Everything in North America is farther than it looks on the map. A drive between two viewpoints can take half a day. Gas stations can be an hour apart. The national parks and wilderness areas in North America make the drive worth it, with canyons, geysers, moose in lakes and endless tundra.
Some travelers want a campground with a fire ring and a bear-proof food locker. Others prefer a cabin with a hot tub or a camper van with a loud generator. Backpackers might carry a permit, a bear canister and enough food for a week. Summer crowds are real, so booking early matters.
The destinations on our list include famous parks with shuttle buses and sold-out lodges. Others are remote areas where cell service ends at the trailhead and the nearest town is two hours away. Those need a good map and a full tank, but the silence is hard to find elsewhere.
