Yoga & Camping: The 7 Most Beautiful Places in the USA to Do Outdoor Yoga
January 12, 2020
The go-to resource for planning your yoga retreats & holidays. Find all you need to know about destinations and take your practice to the next level.
Discover Yoga Retreats now
The Chinese call the United States Mei-Guo, which means “beautiful nation.” It's an appropriate moniker, considering the country is renowned for its amazing sights and beautiful locales.
Millions of people have taken advantage of these sights by preparing the car, going off into the great outdoors and having a great camping adventure in America.
You might feel it's virtually impossible to pick out the perfect camping spot to practice yoga and relieve stress.
Luckily, we have some knowledge of the most beautiful places in the good, ol' USA. If you are a yogi who also loves to travel, pull out your camping checklist and get ready for an unbelievable outdoor yoga experience in of the breathtaking places we’ve listed below!
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
View of the Maine coastline at Acadia National park
Maine has always been known as a camper's nirvana and this is the reason why it’s a perfect spot for a yoga camp in the USA.
The Pine Tree State has 6,000 lakes and is covered by about 17 million acres of lush forests. The Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a prime example of what Maine has to offer.
Whether you've just discovered hiking or you are an experienced cross-country explorer, the park has something to offer.
If you're all about unique adventures, then a hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain should be on your agenda. The mountain has the distinction of being the highest point on the East Coast, and being there at dawn means you're one of the first people in the country to witness the sun rising that day.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Assateague Island, Maryland during a Warm Fall Day
If you're looking to expand your bucket list, then consider adding camping on the beach in the company of wild horses to your agenda. And Assateague Island in Maryland and Virginia is the only place where you can tick off all those boxes. A barrier island, Assateague has cool beaches, coastal bays, lush forests, and salt marshes. The island is also known for the exotic, wild horses that thrive in its environs.
You can traverse the beach or hike around the island by day and then pitch your tent near the water at night. You'll find kindred spirits on the Maryland side of the island, but winter storms have affected some of the campsites.
Make sure you check the park about where to camp and make your reservations in advance.
3. The Everglades, Florida
Long Pine Key Lake at Sunset, Everglades National Park
For those looking for a great place for their yoga routine, the Everglades National Park in Florida has more than enough space in the store for you. The park covers 2,400 square miles and is the third-largest park in 48 states. The meandering trails and bikeways can keep you occupied for days while the park's freshwater marshes and mangrove forests can satisfy your adventurous spirit.
You can even kayak or canoe their way through the marshes straight to Florida Bay. But make sure you bring a good insect repellent as the flies and mosquitoes can be rather unforgiving.
The Everglades is also the best place for animal lovers. The area is known for its rare wildlife. Aside from the infamous alligators and crocodiles, you can also see majestic manatees, friendly dolphins, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Florida panther, a mysterious and endangered species.
4. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Sunset moment at Horseshoe bend Grand Canyon National Park
Probably one of the most iconic American landmarks and one of the best places for camping in the US, the Grand Canyon is dramatic and awe-inspiring. The canyon is more than five million years old. It was formed as the Colorado River relentlessly surged through the area, shaping the canyon into what it is now – one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon – including yoga camping. Visitors can simply stay on top and bask in its majestic beauty. But if you want to experience it more fully, you can rent a donkey that will help you get to the bottom of the canyon. From there, you can quietly float along the river.
5. The Badlands, South Dakota
The Badlands of South Dakota in the Summer
No other national park has such a kickass name as The Badlands in South Dakota. Tourists might find the area challenging to hike through, but as they say, good things come to those who work for it. And the scenery is definitely worth it. The Badlands is famous for its rock formations which is a perfect spot to perform those relaxing yoga poses.
The place is also a favorite for students and fossil hunters, as the Badlands boast of having one of the most extensive fossil beds in North America. Visitors can catch a glimpse of how the Earth's ecosystem looked like thousands of years ago. But it's not all fossils and heat here, the park is also great for stargazing and the Badlands play host to an annual Astronomy Festival.
6. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
At Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
If you are on a yoga camping trip but also love stargazing, then you'll simply adore Hawaii's Haleakala National Park. The park is already known for its pristine landscape, but it's the 10,000-foot sleeping volcano that's the star of the show. If you make it to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the area.
You can visit Haleakala National Park at any time of the year. However, the area is prone to severe weather, so make sure you check out the forecast first.
7. Voyageurs National Park
Camping site at Voyageurs National Park
If you feel more at home when you’re near water, then Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota will feel like paradise. There's something for everyone in this park, and you're guaranteed to have fun regardless of the season. Visit during spring or summer to enjoy its water activities.
Hikers will love trudging the area in fall while winter is perfect for cross-skiing and ice fishing.
The park is comprised mostly of waterways, so it's perfect for boat owners. Don't have a boat? No problem. A guided boat tour will show you the area's wonders and even bring you to one of the 220 campsites that are only accessible by water.
Conclusion
There's so much to see in this magnificent country especially for yogis on a camping trip. The US might be known as the land of the brave, but it's also the land of beautiful sceneries. These seven places are perfect for yogis who just want to retreat to a serene place and do their practice. Choose the spot that suits you best, make sure you have everything you need, and head out to these places to meditate and be one with the world.
Been wanting to go on a yoga retreat? There’s no experience required to partake in a beginners-friendly retreat and there are many yoga retreats for beginners to choose from!