Long believed to have healing properties many people sought out the mineral springs that flowed through what is now the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The nearby town of Sulphur sprang up in the 1890s and promoted these supposed healing powers. After awhile when it started getting popular, the residents decided they didn’t want to “overuse” the springs but rather preserve them. In 1902 the Department of the Interior bought the springs and 690 acres of land from the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations and turned it into Platt National Park.

A lot of the waterfalls and trails that you see throughout the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. They also planted over 500,000(!) trees, built pavilions, and paved roads. In 1976 Arbuckle Recreation area and other lands were combined along with Platt National Park to make this impressive 10,000-acre recreation area. Eventually the name was changed to Chickasaw National Recreation Area to recognize the Chickasaw Nation’s hand in helping establish the park.

Lake of the Arbuckles in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Lake of the Arbuckles has 36 miles of shoreline and a total surface area of 2,350 acres. That leaves plenty of room to fish, waterski, swim, or just relax on a pontoon boat. The water is crystal clear and offers fantastic visibility.

There are boat ramps near The Point, Buckhorn, and Guy Sandy campgrounds. Canoes, personal watercraft, and boats are all allowed on the lake. PWCs are only allowed from sunup to sundown. If you’re waterskiing, having a spotter along with the boat operator is required. Popular fish to catch include largemouth bass, catfish, and white crappie. You will need an Oklahoma license to fish; you can pick one up at the Chickasaw Visitor Center. Permits for boats and PWCs can be purchased near the boat ramps and are required.

Swimming is allowed in the lake during the day, just stay away from fishing docks and boat ramps.

Camping at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

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There are six campgrounds, three are in the Platt Historic District and three are around the Lake of the Arbuckles. To make reservations, go to the Recreation.gov website. Campsites are $20/$30 for non-utility/utility sites. Group sites are $30/50 depending on how big your group is. All sites have the standard fire pit, picnic table and grill.

Platt Historic District

Cold Springs, Rock Creek and Central are all in the Platt District. They have wooded campsites, and water spigots are scattered around the grounds, but there are no electric hookups. They have flushable toilets and sinks with running water in the restrooms, but no showers. Rock Creek (99 sites) and Central (10 sites) are only open during the summer, Rock Creek is a group only campsite.

Cold Springs has 65 campsites, sits along the Travertine Creek, and is open year-round. The sites are nicely wooded and can get relatively private. It’s set up for mainly tent camping, but small RVs may fit, basically, if you’re less than 20′ you’re probably good.

Close to the Nature Center and Travertine Creek, these are great campsites for families. You’ll want to check the Facility Information tab when you make reservations though, as there are special rules like no alcohol allowed between May 1st through September 30th (yes, really).

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Lake of the Arbuckles District

Campgrounds Buckhorn and The Point are on the north side of the lake and Guy Sandy is on the southwest side. Guy Sandy campground has 40 sites, no electricity, and no showers. Due to storm damage, it is closed until further notice.

The Point campgrounds are on the west side of Rock Creek and can be accessed from the west side of the town of Sulphur. There are 55 campsites on two loops and they’re open year-round. 12 of the sites have electricity and the water spigots are interspersed throughout the campgrounds.

All sites are wooded, and some are even close to the shore (guess which ones are hard to get). There is a shower in the lower loop with running water in the bathrooms.

On the northeast side of Lake of the Arbuckles is Buckhorn campground and can be accessed via Highway 177. Four loops (A,B,C,D) with 134 sites, loops C and D are open year-round and have 34 and 49 sites, about half have electricity. All loops have modern showers and restrooms. Loops A and B have 46 campsites and are first come, first served during the summer season and no electricity.

While you’re close to the shoreline on some sites at Buckhorn, there are none that are directly on the water.

Hiking at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Most of the trails at Chickasaw National Recreation Area are easy or moderate and are usually wide enough for strollers. Dogs are allowed on the trails except for the trails east of the Nature Center, just keep Rusty on a leash. Bikes are also allowed on the trails, so bikers/hikers, keep an eye out for each other.

Springs Trail

This trail starts at the Travertine Nature center and is a one-mile hike round trip over a gravel path. The main trail follows Travertine Creek, which is fed by Buffalo and Antelope Springs. Along the way you’ll travel on a wide gravel path through wooded areas. There are side trails that go deeper into the woods and over the creek. The side trails are usually single wide and there is a little bit of elevation gain. Each is about .5 miles each and will add two miles to your hike if you take them all and they are not stroller friendly.

The main trail takes you to the headwaters of both Buffalo Springs and Antelope Springs. Buffalo Springs has been built up with a nice sitting area where you can sit and enjoy the springs in a shaded area. Antelope Springs was left natural and has a rocky hill behind the headwaters that you can climb if that’s your thing.

Travertine Creek Trail

This is an easy 1.5-mile trail that follows Travertine Creek from Pavilion Springs to the Travertine Nature Center. Mostly gravel over long slopes, some bridges, and a set of steps. Your feet might get wet, if the water is high enough it’ll cross the road over the bridges. Along the way you’ll pass Little Niagara, a popular spot for wading and swimming.

Bison Pasture in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Almost two miles of varying grades including elevation gain/loss, narrow passage, stairs, and steep grades make this a moderate hike. Don’t hop the fence otherwise you’ll go into an instant extreme hike due to the buffalo in the prairie! You can also access the Bromide Hill switchbacks from the Bison Pasture Trail (see below) climb them for a great view of the town of Sulphur and the windmills in the distance.

Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails

Bikers, hikers, horses, and dogs are all allowed on the Rock Creek Trails. The mostly gravel trails make up four trails from 2.1 miles to 4.4 miles one way. Trail travelers will follow rustic pathways through prairies and forested areas. They also go through a hunting area, so if you’re planning on taking this trail during hunting season, make sure to leave the camo at home and wear brightly colored clothing.

Veterans Lake

This trial is a paved 2.9-mile loop around Veterans Lake, perfect for a morning run or evening stroll. You’ll pass upland prairies, beaches and a hardwood forest.

Other Trails and Highlights in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Flower Park and Veterans Trails

There are miles of trails throughout the park that are wide gravel paths and are stroller/wheelchair accessible. In the Platt Historic area, you have easy access to Flower Park Trail which flows through a park with a water fountain. Veterans Trail connects Pavillion Springs to the Oklahoma Veterans Center with a 1/2-mile-long easy gravel path.

Swimming in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Lakes, creeks, and waterfall areas are popular swimming areas in the park. There are no lifeguards so swim at your own risk. In the summer during busy times, they do check bacteria levels in the popular swimming areas, you can see the results here.

In Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake, swimming is allowed as long as you’re not near the boat launches or fishing docks. Popular areas to swim are the picnic areas at the Point Campgrounds, and the picnic areas near the boat ramp at Buckhorn. Just be sure to stay away from the, you know, boat launches.

Little Niagara is a popular spot to cool off in the creek; there are pools that allow for floating and swimming. Swimming is allowed from the falls to anywhere downstream; swimming is not allowed east of Little Niagara.

Travertine Creek across from the Point campground is another spot people like to wade or chill in the pools below the falls. The springs will run dry from time to time, so if it’s a particularly dry season Travertine Creek might not be flowing.

Rock Creek’s popular areas to swim are the Black Sulphur Springs area and the Forty Foot Hole right off the loop on Cat’s Eye Road.

Lincoln Bridge

The Lincoln Bridge is located at the south end of Flower Park and was the first major improvement to Platt National Park. It was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th, 1909. Its picturesque qualities have made it a focal point of the park in pictures for over 100 years.

Bromide Hill

To get to Bromide Hill climb the switchbacks accessed from the Bison Pasture Trail or do it the easy way and drive to the top. The switchbacks are steep and narrow and are a great climb if you’re in shape for it. Otherwise, you can drive to the parking lot on Perimeter Road and take a short hike for spectacular views of the town of Sulphur and surrounding areas.

The Leeper House

Once used as a courthouse, school, and community center, this 1894 brick house was originally built as a family residence for Graves Leeper and his family. The only known building remaining from the original town of Sulphur Springs is now used as a ranger station.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a perfect spot to cool off in the summer or enjoy a relaxing hike in the spring or fall. If you’re in the Dallas or Oklahoma City area or even if you’re going to be driving through, you should definitely spend a day or two there.

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The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the busiest National Park by far, almost three times as many visitors as second place Grand Canyon. The busiest days in the Great Smoky Mountains are predicted to be when the leaves are at peak color from Oct. 10th – Oct. 26th. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it’s probably better to stay away from the busiest days in the busiest park. You may not avoid the crowds completely, but if you follow these tips, you should be alright.

Check the calendar, fortunately, the NPS has a calendar of predicted peak congestion days. Red Diamond days are bad if you’re looking for solitude, or parking for that matter. Red Diamond Days are predicted for the aforementioned Oct. 10-26th, Oct 4, 5, 29th, and the first two weekends in November. If those are the only days that you have available, or you’re really wanting to see the leaves peak season, then, do yourself a favor and change things up from the average tourist.

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Hike for Color Changes According to Elevation

There are over 150 trails in the park, some of which are extremely popular. If you want to hike one of those, go ahead, just be aware that it could get really crowded both on the trail and in the parking lot. The following is a list of moderately difficult trails that are not as popular but will offer great autumn views.

Leaves will generally change colors at the higher elevations first. If your window for leaf viewing is mid to late September, think about hiking Andrews Bald or The Jump Off. The first two weeks of October Albright Grove and Sugarland Mountain Trail are good mid-level trails to hike. Bonus, if you hike the late September trails in the first week of October, you’ll see colors both above and below you.

Good trails to take in the final half of October are Bullhead and Mt Sterling. If you’re looking for an easy trail to take the kids on, Baskins Creek Falls is a 3-mile trail with waterfalls.

Mid to late October is screaming Red Diamond Days. If this is the only time that you can get there you don’t have to resign yourself to being shoulder to shoulder on the trail if you’re smart about it. According to the park service, most people get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between 10 and 11 am. The park is open 24 hours, and they don’t put away the leaves at night. So, if you want to beat the crowds, set your alarm clock early and get to the trailhead by sun-up.

In November, if you can get out on a weekday, you can hike the popular trails and they most likely won’t be crowded. Good trails to hike are Abrams Falls, Rainbow Falls trail, or the Oconaluftee River trail. You can probably even take the Cades Cove Loop and not be bumper to bumper.

