The environment needs our protection now more than ever, and there’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day (or any day) than by spending time outdoors.
Through no trace camping—also known as “pack it in, pack it out,”—you can appreciate the earth and work to preserve it simultaneously.
Start by making ecologically conscious decisions ahead of your trip. To cut down on pollution, pick a nearby destination, and if you don’t already have your own camping gear, consider buying or borrowing used equipment. Pack your own (non-disposable) dishes and eco-friendly toiletries as well as some extra garbage bags to prevent litter.
Once you’re in the wild, respect boundaries in preserves and on trails—those limits are in place to protect wildlife. Additionally, conserve your resources (such as water from a spicket) and keep fires minimal and contained. Make sure to burn your fire down to ash before putting it out completely.
Now, on to the excitement—flip through the gallery above for seven getaway suggestions courtesy of Thousand Trails and Encore, or plan a visit to a nearby park.
Lake Conroe photo by Katie Haughland Bowen, CC BY 2.0. Sturgeon bay photo by Jim Bauer, CC BY-ND 2.0. Lake George photo by bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0
Sarra Sedghi is the assistant editor of Paste’s food and science sections.
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Long Key, Florida: Long Key is known for its impeccable sunsets and its resident state park, and its proximity to U.S. 1 makes it easy to access for a non-touristy spot. Camp at the beach on the state park campground or the Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina.
Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails and Encore
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Lake Conroe, Texas: Lake Conroe, an hour's drive from Houston, is a wonderland for all things water. Rent a boat (or bring your own) to the Lake Conroe RV Campground, which just expanded its marina and added another beach.
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Lake George, New York:
Lake George in upstate New York overflows with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, extreme sports and, of course, time on the water. Nearby Adirondack Park offers more than six million acres of preserved mountains, forests and waterfalls to explore.
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Mount Hood, Oregon: Established, in 1984, Mt. Hood Village offers cabin, cottage and yurt lodging as well as campsites amidst an expansive mass of forest. If you find yourself craving time in a city, Portland is only a short distance away.
Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails and Encore
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Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: Wisconsin's Sturgeon Bay area features a handful of state parks and natural areas as well as Lake Michigan's waters. In addition to gorgeous Great Lakes scenery, Sturgeon Bay provides ample space for fishing, boating and exploring via foot, bike or kayak.
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Yosemite Lakes, California: Groveland, California's Yosemite Lakes RV Resort sits five minutes away from Yosemite National Park's west entrance. Additionally, Earth Day weekend conveniently coincides with National Park Week, so you'll be able to visit Yosemite for free.
Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails and Encore
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Gettysburg Farm, Pennsylvania: The newly opened Gettysburg Farm campground in Dover, Pennsylvania, doubles as working farm. Sharpen your Civil War knowledge at the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park.
Photo courtesy of Thousand Trails and Encore