Best Places to Camp

To some, a volcano is a volcano is a volcano. However, there are four different types of volcanoes. You may not know this because there are few places in the world that feature all of them. Northern California's Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of those places. Take your pick of 150 trails that wind through hot springs, boiling mud (yes, really) and majestic tundra. While some camping sites are first-come first-serve, there are four that you can reserve ahead of time.

The Grand Canyon has so many camping sites to choose from that it's hard to make sense of them all. If you're coping with info overload, go with a safe bet: Marble Canyon. Located at the western entrance of the national park, Marble Canyon is sheer magic. Towering rock walls line the Colorado River, which you can take in from the sidelines, or on a raft.

If you're more into paddling than walking, Ontario's Philip Edward Island (PEI) has got your number. This "cove" of sorts boasts easy access to an awe-striking archipelago that's ripe for exploring. Because the Georgian Bay's so big, kayakers have plenty of room to themselves, making PEI a favorite spot among outdoor lovers who like to keep to themselves.

This is where Mother Nature really shows off her green thumb. Although the Columbia River will certainly be your guide here, it's the amazing diversity of trees (maple, conifer, ash) and even wildflowers that sets the gorge apart from other camping grounds. On the other hand, the breathtaking waterfalls do chew up the scenery a little. But what can you actually DO here? Windsurf and kite-board, that's what. Head to the deepest part of the gorge for a wind tunnel that will provide you with enough thrills to last a year.

This voluptuous valley is located in none other than Yellowstone National Park. And it's hardly upstaged by the competing camping grounds, although due to its remote locale, it often gets overlooked. That's because Lamar Valley is the No. 1 spot to see wolves. Lots of other wildlife, like bison and bears, are easy to spot here, too.