If you want to camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out our guide conveniently located right here!

Hiking With the Dogs at Great Smoky Mountains

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You can’t leave Rusty at home while you’re living up the brisk autumn life in the Great Smoky Mountains, but not all trails are dog friendly. There are various reasons for dogs not being allowed in certain places in the park. Safety of the dog is the main one. Nothing ruins a family fall outing faster than watching the family pet get eaten by a bear.

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along the road, all while on a leash. There are also two trails that allow dogs, again, on a leash. The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail are both listed as easy trails with limited elevation gain and gravel paths.

The Gatlinburg trail follows the Little River and offers views of old Smoky Mountains homesteads as well as evidence of the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire. Another feature is you’ll cross one of the park’s longest footbridges. Bikes are allowed on the Gatlinburg trail, so keep an eye out for them to keep both your pet and the biker safe.

The Oconaluftee trail follows the namesake river and is on the North Carolina side of the park. The gravel path with a 70-foot elevation gain offers views of a host of trees. Dogwood, basswoods, sycamores, and buckeyes bloom for the spring hiker, and the asters change for the fall hiker.

Alternative Ways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Everybody likes to have the convenience of their own vehicle at their disposal, but if there’s no place to park, what’s the use? There’s nothing worse than having that $5 parking money burning a hole in your pocket, but you can’t pay the parking fee if you can’t park.

If you’re staying close outside the park, you can always Uber or Lyft yourself straight to the trailhead. Another alternative is the shuttle system. The National Park Service has a list of shuttle services that they recommend. Some will give you a ride to your preferred trailhead, others will drop off at popular destinations, even others have guided tours to go along with the ride.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park list of shuttles can be found here.

Keep it Clean in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Use the provided receptacles for your trash, if there are none, pack it out. Don’t ever feed the bears! We’ve all seen Yogi, we know what happens when you feed the bears, so don’t do it. If you’re backwoods camping, don’t leave anything behind, and definitely don’t bury something that you don’t feel like carrying and act like you’re doing nature a favor (yes, it happens).

Be sure to check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for an updated list of closures before you go.

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Mesa Verde was the home of the Puebloan people as far back as 550 AD. In the late 1100s they moved from the Mesas to the cliffs where the overhanging structures offered protection from the elements. They built houses and lived among the cliffs for many years. After about 600 years the people started moving away and nobody is really sure why.

The only places to stay in the park are the Far View Lodge and Morefield Campground. Both are closed during the winter months. Operating dates generally start the third week of April, and they usually close around the third week of October. If you’re going to stay in the lodge, it’s $135 per night, if you’re camping or hanging out in the RV it’s a $38 dollars per night. Although lodging in the park is only available from April to October, Mesa Verde is open year-round. If you’re there during the winter months, or can’t find room in the park, the town of Cortez is about fifteen minutes away and they have a selection of hotels and restaurants.

The entrance to Mesa Verde is a scenic thirty-minute drive to the visitor center and main cliff dwellings. Along the way you’ll pass the campground and lodge, along with several fantastic overlooks.

There are nearly 600 cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, but these are the five main cliff dwelling archeological sites.

• Balcony House
• Cliff Palace
• Long House
• Square Tower House
• Step House

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Balcony House

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To get to this you need to climb up a ladder on the side of a cliff! No problem, it’s only a 32-foot ladder. There are 40 rooms in the dwelling, and you can only get there on a ranger guided tour. Once you’ve scaled the entrance ladder there are more ladders and even a tunnel that you go through. The tour lasts about an hour and is an adventurous tour, if you’re not afraid of heights, put this one on your list.

Cliff Palace

At 150 rooms Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park, not to mention the most famous. Made out of the surrounding sandstone, the rooms were constructed with sandstone, wooden beams, and mortar. Ranger led tours are available for Cliff Palace. You traverse about 1/4 mile during the hour-long tour, and you’ll climb four ladders.

Long House in Mesa Verde National Park

The Long house is on the Mesa Top Loop Road, which forks off the main road in the Far View Area, this is a long way from the Cliff Palace and Balcony House, so keep that in mind when you’re making plans. There are 150 rooms and is the second largest dwelling in the park. It’s a two-mile trip that features ladders and an elevation gain of 130 feet. The ranger led tour lasts about 90 minutes.

Step House

You don’t need reservations for the Step House. It’s a self-guided tour of an area that was inhabited from 600 CE to 1200 CE. It has both pit houses from the early Puebloans to the cliff dwellings of the most recent inhabitants. The one-mile hike takes you on a dirt paved trail with stairs. Be sure to plan your hike so that you’re at the entrance before the 2:45 pm cut-off.

Square Tower House

If you want to go to the Square Tower House, you’re going to have to pay for it, physically. This strenuous hike features drop-offs, switchbacks, two ladders, and a walk along a narrow cliff ledge. Plus, scrambling over boulders and hiking steep gravel trails that descend 120 feet, all at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Reservations are required for the once daily ranger led tour. Once you get there, you’ll find the tallest structure in the park with an intact Kiva Roof and surrounding rock art. We shouldn’t need to say this but be sure to bring plenty of water.

Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park

Other than the trails to the dwellings, there are more trails in the park.

Petroglyph Point Trail

The appropriately name Petroglyph Point Trail is a 2.5-mile loop strenuous trail that gives you great views of Navajo and Spruce Canyons. The turnaround is at Petroglyph Point which gives you even more views of the Spruce Tree House, and you’ll see petroglyphs along the way.

Spruce Canyon Trail

The Spruce Canyon Trial is another strenuous trail with a 558 feet elevation change. Descending down to Spruce Canyon on a trail with numerous switchbacks, the diverse ecosystem of Mesa Verde is visible.

Soda Canyon Overlook

The Soda Canyon Overlook Trail is an easy hike through a pinyon-juniper forest that takes you to an overlook of the Balcony House and other cliff dwellings.

Knife Edge Trail at Mesa Verde National Park

If you’re looking for great sunset views, hop on this easy two-mile roundtrip trail along the old park road.

Point Lookout Trail

A moderate 2-mile trail with a 400-foot elevation change will give you spectacular views of the San Juan and La Plata mountains.

Prater Ridge Trail

You’re going to have to bulk up for this almost 8-mile trail with a 675-foot elevation change. Climb 1.1 miles to the top of Prater Ridge and you have your choice of the north loop, the south loop, or both. The north loop follows the edge of the mesa and overlooks Montezuma Valley, if you choose the south loop, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Prater and Morefield Valleys.

The Far View Sites in Mesa Verde National Park

Explore what used to be the Puebloan farming community between 900 and 1300 AD. Archeological sites on top of the mesa demonstrate how people lived and farmed. You can see the remains of an old reservoir, along with the Far View House, and four other dwellings.

Sun Temple

This ceremonial structure on Wetherhill Mesa had walls as high as 14 feet when it was built. From the overlook you get a great view of Cliff Palace.

If you’re going to Mesa Verde National Park for just a day or two, then Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Petroglyph Trail should be on your to do list. For more than that, explore until you’re exhausted, you won’t regret it.

Between April and October is the best time to visit since the tours are active at that time and the Far View Lodge and Morefield campground are open.

Once you’re done with Mesa Verde, your next adventure should be Toroweap Overlook on the Grand Canyon North Rim

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Take a week to explore southwest and take an epic Colorado to Arizona road trip. Canyons, mountains, and ancient ruins highlight an adventure you’ll always remember.

This isn’t a circular trip, it has a start point and an end point that are hundreds of miles from each other. It’s up to you to get to the starting point. If you’re coming from the west, then by all means start at Toroweap Overlook and work your way west. The great thing about this trip is that it’s scalable, you can spend 1 night at all places, or you can mix up your stay length to suit your interests.

Starting Point: Durango Colorado

The start to this Colorado to Arizona Road trip begins in Durango, Colorado. Durango is the gateway to the San Juan National Forest. It’s also the gateway to days of adventure. Ziplines, river rafting, and hiking/biking trails are all within reach. If you want to slow it down a bit, there are museums, hot springs, fishing, and golfing.

Jump on board the 140-year-old Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad. Take in the views as you ride along rivers, into canyons, and over bridges. Cascade Canyon and the mining town of Silverton are popular day trips. Also offered are adventure packages that include ziplining on 56-1,400-foot ziplines, 27 different lines total. It’s the United States largest zipline course and the only way to get there is by rail. They also have rail-to-river raft tours, and rail-to-jeep tours. The train ride itself is pretty reasonable (starting at $98), but the Adventure Packages can get a bit pricey, $600 per person for the zipline, $227 for the raft, and $335 for the jeep package.

There are over 2,000 miles of hiking/biking trails around Durango, 300 miles are within 30 minutes of downtown. There is everything from a grueling 6 mile long, 2,000-foot elevation change trail, to a paved 7-mile trail that runs along the Animas River.

You could spend a week in Durango and not run out of things to do, but, once you do your next destination on this epic Colorado to Arizona road trip is waiting for you.

Mesa Verde National Park is the Second Stop on This Colorado to Arizona Road Trip

Mesa Verde is about 75 minutes west of Durango in southwestern Colorado. The park was established in 1906 and preserves more that 600 cliff dwellings that were built starting about 1,400 years ago. For 700 years the ancestral Pueblo people inhabited this area until cold and drought drove them to other places in New Mexico and Arizona.

The only places to stay in the park are the Far View Lodge and Morefield Campground. Both are closed during the winter months. Current operating dates are the third week of April to the third week of October. Rates are $135 per night for the lodge, and $38 for RV or tent camping. The city of Cortez is about a 15-minute drive from the park entrance and has lodging and restaurants.

The entrance to Mesa Verde is a thirty-minute scenic drive to the visitor center and cliff dwellings.

There are five guided tours of the cliff dwellings, pretty much the only way to make reservations is online at recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777. Make sure that you reserve your spot before you get there otherwise you’ll risk being left stranded on the curb while the tour leaves.

Cliff Palace and Balcony House are near the visitor center, have multiple tours per day, and can both be done in one day. Square Tower House, Long House, and Step House are considered “backcountry” and are only toured once a day.

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Cliff Palace

The largest cliff dwelling in the United States. You’ll go up and down ladders and stone steps, total distance is about 1/4 mile. The tour takes about an hour.

