Camping allows an opportunity to connect with nature, explore breathtaking landscapes, and experience the great outdoors in a deeply immersive way. America has many camping destinations, but some of the most beautiful and remote areas come with big risks. Here are 15 treacherous places to camp in America.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon provides many enjoyment opportunities—mule riding, train rides, etc. However, it retains extreme heat, particularly during summer, when temperatures can soar above 110°F (43°C). Dark-colored stones there absorb heat and make the air hotter. The cliffs and rugged terrain pose a considerable risk of falls. Dehydration is expected, especially for those unprepared for the strenuous hikes. Worst of all, flash floods can occur suddenly in narrow canyons.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Sightseeing, flightseeing, and guided tours are things you can enjoy at Denali National Park. This park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali. Nevertheless, factors like its sub-zero temperatures may make it uncomfortable. Grizzly bears are common, requiring campers to be vigilant. The glaciers and crevasses add to the jeopardy.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
At Yellowstone, you can see live grizzlies and wolves, raft in the water, and watch musicals. However, the park’s geothermal features, such as hot springs and geysers, can be hot and unstable. The park is home to a large wildlife population, including bears and bison, which can be unpredictable and dangerous. Cold weather, especially in higher elevations, can lead to hypothermia if campers are not well-equipped.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Raft trips, driving tours, and fly casting lessons are activities Glacier National Park offers. Its terrain may be stunning, but it is also treacherous—including steep mountains and deep valleys. Running into a grizzly bear is a possibility. Avalanches are a hazard during the winter and spring, and the weather can change rapidly, catching campers off guard.
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
This park houses the Bedwater Basin and the Devil’s Golf Course. It is the hottest place in North America, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 120°F (49°C), making it extremely dangerous for unprepared visitors. Dehydration and heatstroke are major concerns, as water sources can be scarce. Cell phones may not work in some parts of the park, making emergencies potentially life-threatening.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Among the things to do here are self-driving audio and air-conditioned tours. This desert park has its bad moments, beginning with scorching days in the summer and freezing nights in the winter. Its limited water sources make dehydration a constant threat. Rattlesnakes and other venomous creatures are also around. You risk getting lost if you ignore the landmarks and drift from the trails.
Everglades National Park, Florida
The Everglades is America’s largest subtropical wilderness. The mosquito population is high and can carry diseases like the West Nile virus. Alligators and snakes, including venomous species, are common in the waterways. The humid and hot climate can be oppressive and bring heat-related illnesses.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
While offering hiking and mountain climbing opportunities, this park is centered around Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano that will erupt in the future. Landslides and rockfalls are also things to be wary of. The weather is highly unpredictable, which can create an avalanche at any time.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
A wilderness and wildlife experience awaits interested visitors at this park. The problem is its steep and rugged terrain presents a risk of falls and injuries. Sometimes, trees and branches fall, particularly during storms. The presence of black bears requires more caution as they can launch fatal attacks. Some emergencies can get worse quickly because medical offices or clinics are absent.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
It doesn’t matter if you want a walking or driving tour; you’ll get it here. However, encounters with black bears are a notable risk in this park, necessitating vigilance. It has dense fog that can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of getting lost or having an accident. There are ticks here, and they may carry Lyme disease. Some rocks there are slippery and can lead to injuries.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend allows you to enjoy bird watching, backpacking, horseback riding, and more. As one of the most remote places in the country, medical emergencies can be worse than they should be. Extreme heat threatens guests, and animals like mountain lions and snakes are present, too. Flash floods can take you by surprise.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Besides camping, you can do boating and backpacking here. Regardless, the park receives a high amount of rainfall, and as one of the wettest spots in the U.S., it can cause slippery conditions and the risk of hypothermia. Encounters with bears, cougars, and sharks are possible, and proper precautions are required. The coastal areas may experience dangerous waves and currents.
Yosemite National Park, California
There are many viewpoints at Yosemite, including Glacier Point and Tunnel View. Yosemite’s iconic cliffs and waterfalls are beautiful but hazardous, with a high risk of falls. Rockfalls happen commonly, especially in winter and spring. Because the park is popular, it can get crowded. Swift water in rivers and streams poses a drowning risk.
Zion National Park, Utah
On the one hand, Zion is a place to enjoy biking, birding, cayoneering, etc. On the other hand, flash floods are a significant danger in Zion’s narrow canyons. The dryness and heat in the summer months can cause dehydration and heatstroke. Encounters with animals like rattlesnakes add to the risk.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
You’ll love Rocky Mountain Park if you love wildlife watching, photography, and scenic drives. Sadly, the park’s high altitude can lead to altitude sickness. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and snowstorms can catch people off guard. You may encounter animals such as bears and mountain lions. The ruggedness increases the risk of injury.
