Camp to See Bald Eagles

This Week in NWF History

Since 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has worked to conserve the nation’s wildlife and wild places. As part of our 80th anniversary celebration, we are recognizing important moments in our history that continue to make an impact today.

Freedom. Strength. Courage. Since 1782, we have looked at the majestic bald eagle as a symbol of our nation. In honor of America’s birthday, we celebrate the bald eagle — and its conservation success story — and encourage you to see it in action as you get outdoors for our Great American Campout.

The bald eagle has been under federal protection since 1940, when the Bald Eagle Protection Act was created. Sadly, the eagle faced a severe population loss from the hazardous effects of the toxic chemical, DDT, and was listed as endangered in 1967. In 2007, following scientific wildlife management recommendations and support from the National Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups, the bald eagle was officially removed from the endangered species list. Captive breeding programs, reintroduction efforts, law enforcement and the protection of nest sites during the breeding season accelerated and still aid the eagle’s recovery.

Now bald eagles are once again seen soaring across the United States. During the summer, bald eagles are typically spotted flying above lakes and resting in trees across the country. As they migrate for the winter, they can then be seen closer to the coasts. You may even catch a glimpse of them as you take a camping or hiking trip while the weather is nice.

Discover a few places to camp where you could see our national symbol:

Yellow Pine Campground, Idaho

bald-eagle-on-treetop_Pixabay

Located in Boise National Forest, Yellow Pine Campground offers 14 camping sites available on a first come, first serve basis. Open May to October, campers can enjoy fishing, hiking, and hunting here. Along with bald eagles, campers may see deer, elk, and moose.

Lassen National Forest, California

Lassen National Forest. Photo by USDA
Lassen National Forest. Photo by USDA

Located in Susanville, California, Lassen National Forest has multiple tent, RV, and cabin camping sites. Within the Forest is Eagle Lake, the state’s second largest natural lake, where campers go to spot bald eagles. The Forest also has trails and areas for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and biking. Campers may also see wildlife such as mountain lions, black bears, pika, bobcats and spotted owls.

Chugach State Park, Alaska

Bald eagles flying in Alaska. Photo by Gary Gernstein, National Wildlife Photo Contest
Bald eagles flying in Alaska. Photo by Gary Gernstein, National Wildlife Photo Contest

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Chugach State Park has multiple campgrounds for visitors. For most, reservations are not needed and they are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Tent, RV, and back country camping are available. Campers can enjoy hiking, whitewater rafting, biking, and fishing. Bald eagles can be seen here year-round, as well as moose, lynx, hawks, and waterfowl.

Lucky Lake Campground, Michigan

bald-eagle-on-branch_Pixabay

Located in Montague, Michigan, Lucky Lake Campground is open May to November and offers RV, tent, and group camping. In addition to bald eagles, campers may spot deer, coyotes, loons, and osprey in the area. The campground has many picnic areas, walking trails, and areas for swimming and fishing.

Gold Head Branch, Florida

Bald eagle. Photo by Russell Maddrey, National Wildlife Photo Contest
Bald eagle. Photo by Russell Maddrey, National Wildlife Photo Contest

Located in Keystone Height, Florida, Gold Head Branch Park offers cabin, tent, and RV camping. Gopher tortoises, hawks, fox, and a variety of songbirds join the bald eagle in calling this Southern retreat home. The park is open year-round and campers can enjoy hiking and walking along the trails.

Caledon State Park, Virginia

Bald eagle. Photo by Jack Nevitt, National Wildlife Photo Contest
Bald eagle. Photo by Jack Nevitt, National Wildlife Photo Contest

Located in King George, Virginia, Caledon State Park has primitive campsites available for reservation. Campers can hike and bike in the woods and fish in the Potomac River. The park is known for being a popular place to see bald eagles in the summer as well as other song birds, fox, and deer.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park. Photo by NPS
Glacier National Park. Photo by NPS

Located in West Glacier, Montana, Glacier National Park has over 1,000 campsites from which to choose your camping adventure. Bald eagles can found in this park year-round, along with bears, bats, and beavers. While visiting, campers can hike, bike, boat, and participate in guided tours.

Pledge to CampPledge to camp as part of NWF’s Great American Campout