Balcony House

If you don’t mind climbing ladders up to 32′ while on the side of a cliff, this one’s for you. Bonus, at the top you get to climb through a tunnel. This one is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely an hour that’s worth it.

Square Tower House

The tallest structure in the park is the Square Tower House, it features a roof, intact plaster and paint. The two-hour tour includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, two ladders, and a narrow cliff ledge. All being done at 7,000 – 7,500 feet in altitude.

Long House

The trip to the Long House is over two miles and lasts about 90 minutes. When you get there you’ll find the second largest dwelling in the park with over 150 rooms.

Step House

No reservations are needed for the Step House. It has both pit houses (about 600 CE) and cliff dwellings (1200 CE) to cover the span of the Puebloan inhabitation. It’s self-guided but there are rangers that are there from time to time to answer questions.

There are several hiking trails in Mesa Verde National Park. All but one are considered strenuous and are at 7,000-foot elevation. The Petroglyph trail is a 2.5-mile trail with elevation changes and great views. It starts out at the Visitor Center and there really are petroglyphs along the way.

On your way to the next location, make sure to stop at Four Corners Monument. There you’ll be able to stand in four states at the same time and buy some souvenirs from Native Americans.

Page, Arizona/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

About four hours west of Mesa Verde is Page Arizona, a small town on Lake Powell. One of the most popular things to do is to rent a houseboat and cruise around Lake Powell for awhile. While the lake is low compared to its historic levels, there are still a lot of canyons to explore.

Two other main attractions in the area are Horseshoe Bend, you’ll know it when you see the pic, and Antelope Canyon. Both are in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area and require an entry fee ($15-$30). Despite how remote it looks; Horseshoe Bend is right off the highway. Park in the parking lot which is owned by the City of Page, and they want their $10. After you pay, it’s just a short 1 1/2 mile hike up to the rim that overlooks the Colorado River. Make sure to bring your camera, because you’ll definitely want to post it to the gram.

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Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, and you must have a tour guide to enter. There are multiple tour operators that’ll take you through the canyons, prices range from $65 – $100. Tours are about 1 1/2 hours long, but if you’re a photographer they have special tours that go to less crowded areas so you can get spectacular shots.

Before you leave town, sign up for a tour of the Glenn Canyon Dam.

The Grand Canyon North Rim

On your two-hour trip from Page to the North Rim, you’ll pass over Marble Canyon on the Navajo Bridge. You’ll want to take some time here, when the new bridge was built in 1993, they converted the old bridge to a pedestrian bridge. Now you’ve got great views, you can look for and photograph the California Condor who frequent the bridge, and you don’t have to worry about being hit by a car. There is also an interpretive center on the west side of the canyon.

Unfortunately for the remainder of 2025 the Grand Canyon North Rim is closed due to fires. Jacob Lake and Toroweap Overlook are still open.

There is one campground in the Grand Canyon on the North Rim, and one lodge in the park. If you make reservations early it’s usually easy enough to find accommodations. If you don’t have any luck with those, there’s a great campground about 15 minutes north of the park, Demotte campground in the Kaibab National Forest campsite rates are $38 a night. There is also the Kaibab Lodge, which offers small rooms for $142 per night. A little further away, about an hour and a half from the entrance is Jacob Lake. There you can hike, horseback ride, and camp at the Jacob Lake Campground.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers views that are unmatched and fantastic hiking. For a relatively easy hike with wonderful views take the 1/2-mile Angel Point Trail to Angel Point. A little more strenuous hike is the 2.1-mile Uncle Jim Trail. Offering great views of the canyon but keep your eye out because this loop trail is used by mules also.

The North Kaibab Trail is the most popular trail on the North Rim. It stretches all the way down to the Colorado River in the bottom of the canyon. There are multiple popular turnaround spots for day hikers with up to 2,200′ of elevation change. Make no mistake, this is a strenuous hike so be prepared by taking plenty of water and fuel for your body. The North Kaibab Trail is also the starting point for the “rim-to-rim” challenge, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The Grand Canyon North Rim should be on everybody’s bucket list. It’s less crowded than the South Rim, and it’s also 1,000′ higher. It has wonderful views, and you can hike for days on a different trail each day.

Toroweap Overlook is The Last Stop on this Colorado to Arizona Road Trip

A three hour sometimes very rough drive from the Grand Canyon is the Tuweep area of Arizona. Named by the Native Americans who lived there, the Tuweep area is a high elevation plateau. High clearance vehicles are recommended for this trip due to the terrain you’ll be crossing. Getting there is half the fun, the other half is spent walking right up to the edge of a 3,000 foot drop off and exploring the cliffs around the overlook.

There is a remote campground with no facilities, but what it lacks in creature comforts it makes up for in nighttime views! No light pollution in this part of the country means that you can gaze up and see more stars than you ever have in your life. This is a great overnight trip from the Grand Canyon, or you can do it in a day. Just check the weather because the road does get impassable when it rains.

That’s the trip, now it’s time to turn back around and go home unfortunately. This is a great trip for a week, or even two weeks or however long that you want to get lost for. If you love it so much that you want to stay at the Grand Canyon indefinitely, you’re going to have to go to the South Rim, because the North Rim will close in the middle of October.

For more detailed information about Toroweap Overlook just click on over here.

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As of July 2025, the North Rim is closed due to fires that are in the area and expected to be closed for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, the only National Park lodge on the North Rim burned down. While the North Rim is shut down in the park, Toroweap Overlook is still open.

Did you know that you can take a short drive from the North Rim to an intimate setting at Toroweap Overlook and have spectacular views of the Grand Canyon without the crowds?

There’s no doubt about it; the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the star of the Grand Canyon show. It has a village featuring hotels, shops, campgrounds, and outfitters. And all those amenities bring along crowds, you know, the whole “if you build it” thing. Of course, the views are just fantastic, I guess that helps a little! But if you head on over to the North Rim, you will get the same spectacular views with less crowds. You’ll have to give up some of the comforts that the South Rim offers, but you’ll have a less crowded experience. If you want to really cut down on crowds you can venture over to Toroweap Overlook and walk right up to the edge of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon North Rim

While it may not be as crowded as the south side, visiting the north side of the Grand Canyon does have a drawback. The North Rim is only open from May 15th to October 15th and is completely shut down in the winter. So, if you wanted to take in the snow-covered canyon views from the north side, you’re out of luck.

The North Rim isn’t as well equipped for big crowds as the South Rim, but it does have a lodge, visitor center, a campground, and even a saloon. The lodge and campground fill up quickly so be sure to make reservations for your trip well in advance. You can make reservations on the park website up to six months in advance. If the campground is full, there are other campgrounds in the area that you can stay at, and they don’t fill up as fast. There’s a handy list of them here.

The North Rim Elevation is over 8,000 feet. You can hike down to the bottom or until you feel like turning around from the North Rim. If you want to do the rim-to-rim challenge, it’s 21 miles to the top of the South Rim. Either way it’s strenuous, so make sure that you don’t overexert yourself. There are also easier trails that you can go on that will give you a great view of the canyon. Trail information can be found here.

Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap Overlook is in the Tuweep region, the longtime home to the southern Paiute people, who named the area. The Tuweep region is the epitome of remote, the last 61 miles is down a gravel road that features sharp rocks, washboarding, and dust, plenty of dust. When you finally reach the ranger station, there’s another 4 miles that require a high clearance vehicle, preferably a four-wheel drive. In the rainy season it can be impassible, and it’s recommended that you have a way to patch and inflate tires if needed. Did I mention that there is no cell service, and if a tow truck is needed, and you somehow are able to contact them, it could be over a thousand-dollar charge.

The payoff for all that risk is the dramatic view in a tranquil setting. No crowds, in fact, you might be the only one there. You can walk right up to the edge. The Toroweap website says to watch your step due to the “fragile biological soil crust”, but really you should watch your step due to the three thousand foot drop off to the Colorado River. It’s called slickrock for a reason!

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There is a campground there if you’re so inclined, it’s primitive with no electric or water, and you must reserve a backcountry permit through the National Park Service website.

Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of traffic to Toroweap. It’s not theme park level crowded, but it’s enough for the National Park Service to restrict traffic. So now you have to obtain a Private Vehicle Day Permit, which is pretty easy, you can apply for one here. They also have a limit on how many vehicles in a group (the answer is 4), so adjust your group accordingly. Don’t be like Phil, who left a 1-star review because they wouldn’t let in his group of 9 vehicles.

There are also max people per group limits (11), and vehicle length limits (22 feet), and the cost per permit is $2.00. That’s just the fee to get there, another fee is charged for entry into the Overlook. You can use an America the Beautiful pass, or the entrance fee receipt from the Grand Canyon. If unsure, check at the park ranger office.

During monsoon season, July – September, the roads can get muddy and impassable, so be aware of the weather conditions before, during, and after, your visit. As was said above, it could be an expensive rainstorm if you get stuck.

Hiking at Toroweap Overlook

You could spend most of the afternoon just scrambling over rocks and taking in the views at Toroweap Overlook and be happy. If you want to explore the area more, there is hiking available.

There are two official hiking trails at Toroweap Overlook, one is a short 45-minute hike, and the other is a day hike. Shade is scarce and the terrain can be rough, so be sure to take plenty of water, and a good pair of hiking shoes. The trailheads are marked with signs and the trails have cairns dotted along the way.

Saddle Horse Loop Trail

A walk through a native plant garden leads you to fantastic views of the Colorado River 3,000 feet below. You’re able to walk right up to the edge of the canyon. The trail can be accessed near campground number 5.

Tuckup Trail

This easy to moderate 3-mile trail that was once a prospector’s path, takes you across slickrock and spits you out at Cove Canyon. Once there, listen for the Colorado River, you can actually hear it thousands of feet below while you’re enjoying the spectacular view. On your way there watch out for the cactuses that abound in the area, you probably don’t want to take a cactus spine in your foot home as a souvenir. Access this trail from campsite number 10.

No pets, bicycles, or vehicles are allowed on the trails, so leave Rusty and the Schwinn at home.

Camping at Toroweap Overlook

Camping at Toroweap Overlook is about as remote as you can get. No water or power, and the only facilities that you get are composting toilets and a picnic table.

There are nine small campsites available, and two vehicles are allowed per camp site. There is one large group campsite that allows up to four vehicles. Capacities are 1-6 people per small campsite and 7-11 people in the group campsite. The maximum length of vehicle allowed is 22 feet, so if you were envisioning four wheeling your 33′ Airstream to get there, think again.

