This State Was Just Named the Best Place to Camp in the U.S. for Its Wildlife, Stunning Landscapes, and Starry Night Skies

If you think getting as much time in nature as possible is the ultimate luxury, odds are, you're into camping. In fact, you've probably got all the best camping gear, the warmest sleeping bag, and the coolest camp stoves, and are ready at a moment's notice to trek into the woods to find a little personal bliss. And safari company Asilia Africa has a few ideas on where you should go next to do just that.

In December, Asilia revealed its rankings of the best places to camp in the world. For its study, it analyzed outdoor destinations across the globe using eight data metrics, including wildlife and plant diversity, light pollution levels, rainfall, the number of national parks, urbanization rates, outdoor activities, and population density. For the U.S. specifically, it evaluated each state to see which was the best for outdoor adventure — it then named California the best state in the U.S. for camping.

"California is the top U.S. camping destination, scoring 71.8 out of 100 for its expansive natural parks, favorable weather, and rich biodiversity," Asilia said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. "Home to nine national parks, including iconic Yosemite and Joshua Tree, it offers a range of outdoor activities from rugged hiking to lakeside swimming." Its only downfall, the team added, is that the state's population density is rather high, making the chances of finding a secluded spot a little more difficult — but far from impossible.

Next on the list is Texas, with a score of 70.5 out of 110. It earned its second-place spot thanks to its "natural attractions like hiking trails, rock formations, and caves," and its wealth of flora and fauna. The Lone Star State also has the third-highest number of Dark Sky Reserves (protected areas that experience little to no light pollution) in the country, including Big Bend National Park.

Arizona rounded out the top three with a score of 69.3 out of 100, thanks to its "some of the best natural habitats of any location and enough campgrounds to keep up with demand." It has a whopping 13 Dark Sky Reserves, including Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona.

As for the rest of the globe, just one nation beat out the U.S. for the title of the best country to camp in: Australia. It scored an impressive 82.25 out of 100 due to its low population density and impressive biodiversity, making it an excellent stop on your next international camping tour.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure