It’s becoming harder to find a slice of nature all to yourself. But there are plenty of secluded sweet spots around the country if you know where to look. From national monuments and lakeshores to forests and scenic waterways, here are some stunning, uncrowded wildlands that are definitely worth exploring.

We've got you covered. With this advice, you can still nab a nice—and even popular—spot at a campground of your choice this summer.

The beautiful scenery in popular TV series like ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘The White Lotus’ has sparked a tourism trend. Here are our five favorite locations to travel to and fun adventures nearby.

Travelers generate a massive amount of waste. You can help change that with these smart and easy tips.

When the travel guide’s life turned upside down during the pandemic, he saw a chance to venture toward the kind of future he really wanted

From Chamonix to New Zealand, this expert hiker reveals the most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes on the planet

From the moment this story broke, I kept checking—and checking—the news. Distant tragedies can grip our minds and souls, put us there. I started thinking about why.

While the adventurer was on a record-setting road trip, a message from a fan made him realize the importance of coming out

In an exclusive interview with Outside for a story last year, Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate and the pilot of the missing Titanic submersible, explained the reasons behind his costly expeditions, why he included paying tourists, and why ocean exploration was worth it

Whether you’re road-tripping or flying with Fido, our columnist has found the friendliest campgrounds, hotels, and airlines that welcome canines—as well as an app that dog owners shouldn’t live without

North America will have prime viewing when the moon (mostly) obscures the sun on October 14. These are the best places to see the magical ring of fire.

If you want to be active, try out new gear in a dream destination, pick up skills from experts, and mix with other adventurers, these hotels have it all. The fireside s’mores aren’t bad either.

We’ve sniffed out the best beaches for swimming, fetching, and tail-wagging fun for you and your pup

Spend time getting reacquainted with the most important person in your life: you.

Trips to or through hostile areas feel increasingly risky for many people in this community, given the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ policies

We’ve done the impossible and made a list of best hikes in our national parks. Now’s a perfect time to start checking them off, from Acadia to Yosemite.

We often write off a country or region in the wake of a government upheaval or natural disaster—like the earthquake in Turkey or recent protests in Peru. Turns out that may be the best time to go.

Adventures in national parks don’t end at sundown. We’ve found the best ways to explore after dark, from seeing the Northern Lights to Yooperlite hunting.

This charming North Carolina mountain town has world-class dining, excellent beer, and plenty of mountains, rivers, and trails to explore

Find bigger adventures (and smaller crowds) in America’s most under-the-radar national forest

This North Carolina destination is the ultimate in responsible outdoor adventure

There’s learning, connecting with self and others, and did we mention dance parties?

Here it is June and you’re still turning over travel plans? Come along with us, as we head out to see wolves, test our mettle on Tour de France ascents, trek across one of Colorado’s most photographed mountain passes, and generally get outside in big, bold ways this season.

The writer learned to have patience with himself after a catastrophic first day as an amateur sheepherder

Our national parks are celebrating the season (aren’t we all?) with fun and immersive special events. We've mapped out our favorites, from photo classes to great music to getting dirty helping on a trail day.

From the mighty St. Lawrence River to ocean exploration, summer and fall in Québec are all about enjoying nature on and around the water

From outdoor adventure to sampling local food culture, here’s how to enjoy the Green Mountain State

After suffering from anxiety and depression for years, the wellness practitioner had a profound psychedelic experience that set her on a path to healing

It took 20 years of planning to open the new 190-mile Aquarius Trail bikepacking hut system in southern Utah’s spectacular wilderness, sandwiched between Bryce and Zion national parks. Stephanie Pearson saddles up for a wild ride.

Hundreds of online platforms post traveler reviews, but only a handful police recommendations for fake or promotional content. Which ones should you rely on when planning a trip? Our expert weighs in.

Officials say evidence suggests the men were caught by a flash flood. This is the second double tragedy in the famous slot canyon this year.

As you’re visiting national parks this summer, don’t miss out on these spectacular outlooks, mountain summits, and lake vistas. We’ve got the intel on how to reach them all.

These 15 trails offer getaways for every type of hiker in the East

The epic winter of 2022–23 is still with us, with snowmelt causing flooding concerns in some national parks and in others roads and trails are closed for repairs. Here’s what you need to know for your summer trips.

Why be stuck behind the masses at popular parks when you can wander some of the nation’s best with barely a soul in sight?

We’re celebrating the grandeur of America, from beautiful rivers, beaches, and mountains to incredible glamping outposts and wild places. Our travel experts are constantly on the road finding new adventures, and their ideas will jump-start your next unforgettable journey.

Getting through a harrowing motorcycle adventure across Africa convinced the journalist that she can survive just about anything

National Park Service officials said they’re still investigating what caused the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge to burn to the ground just weeks before its planned grand reopening

Opposites may attract, but they don’t always see eye to eye when it comes to traveling together. Our travel columnist has tips on how to meet in the middle—and where to go that will make you both happy.

