After months spent watching Survivor reruns on the couch, it should suffice to say that we’re likely all craving some quality time with the Great Outdoors. Whether you grew up participating in Scouts or have never pitched a tent in your life, a retreat to your local parks, forests, and lakes may be exactly what you need right now to shake off the pandemic blues (and is an excellent way to safely travel while social distancing).

Here, camping pros give us a look into their favorite places for a quiet escape, from some of the United States’ most underrated national parks to one European country whose many potential campgrounds resemble the stuff of fairytales.

1. Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park

Dawn Walker, Assistant Manager of the Kentucky Horse Park Campground

“Growing up, my family traveled all the time. Whether camping, staying in hotels or with relatives, we road tripped every summer before the term ‘road trip’ became popular. As an adult, I continue to return to a few of these areas to recharge my mental batteries. Some of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp are the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park in Slade, Kentucky. If beautiful stone arches, old-growth trees, and crystal clear water is your idea of heaven on earth, then the Red River Gorge should be on your list of places to visit. I have seen more native Kentuckians than ever before taking advantage of these majestic limestone bridges and wooded campsites during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

2. Blue Ridge Mountains

Dawn Walker, Assistant Manager of the Kentucky Horse Park Campground

“My second favorite place to visit requires a few more days of vacation time, but it’s well worth it! I would recommend spending time hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains along the eastern portion of the US. They extend from Georgia to Pennsylvania, but my favorite area of the Blue Ridge range is located near Linville, North Carolina. I find a soul-deep quiet when hiking these mountains that feels like meditating while moving. 

The Blue Ridge Mountains have peaks ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, specifically Mount Mitchell and Clingmans Dome. Views from these locations appear on thousands of postcards, but to experience them in person is life affirming! The air at this elevation has a different feel and taste to it—it’s just sweeter. If you want to disconnect and get away from the noise, I recommend camping at any of the wonderful campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Mountains. “

Why Bristol is the best little Appalachian getaway →

3. Slovenia

Dan Yates, Founder and Managing Director of Pitchup 

“Slovenia is well off the beaten track (for Brits, at least) but doesn’t deserve to be overlooked if you consider the scores of high-end camping and glamping sites. Options range from a chocolate-themed glamping resort with free homemade wine near Maribor Pohorje Ski Resort; fairytale forest glamping on a lake near a hidden shoemaker who gives workshops on the art of the cobbler; luxury safari tents in the mountains with private saunas; and a campsite on a foliage-filled vineyard near the border of Italy.”

4. Alum Ford Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Gerry Seavo, founder of Explore Kentucky

“Alum Ford is as unique a campground as it is accessible for folks thru-hiking the Sheltowee Trace Trail—for both multi-day paddling along the Big South Fork and for car campers. It’s my favorite campground in Kentucky, as I feel like the Big South Fork is the most underrated unit in the National Park Service. Alum Ford provides access to the park’s river and its best trails, and it isn’t far from sites like Yahoo Falls, Yahoo Falls Overlook, and Princess Falls. Alum Ford is also very beginner-friendly, as it isn’t very far from the town of Stearns and gives folks a wilderness-like experience with a pit toilet and bear-proof storage.”

5. Adirondack State Park

Matt Stevenson, outdoorsman at the Inns of Aurora

“For me, the best camping sites are any sites where you can be, or at least feel like you are, all alone. Somewhere away from the light pollution so nights are full of stars and the sounds of nature, and ideally somewhere with a lake or a stream where I can spend some lazy days fishing on the shoreline or in a canoe. Camping for me is about getting away from the clock, the schedules, and the daily grind. 

The most underrated site is the Adirondack State Park, about 4-6 hours away from Aurora, New York, where I can find all of these things through the many lakes and streams located within the park and completely unwind. I can’t wait to step away from my campfire for an hour or two and use the moon and starlight to take in the solitude and peace of the wild at night.”

6. Northern Michigan

Caleb Hartung, Chief Executive Officer of Campspot

“Northern Michigan, because while it’s underrated on a national level, even people from Michigan take it for granted. It has great hiking, lakes, cute towns, fall foliage, wineries, sand dunes, and scenic spots. I would recommend Petoskey RV Resort for a stay. While you’re in the area, Petoskey State Park, the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, Petoskey Brewery, Petoskey Beards Brewery, the Back Lot Beer Garden, and Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery are all good options!”