ashenDisclaimer: This literally should be a never ending post given that the east coast never runs out of camping destinations. So we attempted to include the most visited and popular sites and a few other hidden locations as well. The East Coast of the United States offers a diverse range of camping experiences, from beachside retreats to mountain escapes. That justifies the statement that you will never run out of places to camp. Here’s the list that we put together for the best camping experience in the East Coast. Note that most areas of these campgrounds require a permit for all backcountry camping.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
If you are looking to experience the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best ways to acquire that. Some of the iconic things you cannot miss here include the Skyline Drive, the waterfalls and of course the flora and fauna. The Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic byway that runs the length of the park, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous trailheads. You definitely don’t want to miss this part of the Park as it contains a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Popular hikes in Shenandoah include Old Rag Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, and Stony Man. The campgrounds here are Big Meadows, Mathews Arm and everyone’s favorite Loft Mountain Campground. The Loft Mountain campground is more popular because of its views as it is located to the southern part of the park, near mile 79 on Skyline Drive. 50 of the campsites are tent-only and the rest are for RV’s and trailers. $15 per night for a standard non electric campsite and like most other campsites, fall is the best time to visit as it offers stunning leaf colors.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/loft-mountain-campground.htm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Undoubtedly one of the best campsites on the east coast. It is a year round campsite which offers all types of outdoor activities from camping, hiking to fishing and wildlife observing. The area is also home to quite a few preserved historical structures such as log cabins, grist mills, and churches from early European settlers and the Cherokee people. The diversity of the ecosystem here is just unmatchable. There are 4 well known campgrounds here which are Elkmont, Cades Cove, Cataloochee and Smokemont out of which Cataloochee stands out a bit although it is seasonal. Smokemont is year round and they both cost $30 for one night.
No electric hookups on either site. Cataloochee consists of 27 sites, with flush toilets and cold water. Known for its tranquility and elk viewing opportunities. June, July to October are the best times to visit here and immerse yourself in all possible activities. For hikers, the trail is over 850 miles, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Notable hikes include Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave Bluffs, and the Chimney Tops. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a strenuous hike that some seasoned hikers may prefer as it offers stunning views and diverse scenery. You can also pay a visit to Fontana Lake if you aim to have a round or two of kayaking.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/smokemont-campground.htm
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is sort of the central location of east coast camping that you have to go! This destination in Maine is a breathtaking location known for its rugged coastline, granite peaks, and pristine forests. The coastal scenery itself makes this location irresistible. Three campgrounds for you to choose from, Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods. Blackwoods Campground is the main one here located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor. Consists of 306 sites, including tent and RV sites, with amenities like flush toilets, running water, and a dump station (no showers or hookups).
Reservations are required of course. If you want to stay away from the crowd and noise, we’d recommend Schoodic Woods Campground. Over 120 miles of trails for the hikers ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents. Famous hikes include the Precipice Trail, Beehive Trail, and Jordan Pond Path. The park has 45 miles of carriage roads, perfect for biking. You can also go kayaking and Canoeing in the ocean or on the park’s lakes and ponds. It’s $30 per night and as usual, fall is the best time to visit.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/seawall-campground.htm
Everglades National Park, Florida
Calling all adventure lovers! Everglades National Park in Florida is a unique and expansive wilderness area known for its subtropical landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. So check this out, most of their backcountry sites are accessible only by boat and you will lodge in Chickee Huts which were originally designed by the native Seminole tribe. Popular backcountry locations include Pearl Bay Chickee, Shark Point Chickee, and Cape Sable beach sites. Campgrounds here are Flamingo and Long Pine Key. From the entire list, this is the real authentic wildlife camping experience that you’ll get like a caveman. Not much amenities and hookups.
Some sites do offer them but it is best advised that you carry your own. The best way to experience everything the Everglades has to offer is through boating. Paddle all day and meet the wildlife, their habitats and the tranquility here. Popular routes include Nine Mile Pond, Hell’s Bay, and the Wilderness Waterway. There are several short trails and boardwalks, including Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, and Mahogany Hammock Trail. Permits are required of course for all backcountry camping and can be obtained at the Flamingo and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers. Might not sound like much of a family camping spot, but your experience would be incomplete if you miss out on the Everglades!
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia
A well recommended spot for family camping in the east coast. Spanning the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, this is a unique and captivating destination known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. The campgrounds here are Oceanside, Bayside of Virginia district. Campsites are located on the ocean side of the island, just behind the dunes and the Bayside. Provides tent and trailer sites priced at 40 bucks a night. There are even 2 campsites for horse camping available from October to April. Not a lot of facilities though. Chemical toilets, seasonal cold water showers from mid-March through to mid-November and drinking water. Campsites located on the bay side of the island offer beautiful views of the bay and salt marshes. Suitable for tents and small RVs. Hikers can enjoy several short trails, including the Life of the Dunes Trail, Life of the Forest Trail, and Life of the Marsh Trail.
Official Site: https://www.nps.gov/asis/
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware is another popular destination in the east coast for family camping and outdoor enthusiasts overall. Known for its beautiful beaches, diverse ecosystems, and historical significance, the park offers a range of activities and amenities. If beach camping is of common interest for everyone in the group, then you can’t miss this one. It’s also home to Fort Miles, a World War II-era military installation, with historic bunkers and observation towers. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground consists of 146 campsites, including tent-only sites and RV sites with water and electric hookups. There are several hiking trails which you can explore. Among them Gordons Pond Trail and Pinelands Trail are relatively famous. They are both no longer than 5 miles and offer scenic views of the pond, dunes, and ocean.
Official Site: https://destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen
Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach State Park in South Carolina is a fantastic destination for campers looking to enjoy the beach, nature, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Definitely a campsite on the east coast that you don’t want to miss. There are 302 sites available, including tent-only sites and full hookup sites for RVs (water, electricity, and sewer). Six cabins are available for rent and the amenities include the usual bathhouses with hot showers, restrooms, a camp store, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire ring. The two famous hiking trails are Sculptured Oak Nature Trail and Yaupon Trail. They are both short walks through the forest with access to the beach as well. This is a well known spot for fishing and you can rent fishing equipment at the pier store. Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit to enjoy beach camping.
Official Site: https://southcarolinaparks.com/myrtle-beach
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
This one right here can also be considered as a somewhat special camping experience that the east coast has to offer. If you are into winter sports, this is the spot! There are multiple ski areas and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails. There are twenty three campgrounds and other designated camping areas for backpackers. Some popular campgrounds are Lafayette Place Campground, Hancock Campground, Sugarloaf I and II Campgrounds and Russell Pond Campground. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and a camp store. You can easily access the hiking trails via any of these campsites.
Trails such as Franconia Ridge Loop, Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine and Zealand Falls and Zealand Hu are popular among hikers. These are somewhat challenging but you get to feast your eyes on stunning views of the White Mountains. White Mountain National Forest provides a diverse and rich camping experience with something for everyone, from serene lakeside campsites to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly campground or a rugged wilderness experience, this area offers unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor activities. Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit for hiking and camping. Many sites are first-come, first-served.
Official Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=74405&actid=29
Conclusion
We hope our recommendations for the best camping spots in the east coast are both informative and inspiring. We’ve tried to diversify the list as much as possible because the east coast is so diversified from best locations for beach camping, family camping to hiking the Appalachian Trail and lake camping. We sincerely hope that you’ll be able to cover as many on this list as possible and make some wonderful memories!
