The 15 Best National Park Campsites in America

While the origin of the Southern ’ high-elevation balds is a mystery, one thing’s for sure: Divine intervention could scarcely have made better campsites. And Gregory Bald is best among them, especially when it’s wreathed in pink and orange flame azaleas in mid- to late June. For a quick, 12-mile out-and-back, link the Gregory Ridge and Gregory Bald Trails to Sheep Pen Gap. Trailhead Gregory Ridge Season Summer Permit Reservations required, $4/person per night

Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park, Washington

You’re not on top of the world when you reach this rock-protected site at 7,600 feet, but you’ll think you are. Blame the views, which are crowded with  the way the night sky is crowded with stars. Or maybe it’s the thundering crashes coming from the large towers of ice that drop from glaciers below you. Or maybe it’s because you’re sleeping on the edge of Sahale Glacier, which offers hours of adventures for those with crampons, ice axes, and ropes. Put it all together and you’ll come to the conclusion: Modest elevation be damned, this is high-alpine camping at its finest. To do it, link Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trails for an 11.8-mile out-and-back across meadows and granite talus to this endless view. Trailhead Cascade Pass Season Summer Permit Free; no reservations