Camping is like beer. You hate it as a kid, warm to it as a teenager and then fantasise about it when you’re an office-bound adult.
Now there are whole blogs for people to pour over mind-blowing photos of tents in remote locations. For full-on campsite porn, take a look at Camp Trend or Coffee In The Mountains.
We thought we’d put together the coolest places in the world to go camping in the world. Time to get procrastinating….
If you want to camp out somewhere with the most spectacular view of the night sky, Joshua Tree National Park should be on your list.
Just 140 miles east of Los Angeles in California, Joshua Tree is a favourite place to explore among rock climbers and photographers for its interesting geology.
There are no shops in the 800,000 acre park. Just spectacular landscape and the odd bobcat. Ideal for escaping the modern world.
Remember campsites are limited to six people and you can only camp here for a maximum of 30 days. Still, that’s more than enough to explore to your heart’s content.
Camping fees range from $10-15 per person per night. You can find more info about Joshua Tree National Park here.
Anyone who’s read the book or seen the film Alive will know about the Cordilleras – but don’t let it put you off. The Peruvian Andes are one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world.
This photo was taken near Artesonraju, the mountain made famous by the Paramount Pictures logo. It’s relatively easy to access but offers a steep climb aimed at more experienced climbers. It’s worth it though – the views are amazing.
Project Cordillera run expeditions up Artesonraju from June to August from £1,250pp.
If you want to see the Northern Lights, there’s no better place than Norway between late autumn and early spring.
Norway has some of the most liberal camping laws in the world – the Allemannsretten allows anyone to camp on uncultivated land, so there are plenty of wild camping spots to be discovered.
Delve 375km into the Arctic Circle to Kvaløya, pitch up your tent and watch the show unfold. It’s the largest island in Norway, so while you can stargaze in peace there’s also a town nearby to stock up on supplies.
At -10°C, you’ll need a warm sleeping bag but the view will be totally worth it.
Along with partying in Las Vegas and visiting the Taj Mahal, visiting the Grand Canyon at sunrise is up there with the Things To Do Before You Die. Unlike most “world wonders”, it does not disappoint.
The North Rim Campground is one of your best chances of getting a view of the canyon from your tent. It’s got a shorter season compared to the South Rim (May to October) but offers a more remote, less crowded experience.
For the very best tent door panoramas, apply for a backcountry permit and start planning your route.
Camping fees range from $18-25 per site per night. You can find more info about camping at North Rim Grand Canyon here.
Sleeping suspended from a tree has got to be one of the coolest ways to camp.
Waldseilgarten-Hollschlucht is mainly a high ropes and archery centre with the opportunity to camp overnight in one of their tree tents. It’s not cheap – one night can range from $150 to $1000.
At least meals and sleeping bags are included.
Find out more on the Waldseilgarten-Hollschlucht website.
Surfers flock in their masses to Baja for its sunshine and cruisy waves. It’s the second longest peninsula on earth, just further south down the coastline from California.
If a picture like this doesn’t tempt you on a road trip, I don’t know what will…
Cartoonist Peter Kohlsaat recommends shade and fresh water as the two main things you need when camping in Baja. Eat shrimp and salsa-covered tacos on the beach with a cold Mexican beer.
Not sure where to pitch tent? These guys have got some good tips….
Rafting is the number one activity to do on the Tatshenshini River in Alaska.
Drift past icebergs, giant calving glaciers and snow-capped mountain ranges before rafting up on shore for a night spent in the Alaskan wilderness.
Either that or it’s time to go heliskiing in Valdez . Just keep your eyes open for grizzly bears.
Check out the best companies to go rafting with here.
Never seen an iceberg before? Time to get your ass over to Jökulsárlón in Iceland where there are more ‘bergs than people. Well, that might not entirely be true but you catch my drift.
It’s the deepest lake in Iceland and it’s been the setting for four Hollywood movies, including two James Bond flicks.
There isn’t a campsite here. However, like Norway, flexible camping laws allow you to pitch on any uncultivated land.
Apparently it’s best to stay on the south side of the lagoon. Just remember you can’t drive off road or camp on land used for agriculture.
Learn more about Jökulsárlón here
Fed up of campsites with grim views? You won’t find that at the Sahale Glacier campsite.
You can pitch your tent in full view of the mountain range and sleep to the sound of glaciers cracking in the distance.
It may look pretty remote, but the Cascade Pass in the North Cascades National Park is surprisingly accessible. You could hike the Sahale Arm trail in a day or stay a few days longer and make your way to the Stehekin Valley along the winding river
For more about the Cascade Pass trail, click here.
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