Five jaw-dropping camping spots that'll get your camping senses tingling

Forests are beautiful places – we all know that – and forest camping is certainly something that everyone should try (and more than just a few times, we believe).

Variety is the spice of life, though, and in the world of camping, that particular spice is in abundance.

It’s all too easy to come across the latest ‘campsite’ set amongst the treetops, or set against a cliff face in North Wales, but just in case you’ve never seen these, we’ve had a look through some of the most jaw-dropping locations ever to have been pitched upon.

Some aren’t for the faint-hearted; others will make you sigh longingly, but they’ll all get your outdoor senses tingling, and they’re all going on our bucket list.

1. Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park, USA

Camping spot at Sahale Glacier

Fans of Sahale Glacier will just need to walk the 12 mile journey to reach its base, climbing a cool 4000ft (total elevation of around 7600ft) to where these campsites reside. From there, it’s just a class 3-4 climb to the glacier’s summit.

Swapping the climb for an overnight break comes well recommended though. The individual camp sites are protected from the wind with rather useful purpose-built rock walls, and many of the sites sit right at the very edge of the glacier and its moraine. This provides stunning views looking out to the harsh mountain backdrops and valleys below.

Camping spot at Sahale Glacier, overlooking mountains

Camping spot at Sahale Glacier, overlooking mountains

Photo by Park Ranger, North Cascades National Park, Flickr

Tent pitched at Sahale Glacier at night

Photo by Andy Porter, Flickr

Flowers at Sahale Glacier campground

Photo by Karls Johnson, Flickr

2. Arches national park, Utah, USA

Tents at Arches National Park

The aptly named Arches National Park, Utah, is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches which, alongside its many other unique geographical formations, make up its stunning landscape.

Naturally its formations combine with sometimes extreme weather systems in the area to provide some of the most dramatic settings you’re likely to come across – incredible palettes made up of harsh oranges, deep blues and everything in between.

When the sun goes down, things only get better. With virtually no light pollution, lucky campers can ponder life’s biggest questions as they take in scenes from the biggest tapestry around, the Milky Way.

3. Gaia Adventures, Snowdonia, North Wales

Campers on a cliff-face with the sea below

Campers on a cliff-face with the sea below

Unsatisfied with the opportunities for camping on things other than the ground, Gaia Adventures sought to add cliffs to the mix – and what an addition it was.

Foolhardy campers can now camp on a porta ledge hanging not-so-precariously 200ft above the sea.

Food is sorted with a stove hung off the side of the ledge, and even a Welsh breakfast in the morning, whilst toilet breaks are up to you – off the ledge or a quick climb back to the foundations of Earth.

We spoke to Gaia Adventures themselves, here's what they had to say:

Who’s it for?

“We've had a real mix of participants. Some are keen climbers, though some have never spent any time in the outdoors, and just liked the thought of it.”

What’s it like?

“Most participants are a little anxious to begin. We normally do a rock climb first, and sometimes a full day's climbing if they're interested. This allows participants to see and understand how the safety system works- it's all about trusting the rope. Abseiling over the cliff, with the sea swirling below is intimidating for everyone, let alone folk who've ever been in that position before. It's pretty stimulating. Soon enough though they're on the ledge. It's still a bit nerve racking though, as the thing to trust is now the ledge. After ten minutes or so, people obviously relax, and relish the moment. It's all gravy from then on. We've had very positive feedback from everyone we've taken. I suppose it's quite a surreal environment to be in. It's certainly tranquil. Watching the sun set is very special. I think it moves most people.”

Campers on a cliff-face at night

Photos provided by Gaia Adventures

4. Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Campervan on beach on Isle of Lewis, Scotland

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Caribbean as you soak up the views from the white beaches and turquoise waters, but dip your feet in and you’ll quickly realise that whilst you’re in perhaps one of the most beautiful areas of the world, the Scottish cold can still get you.

Quite fortunately, the Outer Hebrides remains unspoilt from tourist activity, making for some absolutely stunning camping locations, and a great venue for walking or cycling.

The Isle of Harris, sitting in the North-west corner of the Outer Hebrides, is particularly beautiful, and beaches such as Luskentyre and Uig come well recommended.

Luskentyre beach, Isle of Lewis

Uig Beach, Isle of Lewis

Uig Beach, Isle of Lewis

5. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Island Camping

The more you research the Lofoten Islands, the more you want to go.

Colourful houses set against harsh mountains that reach straight out from the sea, rolling pastures and dramatic fjords.

These are the sights you’d expect to see in Lord of the Rings, but they look even better when you’re in the picture yourself. This stunning area of the world is very possibly the ultimate adventurer’s playground.

Camping near a beach at Lofoten Island

We just can't stop looking

Bridge and Mountain on Lofoten Island

Kristainsund, Lofoten Island, Norway

Okay, we'll stop with the pictures, but only to pack our bags! Do you know any other camping havens? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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