These camping locations might just encourage you to drop the luxuries of hotel traveling. You may need to get there by hiking or backpacking, by ferries or boats, by horseback, or by flying in by private plane or helicopter.
Camping for Adventure Travel
There are thousands of campgrounds for international travel but only a few make you feel like you are camping in paradise. You may bring a tent, rent a tent, or stay in a camping cabin. Dining al fresco may be in order, but often there are gourmet restaurants nearby. Let an exotic campground be your home base for adventure.
- England Dorset, home of the Jurassic coast, is home to an unusual yurt village at Herston Caravan and Campsite near Swanage. Yurts are round tent-like houses from Mongolia. This is year-round camping with woodburning stoves for heat or cooking. Beds tables, and chairs round out the furnishings for comfort. This is well located for visiting the beautiful Jurassic coast of Dorset.
- Costa Rica A small charter plane will get you to the camping area of Corcovada Lodge at the edge of the Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. The main site is a group of tent cabins high on a bluff above the ocean. The tents are 10 foot square and each has two beds. Meals are available and served "family-style." Two bath houses serve the campground and there is a thatched hammock house with bar.This camp is near the head of the coastal trail. It’s a chance to hike and observe the abundant wildlife of the National Park. For a most unusual activity, there is a wildlife viewing platform 120 feet up in a tree. Plan in advance and you might even get the chance to spend the night camping up on the platform.
- Dry Tortugas Key West is a popular and crowded vacation destination, but just 70 miles west is the Dry Tortugas, home to sea turtles and lovely coral reefs. You must take a seaplane or ferry to the only campground, at Garden Key. Privacy is almost guaranteed with only eight campsites, each with picnic table and grill. Beware, though, campsites are first-come-first-serve. Sand, sea, and coral reefs surround the area. Snorkeling and scuba diving the coral reefs makes for a unique outdoor adventure. The campground is part of Dry Tortugas National Park.
- France There are plenty of unique or bizarre sights to visit while camping in France. The site of the Standing Stones of Carnac is one of the most famous neolithic archaeological sites. Over five thousand years ago, stones were carved and placed in straight lines in the area surrounding the town of Carnac. Most likely it was a spiritual place for Druid rites but the a local legend says that it is a Roman legion turned to stone by Saint Cornelius.
- Spain Cala Llevado is an unusual campsite on the beautirul Spanish Costa Brava. The camp is located along terraced hills above the sea in Tossa del Mar. Campsites are nestled in privacy at various spots along the terraces. And there are also wooden chalets available for rent. The camping area sports beautiful views of the coast and bay, with access to crystal clear water and lovely sandy beaches. Waterskiing, surfing, and diving keep the adventures rolling at this place in the Spanish sun.
- Thailand Thailand’s coast is pocked with hidden lagoons. Some of them are accessible only by helicopter or boats. Kayaks make a wonderful transport for reaching these private camping havens. Arrange for an excursion or guide service. A unique spot is along a tiny beach near the cliffs of Koh Penak. Paddle in and drag the kayaks well up on the sandy beach. Bring a small set of watercolor paints and spend quiet time sketching. Set your tents up and spend the night watching the stars and moon.
Advance Planning for a Camping Adventure
Camping can be a travel adventure too good to pass up. It may also be an alternative way to travel for those on a budget. Do your research in advance so you can plan for the type of camping gear you will need at your exotic destination. Remember, it’s usually best to make reservations well in advance.
Appreciate the Unusual or Exotic Campsite
From tropical paradise to archaeological wonders, camping can be a unique way to travel and sightsee. Sleeping outdoors may make you feel closer to the land you are visiting and increase your appreciation of local sights. These are just a sampling of camping locations around the world. One of these camping locations could be an interesting destination for a family reunion. Be sure to seek out a camping situation that suits your budget and your comfort level.
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