Arrive to the campground by sunset, leave the charcoal grill, and firewood at home, it’s not allowed here. Pack out all trash, and 7 nights are the max stay per trip.

Backcountry permits for overnight stays and campground reservations are available online at recreation.gov. Permits must be purchased 5 days in advance of your stay, so don’t put it off until you get there, you might find yourself with nowhere to camp as permits cannot be purchased at Tuweep.

Read about more remote camping at another national park, this one is in a tropical setting. Dry Tortugas National Park is situated 78 miles from Key West and can only be accessed by seaplane or boat!

Getting to Toroweap Overlook

There are two different ways to get to Toroweap Overlook depending on if you’re coming from the east or the west.

If you’re coming from the North Rim, or Kanab, Utah, take the Sunshine Route. You will get on AZ 389 West, in Fredonia, AZ. 8 miles west of Fredonia take County 109 to County 5 to County 115. Once you get on County 109, sit back and buckle up, you’re starting on a 61-mile dirt road trip that ends at the Overlook.

If St George, Utah is your starting point, take UT-9 to UT 59 towards Colorado City, AZ. UT-59 turns into AZ-389 once you get into Arizona. Just east of Colorado City, you will turn right onto County 5, turn onto County 115 just after Broad Canyon, take 115 to the Overlook. Warning about this route, it’s known as the Clayhole Route and it’s impassable when it’s wet.

These routes probably sound confusing, but Google can get you there, just be sure to download the map before you get out of cell phone range.

It’s a challenge to get to Toroweap Overlook, it is a full day trip no matter which way you are coming from, but the payoff in views and experiences is well worth it.

The post Toroweap Overlook: Dramatic Views of the Grand Canyon North Rim appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland Florida is a playground for watersports. Whether you’re into snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, or maybe you just like to relax on an innertube on crystal clear water, this is the place for you. And, as the name of the park suggests, there are manatees that visit during the year.

If you’re more of a stay on land type of person, there are 8.5 miles of trails for biking and walking. For the fisherman, fishing is available on the Suwannee River, where you can catch bass, sunfish, and catfish.

If you want to stay at Manatee Springs State Park, they have 80 campsites that are split for RVs and tents.

Manatees at Manatee Springs State Park

When the water in northern Florida starts to get cold, manatees will head to warmer waters. It’s unsafe for manatees to stay in water below 68 F, but, fortunately for them, the spring water in Manatee Springs State Park stays right around 72 F year-round. And fortunately for you, there are about 20 manatees that show up at the park from November to April.

If you find yourself in the water at the same time as the manatees, please be aware that there are laws regarding touching and interacting with these gentle giants. Florida has a strict look, but don’t touch the manatee law, so don’t ever harass, try to touch, or chase a manatee.

Camping at Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park has 80 wooded campsites spread out over three loops. Each loop has showers and restrooms. Camp sites all have electricity and water, and pets are allowed, as long as you keep Rusty on a leash. The Hickory Camping Area has 20 campsites and is exclusively for tent campers. RV campers can spread out in the Magnolia 1 and 2 camping loops which offer 49 sites to set up camp. If you don’t mind intermingling, Magnolia 1 Loop also has 11 campsites for tent campers.

If you want to go all out and camp like your favorite influencer then you are in luck, because Manatee Springs State Park offers a glamping experience. Three sites are set up on the Hickory Loop. Just a few of the amenities included are pre-pitched tents, towels, bedside lights, and extra charging stations (because you never want to be ready to post to the “gram” and find that your battery is dead). Rates are $90-$225 a night depending on time of week, month, or year.

Check out the ultimate camping adventure in Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park!

Hiking at Manatee Springs State Park

There are 8.5 miles of hiking/biking trails in the park. They are split into three different trails; they are mostly easy trails with a max elevation gain of 59 feet. The Scenic Trail is almost 4 miles long, runs through a hardwood forest, and is a popular trail for birding. The Sinkhole Trail is a short and quick trail that features sinkholes that were formed many years ago. The Campground Trail is a 3-mile hike in the forest around the…campgrounds! All three trails are heavily wooded which will keep the sun off you in the Florida summer, and the Florida winter too, for that matter.

Hikers, keep a heads up because they do allow bikers on the trails, and bikers, be respectful of the hikers.

Snorkeling and Swimming at Mantatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a first-magnitude spring with a flow rate of 50 – 150 million gallons of water per day. With that much water movement the springs will stay clear as long as the Suwannee River isn’t overflowing.

Most of the year the springs are clear and offer spectacular snorkeling. If you’re looking for someplace to cool off in the summer this is the place to go. 72-degree water really refreshes and makes you forget about the heat.

The water does have a current, see the 50–150-million-gallon flow rate above, so it’s advisable to wear swim fins to help with navigating the waters.

Innertubes and swimming floats are allowed in the springs, just don’t forget to bring the pump, or a long-winded spouse.

The park can get a little crowded in the late morning/early afternoon, do yourself a favor and go early to stake out your spot.

Scuba Diving

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Scuba diving is permitted in the springs of the park. Certified Open Water Divers must register at the ranger station. Don’t forget your diving partner as you’re not allowed to dive as a single. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, don’t touch or remove any fossils or artifacts. Just leave them where they are so others may enjoy them.

You need to complete your dive at least one hour before sundown. And if you see any manatees, you’re required to stay at least 50 feet away.

Catfish Hotel is the body of water southwest of the springs and is the entrance to the caverns. While open water certified divers are allowed to dive the pond, you must be cave certified to enter the cavern. Remember, make sure to not dive beyond your abilities.

More info can be found on the park’s website here.

Kayaking and Canoeing

The Suwannee River runs right alongside Manatee Springs State Park and it’s a perfect place to do some paddling. If you don’t have a kayak, or you didn’t feel like loading one up, you are in luck as they rent kayaks at the concession stand.

Fishing is allowed from the shore or boats, but you’ll need a license from the Florida Wildlife Commission whether you are a local or a visitor.

The concession stand is open year-round, in addition to kayak rentals, they most likely have that thing that you forgot on the counter at home. Sunscreen, towels, and of course t-shirts. They also have a grill and other edibles if you somehow forgot the cooler.

There are pavilions available for rental, as well as first come first serve picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

Admission into the park is $4 for a vehicle with one person, $6 for a vehicle with 2-8 people and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists.

The post Manatee Springs State Park, The Place to Keep Your Cool in Florida appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Dry Tortugas National Park consists of 7 islands about 70 miles west of Key West. It is one of the least visited National Parks in the system as the only way to get there is by ferry, seaplane, or boat. If you want to camp, the only way to get your gear there is by ferry or boat. Getting a spot on the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park is relatively easy, getting a spot for camping at Dry Tortugas National Park is not. But, if you do get a chance to camp there, take it, even though it can be daunting if you’ve never done primitive camping before. You’ll find an article or two online as to what to expect but they don’t really have everything that you would like to know, until now.

Dry Tortugas gets its name from a couple of different sources. The Tortugas is due to all the turtles on the island when Ponce de Leon (that’s right, the fountain of youth guy) landed there, he called the land “Las Tortugas”. Since there was no fresh water on the islands, they would be labeled as “dry” on the mariner charts of the day.

The Keys of Dry Tortugas National Park

There are seven keys, or islands, that make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Unfortunately, four of them are closed to the public.

Hospital Key

Hospital Key is a small island that had a (wait for it) hospital on it for the prisoners and residents of Fort Jefferson. Hospital Key is closed to the public, most likely to contain the leftover hospital zombies.

East Key

East Key is the smallest of the keys, it’s pretty much just a sandbar that sits about 6 feet above the surf and is also closed to the public. While small, it still has a purpose as various types of flora and fauna inhabit the key along with a small collection of wildlife.

Middle Key

Middle Key is closed to the public because there are times when it’s not even above water. Seasonal weather and tidal conditions will cover the island for weeks and sometimes months.

Long Key

Long Key is connected to the east end of Bush Key by a sandbar. It’s a mid-sized key at 8,000 square meters filled with sand and trees and it’s also closed to the public.

Bush Key

Bush Key is located right next to Garden Key, separated by a channel that disappears from time to time. Known as Hog Key during the fort’s tenure due to the raising of hogs there for fresh meat for the residents of Fort Jefferson.

No more hogs are raised on the island as it’s a bird sanctuary for Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies. Bush Key is open to the public…only part of the year. It’s closed between February and September during nesting season.

Loggerhead Key

Loggerhead Key is the largest of the keys in the park and it’s open to the public! That’s right, it’s open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. The only way to get there is by small boat. It’s a three-mile paddle from Garden Key if you came by ferry. If you come on a private or commercial boat, there are mooring buoys around the island for you to tie off and then take a small boat in.

On the island there is a lighthouse and a couple of small buildings, including one that’s been deposited on the beach and broken in half. You’re not allowed to go into any of the buildings and be sure to stay on any pathways.

The coral reefs that are around Loggerhead Key are spectacular for snorkeling and diving. There is also the Windjammer shipwreck about a mile southwest of the island. It’s under 20 feet of water and is perfect for scuba diving.

Garden Key

Garden Key is the second largest of the Dry Tortugas National Park islands. It’s 14 acres includes beaches, tropical island trees, campgrounds, a fort, and a moat around the fort. The park headquarters are located on Garden Key, and this is where the ferry, seaplanes, campers, and private boaters check in.

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson takes up much of the land on Garden Key. Building of the fort started in 1846 and lasted for 30 years while never really being completed. That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t used though, it was one of the largest masonry forts in the nation at the time. During the Civil War, Fort Jefferson was used as a prison, it even housed four men involved with President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

The sheer size of the fort helped to keep the peace, as it was the biggest masonry fort built of its time. Why build such a massive fort in the middle of the ocean you ask? It’s actually in the middle of a very busy shipping lane and the Gulf Stream. All ships going to Europe and eastern North America from South America sail near there and any traffic that goes to the Mississippi River from the east passes by Fort Jefferson.

Show your love for Dry Tortugas National Park with our original Dry Tortugas National Park travel poster. Available in different sizes, and types, click here for more options.

