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7 Best Rivers In The World To Go Camping On

If you are looking for a camping trip like none you have ever taken before, you will want to make plans to set up camp near the water. Camping near waterways offers you breathtaking views, a variety of activities to enjoy and the ability to relax to the sounds of the flowing waters. There are many waterways and rivers around the world that offer the perfect camping destination. All of these are must-experiences for those wanting a new camping adventure.
Bowron Lake Park 

The view at Bowron Lake Park is very breathtaking. There is a Canoe Circuit that takes you through winding rivers where you can see the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountain Range. This Canoe Circuit covers 116 kilometers of small lakes, waterways and connecting portages, where you can enjoy multi-day canoe trips and camp on the shores of these waterways. You can also stop in for an overnight stay at the 25-unit drive-in campground.

Bowron Lake Park is one of the best places to camp near the rivers mostly because only canoes and kayaks are allowed on the Canoe Circuit. Since there are no motorized boats, you will not be disturbed by the sounds of boats passing by and playing around in the waters you area camping next to. Plus, this area is full of wildlife, offering you the opportunity to see both black and grizzly bears. Other activities in the area include fishing, swimming and hiking.

Reservations for the Canoe Circuit are required and there are only 54 wilderness campsites available. These campsites include both backcountry and front-country camp sites. The Circuit is open from May 15 through Sept. 30 and can only be reserved up to Sept. 21.

Related: Outdoorsman's Guide To Jackson Hole

Photo Credit: Thinkstock Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Everglades National Park

One of the best things about exploring the Florida Everglades National Park is being able to discover new things along the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway. This water trail is accessible by canoers, power boaters and kayakers and can take you up to eight days to complete. During your explorations, you will be able to see all of the flora and fauna the Everglades are known for. You might even encounter an alligator or two.

You can enjoy both front-country and backcountry camping in the Florida Everglades National Park. Camping is available year-round along designated riverbanks in the park. There are two drive-in campgrounds that are accessible from the Homestead entrance of the Everglades National Park. Both of the parks -- Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground -- can accommodate tent and RV camping.

If you are looking to enjoy the beautiful waterways of the Florida Everglades, you are going to want to go backcountry camping. There are a limited number of ground sites, beach sites and elevated platforms scattered throughout the park. Most of these sites are only accessible by canoe, kayak or by hiking to the site. Backcountry permits are required for all of the wilderness campsites available. You can purchase your permit at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia has close to 120 miles of water trails that offer the opportunity for outdoor adventures to explore. After a day of exploring the waterways, you can set up camp so you can wake up next to the beautiful wildlife and landscape views surrounding you. Some wildlife you might encounter while there include Sandhill cranes, nesting herons, egrets and swallow-tailed kites.

You must get a permit to camp overnight within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Permits will give you access to camp for just one night or up to four nights. Camping is available on select shorelines and platforms are available.

The Amazon

The Amazon is not one of the easiest places on Earth to walk through, but if you can, it is so worth it. However, camping in the Amazon does pose some dangers. Before venturing out into the wilderness of these jungles, make sure you are prepared and know how to stay away from dangerous animals and insects. The best time to camp in the Amazon is during the dry season, which is from July to November. Though it may still rain during these months, it is not as frequent as during the wet season.

Because of the dangers you may encounter when camping in and exploring the Amazon waters, you will want to take a guided tour. Tours are available for either hiking or canoeing. You will have access to an experienced guide who can help you avoid dangerous situations and have a safe and memorable experience in the Brazilian Rainforest.

Related: Outdoorsman's Guide To South America

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is considered the canoe mecca of North America. This area was established in 1978 and has more than 1,500 miles of canoe routes and 2,200 campsites. All of the sites offer amazing views of the waterways, including more than 1,000 lakes and streams that wind through the area. Reservations are not needed for the campsites located within the Boundary Waters. The only thing you need is to get an overnight entry permit, which gives you access to these campsites throughout the area.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most unique wetlands in the world. The delta covers anywhere between six and 15,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari Desert. This desert is in northern Botswana and is a result of the Okavango River. This is the 1000th site inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list back in 2014 is home to important wildlife. The area of protected by Moremi Game Reserve and through numerous wildlife concessions within Ngamiland.

The best way to enjoy the Okavango Delta is to take part in one of the many camping safaris that are available. You can enjoy camping tours that follow the river and go deep into the delta or set up within the Moremi Game Reserve. All offer you amazing views and experiences within Botswana that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.

River Thames

If you are camping in England, you will want to find a location along the River Thames. This is part of the longest river in England and is home to more than 25 different species of fish. The river flows along for more than 210 miles through the heart of England and along some of the country's most picturesque towns before flowing out to the North Sea. Camping along this river is definitely a relaxing and inspiring experience.

Camping along the Thames River is available in many of the towns that the river flows through. Some of these towns include Abingdon, Benson, Cookham, Eynsham, Henley and Oxford. Camping tours are also available from many of the tour companies in England.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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