Fishing Frenzy

Time to head out with the family this summer. You love camping and want to hit some of the national parks throughout North America. But the thought of fighting traffic and crowds at some of the more popular destinations isn't very appealing. Fortunately, these 6 places let you enjoy the beauty of the park without the headache of the crowds:

1. Arches. This gem can be found in the southern landscape of Utah. It's best known for its stunning sandstone arches, two of which are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the park's largest. Because of the sheer beauty the park has to offer, along with the landscape, hiking remains the most popular activity.

2. Badlands. Truly a marvel of nature, Badlands offers two or three experiences in one park. Not only do you see beautiful buttes and canyons, but also there is the vast prairie land to experience. Because of the lay of the land, you're sure to see wildlife ranging from bison to coyotes.

3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.

4. Biscayne National Park. What makes Biscayne so unique is the fact that it is accessible almost exclusively by boat. The park, 25 miles from Miami, is part of a coral reef. That means if you enjoy viewing marine life, you'll feel right at home here. The crystal clear waters make it very easy to spot all kinds of fish and stingrays. Fishing, hiking, and camping are other favorite activities made easy since the park is made up of over 40 keys.

5. Cape Breton Highlands. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Cape Breton was once home to Alexander Graham Bell. The uniqueness of Cape Breton is its accessibility all year long, whether its frolicking on the beach in summer, skiing in winter, or hiking in the fall. The many hiking trails offer stunning views of the coastline, the plateaus, and the wonderfully green highlands.

6. Congaree National Park. Some 75 species of trees and multitudes of animals call Congaree National Park home. Located near Columbia, South Carolina, the park is the largest floodplain forest in North America. It also is one of the newest, earning its national park status in 2003.

So if you're looking to experience the excitement of camping without the headache associated with large crowds, these places are for you. These six lesser-known gems will provide you with hours of enjoyment, not to mention memories that will last forever.