National Park for Your Vacation
The next thing to consider is how much you will have to spend and how much time you will have. There are so many national parks and monuments relatively close to people that it is inexpensive to get there. Some of Alaska's fascinating wilderness areas can be expensive to get to, but if you have the money and enjoy the great outdoors, it's definitely worth going for an amazing experience you won't soon forget.
That being said, it's just a matter of choosing your destination. Keep in mind, however, that almost all regions have cheap travel options and move from there to more expensive ones. Also, just because you're going to a national park doesn't mean you have to be 'rude'. There are many options for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, water sports, etc. that doesn't involve sitting by a campfire enjoying the great outdoors if that's not your thing.
Camping is generally believed to be the cheapest type of vacation once you have made the initial investment in camping equipment. This can be a neat amount, but remember that equipment usually lasts for several years. It is generally true that camping in the park costs less than the average hotel room. And if you have an RV, you can camp comfortably. Most of the campgrounds are located in beautiful surroundings and allow you easy access to the park's highlights. There are very few parks that don't have some sort of campground. Also, when you camp, you usually cook your own food which also saves you money. And no, you don't have to eat hot dogs all week unless that's what you like!
Now, if you live in the Midwest, there are plenty of park options within driving distance that take no more than twelve hours or less, depending on where you live. Of course, you can always choose to fly anywhere, but some parks are a bit far from the nearest airport. Driving allows you the luxury of carrying everything you think you need for a comfortable stay.
My favorite pick for the Midwest is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of the best multi-purpose gardens for families. It includes the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can choose to walk the Appalachian Trail, camp in campgrounds or thriving wilderness, or stay anywhere from luxury suites to great budget hotels in nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. And, speaking of Pigeon Forge, you have Dollywood and all the countless attractions they have to offer in the area. On the North Carolina side you have more campgrounds, the town of Cherokee which has some Indian souvenirs and museums, white water rafting and fishing (the latter two are actually offered in both states). The mountains are absolutely beautiful and make for a great photo spot.
Another good option is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and State Park. They also have camping and wildlife viewing, especially bird watching. The unique shoreline allows for a beach walk or a swim in Lake Michigan. They even have an area for you to bring your own horse and ride a horse. For those interested in sightseeing and history, you can check out the five World's Fair houses from 1933 or attend the Gathering At Calumic in early May, where the East Woodland Indians and the Western Great Lakes trade in fur.
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