The incredible diversity in environment and climate across the United States means there are countless hotspots to tick birds off your life list, including many of our national parks, monuments, and seashores. Add in the annual migrations, and you can see unique species throughout the seasons, from Roseate Spoonbills in Florida to Sandhill Cranes in Colorado to Peregrine Falcons in Maine. Birding in these natural spaces can easily become an integral part of any trip.
Whether you’re a casual enthusiast, a dedicated birder, or new to the venture, these national parks and seashores offer incredible opportunities to experience the beauty of birds in their natural habitats. Keep your binoculars within reach as you relax at your campsite—you never know when birds will drop in. If none of these fall into your itinerary, there are plenty of other parks to choose from.
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Bird Highlight: Snowy Plover and Northern Spotted Owl
Point Reyes National Seashore hosts over 50% of North American bird species (nearly 490 species), making it a birder’s dream. The 70,000-acre park sits on the Pacific Flyway and has the greatest recorded diversity of bird life of any U.S. national park. The mixture of environments makes it a haven for both resident and migrating birds. With a mixture of shorebirds and scrub and forest-dwelling species, there are plenty of birds to identify and amaze you. If you want to meet up with like-minded individuals, consider attending the Birding and Nature Festival on April 25th.
Camping options within the park are limited to hike-in or boat-in sites, but the nearby Olema Campground offers full RV hookups and easy access to the park. If that’s full, or you’re looking for something a little more rustic but still close by, Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a shaded camping experience reminiscent of Fern Gully.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Bird Highlight: Brown Pelican (and other endangered or threatened species)
From tidal flats to grasslands to sand beaches on the Gulf Coast, Padre Island National Seashore is a prime birding destination. Sitting on the Central Flyway, you have abundant opportunities to see unique, rare, and migrating birds. Designated as a Globally Important Bird Area and Site of International Importance, Padre Island National Seashore is an excellent place to add species to your life list, including some threatened and endangered species.
For camping, Bird Island Basin Campground offers primitive but quiet waterfront sites popular with birders. Alternatively, Padre Balli Park provides RV-friendly camping (with hook-ups) and easy access to birding spots.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Bird Highlight: Colima Warbler
Another for Texas, though much farther inland, Big Bend National Park’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for birding. With mild winters and a prime location on the banks of the Rio Grande (an essential water source) in the heart of the Central Flyway, the park is a prime spot to witness some of the 450 bird species recorded here. Spring is the most popular time to visit for birding as numerous migrating species are commonly spotted; however, some species only stop in for a few hours or days on their way north. Though the autumn migration is not quite as spectacular as spring, it lasts longer, so you’re more likely to spot some species you might otherwise miss.
For camping, the Cottonwood Campground is a serene option along the Rio Grande. It offers shaded sites near excellent birding trails. Another great choice is the Rio Grande Village Campground, which offers more amenities.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Bird Highlight: Sandhill Crane
Known by most travelers for its stunning landscapes and sand dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is also a hotspot for birders. Though there are over 250 species here, it is best known for being a haven for flocks of Sandhill Cranes stopping in on their spring and autumn migrations. The diverse environments—dunes, wetlands, grasslands, alpine forests, and snow-capped mountains—provide a stunning backdrop for any birding outing. The Monte Vista Crane Festival is an annual local event hosted each spring centered around spotting these majestic birds, and worth a visit.
Pinon Flats Campground, located within the park, provides an ideal base with easy access to the dunes and nearby birding hotspots. Outside the park, Great Sand Dunes Oasis offers additional amenities and stunning panoramic views, perfect for relaxing after a day of birding.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Bird Highlight: Roseate Spoonbill
The Everglades is a unique destination known for manatees and boat tours. With such attractions, it’s easy to forget that the mangroves and freshwater marshes are also home to approximately 360 bird species. The subtropical climate provides year-round birding opportunities, though winter is the best season if you’re looking to avoid the summer heat and insects. The park also features guided birding programs so you can make the most of your visit.
For camping, the Flamingo Campground offers clean facilities, stunning views, and direct access to birding hotspots.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Bird Highlight: Peregrine Falcons
Way up north, the rocky Atlantic coast doesn’t scream “bird here!” However, Acadia National Park offers fantastic opportunities, with 338 species recorded across its varied habitats. From rocky shores to mountain forests and lakes, it’s a refuge for numerous species. Sitting on the Atlantic Flyway, the park hosts unique species during migrations. The nearby Schoodic Institute hosts a variety of bird tours (including one to see Atlantic Puffins). The Acadia Birding Festival, hosted in May, is an excellent option for connecting with other birding enthusiasts.
Blackwoods Campground has great access to multiple areas within the park, including the falcon nesting site near Jordan Pond. Alternatively, Seawall Campground offers a little space from the crowds at the park.
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