The Most Popular National Parks and How to Camp There (Without Losing Your Mind)

From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon, America’s national parks offer a breathtaking array of landscapes, teeming with unique flora and fauna. As more people are drawn to the great outdoors, competition for campsites can get as fierce as a bear protecting its cubs. Fear not, intrepid adventurer! In this article, we’ll explore the top national parks and provide you with helpful tips to secure your campsite without losing your cool (or your sanity).

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

With over 12 million annual visitors, the Great Smoky Mountains reign supreme as the most visited national park in the United States. Its popularity can be attributed to the smoky haze that shrouds the peaks, creating an ethereal atmosphere that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. While the park’s wildlife is a sight to behold, remember to maintain a respectful distance from the black bears—no selfie is worth getting mauled!

Booking tip: Campsites at the Great Smoky Mountains fill up faster than a bear can swipe honey from a beehive. Reservations are accepted up to six months in advance, so start planning early. Visit Recreation.gov to book your campsite and let the countdown to adventure begin!

2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Visiting the Grand Canyon is a humbling experience, reminding you of your small place in this vast world. You can expect stunning views, exhilarating hiking trails, and the occasional existential crisis as you gaze into the abyss.

Booking tip: Booking a campsite at the Grand Canyon can feel like trying to win the lottery. Luckily, the odds are in your favor if you book six months ahead. Head to Recreation.gov for reservations and prepare to feel small in the best way possible.

3. Yosemite National Park (California)

Home to the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite’s granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls are enough to make even the most seasoned adventurer weak in the knees. Just be sure to watch your step around those slippery waterfalls, or you might end up in an impromptu white-water rafting adventure.

Booking tip: Campsites at Yosemite can be as elusive as Bigfoot, but fear not! Reservations open in monthly blocks, with availability for May through September released on the 15th of each month, five months in advance. Stay glued to your computer and be ready to book on Recreation.gov the moment reservations open.

4. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

From geysers that shoot water skyward like a rocket to herds of majestic bison roaming the plains, Yellowstone is the ultimate playground for nature enthusiasts. Just don’t get too close to those geysers—unless you’re in the mood for an impromptu steam bath.

Booking tip: Campsites at Yellowstone are hotter than Old Faithful, so make your reservations early. The park offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. For reservable sites, head to Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. For first-come, first-served sites, channel your inner early bird and arrive at the campground as early as possible.

What if all of the campgrounds are sold out?

We’ve all been there: after hours of planning and stalking the reservation websites, you find the perfect campsite, only to discover it’s completely sold out. Fret not, fellow outdoor enthusiast, because there’s a solution for your camping woes! YesYouCamp.com, is a website that’s like a fairy godmother for campsite reservations. YesYouCamp increases your chances of landing a coveted campsite, even when it seems impossible.

How YesYouCamp works:

1. Effortless Sign-Up: Simply provide basic information about your desired campsite, including the national park, preferred dates, and any other specific requirements.
2. Constant Monitoring: Once your preferences are locked in, YesYouCamp.com gets to work, tirelessly monitoring campsite availability in real-time. Their cutting-edge technology searches for cancellations, changes, or newly released sites that fit your criteria.
3. Instant Notifications: If a campsite matching your preferences becomes available, YesYouCamp.com will swoop in like a bald eagle on the hunt and send you an instant notification via email or text message, so you can act fast and reserve your spot.
4. Peace of Mind: With YesYouCamp.com’s vigilant monitoring and prompt notifications, you can sit back and relax, knowing that your camping fairy godmother is on the lookout for the perfect site.
5. Free: While YesYouCamp provides paid options (for more frequent monitoring and better chances of getting a campground), many users get their perfect campsite for no YesYouCamp charge at all.