For adventurous travelers and residents alike, America’s lesser-known public lands and waters are off-the-beaten-path places for invigorating outdoor recreation. National wildlife refuges, national forests, national marine sanctuaries and national conservation lands typically are uncrowded, reflective spaces. From the Caribbean to Alaska and from Maine to the Pacific, they are ideal places for paddling, diving, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, wildlife photography or just strolling in the great outdoors. Below are some wonderful options:
Plan a Visit to a National Wildlife Refuge
managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Plan a Visit to a National Forest
managed by the U.S. Forest Service/USDA
Plan a Visit to a National Marine Sanctuary
managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Plan a Visit to a National Conservation Land
managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Go to Recreation.gov to explore public lands further and make select reservations
