Exotic Camping Destinations

You'll find no crowds at Dry Tortugas National Park. It is located about 70 miles west of Key West, where you can find ferries or seaplanes to transport you to the park. The Dry Tortugas consist of seven islands surrounded by coral reefs and sand and sea. Primitive camping is available at Garden Key campground, the only campground on the islands. There are 8 campsites with picnic table and grill. Maximum occupancy is 3 tents and 6 campers. Campsites are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Should the 8 regular sites be full, there is an overflow area to set up your tent but campers share tables and grills. Leave no trace rules apply: pack it in, pack it out. The main attraction is some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the country.

A visit to Havasupai is time spent in heaven. This is known as the land of the blue green waters. Hike (8 miles), ride a mule or take a helicopter to get to the village of Supai in Havasu Canyon. Here you'll register before hiking 2 more miles to get to the primitive campground. Amenities are few: compost toilet, picnic tables and spring water, but the real amenities are the river and Navajo, Havasu and Mooney Falls. The canyon is covered in lush foliage, vines and flowers along the river. Birds are everywhere. Below each fall you'll find travertine pools built up from the chemical deposits that give the river its distinct color. These natural whirlpool saunas are very relaxing. Day hike to the Colorado River or just explore the falls.

Located a short drive from San Francisco, Point Reyes National Park is a popular camping destination in California. Camping sites are located right next to the beach or on bluffs overlooking the sea, providing gorgeous views from almost any camping ground. The park offers many activities including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and biking. On days when you want a glimpse of civilization, hop in the car and drive to San Francisco for a romantic stroll among the city’s famous streets. Unlike some other popular coastline campgrounds, Point Reyes does accept reservations, and it’s advised to book far in advance since campsites are in high demand. No car camping is allowed in this park: sites are accessible only by foot, horseback or bike.

What could be more exotic than a romantic getaway in the great outdoors. The Resort at Paws Up offers luxurious tent accommodations, which include a king-size feather bed (or 2 twins), fine linens, spacious deck, electricity, private bath with heated floor and plush towels, gourmet meals, housekeeping and butler service. There's gourmet coffee every morning, a tent spa where you can relax after a day of outdoor activity, and nightly bonfires with entertainment. Choose between two locations, Tent City or River Camp. The folks at Paws Up combined a little bit of glamour with a little bit of camping to come up with glamorous camping, or, as they like to call it, "glamping." Located near Montana's Blackfoot River. (photo gallery)

Rock Island sits in Lake Michigan just off the tip of the Door County, Wisconsin peninsula. The only access is by the passengers-only ferry from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. You can catch the ferry on Washington Island, which also requires a ferry ride that carries people, bicycles and vehicles. On Rock Island you'll find true primitive camping at the 40 available campsites (reservable). The island is a little over 900 acres, has 10 miles of hiking trails and a 5000 foot beach. Boats are allowed at Rock Island, but boaters are cautioned about the hazardous waters nearby. Tours of the restored Pottawatomie Lighthouse are availble. Rock Island has 24 hour coverage by park personnel. Be aware that the park allows daytrippers.

Don't let the winter blues get you down. Instead head into California's Sierra Nevada and go camping, but leave your tent at home and bring a shovel because you're going snow cave camping. Talk about a cool campsite. You'll spend Friday night getting acclimated to the 7000 foot altitude at the Claire Tappaan Lodge. Here you'll be given instructions on snow caving. The next day you head to your campsite, which is a mere 30 minute walk through an adjacent meadow. It will take about 3 hours to construct your snow cave. Spare time is spent hiking and learning winter survival techniques. Sunday morning is spent tearing down the snow cave before hiking out. You'll need lots of snow, so watch the weather and check the Web site for available dates.