Yosemite, Grand Canyon among top 5 notable national park campgrounds for Americas 250th

As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there’s no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.Several campgrounds sit within landscapes that have been federally protected for more than a century.Yosemite Valley, for example, was preserved under the Yosemite Grant, which President Abraham Lincoln signed into law in June 1864.The area became Yosemite National Park in 1890, decades before many of the country’s other iconic national parks were established in the early 20th century.James Kaiser, the Montana-based author of several national park guidebooks, said each of our featured campgrounds offers a unique way to experience America’s natural landscapes.“North Pines in Yosemite and Watchman in Zion offer breathtaking scenery — even by national park standards,” he told Fox News Digital.“Both are situated beneath towering cliffs, and you’ll enjoy a spectacular light show at [the] golden hour.… When it’s time for bed, you’ll sleep under a glittering blanket of stars.”He noted that Blackwoods, Mather and Many Glacier are all situated in forests with more limited views, but campers are very close to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.These campgrounds “are steps from some of the most gorgeous scenery in America — the rugged coast of Maine, the multicolored depths of [the] Grand Canyon, and the towering peaks of Glacier,” he said.Here are five campgrounds generally considered the best across the nation. North Pines Campground is one of three campgrounds in Yosemite Valley that accept reservations.The campground is known for waterfalls, granite cliffs, deep valleys and ancient giant sequoias, according to Recreation.gov.Campsites typically sell out within minutes of becoming available, the site notes.The campgrounds are near the Merced River, which offers rafting opportunities.

Hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing and photography are popula...