Camping allows us to marvel at the world around us and be at one with nature.

But while we get a lot from that exchange, the impact we leave behind isn’t necessarily positive. Just in the US, there are over 331 million visitors to the national parks annually – and that’s inherently a huge environmental burden. 

But just by a simple adjustment to your camping habits, you can do a lot to preserve the beauty around us. Actually, as more campers become more mindful of environmental sustainability, eco-camping is becoming a powerful trend. Read on to find out how to go green on your next adventure!

Think minimal

The most simple key to being more eco-friendly is bringing less to your camping trip in the first place. Don’t be afraid to keep things light – do you really need that tablet or espresso maker with you? Switching to a minimalistic mindset saves the environment – but also your time. 

When it comes to camping gear, make sure to check the many rental options. You can also opt for equipment made of sustainable materials. Have you heard of sleeping bags or tents made from 100% recycled materials? And there’s more: Some interesting innovations include solar-powered tents!  

Pack your food

All campers need to think about what they eat on their trip – and there are many eco-friendly ways to go about it. First, it’s great to prioritize local, organic foods and goods. You’ll never go wrong with cooking at home and bringing your food in reusable packages; not only is this environmentally friendly, but your wallet will thank you too. 

The golden rule is to avoid any unnecessary packaging. Take a refillable water bottle instead of using several plastic ones and do nature a big favor. The materials matter too: Why not try out wooden cutlery and plates instead of plastic ones? While bamboo plates take some 180 days to decompose, the plastic ones may stick around for up to hundreds of years.

Watch the contents

When it comes to taking a shower of making sure you don't get sunburnt, is it also possible to remain eco-friendly. Whether we like it or not, products like repellent, sunscreen, soap, and toothpaste often contain substances harmful to the environment – but alternatives exist.

So before you go on your trip, make sure to think about how sustainable and biodegradable the products that you’re bringing are. After all, even the little things can have an enormous impact.

Leave no trace

Being eco-friendly doesn’t really need to take much effort. It’s simple: Make sure to always pack up what you bring in to leave no trace. This mostly comes down to waste. Did you know that there are over 100 million pounds of waste generated in national parks around the US? Your contribution can help decrease the number, so make sure to collect and recycle everything you want to throw away. 

Respectful coexistence

Perhaps the most important thing is realizing how your actions affect the environment around you. After all, it’s all about being respectful to the ecosystem you enter. Make sure to keep your distance from any wildlife, control your noise levels, and if you’re bringing pets, make sure they don’t disrupt or harass wild animals around. 

Every time you start a fire, make sure it’s in the designated areas only. Don’t pollute rivers and when you go to sleep, don’t even up the ground beneath you – use some folded clothes instead. And definitely avoid carving your name in the trees – if you want a memory, a selfie will do! 

Whether it’s litter, erosion, or damage to entire ecosystems, our actions can have a detrimental impact on nature. But just by being mindful, we can enjoy our adventures in a more sustainable way.

It’s no surprise that the US is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, given its array of natural wonders.

With picturesque mountainsides, vast deserts, and luscious forests, campers are certainly spoiled for choice. Such a paradise of landscapes and natural diversity begs only one question: What to discover first?

With both signature classics and some surprising spots making the list, we’ve rounded up the best places to camp in the US this year:

Acadia National Park, Maine

This beautiful park offers great hiking opportunities with views that make it clear why Maine is nicknamed the pine tree state. If you’re already familiar with the park's peaks, make sure to make your way up the Cadillac Mountain – the highest point on the US East Coast.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Touching the Canadian border, head to this national park to see majestic glacier-carved peaks and breathtaking valleys. While spots like the Hidden Lake with its crystal clear water offer great daytime views, you should stay for the night too – if you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern lights!

Zion National Park, Utah

Averaging a depth of 2,000 feet, the Zion canyon is a true red-rock paradise. Take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to marvel at ancient scenery without having to stray far from the main road.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Are you ready to explore 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness? Get those binoculars ready because you are likely to see moose, caribou, or even grizzly bears!

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is the ultimate bucket list location for many – so if you haven’t been yet, why not visit in 2020? With 13 different campgrounds, there’s plenty of locations and activities to choose from!

Arches National Park, Utah

With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this national park prides itself on the highest density of natural arches in the whole world. The Devil’s Garden campground, with its 51 campsites, is the place to go. 

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Badlands are considered to be one of the best national parks for stargazing, so any astronomy fan must have it on their radar! And it’s not just the night’s sky that deserves your attention – during the day, you will be able to marvel at one of the most complete fossil accumulations in North America.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

You could hardly find a more iconic natural landmark than the Grand Canyon. So whether you decide to head for the South Rim or the North Rim (less accessible), get ready to have your breath taken away.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend is often underrated despite its beauty and diversity. It has several different campgrounds and plenty of activities to choose from, including canoeing in the Rio Grande, discovering hikes that lead through diverse terrains or relaxing in hot springs. Make sure not to miss it!

Assateague Island, Maryland

Whether you want to get lost in a desert or prefer a getaway in the mountains, there are plenty of locations that promise to deliver an amazing trip. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to visit them all?

The 2010s changed everything - from how people shop to how people speak. It also changed how people camp. Environmental sustainability, new technologies, and peaked interest in the great outdoors will greatly impact the campgrounds of tomorrow.