National Parks: The Truth
There’s no doubt, national parks are the creme de la creme when it comes to the U.S. landscapes. But they’re not the be-all-end-all of beauty. In fact, a colossal number of state parks, national forest areas, and BLM areas are equally as impressive as their older superiors (think Dead Horse Point State Park). You might even argue that much of the world’s natural beauty lies outside national or state park boundaries—but that’s a whole separate debate.
State Parks, National Forests, and BLM Areas
I frequently stay in national forest areas, state parks, and BLM areas. The cost? Financially speaking, I save money. Camping in these areas generally costs less than $20/night. Quality-wise, nothing usually changes. I still wake up to lakes, streams, forest enclaves, plains—you name it. And these places are often quieter, even in the summer. Sure, national parks do have better facilities and yes, the landscape features are typically more impressive. There’s no alternative truth there. But state parks are still a great experience. In fact, you often get what national parks can’t offer: seclusion and the freedom to disconnect. At Zion National Park or Arches National Park, how often do you get a viewpoint to yourself? The short answer: never. But with state parks, it’s commonplace to have alpine woods, a crystalline lake, or an idyllic river to yourself. This is one of the top USA travel tips: get off the beaten track.Smart Travel

National and State Parks: Bundled Itinerary Planning

Cortez

Moab

5 key USA travel tips to note:
- Don’t pass up on on state parks, BLM land, or national forest areas, they will surprise you.
- Head off the beaten track to seek out the unfamiliar.
- Camping is an excellent way to save money on accommodation (think BLM land).
- National Park passes are worth buying for longer trips. After a few visits you’ll make up the cost of the annual pass.
- Choose quality over quantity. Unless you’ve got a big budget and a lot of time, it’s worth finding destinations that tick several boxes while minimizing driving time. America is big, so get exploring!
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