To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled eight extraordinary gay camping trips and diverse LGBTQ hiking locations with scenic views, fun outdoor activities, and inclusive environments. Keep on reading to discover these great camping and hiking trails!
Fire Island National Seashore, New York
Start your gay camping expedition with the Fire Island National Seashore in New York, a remarkable destination. This amazing island is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, rich subtropical pine woods, and diverse culture associated with the freedom of sexual orientation. Definitely, take a look at the Pines at Fire Island – a popular and very homosexual and bisexual beach that has been a hotspot for many years
Yosemite National Park, California
To get a taste of the ultimate gay camping experience then Yosemite National Park in California is the place to go. This magnificent park offers some of the most spectacular sights on the planet, such as enormous waterfalls, sequoias, and immense granite monoliths. Yosemite has numerous hiking trails for different levels of hikers; this makes it possible for one to indulge in numerous activities and explore as much as possible.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Another place to consider for gay camping is Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. This wonderful park is located around Mount Rainier, a great volcanic plug mountain that takes a central position in the park. But when it comes to the exploration outside the mountain, there is so much more to it. It offers a range of ecosystems, starting from the meadows of the alpine with an abundance of wildflowers to forested regions with mossy trees. And with its great tradition of fighting for the rights of the gay community and other minorities, Mount Rainier is open to everyone.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
For a gay camping trip with a side of southern charm, head to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This splendid park is situated in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountain range and has terrains of rolling hills, valleys, and waterfalls. Shenandoah offers a hiker’s delight with more than 500 miles of trails, part of which is the Appalachian Trail. What is more, there are several campgrounds and lodges that are friendly to the members of the LGBTQ+ community, so you will not be short of choices on where to spend your night after a tiring day on the trail.
Zion National Park, Utah
For a gay camping trip that is both outdoorsy and glam, Zion National Park in Utah is the place to be. This breathtaking park offers amazing features such as red sandstone rock formations, slender canyons, waterfalls, and much more. Featuring a wide selection of trails that can be classified as easy, moderate, or difficult, including backcountry ones, Zion is a true treasure trove for hiking enthusiasts. Moreover, there are many options for LGBTQ+-welcoming campgrounds and outfitters, so you’ll feel comfortable in this friendly desert town.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
For a gay camping trip that will actually take your breath away, head to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. This beautiful park is filled with mountains, clear blue alpine lakes, and meadows filled to the brim with flowers that will make you feel as though you are on the set of a postcard. Rocky Mountain has an elevation that starts from 7,000 and goes up to more than 14,000, making it a perfect high-altitude playground.
Glacier National Park, Montana
If you are looking for a gay camping adventure as big as the great American desert, then Glacier National Park in Montana should be your camping destination. This magnificent park boasts some of the most beautiful features, including towering mountains, ancient glaciers, and snow-capped alpine lakes. Glacier National Park alone has more than 700 miles of maintained trails, and thus, the hiking options are virtually limitless.
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you are planning for a gay camping trip with a little twist of New England, then Acadia National Park in Maine is the best place for you. This magnificent park is on the Atlantic coast, where trails of granite and wood lead through the park’s temperate rain forests. Due to the extensive hiking trails of 150-plus miles, Acadia has a lot of excitement waiting for all the hikers. There are many fun activities to do in the park; for instance, take a drive along the Park Loop Road, which provides a scenic route along the coast with beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
For a gay camping trip that involves fun, adventure, and art, the Berkshires in Massachusetts are perfect. This beautiful area is characterized by beautiful rolling hills, vast green forests, and quintessential New England villages with a touch of class. Go for a nature walk in the Appalachian Trail which is situated in the middle of the Berkshires and gives a vantage view of the surrounding environment. Or explore one of the numerous cultural sites in the area, for example, the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Clark Art Institute, or Tanglewood Music Center. And since there are a number of LGBTQ+-friendly resorts and campgrounds in the region, you will have the chance to have a good rest and enjoy the spirit of this place.
The Catskills, New York
For a gay camping trip that is historical and scenic, the Catskills in New York is the ideal place to visit. This beautiful area has been a favorite of LGBTQ+ tourists for years, and the combination of natural exploration and artful city life is unparalleled. Featuring numerous trails for hiking, crystal clear water of lakes and waterfalls, and picturesque towns inhabited by artists and businessmen, the Catskills are always interesting.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for one of the amazing gay camping experiences or one of the other fabulous LGBT hiking spots, you are bound to have an amazing time surrounded by gorgeous wilderness, friendly people, and lots of fun outdoor activities. Therefore, put on your hiking shoes, gather your camping equipment, and start your next gay-friendly national park vacation!