Reservations for Camping at Dry Tortugas

This is the hard part. You don’t need reservations for the campsites, they’re first come, first serve, with an overflow area, but you have to get there! There are three ways to get to Dry Tortugas:

• The Yankee Freedom Ferry
• Private/commercial boat
• Charter a seaplane

Yankee Freedom Ferry

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The Yankee Freedom Ferry is the most economical way that campers get to Dry Tortugas. You’re allowed 60 lbs. of gear per person plus a cooler and all the water that you can carry. If you want to take a kayak with you (highly recommended!) they allow three kayaks per trip, and it costs $20 more. You’ll have to make sure that there is a slot available when you book your trip. They offer 1,2-, and 3-night trips and the cost is $240 per person, that includes the entrance fee into the park, but it doesn’t include the camp site cost, $15 per night.

To say that getting a camping reservation is hard would be an understatement. If you have a group of more than one then you will probably become very intimate with the Yankee Freedom staff through the phone. They do have an online reservation system right here. But go ahead and try to make reservations, you can do it now, that’s okay, I’ll wait…

Did you find any? Of course you didn’t, they are normally booked up at least six months in advance. They release openings at the beginning of the month for six months out. So, on May 1st, they will release campsite reservations for October. If you have flexibility, then you can log on every day and look for cancellations. One-night and two-night reservations do pop up regularly for one person, but multiple openings are rare and go quick. Three-night reservations are harder to come by, but they do show up time to time, just remember flexibility is the key.

If you keep in contact with the Yankee Freedom staff, they have an idea when there are going to be cancelations, so you’ll want to keep in contact with them. They won’t put you on a waiting list, there is no such thing.

There is a private Facebook account specifically for camping at Dry Tortugas, you should definitely join that one. People will post openings on that page. There are a couple more pages that you might want to look at, just do a Dry Tortugas Camping search.

Private/Commercial Boat

If you have a boat that can make it over 140 miles on one tank of fuel, you can camp in the park. There is no docking at the pier but there are buoys available to tie up to. Or you can charter a boat to take you to the island, there are outfitters that will take you for one or multiple days. You can check on Facebook for help on this also.

Seaplane Charter from Key West

Seaplane Adventures has regular half day and full day excursions, cost is about $800 per person. But due to weight and space restrictions, they won’t take campers.

Dry Tortugas Pre-Camping Prep

You’ve scored your tickets on Yankee Freedom, now what? For the most part, their Camping Information PDF that you can download is very informative and covers a lot of what you can and can’t take with you, but it still leaves some questions on a few subjects.

Disclaimer! What follows is what I have actually seen make it on to the boat, don’t blame me when you overload your bin by 50 pounds, and they make you leave your 1000-watt solar generator and your espresso machine on the dock because you “just can’t morning” without coffee!

Bins, Duffle Bags, Coolers, and Water

The Yankee Freedom Camping Information PDF actually shows you the best bins, duffle bags, and coolers to take. You don’t have to match them exactly, but you’ll want to get something within their size guidelines, so you make sure that it actually gets on the boat.

Bins

The Home Depot 27 Gallon yellow lid bin is by far the most popular, to prove it just take a look…

You can fit a lot of gear in it if you pack carefully, the only thing that you have to be watchful of is the weight. I was able to fit a four-person tent, 2 small tent fans (didn’t need them), flashlights, first aid kit, snorkel gear, extra camera gear, miscellaneous little camping gear, an air mattress, and battery powered inflator.

Duffle Bags

Go for the lightest bag that’ll fit your gear that you can find! If you load up that old canvas military bag that you’ve been lugging around for years, you’re probably losing 10% of your weight allowance.

Coolers

The max size of cooler that you can take is 100 quarts. The size of cooler that you take is going to depend on the size of your group, how long you’re staying, and what you’re planning to eat. Coolers don’t count against your total weight so you can pack as much ice and food as you want.

Water

You can take as much water as you need, do not put it in your bins, leave it separate. You can use refillable water jugs, or you can stock up on one, or five-gallon jugs at the grocery store. Figure at least 1 gallon per person per day.

Extras

Fishing gear, kayaks, and canopies are something that you see a lot of people take. The nice thing about having multiple people in your group going is you can redistribute weight and take some extra “luxury” stuff. There is great fishing around the island, just make sure that you have the proper license. Kayaks are limited to three per ferry trip, so you’ll really have to plan in advance for that. Even if they won’t fit in a bin, you can take a canopy, make sure that you keep your weight where it needs to be.

How Long to Camp at Dry Tortugas

The simplest answer is whatever’s available! Yankee Freedom offers trips of 1,2, and 3 nights. If you can only stay one night, pack as light as possible. I would use the first day for snorkeling and exploring the fort, it’s open until sundown, then you can take the guided Fort Jefferson Tour the second day.

Two nights is a good amount of time, the nice thing is after 5:00 P.M. the last of the seaplanes have gone for the day, and the park is left to you, your fellow campers and the park rangers.

Three nights is the best if you can get it. It gives you plenty of time to set up camp, explore the fort, seek out great photography shots, and get to know your neighbors.

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What Not to Pack When You’re Camping at Dry Tortugas

There are a few things that are not allowed in the park. First off, the only fuel that you can use for cooking food is Match Light type charcoal or Sterno, so plan your food schedule accordingly. No weapons are allowed on the ferry, also no liquid fuel or propane, and leave the fireworks at home.

Not allowed:

• Compressed gas of any kind
• Weapons, including axes, hunting knives, firearms, and machetes.
• Kerosene, white gas, or gasoline
• And of course, fireworks

What to Pack for Camping at Dry Tortugas

This is pretty subjective as some things that are absolutely necessary for one group may mean nothing to another. But, there are some things that are needed when camping at Dry Tortugas, and there is no place to buy something once you’re there (for the most part, will be explained later). Of course you’re going to take your normal camping gear, first aid kit, flashlights, plates, towels, utensils, cookware if needed, here’s the official list here.

You are not allowed to camp on Garden Key without a tent, so don’t try to save those 3 pounds and say that you’re just going to sleep in the sand. Pack your tent with a ground cover and stakes if you want them, I don’t know how much they really help in the sand. Keep your cooler in your tent, that way if the wind really starts to whip up, that’ll help keep it on the ground. Then if you really had your heart set to sleep in the sand, go ahead, just be ready to wake up with hermit crabs crawling all over you.

You’ll want to pack a lightweight, comfortable camp chair, unless you really find picnic tables to be the most comfortable place to sit for three days.

Depending on the time of year that you’re going, a sleeping bag might be comfortable if you’re going in the winter. Or you could just take a sheet and a light blanket. In June I only used a single sheet.

Tent fans are great when you’re camping in the middle of summer. In south Florida, they’re pretty much needed all year long. You don’t really need one if the wind is blowing, but on the really calm nights it will get hot, so best to throw one in with your gear.

You’ll want to have a lightweight rain jacket for inclement weather. You can check the forecast before you leave, but in the middle of the ocean, storms do pop up out of nowhere.

If you’re going to cook, and you actually have the weight allowance available for it, take some Match light charcoal. You probably won’t need a 20 lb. bag, just take enough to cover the meals that you’re planning on cooking.

If you have your own snorkel gear you can pack it, if you don’t, Yankee Freedom will supply you with gear for your stay.

A book or something to read. Surprisingly, there might be down time when you’re not exploring the wonders of the park. If you’re planning on using your phone/Kindle/tablet, just remember there is no power once you’re off the boat.

Take some type of wet wipe, there’s no running water, and the only toilets are compost type after the ferry leaves.

Cash. The only way to pay for your campsite is to put cash in an envelope at the Park Service drop box.

Clothes needed? Bathing suits, coverups and a good pair of walking sandals/shoes is pretty much all you need. Most of your days will be spent in the water, so bring plenty of bathing suits.

Trekking to Your Campsite at Dry Tortugas

At the Yankee Freedom Dock

You need to be at the Yankee Freedom dock, 100 Grinnell St, by six a.m. with all your gear. You can leave your car parked on the street while you unload and wait for them to check you in. Unload your equipment on the red pavers in front of the stanchions.

The ferry captain and other staff will come down and check all your stuff, yes, they will go through it to make sure that you don’t have prohibited items. They’ll also check the weight of you bins and other gear, so it’s best to be as close to 60 lbs. as possible, and they will pull out a scale.

Once all the campers are checked in, you’ll load your bins, duffle bags, and whatever else that you have into wheelbarrows and take them to the loading area of the ferry. The crew loads your stuff onto the boat and now you’re free to park your vehicle. Just be back to the passenger check in by 7:15, you don’t want to be late and standing on the dock as your camping equipment goes to the park without you.

There is on street parking nearby, make sure that it’s a multi-day spot. If you don’t want to deal with the stress of leaving your car parked on the street for days, there is a city parking garage nearby for $40 a day. I worked out a deal with the hotel I stayed at to be able to leave my truck. They had plenty of parking spots, so it wasn’t a deal. Not all hotels and BNBs in Key West have that luxury though. And if you’re going to do something like that, make sure that your hotel is close enough so that you can get there and back before the ferry leaves.

Yankee Freedom, Your Ride to Camp at Dry Tortugas

This is the easy part. Board the ferry, and enjoy the ride, providing that it’s a calm day. Otherwise, load up on your Dramamine!

The trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas takes about 2.5 hours. They serve bagels, coffee, juice and water. You can sit inside and stand outside downstairs, or you can sit inside or outside upstairs.

The crew is knowledgeable and will have information on the fort and the surrounding keys. You can also buy t-shirts, towels, souvenirs, and other items that you might need.

Unloading and Setting up Camp

Once the ferry is docked and people are unloading, you’ll go upstairs and get a briefing from the captain. They’ll go over general information, such as where to get in contact with the rangers if there’s an emergency, what time to have your site packed up and on the dock, and how to dispose of your trash. Oh, and they’ll tell you about the rats. Actually, right now they are in the process of eradicating them, so they really shouldn’t be a problem anymore. I didn’t see or hear of any when I was there.

By the time the captain is done, they’ll have your gear unloaded from the ferry. Grab yourself a wheelbarrow and load it up with your gear. The campground is to the left of the dock about 100 yards. There are shaded spots, wind protected spots, and open spots. Each campsite is marked by a picnic table and grill. Be careful, some campsites will look empty, but the tents will actually be back in the trees. If there are no open campsites, then you’ll have to set up in the overflow area. You can always move into a better spot if one opens up while you’re there.

