MAKE IT CUTE

The National Parks are some of America's most beautiful hidden treasures and you don't have to enjoy roughing it to experience them. Bella Thorne recently released a guide called "The Hollywood Girl's Guide to Glamping"! The guide book is chock-full of tips to have the best glamping experience ever. Our favorite tip? "It doesn't matter how much you spend, glamping is an attitude--and as long as you've got attitude, you're glamping." 

One park we love is Acadia National Park in Maine, known for its gorgeous water views and sprawling hills. We had the pleasure of interviewing a ranger at Acadia to get the deets on how to have the *best* glamping getaway.

GL: What are some of the best sights to see at Acadia National Park?

Ranger John: Acadia’s spectacular landscape is highlighted by mountains, lakes, forests, and a bold, rocky coastline that is unlike any other in the United States. Visitors should not miss the Park Loop Road, which is a 27-mile scenic drive that connects the major attractions of Acadia. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east coast of the United States and offers sweeping views of Maine’s coastline.

GL: Where is your favorite place to camp in Acadia?

Ranger John: Acadia has three campgrounds that accommodate tents and RVs with a total of nearly 600 campsites. Backwoods and Seawall campgrounds are located on Mount Desert Island, and Schoodic Woods campground is located on the Schoodic Peninsula. Be sure to reserve a campsite online at www.recreation.gov. 

GL: Are there campgrounds that have any special accommodations, like cabins, bathrooms and showers?

Ranger John: Backwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds offer flush toilets, running water, and dump stations. With the exception of the hike-in sites at Schoodic Woods, all of the campsites have a picnic table and fire ring.

GL: What are some fun things girls can do while “glamping” in Acadia?

Ranger John: Join a park ranger for a guided walk, talk, demonstration, evening campground program, boat cruise, or bike ride (see https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/calendar.htm).

GL: What do you recommend for a day of relaxation at the park?

Ranger John: One of the best ways to relax is to find a comfortable, out-of-the-way rock along the shore and take in all the sounds, smells, and sights of the park. Acadia has 65 miles of untouched ocean shoreline to enjoy!

GL: What other activities does Acadia offer other than camping?

Ranger John: Acadia offers hiking and biking opportunities that range from challenging to easy with over 125 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Hiking trails lead to the top of more than 25 mountains throughout the park. The carriage roads offer car-free walking and biking on crushed-stone roads that wind through scenic mountains and along pristine lakes. Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to experience Acadia from its pristine lakes or along its rocky shores. 

GL: Safety while camping is extremely important. What can our readers do to stay safe while having fun?

Ranger John: Plan ahead and know your limitations. Trips and falls are the most common source of injury so be careful wear you step and stay back from cliffs. When out in the park, wear sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water, a detailed map of the park, extra clothing to stay warm and dry, and a flashlight (see https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/safety.htm).

GL: What can readers do to help protect the beauty and nature of the park?

Ranger John: The best thing to do to protect the park is to “leave no trace” (see https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles). Visitors should be mindful about how they use the park and tread lightly. Remember to be thoughtful of your fellow visitors, too! To avoid adding to traffic congestion, ride the fare-free Island Explorer bus system that connects the park and all the surrounding communities during the summer and early fall.

What are you waiting for? Go out there and Find Your Park! The National Park Foundation’s Find Your Park movement celebrates a centennial milestone and encourages the next generation to discover our national parks.

Photo credit: Instagram, National Park Service/Kristi Rugg

by Deanna Schwartz | 8/15/2016