So, you're planning an outing with the family this summer and you've chosen to tour some of the best national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. However, you cringe at the thought of the crowds you are about to encounter and the accompanying lack of privacy. Don't despair. If solitude is your thing, these six parks may just be the answer:

1. Arches National Park. Not as well-known as its sister parks, Bryce Canyon and Zion, this southern Utah beauty boasts endless sandstone arches. Hiking is a favorite activity at Arches because of the landscape. Be sure to check out Landscape Arch, the largest in the park, as well as Delicate Arch.

2. Badlands. Truly a marvel of nature, Badlands offers two or three experiences in one park. Not only do you see beautiful buttes and canyons, but also there is the vast prairie land to experience. Because of the lay of the land, you're sure to see wildlife ranging from bison to coyotes.

Big Bend. This western Texas beauty is so named because of the giant bend in the Rio Grande River. Because of the river, there is no shortage of activities to satisfy any water enthusiast. River rafting, kayaking, and canoeing are ideal ways to enjoy the stunning views that all 800,00 acres have to offer.

4. Biscayne National Park. What makes Biscayne so unique is the fact that it is accessible almost exclusively by boat. The park, 25 miles from Miami, is part of a coral reef. That means if you enjoy viewing marine life, you'll feel right at home here. The crystal clear waters make it very easy to spot all kinds of fish and stingrays. Fishing, hiking, and camping are other favorite activities made easy since the park is made up of over 40 keys.

5. Cape Breton Highlands. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Cape Breton was once home to Alexander Graham Bell. The uniqueness of Cape Breton is its accessibility all year long, whether its frolicking on the beach in summer, skiing in winter, or hiking in the fall. The many hiking trails offer stunning views of the coastline, the plateaus, and the wonderfully green highlands.

6. Congaree. This South Caroline gem is considered the oldest floodplain forest in North America. It boasts of 75 species of trees and a variety of animals which can be viewed from just about anywhere in the park. It's also one of the youngest, earning its place as a national park in 2003.

So if you're looking to experience the excitement of camping without the headache associated with large crowds, these places are for you. These six lesser-known gems will provide you with hours of enjoyment, not to mention memories that will last forever.

Time to head out with the family this summer. You love camping and want to hit some of the national parks throughout North America. But the thought of fighting traffic and crowds at some of the more popular destinations isn't very appealing. Fortunately, these 6 places let you enjoy the beauty of the park without the headache of the crowds:

1. Arches. This gem can be found in the southern landscape of Utah. It's best known for its stunning sandstone arches, two of which are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the park's largest. Because of the sheer beauty the park has to offer, along with the landscape, hiking remains the most popular activity.

2. Badlands. South Dakota's Badlands National Park is truly a marvel of nature. Amid the wandering bighorn sheep and bison, you'll notice the vast prairies along with the buttes and canyons. It truly does feel like two parks (or three) in one.

Big Bend. This western Texas beauty is so named because of the giant bend in the Rio Grande River. Because of the river, there is no shortage of activities to satisfy any water enthusiast. River rafting, kayaking, and canoeing are ideal ways to enjoy the stunning views that all 800,00 acres have to offer.

4. Biscayne. Primarily accessible by boat only, Biscayne National Park is located about 20+ miles from Miami as part of a coral reef. Anyone with a love of marine life will feel right at home viewing the many varieties of fish, turtles, stingrays and more in the crystal clear waters. Many of the keys that make up the park are perfect for fishing, camping, and hiking.

5. Cape Breton Highlands. This is one of the more versatile parks you're likely to ever encounter. Apart from its stunning views of coastlines, highlands, and plateaus, Cape Breton offers a little something for everyone. Whether you want to hike, play on the beach, or even ski, you can do it all here. Interestingly enough, Cape Breton was once home to Alexander Graham Bell who once said there wasn't a place anywhere more beautiful.

6. Congaree. This South Caroline gem is considered the oldest floodplain forest in North America. It boasts of 75 species of trees and a variety of animals which can be viewed from just about anywhere in the park. It's also one of the youngest, earning its place as a national park in 2003.

You really can't go wrong with any of these destinations, especially if you're looking to enjoy the experience of the national park without the hassle of crowds. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find. A whole new world is just waiting to be explored.