Set up your tent and canopy if you brought one. Just be aware that it could get windy, so you’ll want to make sure that everything is secured. DO NOT tie off any of your gear to a tree. That’s not allowed. If it’s really windy, it’s best to leave the rainfly off of your tent.

Exploring Dry Tortugas National Park

The Fort

There are two free tours offered by Yankee Freedom, one’s a short 20-minute general information tour that is given inside the fort. They go over the uses and history of the fort, as well as the building of the fort. If you don’t want to spend too much time on a tour, this one is very informative.

The second tour is a comprehensive tour around the fort, and if you’re camping at Dry Tortugas then you can hop on the tour any day that you are there. You’ll learn about the people who lived there and what they did during their days they spent at the fort. You’ll walk around the fort and learn about the buildings and what life was like living in the fort. This is a great learning experience, and you should definitely do it.

If you’d rather take your time and not have 20 people surrounding you and getting in your pics, then there is a self-guided tour that starts at the ranger office and museum. There are information stations throughout the fort and signs to guide you on your trip.

The Beaches

There are two main beaches on either side of the fort. The south side beach gives you the most room. It’s shallow so a lot of people like to hang out in the water. The north side is a smaller beach, so pick a side that suits your beach personality. Both offer great snorkeling with a chance to see unlimited marine life.

Snorkeling When You’re Camping at Dry Tortugas

The best snorkeling is by the Coaling Dock Ruins. You’ll see big tarpon, plenty of reef fish, and amazing coral. Be careful around the coaling docks, it’s more open and the water will get choppy. Snorkeling along the moat wall is popular too. Reef fish, stingrays, anchors, sea turtles, even sharks will show up. If you can get out to Loggerhead Key there’s a great reef to snorkel there too. You can spend hours snorkeling around the reefs in Dry Tortugas National Park and not get bored!

Kayaking While You’re Camping at Dry Tortugas

If you’re lucky enough to get your kayak on the ferry, then you are in for a treat, even if you don’t fish. You can take your kayak over to Loggerhead Key and check out the tranquility that island has to offer. Just make sure that the weather is favorable, it’s a three-mile paddle over open water and it can get rough. Even if it does get rough, you can still kayak in the harbored waters around Garden Key.

Fishing

Amberjack, grouper, snapper, and even barracuda are all fish that you can catch just fishing off the dock. Make sure that your license is up to date, and if you bring your own gear you can fish from the dock, take your kayak out, or just fish the surf.

After Hours While You’re Camping at Dry Tortugas

The ferry heads back at 2:30, the Seaplane tours are off the island by 5:00 and the only people left are the campers and the rangers. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be on a secluded island, this is about as close as it gets!

You can explore the fort until the sun goes down. Speaking of the sun going down, find yourself a comfortable spot and enjoy the sunsets and sunrises as they are spectacular! Meet your fellow campers, this is a special trip, and most people enjoy talking about their experiences to get there.

After the sun goes down, be prepared for the best stargazing that you have ever seen. No light pollution means more stars are viewable in the sky. Shine a flashlight on the ground, you will see the most hermit crabs that you have ever seen in your life!

Yankee Freedom Ferry, Keeping Your Primitive Trip Semi-Primitive

The Yankee Freedom Ferry shows up every day around 10:30, this is like a floating general store showing up at the entrance to your tent. Running out of ice or water? You’re covered. Need a shower to rinse off? Yep, you can do that too.

If you’re tired of the trail mix and beef jerky that you’ve been eating for the last two days, climb the ramp and get yourself a made to order cheeseburger! There’s other food that you can order too. You can even belly up to the bar and order cocktails until the ferry leaves.

So, if you’re worried about not being able to make three nights of primitive camping, rest assured that there’s some help that shows up every day.

Be prepared to spend an extra night if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It doesn’t happen often, but there is a possibility, so don’t over gorge yourself and eat all that beef jerky the last night because you don’t want to take it back with you.

Heading Back to Key West

Break down your campsite and make sure that all the sand is off everything. Grab a wheelbarrow off the dock and cart all your gear and garbage bag to the picnic tables on the pier where they unloaded you. You need to have your equipment there before the ferry docks, or by 10:30.

It’s best to do it first thing in the morning, that way you don’t have to fight for a wheelbarrow and can do whatever you want before the ferry leaves at 2:30. Hang out at the beach one last time, snorkel the moat wall again, or take one of the tours.

If you are on the fence about camping at Dry Tortugas National Park, let me tell you that if you ever have a chance, take it! You will not regret it, and it will give you an experience that you will remember forever.

Did I miss something? Have you been there and have your own tips, or are you going and you still have questions? Drop a comment below and I’ll answer.

Looking for things to do while you’re in Key West? Check out 9 Awesome Things to do in Key West right here!

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About an hour south of Miami lies the first recognized underwater park in the U.S. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo. Comprised of 70 nautical miles of tropical hammocks, mangrove swamps, and spectacular coral reefs. The park is teeming with marine life and covered by picturesque turquoise waters. Guests from all over come to enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, birding, short hikes, glass bottom boat tours, and of course, beaches! Don’t worry about leaving at the end of the day, bring your tent, RV, or boat and stay at the campgrounds near the marina. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the visitor center and check out the 30,000-gallon(!) aquarium.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Backstory

In the 1950s a marine biologist and a newspaper editor teamed up to save the third largest living coral reef in the world from destruction. Dr. Gilbert Voss of the Marine Institute of Miami was tired of the destruction that was taking place on the reef. Vendors were hammering out coral any way they could to sell to tourists, seashells and sponges were disappearing (not literally disappearing, really just being taken by tourists to put on shelves so they could show their neighbors in the middle of winter that they’d been to Florida) at an alarming rate. Even the seahorses weren’t safe, they were being rounded up and sold to try to keep up with the crazy back-of-the-comic-book seahorse trade, presumably. No word on what happened to the sea monkey families.

Dr. Voss along with other conservationists teamed up with the Miami Herald editor John Pennekamp. John Pennekamp was a well know conservationist himself who was key in helping to establish Everglades National Park in 1947. With the help of a major newspaper calling out the destruction to the reef and the other conservationists doing what conservationist do, the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials designated a 75 square mile of Florida’s coastline as a protected area. In 1960 President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the area Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve. By the end of 1960 the Governor of Florida decided that that name didn’t have enough letters in it, so he changed it to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park was officially opened in 1963 to the public.

Bahia Honda is another state park in the Keys that you should definitely visit. Read about it here.

Visitor Center

Before you go running to the beach, take time to check out the Visitor Center at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Here you can interact with the rangers and volunteers. Ask them any question and they have to answer you (just keep it to questions about the park)! If you can’t get the information out of the volunteers, there is an auditorium that plays nature videos that you can watch and learn from. Around the room there are smaller aquariums with live coral and an assortment of smaller fish. In the middle of the room is the big attraction, their 30,000-gallon aquarium. Floor to ceiling this aquarium allows you to come face to face with the bigger reef fish, and you can stay dry while you do it.

Scuba, Snorkeling, and Boat Tours

Yes, the park offers great opportunities for all three! Daily boat tours for snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours for sightseeing on some of the most beautiful and vibrant reefs in the world. The park is located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the waters and reefs are protected so don’t grab that lobster (unless it’s lobster season and you have a permit) to take back to the campground for dinner. That goes for pretty much anything else that you see in the water.

Scuba

Want to get up and close with the Christ of the Abyss statue but you can’t hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. Hop on over to the dive shop by the marina and they can set you up with anything that you need. They offer lessons, gear rental, and tours for all, from the most inexperienced wannabe diver to seasoned pros. Whatever your needs are they will be able to meet them, and you’ll be hanging around the reef like one of the fish in no time.

Boats go out twice a day and the water depths vary from 15-50 feet. The cost is $105 for two tank/two location dives. Equipment can be rented for $40 if you book a tour. The reefs they visit include:

• French Reef
• Molasses Reef
• Snapper Ledge
• Benwood Wreck
• Carysfort Reef Lighthouse

All reservations need to be made online. See link above, or for more information call (305) 451-6300. If you need a refresher, or you want to learn how to scuba dive, they have lessons and programs that include non-certification dives all the way to a PADI Advanced Open Water course.

There is spectacular scuba diving in Key West, check out 9 Awesome Things to do in Key West.

Snorkeling

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The snorkeling tours leave approximately five times a day so you should have no problem catching one that suits your schedule. The tours are approximately 2 1/2 hours long, with 1 1/2 hours of in water time getting up close and personal with the reef fish. You can get on the big boat for $49.95 with the other visitors, or you can spring for a personal guide for you and a group of up to six. Bring your own gear or rent from the park, the price for the boat includes a safety vest but no snorkeling equipment.

Don’t want to be stuck snorkeling next to Lady Fannie from Omaha? Spring for a personal water guide for $120 plus $70 for each additional snorkeler, up to a group of six. Don’t forget that there are going to be taxes added on to those prices. To make reservations click on this handy link here.

If you don’t want to waste that 30 minutes on the boat to get to the reef, you can snorkel from the beaches. You’ll want to wear water shoes or something similar because the bottom can get a little rough. The bad news is the water isn’t as clear as it would be snorkeling the outer reefs due to the fact that it’s within the Largo Sound and not the open ocean. But the good news is that the water is calm and there’s still plenty to see in the sea grass, plus you don’t have to worry about any sharks sneaking up on you. Bonus, at Cannon Beach there are artifacts from a 1700s shipwreck just offshore.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Have you ever thought “if only there was a way to see these beautiful reefs with all the marine life surrounding them and not get wet”? Well, if that’s more your style, climb aboard the Spirit of Pennekamp. It’s a 65′ high-speed catamaran that’ll whisk you the 3-8 miles to the offshore reefs in comfort. You can put your worries away because the tours are under the dreaded 3-hour limit at 2 1/2 hours. You can enjoy the views of various shallow reefs along with 129 of your closest friends and never get a drop of water on you.

The 2 1/2 hour tours leave John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park three times a day and costs $55 for adults and $30 for ages 4-11. Making reservations is easy, just click here and pick your date and time, and give them your money.

Beaches

There are two relatively small beaches at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Cannon Beach and Far Beach. They are not on the ocean, but rather the Largo Sound. So, your tradeoff is that you get calm, shallow waters to swim in, but it’s not the clear turquoise waters associated with the Florida Keys. Both have convenient facilities nearby.

