6 of the world’s best camping destinations
Forget your local caravan park, the world is full of incredible camping spots that have to be seen to be believed. And some of them don’t even need you to pitch your own tent.
1. Miyajima, Japan
The famous red tori gate rising from the water at Miyajima is one of Japan’s most iconic sights. Travel to Miayajima, known as the Island of the Gods, and you can camp almost in the shadow of the famous gate. The island is threaded with beautiful hiking trails, including one to the top of the sacred Mt Misen. In typical Japanese fashion, the camp sites and well kept and also offer modest cabins.
2. Patagonia, Chile
Camp (almost) at the end of the earth. The Patagonia region of South America covers the southernmost tip of the continent and is an incredible, rugged wilderness of mountains, lakes, glaciers and vast snowfields. Spend your days hiking, horseriding, kayaking and looking for rare wildlife. Given that it gets seriously cold down here, you’ll be camping in a sustainable geodesic dome that is part of a larger complex that includes restaurants, bars and yoga domes.
3. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Live like a Bedouin in the vast Wadi Rum desert of Jordan. The landscapes are truly otherworldly, which explains why a number of space movies have been filmed here including, most recently, The Martian. The desert is completely dark at night, making for incredible stargazing. You can take a tour on the back of a camel, have tea with Bedouin families and eat dinner cooked over an open fire. Traditional tents are pitched on the sand and beds made with plenty of local blankets – it drops well below freezing at night.
4. Uluru, Northern Territory
One of the world’s great campsites is just across the Tasman. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise over Uluru as the ancient rock seems to glow from within. You can’t camp within the national park itself, but the official campsite is only a short drive from the rock itself. The area is fantastic for hiking, wildlife spotting or cultural excursions, and you can cool off at the end of the day with a dip in the camp swimming pool.
5. Canyonlands, Utah
This is one for the campers who want to really get away from it all. There are designated campsites in the park, but the real fun is in free camping where you can choose just about any spot in the park to pitch your tent. It’s a dramatic landscape of deep canyons, steep cliffs and towering sandstone pillars in all colours of red and orange. Choose your spot carefully and you won’t see another soul.
6. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Camp on the edge of a 750,000 year old volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui. With strict limits on campers you’ll be one of only a few who reach the summit at sunrise, a breathtaking sight. Active travellers can hike to the two wilderness campsites that are closest to the summit, though there are also drive-up sites that can be reached by car.
Have you ever pitched a tent at one of these famous locations? Where’s your favourite place to camp? Let us know in the comments.
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