9 best places to camp in the US
If you’re a regular camper, you probably have a few favorite spots your family returns to. But if you’re new to camping – or looking to point your compass in a different direction – you’re likely to find a few new family-friendly destinations in the list below.
Whether you prefer being up in the mountains, down on the beach or something unique, these camping hotspots will have you getting back to nature in no time.
27 Reasons The Great Lakes Are Actually The Greatest (PHOTOS)
Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. To some, those names might not mean much. What's a lake when you have the ocean, someone from California might say. They can't be much compared to the Gulf Coast, a Floridian might sneer.
But anyone who calls the Great Lakes home -- or a home away from home -- knows it's near impossible to beat the breathtaking surroundings of the five lakes that touch eight states and Canada. Below check out a few of the reasons why the Great Lakes just might be the greatest ever, and if you make it to the end without seeing your favorite spot, submit a photo or memory below.
1 Let's start simple: the beaches are incredible.
Getty ImagesThat's an obvious one. Lake Michigan beach, north of New Buffalo.2 The sunsets are unbeatable.Honestly.3 And the sunrises are exquisite, too.
Getty ImagesPredawn color over granites and white pine at mouth of Chikanishing Creek in Georgian Bay, Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario.4 They're home to more than 32,000 islands.
An iris at Isle Royale, an island in Lake Superior that's also a national park. Those 32,000 islands also include Manitoulin in Lake Huron, the largest freshwater island in the world, which has more than 100 lakes of its own, which have their own islands, which have ponds. Mind-blowing.5 Speaking of national parks, they have amazing ones.
APThe Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, Michigan. AP Photo/Bob Brodbeck.6 Which are beautiful to look at from afar...
Getty ImagesThe Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at Lake Michigan.7 And even better to visit.
Flickr: Danielle Walquist Lynch.8 They're also huge.
Getty ImagesThe Great Lakes touch Canada, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Combined, the length of all five shorelines is about 44 percent of the Earth's circumference. They hold one-fifth of the Earth's available fresh surface water, and enough to cover all of the United States in more than 9.5 feet of water. By surface area, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Who needs the ocean?9 They're marvelous in all seasons...
Getty ImagesLake Superior Provincial Park, Wawa, Ontario.10 Even in winter...
Getty ImagesA winter sunset at Tiny Beach, Georgian Bay, Ontario.11 Even when it's cold...
GIF by Dave Gorum.12 Really, really cold.
Getty ImagesSt. Joseph, Michigan.13 But they're not just beautiful.
Flickr: Detroit_DistrictThey also have a huge economic impact: more than 1.5 million U.S. jobs have a direct connection to the lakes, according to a 2011 report. The lakes also provide drinking water for 40 million people. The Cason J. Callaway closes out the 2012 shipping season at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.14 They're full of adventure...
Getty ImagesJuan Piantino wind surfs along Montrose Beach October 19, 2011 in Chicago. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images.15 But also a place to find peace.
Getty ImagesLake Superior, Ontario.16 You can see once-in-a-lifetime phenomena.
Getty ImagesA view displaying the Northern Lights affected by the solar tsunami over Lake Superior on Aug. 4, 2010 in Marquette, Michigan, captured by photographer Shawn Malone, 46, just before midnight. Malone spent just over an hour and half each night observing the enhanced natural phenomenon and used exposures lasting 20 minutes. Photo by Shawn Malone / lakesuperiorphoto.com / Barcroft USA / Getty Images.
18 There's so much to explore.
Getty ImagesWreck of the Sweepstakes, a ship built in 1867, in Big Tub Harbour, Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory, Ontario. There are at least 6,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.19 Some beaches are a rock collector's dream...
Getty ImagesThe Georgian Bay shoreline at Halfway Log Dump in Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada.20 But you can always find crystal clear waters.
Getty ImagesLake Michigan lakeshore.21 You can stay in amazing accommodations...Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island.22 Or find rustic bliss.
Getty ImagesLake Ontario.23 The Great Lakes have it all: the big city...
Getty ImagesThe Chicago lakefront.24 Charming towns...Fishtown, Leland, Michigan.25 And true wilderness.
Getty ImagesMoose on Isle Royale.26 There's no better place to see the stars.
Getty ImagesMackenzie Point, Ontario.27 And a trip to the Great Lakes is always memorable.
Getty ImagesHuron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. How to remember them? They spell out HOMES, and always feel like home.
Add photos of your favorite things about the Great Lakes.
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