Ready to explore like a mountain goat? Here are the top escapes for hikers in every region of the country, expert advice on how to scramble like a goat, and the most innovative footwear for surefooted traction in steep terrain.

The hairstylist had abandoned religion as a teen. Then a profound experience in a forest in the Middle East set her on the path to be a chaplain.

Here’s a little-known secret: the Cornhusker State is full of untapped adventure

Faced with risk and loss in the mountains, our writer grapples with what it means to lead a life well-lived.

As a high-school student, she signed up for an ambitious adventure—and learned the hard way to be upfront about what doesn’t know

Our trails columnist has hiked thousands of miles. These are the routes at the top of his bucket list. Thrill yourself with a trip to an amazing trail this year.

Dad and I had always planned to climb Africa’s tallest peak together, but cancer took away our chance. I knew he wouldn’t want it to take mine, too.

Eight ways to experience all New Mexico has to offer

Touring rock stars aren’t exactly known for clean living. The members of this band do ginger shots and ice baths.

High snowpack may lead to issues throughout May and June

It’s not just skiers who are enjoying a banner year. Thanks to all the snow, 2023 promises to be one of the best rafting seasons ever. Check out these five great trips.

Club Med’s first four-season resort in Canada just might be the summer vacation your family needs

California’s wild storms and wet weather have resulted in dazzling displays of wildflowers, some peaking and others ready to pop. Here’s how to see one before it’s too late.

A recent survey of employee satisfaction returned abysmal scores for the NPS

These destinations are still keen to jump-start tourism after the pandemic, so they’re offering airline tickets and other freebies. Other places will actually pay you to move there. Here are the pros and cons.

Take a tour of these two national monuments in Eastern Montana

Looking to save a few bucks when visiting our national parks? Here are upcoming free days, and seven other programs for freebies or discounts. You could make some memories.

These state parks offer everything you’re looking for in a national park, only fewer crowds. See our top choices for wildlife, wilderness, solitude, and more.

Paddling may be the main draw of the Upper Missouri River Breaks, but it’s far from the only way to explore there

Wolves are my favorite animal, but my parents see them as the enemy that kills their livestock

Explore the state like you’ve never seen it before on these four adventure road trips

Randy Udall was most at peace in the wilderness. After he died on a solo backpacking trip, his daughter took up his tradition of hiking to a secret place in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, where she was surprised by what she found.

After decades of skiing and a recent tragedy, the author says it’s time to up our safety game when we’re riding a chair high in the sky

Visiting Lake Erie in Ohio? Powderhook has all the information you need to start exploring the fishery.

The 2023 World Happiness Report is out and Finland took the winning spot for the sixth time, and they want you to come visit—for free. Plus: awesome trip ideas in other happy countries.

Pack up the family, and get lost (and found) in Bermuda

National parks protect our land and a wide variety of wildlife, many of them dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are the animals and reptiles to look out for and the best ways to keep you—and them—safe.

Over a dozen ski areas have extended their seasons by at least a week, some up a month or more. It’s not too late to plan one last adventure.

The PCT traces the west coast of the U.S. over almost 2,700 miles. Our expert trail columnist reveals everything you need to know about what to pack, eat, and read, plus where to sleep and how to have the most fun on this scenic long trail.

One of the world’s largest Joshua tree forests is now federally protected

On its way from Chicago to California, Route 66 passes some of the most spectacular adventures in the U.S. Consider this your guide to kicking up some outdoorsy fun along the historical route.

Discover stories from Backpacker, Outside Online, Clean Eating, Climbing, and other brands across the Outside Network

After a recent shoot-out in Mexico that left two Americans dead, and a new alert warning of crime in Costa Rica, travelers are wondering if their spring-break plans to these countries should be put on hold

When it comes to skiing in the East, New Hampshire ski resorts have everything you could ever want in a ski vacation

Most of us can’t imagine not flying. But as airline emissions continue to adversely affect the climate, our writer deliberates why making the ethical choice is so hard—and why those who have done so are actually happier.

Our columnist had little idea of what to expect when she ventured to the far-flung island territory of American Samoa. In the final report of her 63 Parks series, she explains why this may be the nation’s wildest, most protected landscape of them all.

The legislation prohibits visiting hikers from exploring the country’s trails by themselves

Explore eastern Montana’s winter wonderland

The last thing you want while looking out over Bryce Canyon contemplating the millennia is a tourist helicopter buzzing overhead. That’s why some parks, like Glacier, are working to end air tourism.

A festival of paper and string in India bridges cultural divides

Our national park system has 424 units, but visitors pack into only a few of those. You’ll find jaw-dropping scenery, awesome adventures, and way fewer crowds in these often overlooked parks. And yes, we picked our favorite one in every single state.