spend our camping time and dollars in National Parks -
Ever visited in a National Park? They are our nation's most scenic and significant places, and their beauty is protected for current and future generations.
Here's why we like to spend our money there:
Because a national park is a park in use for conservation purposes, created and protected by our national government. Often it is a reserve of natural land with a common idea: the conservation of 'wild nature' for posterity and as a symbol of national pride. These parks generally have the following characteristics:
They contain one or more ecosystems that have been mostly untouched by human exploitation or occupation
Resident plant and animal species are of special scientific, educational, and recreational interest or which contain a natural landscape of great beauty
Visitors are allowed to enter, under special conditions, for inspirational, educative, cultural, and recreative purposes
Here's why we like to spend our time there:
In addition to all of the above, you can't go far in a national park without running in to a knowledgeable ranger who is eager to share with you the facts they are passionate about. They are a wealth of knowledge and often times offer "ranger talks" in the campgrounds. You can see their delight when you ask them a question.
If you plan in advance, staying at campgrounds within the national park boundaries is definitely worthwhile. In our experience thus far, they are usually more sophisticated and spacious than a typical campground. Plan in advance - these sites typically book out 6+ months out. Top recommendations: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park; Mazama Village, Crater Lake National Park.