Cannon Beach is the most popular of the two, canons from the 17th century are located on either side of the beach. Snorkelers will find artifacts from a 17th century shipwreck about 100 feet offshore as well.

Far Beach is located on the far side of the park (see what they did there?). There’s a little more shade on Far beach, and it also has a mat installed across the beach for wheelchair accessibility.

Kayaks, Canoes, and Paddleboards

Bring whatever you’ve got, there are fantastic mangrove trails to explore. The kayak launch is just over the bridge to the left. Calm and clear waters in the 2 1/2 miles of trails allow you to see a variety of marine life. Bring your snorkel gear with you and jump in the water to really get up close and personal. Sting rays, Mangrove Snappers, and Manatees are frequent sightings. Keep an eye out in the mangrove trees as there will be plenty of shorebirds such as Herons, Egrets, and Osprey to view. You can’t fit your kayak into your Ford Fiesta, you say? Don’t worry, they rent kayaks and canoes, along with life vests, and snorkel gear. Pro tip: if you bring your own kayak, ask at the kayak rental stand for a map of the kayak trails.

You can also kayak and paddleboard in the Sound, protected waters keep the waves down, just look out for diver down flags as there can be snorkelers out there.

Interested in Kayaking closer to Miami? Biscayne Bay is a fabulous place to kayak. Here is where to launch your kayak.

Camping at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

There are 42 campsites that you can reserve, if you’re fast enough that is. Campsites go quickly and they sell out far in advance. The best way that I’ve found is to either be completely flexible and check availability a couple of times a week, or you can make reservations 6 to 9 months in advance. The Florida State Park reservation website is here, or call 800-325-3521 and speak to a real person, no word on how long the hold time is though.

All sites have electric, with water and sewer hookups for you RV’ers. There are picnic tables and grills at all the sites. There are two bathrooms with showers located within the campgrounds.

You can also stay at the marina overnight in your boat. Slips are available, or you can anchor to a mooring buoy in the Sound. Just make sure to check in and pay at the marina.

Boating

The majority of the park is underwater, 72 square nautical miles of ocean, so bringing a boat will really open up John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to you. There’s a boat ramp at the marina, it’s $10 to use it. The marina also rents power boats in four-hour and eight-hour intervals.

Hiking

There are two-short nature trails to hike in the park, the Wild Tamarind trail and the Grove trail. There is a third trail, a boardwalk that cuts through the mangrove, but it is closed for repairs right now.

The Wild Tamarind trail starts in the hardwood hammock and spits you out in a citrus grove. It’s six-tenths of a mile long and winds through tropical hardwood trees. When you get to the citrus grove, park yourself on a bench and check out the butterflies that visit the grove.

The Grove trail is half as long, it’s a three-tenths of a mile loop. Keep your eye out for native species that live in the forests of the Florida Keys. Bonus, a lot of the trees have plaques in front of them explaining their value to the area and information about the tree.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed from the shore in the park at designated areas, and of course you can fish from a boat. But be sure to check with the park rangers first because the park is in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and there may be protected areas. A saltwater fishing license is required.

Park Store

Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your trip when you’re stuck inside in January and it’s 15 degrees outside. You’ll find local artwork to hang on the walls, t-shirts, hats, and swimsuits. Also, if you forgot anything, pretty much all that you need for the day can be found in the store. Sunscreen, drybags, flip flops, snorkel gear, and beach towels are all available.

Come and see what you’ve been missing. With over 600 species of fish, multiple types of shorebirds, and 70 species of coral in 70 nautical miles of crystal-clear turquoise ocean, you’re sure to see something new every time you visit.

For more information on the Florida Keys, check out Adventure Florida Keys right HERE!

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New to camping, or have never been camping before? Follow these essential tips for the beginning camper and you’ll handle everything like a pro even if it’s your first time camping.

If you’ve never been camping before or have only gone camping once or twice it can be daunting when your kids talk you into planning a trip to the outback. Here’s your essential guide so that you don’t screw everything up and be the person that ruined camping for a new generation of kids.

When you’re ready to buy gear, check out this post for great gear recommendations!

Essential Camping Gear

Walk into the camping section of a sporting goods store and your head will spin trying to take in all the gear that you can buy. Do you really need everything on the shelf? Quick answer is no, longer answer is wow, that would be cool to have all that! You can get away with a pretty basic list and be comfortable.

For a comprehensive printable list of essential camping gear click here!

Tent

This is the big one and sometimes it’s hard for the beginning camper to grasp exactly what they need. Well, it depends on how many people that are going to be participating in the activities. Most dome tents will fit the bill for whatever you want to do, they come in 2 people up to 12 people. Look for one with more headroom if you’re taller or want to stand up in the tent. If you have older kids, you may want to get one tent for the adults and one tent for the kids.

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags come in different “seasons” and sizes. The season of a bag refers to what temperature it’s good for, usually three or four seasons. Any three-season bag is good for most camping in the spring, summer and fall. Don’t forget the pillows either.

Don’t feel like buying a sleeping bag? Old sheets and blankets work just as well.

Air Mattress/Pad

Either one is good, if you’d rather camp with all the comforts of home, get an air mattress (preferably one that fits in your tent). Make sure that you have power where you’re going to be camping or bring a portable battery pump. If you’d rather have the whole “roughing it” camping experience, then get a mattress pad. The goal is to get something between you and the ground.

Cookware

You can get a lot of fancy “made for camping” cookware, or you can go with the O.G., a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Add a pot and a percolator for coffee to round out your collection.

Plates/utensils

Buy a reusable set and forget about it, or, pick up paper plates and plasticware when you’re at the grocery store.

Camp Stove

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You can choose to wait around until the campfire is ready to cook on, or you can set up a propane camp stove and have your coffee ready 10 minutes after you wake up. If grilling is your thing, then you can buy a portable grill relatively cheap.

Cooler

Unless you plan on catching and trapping your meals every day, you’ll want a cooler to keep the food cold and the drinks chilled. You don’t have to buy the top of the line Yeti, a 50 quart cooler from Target will do. Bonus tip – buy one cooler for food and a smaller cooler for drinks.

Lanterns/flashlights

Yeah, these will come in handy when you’re trying to find the way to the bathroom at two in the morning. You can pick up a propane lantern, or the modern LED equivalent. Headlamps are convenient for hands free illumination.

Storage Bin

Pick up a storage bin to store your cookware, plates, matches, bug spray, etc. It’s easy to transport and it’ll keep your campsite organized.

While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it’ll get you headed in the right direction, and you can add as you see fit.

Want to see a more comprehensive list with actual equipment recommendations? Then get to clicking right here.

Entertainment

Some people are content with just hanging around the campfire at night. Some people go from sun-up until sun-down and spend very little time at the camp site. You might like to sit around the campfire reading a book. The kids might need more than that, in that case you can bring table games, cards, or even beanbag toss to occupy some down time.

Now Put it all Together

Don’t make a beginning camper mistake and wait until you get to your destination to find out that the bargain tent that you bought “on sale” was on sale because it was missing the tent poles. Head out into the wilds of the backyard and set everything up like you would be if you were camping. The kids will love it, and you’ll know which “tab A” goes into “slot B”.

Try out the camp stove, turn on the lanterns, and fill up the air mattress. You’ll be familiar with the equipment, and you’ll avert the rath of your spouse when you find out that the air mattress leaks before you’re miles from nowhere.

Where and When to Go

National parks, state parks, or even just a KOA are all options. Once you’ve decided what area you want to visit, check out their webpage and see what amenities and facilities they offer. You’ll want to know if the campgrounds are open, if they’re near the attractions that you want to see, or even if they have showers near the campsites.

You’ll want to make sure that when you want to go is compatible with what you want to do. You don’t want to find out that the reason the campground reservations were so wide open is because you decided to go during the rainy season.

Reserve a Spot

Depending on what time of year it is, you can make reservations at some campgrounds the week before you plan on going, other places there might be nothing available for months in advance. The more popular the area that you’re going to, I’m looking at you National Parks, the more advanced notice that you must give so you’ll want to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Most places have online reservation systems so you can easily select your dates and campsites. From the portal, you’ll be able to see pictures of the actual campsite that you’re looking at, also if it’s near the bathroom, or if it has electricity, or water. They’ll also have any notices posted that you might need to know, such as closures or even if campfires are allowed.

Where’s an easy way to find available campsites you ask? We say the NPS Campground Locator of course.

If needed, you’ll want to see if pets are allowed and what areas they’re allowed in. Some places allow dogs, but they’re not allowed to be left alone for more than 30 minutes, and they may only be allowed in the campgrounds, not on the trail. So, make sure to check so you’ll know if you have to leave Rusty at the dog sitter.

If you’ve decided where you want to go and there aren’t any spaces available, you can call reservations to see if there are any cancellations, or you might need to expand your advanced search time, or area. Don’t despair if you can’t find something right away, lot of the more popular national parks and state parks will have privately owned campgrounds outside of the park boundaries that might have openings.

Preparing to Go

You’ve made your reservations and it’s finally time to pack for your trip. Do yourself a favor and make a list of what you want to take, including groceries. You don’t want to leave everything on the to do list and packing the family truckster for the morning that you plan on leaving because, guaranteed, you’ll leave later than you planned, and you’ll forget something.

When making a grocery list try to preplan all your meals and snacks. That way you’ll buy just what you need, and you won’t have that ten-pound watermelon that you bought on a whim taking up all the cooler space. Speaking of coolers, if you can, freeze all your meat, that way it’ll keep longer and will help cut down on the replacement ice needed.

Bring resealable quart and gallon bags for leftovers, and to put snacks in for when you’re out and about.

Hydration (Water)

Bring plenty! Don’t fall into the buying a couple of cases of .5-liter bottles trap. That’s just a waste of money and plastic. Pick up water in gallon jugs, not as much waste and you can fill your hydration bladder with them more easily.

In an emergency it’s always good to have some type of water filtration device handy.

At the Campground

You’ve arrived at your destination on time and during daylight because you took the above advice about packing before the morning of and you’re ready to set up camp. Now’s the fun part.

Setting Up Camp for the Beginning Camper

Try to get there as early as possible, no matter how many times you’ve set up your campsite, it’s always easier to do it during the daytime than when it’s dark. Look for a level, rock free area to place your tent, that way you won’t have your spouse rolling into you and forcing you into the corner all night. It also protects the bottom of the tent from damage.

