The Most Dangerous Camping Spots in the U. S.

The unforgiving nature of America gives us some of the most dangerous camping spots, which are places you might want to avoid.

The landscape of the United States is one of the most beautiful but also one of the most unforgiving in the world. There are many places that you might think are going to make good places to spend time in the outdoors, but nature has a way of showing its power in these areas.

Lake Mead is a Dangerous Place to Go

Lake Mead sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona and it’s part of the Colorado River which runs through the Grand Canyon. This lake is the largest reservoir in the U. S. and it can be a wonderful oasis in the middle of the desert. Located only 24 miles from Las Vegas, lots of people find this to be a fun place to go.

While there are many times that people have visited this lake and survived, Lake Mead has been the location of many boating and auto accidents along with several drowning deaths. You might think alcohol to be the culprit, but that’s not the case. Many people don’t seem to understand this lake isn’t like getting into a swimming pool and find themselves in trouble. This is certainly one of the most dangerous camping spots in the country.

Death Valley Comes with an Obvious Name

The vast national park called Death Valley is located in California and it is home to many living creatures that you could see when you spend some time in this wild area. You might see bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, or tortoises when you’re hiking through the area. This is a wonderful national park for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and birdwatching.

While a wonderful wilderness, Death Valley is aptly named as one of the most dangerous camping spots for you to spend your time. You’ll find extreme temperatures that can reach greater than 120 degrees during the day in the summer. The unprepared have often dehydrated and died in this desert area. Of course, the fact that Charles Manson had a hideout in the southwest corner of the park is another ominous reason for the name of the area.

Montana is Home to Glacier National Park; Be Warned and Prepared

One of the most gorgeous sites you can ever see will be the views you find at Glacier National Park which is located in Montana and on the border of this state and Canada. This area is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and the world’s first international peace park. There are more than 734 hiking trails, 13 campgrounds, and tons of outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

Every year, an average of 2-3 people die in this park every year. Those deaths seem to have many different causes and drowning deaths tend to top the list. This park has several natural events that could interrupt an otherwise peaceful camping trip. These events include rockslides, avalanches, and falling objects that come from the mountain areas. If you plan a trip to Glacier National Park, make sure you won’t be alone, that tends to be when many of the people have died.

Don’t Spend Time Near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The name of this area comes from the tall breed of cactus that spread out around the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. This is an area that offers you a desolate landscape filled with beauty that makes it one of the most interesting places you could visit. The United Nations has designated the area an International Biosphere Reserve as it straddled the U. S. and Mexico border.

Unfortunately, camping in the area around the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, you might become a victim of other people. This is an area where many drug smugglers are known to cut through the wilderness on their way to and from Mexico. Visit during the day and take some photos, but don’t plan a camping trip to this area.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Can be Dangerous

One of the most visited national parks in the country is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park covers Tennessee and North Carolina along the border of these two states. This is a park that offers many amazing hiking trails, campgrounds, beautiful waterfalls, and it’s been a place where many visitors every year spend some time. It’s amazing that this area is dangerous considering how many visitors every year.

Unfortunately, automobile accidents are the cause of most of the deaths in the park because of drivers being distracted. There are many sharp turns, slippery roads, and areas where rocks or trees can fall on roads that need to be respected when in the park. Drivers that take these things for granted have often paid for their mistakes with their lives and the lives of others on vacation in the area.