The best camping near Independence National Historical Park

It's all history, all the time at this national historical park. You can get pretty close to the Liberty Bell (close enough for a good selfie) and go inside Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Don't forget to pay your respects to the tomb of the unknown soldier just across the street. While you're here, check out the fascinating tours at The Free Quaker Church and the nearby Rocky Balboa statue.

Expect to stand in line (it's worth it!)—or get there right when all the monuments open to try to beat the lines. Start at the Visitor Center (at Market and 6th) to get the lay of the land, and to book an entry time for Independence Hall. Entrance is free, but they will run out of entry passes, so make it a priority. You'll have to go through a couple of security screenings, which can add as much as an hour to the wait, so be prepared.

All around Philadelphia, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you can find welcoming campsites with a little help from Hipcamp. Pitch your tent beside a bucolic creek, or opt for a cottage on a 200-year-old farm as a special treat.