Set your chairs, camp stove, bedding, food, and lanterns for ease of access. It’ll make your stay more enjoyable if you’re not fumbling around in the dark looking for the matches so that you can light your lantern.

Cooking

Some campsites have picnic tables and grills already there (you’ll know if they do because you were able to see it in the pictures of the campsite when you booked online). If not, lucky for you that you brought your camp stove or portable grill. Grab your cookware from your neatly packed storage bin and commence to prepare that feast.

Just remember to check with the rangers or hosts to make sure that open flames are allowed.

Food and Garbage Storage

Where there’s food and scraps at a campsite, there’ll be critters, raccoons, skunks, even bears. Don’t make a beginning camper mistake and feed them, it’s not good for them, and they won’t want to stop at that one marshmallow that you threw on the ground. Keep your cooler within sight, and if you’re going to be away for a while, put it in your vehicle. Don’t think that because it’s hard to open they won’t be able to get in it either, unless you have a padlock on the cooler, they will get into it. If they’re big enough, they’ll just tear it apart, so much for that $500 Yeti.

Store all garbage away in the campground garbage cans. If you’re in bear country, they will have bear proof receptacles, use them! The last thing that you want is a bear rummaging through your camp at 2 AM like one of your drunken hockey pals looking for the leftover chicken wings.

Pack it in/Pack it Out

Be a good camper and clean up your campsite. Whatever you brought with you, load it up back in your vehicle. If you have garbage cans available, then use them. If not, pack it out with you. Leave your campsite at least as clean as when you got there. The rangers/hosts with thank you and the next camper will thank you.

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Wait, What? One of the most dangerous trails in the US is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? “What special equipment do I need? Am I going to be stepping over bodies to get to the falls like they do to get to the top of Mt. Everest?” I can hear you stammering. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, and I’ll reveal the secret to surviving at the end of this post.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States, which is good because it’s also the most visited national park. At over 500,000 acres it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and all the other outdoor adventures that you crave. It contains 10 campgrounds, and 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads, of which 70 miles are the Appalachian Trail. All that and it straddles two states.

Getting through the park is relatively easy. For how big the park is there is pretty much only one road in the park: the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the north you enter through Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you’re coming from the south, you enter the park near Cherokee, North Carolina. If you travel the entire length of the road, you’ll cross over the Newfound Gap. If you find yourself there, take the time to hike to Clingmans Dome.

Driving through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a two-lane adventure of winding roads, elevation gains and losses, and wildlife sightseeing. You’ll cross numerous creeks and traverse multiple switchbacks. All while witnessing breathtaking scenery.

The drive is so beautiful and relaxing it might even take you 30 minutes before you realize that your phone has no signal, so you better have downloaded your maps before you get to the entrance of the park (tire screeching sound). Oh, I can hear your feverish breathing, person who grew up way too attached to your phone. Take some deep breaths. Better? It’s going to be alright; I swear. I’ll even give you a tip so that you can get your phone fix.

Camping

Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains is easy. They offer backcountry campsites, frontcountry campsites, horse camps, and group campsites.

Make sure that you have everything you need for camping by reading this nifty article here.

Backcountry

Just like the name suggests, you’ll need to backpack several miles to get to these campsites and they are scattered throughout the park. There is a permit needed to camp here, you’ll also need to be on the lookout for bears.

For more information contact the Backcountry Information Office (unfortunately for the Millennials and Gen z they prefer phone calls) at (865) 436-1297.

Frontcountry

There are 10 frontcountry campsites that accommodate tents and RV’s. These are your traditional campsites where you drive your car to your space and pitch your tent or park your RV. They have cold running water and flush toilets. If you’re in the mood to shower, you’re out of luck, unless you brought your camp shower as there are no showers. As long as we’re on the “not available” subject, no electric or water hook ups either for you RV’ers. They do have 5-amp outlets for medical purposes at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont.

Some campsites allow generators, it tells you on the campsite selection (linked above) which ones do.

Group Campsites

If the size of your party is 7 to 30 and you actually want to camp near them, there are a number of campsites that are available specifically for bigger groups. Check them out here for sizes, pricing, and dates.

Horse Camps

Taking Silver and Trigger camping with you? No problem, just make your advance reservations here. Six people and four horses max per campsite.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campground Rules

As stated above, there are no electrical or water hook ups in the park.

Firewood

If you’re thinking of bringing that termite infested firewood that you’ve had in your backyard for the last five years, forget it. Only heat-treated firewood is allowed in this park. Don’t fear, you can buy approved firewood at the stores in and around the park. You can also burn any dead wood that’s on the ground. So, when the kids are too hyped up on nature and sugar, you can send them on a firewood quest.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, keep them on a 6′ maximum leash. Dogs are only allowed on two trails in the park, the Gatlinburg Trail, and the Oconaluftee River Trail. They don’t want you leaving them in your car alone while you’re gone either.

Generators

They are only allowed in some areas. You can’t run them between 8 PM and 8 AM. I see your eyes light up “Mr. Loophole Finder”, no idling of engines either, especially in generator prohibited areas.

Prohibited Items

No fireworks, chainsaws, or traps allowed. So, you need to put your authentic skunk hat idea back on the shelf where it belongs.

Looking for someplace warm to camp in the winter, Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys is the place for you then!

Cades Cove Campground

Cades Cove campground sits at an elevation of 1,713 feet. It’s open year-round, has a total of 159 campsites, depending on the season, and allows RV’s and tents. Certain sections allow generator use also. There’s a convenient camp store at the entrance that’s stocked with the requisite camp site items like big matches, ice, and firewood. Or pretty much any other necessity you left at home that you told your spouse you would definitely would not forget.

You won’t forget anything when you download our free handy camping gear list here. Bonus, it’s printable!

Flush toilets and cold water are all the rage here, so you’re good on that front. But. They. Don’t. Have. Cell. Service. I know, right, you toughed it out on the drive here without internet, but how’re you going to upload all those pictures of the cute squirrels in your campsite to the gram? Well, luckily for you the campgrounds are close to a local town with a great attraction. More on this next.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Tuckaleechee Caverns is just outside the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, TN. It’s a quick 14-minute trip from Cades Cove. As you’re traveling there, you can stop and get your internet fix and upload those aforementioned pics of the squirrels. Now are you happy?

The caverns have a great history. Forming 20-30 million years ago, they were opened to the public in 1953. The tour lasts about 1.5 – 2 hours. Don’t worry, you’re not crawling through tiny passages, you’re standing up the whole time. It’s a 1.25-mile hike and you’ll see fantastic formations the whole journey.

The two main features of the cave are the “Big Room”, which is almost as big as a football field and “Silverfalls”, a double waterfall with a drop of 210 feet. The Big Room is big to say the least. The ceiling is 150 feet high! While Silverfalls doesn’t have the volume of the big waterfalls, it makes up for it with a drop that is so high that you can’t even see the top.

The cavern is open from March until November. Tickets are $22.00 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-11. Don’t forget to add the sales tax.

If you’ve never been in a cave before, or you’re an amateur spelunker, you don’t want to pass up Tuckaleechee Caverns.

Cades Cove Loop

There is an 11-mile one way loop through the cove. The road runs through the valley surrounded by mountains, and features 18th century buildings including churches, log cabins, barns, and even a working gristmill. It’s about a 2 – 4-hour drive, depending on traffic. You can also stop and explore the buildings. Bonus, there’s a self-guided tour book available at the entrance to answer all your questions. And to answer your first question, yes, it costs money, but it’s inexpensive.

This is also your chance to see some of the wildlife that the park has to offer. The most commonly seen animal is the white-tailed deer. Keep an eye out for black bears, turkeys, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, ground hogs, and other ferocious animals.

On Wednesdays from May through September the loop is vehicle free. So, bring your bike or plan a hike and you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car. If you’re camping you can still get in and out of campgrounds with a vehicle.

You can access many trails from the Cades Cove loop, including trails to “good ol” Rockytop, Thunderhead Mountain, and of course we can’t forget, one of the most dangerous trails in the U.S., Abrams Falls.

Abrams Falls Trail in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You get to the Abrams Falls trailhead from the Cades Cove loop. It’s almost right at the halfway point of the loop and right before the visitor center. There’s a good-sized parking lot for your vehicle, one of the bigger ones in the park. Walk through the grassy field and cross the bridge at the end of the parking lot and turn left. On a side note, no pets or bicycles are allowed on the trail.

This is where the Abrams Falls Trail begins. The trail named by Backpacker Magazine as one of the 10 most dangerous trails in the U.S. The trail is rated a moderate to difficult trek. It is a five-mile round trip hike that takes about 3-5 hours, it has an elevation gain of 340 feet, and it features a spectacular 20-foot waterfall.

After you cross the bridge, you follow Abrams Creek for most of the hike. There are multiple ridges that you ascend and descend along with several rustic bridges. The ridges are riddled with rocks in the path making the hike a little difficult but nothing too bad, you’ll want to wear a good pair of hiking shoes. Natural growth on the trail includes pine trees, oak trees, along with plenty of hemlock, and rhododendron.

About two miles into the hike, you’ll hit the peak at an elevation of 2,000 feet. You’ll know you’re there when you see a bunch of future “influencers” latching onto the elusive cell service. Follow the trail down for about a half mile and you’ll come upon the falls. There are many great places to get pictures from, and it’s a great place to sit and relax before the hike back.

You can continue on the path and there are backcountry campsites a little further down the trail if that’s your thing.

“But Get Out and Adventure,” you say. “Surely you’re glossing over something; I don’t see anything dangerous here!” Well, my eagle eye reader, the danger isn’t in the trail, it’s in the hiker.

The Secret to Surviving

And here’s the secret to surviving not only the Abrams Falls Trail, but also many other things in life. DON’T BE A MORON. That’s it. That’s all you need. 29 water related deaths have occurred on this trail since 1971. Hikers get in the water and get sucked in under the falls and drown. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the falls from the safety of the shore. This is a great hike, and it should never end in death.

This is just scratching the surface of the awesomeness of The Great Smokey Mountains National Park. You could spend years there and not see and do everything in and around the park. But make a point to take at least one trip to discover this gem.

The post Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Easy Access to Camping, Caverns, and Hiking One of the Most Dangerous Trails in the US. appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.