Best Backpacking Locations in USA

The Best Places To Go Backpacking in the United States

We are talking about real backpacking, hiking, camping here.  Not somewhere you can pull up your Class A Motorhome with AC satellite TV and a jacuzzi, then venture outside when you get bored.  I am looking for a place to go to experience the true wilderness.

Also important is FREEDOM - many of the most popular places to backpack across the country have many "rules" associated with them.  Some of the most popular are;

• No Fires (we HATE THIS ONE) or No Fires unless in designated areas
• Only staying in designated "campsites" or shelters
• No Hunting or fishing! 
• No weapons allowed
• Noise Restrictions

Those rules while not all bad are not what we are looking for when determining the "best places to go backpacking" we want to live.  Backpack in and backpack out - live off the land- bring only what you can carry and have a great time. Throw is some local wildlife and we are game. 

If your ready for a true adventure look below.

Lake Clark Alaska - True Backcountry Backpacking for Serious Hikers

Alaska is one of the few places in the USA that still has lots of natural land, without a ton of tourist visiting it constantly and ruining the natural landscape.  It is one of the very few national park that requires NO PERMIT and NO RESERVATIONS with NO FEES for using the awesome landscape.

You can literally plan this trip on a whim and experience an uncrowded natural landscape.

Let's address the things we love about Lake Clark for Backpackers

• Make a campsite anywhere - there aren't designate campsites you have to stay in or use.  Find a good spot in the middle of the forest with some down trees you want to use as a wall for your shelter GO AHEAD.
• FIRES- the essential survival tool.  While the park service naturally doesn't want you cutting down trees to use as firewood- you can use all the down wood you want to make a campfire- BE SAFE! put it out before you leave and know what your doing. But make a Campfire where you want.
• Hunt and Fish - yes you need a hunting license and fishing licence but you can essentially hunt anywhere out here and eat your kill, same goes for fishing.  Amazing fishing with pristine glacier fed Lakes is abundant.  Because of the remoteness fishing here is GREAT. 
• The natural wildlife is amazing here, look out for Bears, Moose, Wolfs, birds of all sort(including bald eagles), caribou, moose and even mountain sheep.
• Be respectful if you happen to be near some other Backpackers but you and your buddies can have a great time being a little loud. 
• REMOTENESS - you have to fly in for goodness sake unless your exceptionally motivated.  It is common to never see another party here. 

Best Backpacking for Beginners

Not quite ready to fly into Alaska for a true backcountry experience.  Hey we understand in fact much of the time this is simple unfeasible and you need something more accessible. There are some awesome places to experience nature in the US with some good amenities like campsites- food availability - designated trails and resources.  Out top pick is;

Yellowstone National Park Beginning Backpacker Top Destination

Yep with no reservations if you haven't been here before now's the time to go.  Polar opposite from our true backpackers pick this is no less fun if you make it that.  This is a huge tourist attraction so if you are going prime season April-September or so expect neighbors and many of them.  There are designated campsites and fire restrictions vary throughout the year but you can find a way to have a campfire. 

Your sure to see some geysers including old faithful and an abundant array of wildlife. Over 2000 campsites are available to help your experience the landscape of this iconic park.

VERY established trails are available so no worries about getting lost here.

Check out Yellowstones government site here.