Yosemite, Grand Canyon lead notable list of national park campgrounds for America's 250th

Several campgrounds sit within landscapes that have been federally protected for more than a century.

Yosemite Valley, for example, was preserved under the Yosemite Grant, which President Abraham Lincoln signed into law in June 1864.

James Kaiser, the Montana-based author of several national park guidebooks, said each of our featured campgrounds offers a unique way to experience America's natural landscapes.

"Both are situated beneath towering cliffs, and you'll enjoy a spectacular light show at [the] golden hour. … When it's time for bed, you'll sleep under a glittering blanket of stars."

He noted that Blackwoods, Mather and Many Glacier are all situated in forests with more limited views, but campers are very close to some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

These campgrounds "are steps from some of the most gorgeous scenery in America - the rugged coast of Maine, the multicolored depths of [the] Grand Canyon, and the towering peaks of Glacier," he said.

Here are five campgrounds generally considered the best across the nation. 

Campsites typically sell out within minutes of becoming available, the site notes.

This campground is steps from the Grand Canyon's South Rim, where visitors can see the famous panoramic views.

The National Park Service's (NPS) website notes that the campground offers 327 camping sites.

There are flush toilets and drinking water, according to the site.

The campground offers 15 first-come, first-served sites that go on sale at 8 a.m. each day, and the site does not offer hook-ups or electricity.

Near the Virgin River, Watchman Campground offers easy access to hiking trails, biking, ranger programs, photography and stargazing.

Named for the rocky peak above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that appear red and orange during sunrise and sunset.

Campers can also cool down in the river, which runs adjacent to the campground.

Many Glacier Campground sits within Glacier National Park, near Browning, Montana.

The campground offers hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing amid towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and dense forest.

It is situated in a Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and quaking aspen forest, Recreation.gov notes. "Vegetation is dense and provides partial shade for almost all campsites," the site says. 

Officials warn that at times there can be strong wind gusts, though tree cover provides some protection.

Many Glacier Campground is on the east side of the Continental Divide. Trails are available for day hiking and overnight backpacking, the site says.

Maine's Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England. 

Blackwoods Campground, located on Mount Desert Island, gives campers access to mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows and beaches.

All campground sites are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the ocean, according to Recreation.gov.

Walks along the coastline, mountain hikes, biking, kayaking and canoeing and narrated boat cruises are all favorite pastimes at Acadia.