AggieDave 6 #1 October 4, 2009 Three years ago Morgan and I went to Big Bend National Park and loved it. Back in June we spent a week at Glacier National Park, which was GREAT. Now I'm looking for ideas to bring to her for our next vacation. We like doing the National Parks thing, since we both love the outdoors, camping and hiking. We really don't do the hard-core backpacking camping route, more like the traditional motor-camping. Although since we flew to Montana, we stayed in a cabin on Lake McDonald. We're not too proud to simply stay in a cabin in or near the park. I haven't been to Yellowstone yet, but we're going to save that for a family vacation in a few years. I've been looking at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, having spent a decent amount of time camping in the Ozarks I know its beautiful. If you have gone, how crowded was it and what season would you recommend?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xtravrtsoul 0 #2 October 4, 2009 How about Yosemite? It is great in early June because the falls are fantastic then and less people. Still busy but less peeps. If you do plan on it make sure you reserve your campsites starting in March. Just get on their website and they will tell you when the day opens for reservations. And a tip: they open reservatioins at 7:30am and you need to be on at that time because the site disappear in front of your eyes. It is crazy.You create life, life does not create you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #3 October 4, 2009 QuoteI've been looking at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, having spent a decent amount of time camping in the Ozarks I know its beautiful. If you have gone, how crowded was it and what season would you recommend? Which, the Great Smokey Mountains or the Ozarks?Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 October 4, 2009 Sorry, I didn't complete the thought. I've done quite a bit of camping in the Ozarks and loved it and I have traveled in the Smokey Mountains and thought it was also good. I just haven't camped in the Smokey Mountains and was wondering about them specifically.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #5 October 4, 2009 QuoteSorry, I didn't complete the thought. I've done quite a bit of camping in the Ozarks and loved it and I have traveled in the Smokey Mountains and thought it was also good. I just haven't camped in the Smokey Mountains and was wondering about them specifically. Sorry, I can't help you. I've got quite a bit of experience camping in the Ozarks, but have only driven through the Smokey Mountains 2-3 times.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,589 #6 October 4, 2009 I just read a review in the travel section of Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. After reading it, and then reading some reviews in tripadvisor.com, it's moving up our list. It's particularly famed for fall color, but Arkansas knows its ruggedness anyway... Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #7 October 4, 2009 If you can fly out or do a long road trip, Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California is awesome. Lots of easy to rugged trails for day hiking, a variety of strange and interesting geological features to check out and there's even a mountain to climb if you're so inclined. If you don't feel like doing the tent thing, the Drakesbad resort, hidden in the middle of the park, has cabins, a restaurant, horse rentals and guided rides and a hot springs pool. It's a beautiful place, and unlike most national parks, quite peaceful and quiet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xtravrtsoul 0 #8 October 4, 2009 QuoteIf you can fly out or do a long road trip, Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California is awesome. Lots of easy to rugged trails for day hiking, a variety of strange and interesting geological features to check out and there's even a mountain to climb if you're so inclined. If you don't feel like doing the tent thing, the Drakesbad resort, hidden in the middle of the park, has cabins, a restaurant, horse rentals and guided rides and a hot springs pool. It's a beautiful place, and unlike most national parks, quite peaceful and quiet. I agree. Lassen is phenomenal. I love it up there. We have a place in Westwood near Almanor and go to Lassen all the time.You create life, life does not create you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #9 October 4, 2009 My favorite place in all of PA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Forest_State_Park Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #10 October 5, 2009 QuoteI just read a review in the travel section of Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. After reading it, and then reading some reviews in tripadvisor.com, it's moving up our list. It's particularly famed for fall color, but Arkansas knows its ruggedness anyway... Wendy P. Speaking of Fall colors in the Ozarks, they should be really good this year. We've gotten a lot of rain in the late summer. That always brings them out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHusband 0 #11 October 5, 2009 take a look at the olympics in western washington. it is a rain forest, but july and august are usually pretty dry and the temps are nearly perfect. its a huge and widely varied area, so you would need to do a little research to focus on which part of it would suit you guys best. my recommendation would be the lake quinault area. http://www.quinaultrainforest.com/ "Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama www.kjandmegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,468 #12 October 5, 2009 Hi Dave, What timing; today's OREGONIAN has an article titled 'Picking favorites from national park gems' by Gary Warner of McClatchy Newspapers. I tired googling it but could not come up with anything; give it a try, you might be luckier/better than me. He says that his favorite is Yosemite and his least favorite is Great Smoky Mountains. YMMV. Have fun wherever you go, JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
