The more experienced camper might find a site with electrical outlets and parking spaces for RVs undesirable. After you’ve tried family camping grounds with all of the modern-day conveniences of a decent motel, you may be searching for a camping experience that offers complete isolation. For people from urban communities this means no more cell phones because you can’t even get a signal, no more computers, no more traffic, and a complete absence of unnecessary noise. The sounds you seek are the gurgle of fresh water and the soft hush of wind through trees.

Isle Royal National Park

If you’re looking for a quiet and restful camping experience, the Isle Royal National Park should be high on your priority list for camping grounds to visit. This Minnesota island can only be accessed by boat or floatplane because it is completely surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Lake Superior. Once you come ashore, hike to a designated camping ground to set up, but be aware of the quiet hours that are strictly enforced. Quiet hours start at 10 p.m. each night to preserve the natural presence of the park and allow campers to enjoy the serene environment of the island.

Isle Royal offers some of the best trout fishing in the country, along with extensive trails and the opportunity to explore some of its abandoned copper mines. The best time to visit Isle Royal National Park is during the months of July and August when temperatures rarely rise above 70 degrees and the low remains comfortable with the aid of a good sweatshirt or sleeping bag. But even under these pristine conditions, you should find the seclusion you desire. Isle Royal National Park is one of the least visited parks in the country with only 20,000 annual visitors.

Great Basin National Park

Located in Nevada, Great Basin National Park expects only about 85,000 visitors per year and is far less busy than comparable parks such as Death Valley or Bryce Canyon. Although many campsites are RV, auto, and wheelchair accessible, there are a variety of grounds that offer almost complete privacy. Note that many of these secluded spots have no water source outside of the summer months, and the plumbing usually consists of pit toilets. This park boasts some of the best caves in America and guided tours are offered on the weekends by park rangers. Along with its beautiful caves, Great Basin National Park has a wonderful system of waterways and lakes that will satisfy even the most accomplished fisherman. For more information on Great Basin National Park visit www.nps.gov/grba/ to learn about camping activities, regulations and site summaries.