Submitted by roadtrippin on Fri, 03/25/2011 - 12:00am
As promised, I’m back with suggestions for ideal places to pitch your tent. Make your reservations now to get the best campsites for this summer!
Hunting Island State Park: This South Carolina gem offers oceanfront sites for tent camping, a wide beach, and the gentlest surf I’ve seen on the east coast (great for kids!). I enjoy hiking on the island, admiring the view from the lighthouse, and attending very hands-on nature programs.
Table Rock State Park: In the upstate, Table Rock State Park presents a large traditional campground, as well as semi-backcountry camping. An unusual compromise, these 6 tent-only sites require a 400-yard hike in from the parking lot. The upside: the sites are very peaceful and quiet (no RV’s!). The downside: it’s a long way to carry your gear, and no showers are available for these campers. Another benefit to visiting Table Rock is the terrific sandy swimming beach at the lake, complete with a diving board platform. Swimming here is great since there are no boats or jet-skis to disturb the water.
Hot Springs Resort: This campground is nestled in a gorgeous valley in sleepy Hot Springs, NC, a stop on the Appalachian Trail. Across the street from the campground, the Hot Springs Spa offers massages and private outdoor hot tubs filled with naturally hot spring water; tubs can affordably be rented by the hour. There’s an unmarked swimming beach near the spa where you can take a dip in the French Broad River. Outfitters in the 2-block long “town” offer canoeing, and a few restaurants and shops are available for the necessities. Be advised: a train will pass once or twice on the track adjacent to the campground, but really, you’ll sleep like a baby after being so relaxed from the spa.
Cumberland Island: Georgia’s southernmost barrier island is only accessible by ferry, and consequently, not for the high-maintenance camper. You will not find hot showers, electricity, a camp store, or a clock. However, you will be rewarded with memories of wild horses frolicking on the beach, an amazing lightning bug display, and one of the widest, emptiest beaches you’ll ever see. Visitor counts are restricted, so plan to reserve your site months in advance. If you’re seeking beauty and tranquility, Cumberland Island is tough to beat.
I hope you have the opportunity to explore and love these places, too. Want more? Pick up one of our campground directories, and check out the Web sites below. Happy camping!
As promised, I’m back with suggestions for ideal places to pitch your tent. Make your reservations now to get the best campsites for this summer!
Hunting Island State Park: This South Carolina gem offers oceanfront sites for tent camping, a wide beach, and the gentlest surf I’ve seen on the east coast (great for kids!). I enjoy hiking on the island, admiring the view from the lighthouse, and attending very hands-on nature programs.
Table Rock State Park: In the upstate, Table Rock State Park presents a large traditional campground, as well as semi-backcountry camping. An unusual compromise, these 6 tent-only sites require a 400-yard hike in from the parking lot. The upside: the sites are very peaceful and quiet (no RV’s!). The downside: it’s a long way to carry your gear, and no showers are available for these campers. Another benefit to visiting Table Rock is the terrific sandy swimming beach at the lake, complete with a diving board platform. Swimming here is great since there are no boats or jet-skis to disturb the water.
Hot Springs Resort: This campground is nestled in a gorgeous valley in sleepy Hot Springs, NC, a stop on the Appalachian Trail. Across the street from the campground, the Hot Springs Spa offers massages and private outdoor hot tubs filled with naturally hot spring water; tubs can affordably be rented by the hour. There’s an unmarked swimming beach near the spa where you can take a dip in the French Broad River. Outfitters in the 2-block long “town” offer canoeing, and a few restaurants and shops are available for the necessities. Be advised: a train will pass once or twice on the track adjacent to the campground, but really, you’ll sleep like a baby after being so relaxed from the spa.
Cumberland Island: Georgia’s southernmost barrier island is only accessible by ferry, and consequently, not for the high-maintenance camper. You will not find hot showers, electricity, a camp store, or a clock. However, you will be rewarded with memories of wild horses frolicking on the beach, an amazing lightning bug display, and one of the widest, emptiest beaches you’ll ever see. Visitor counts are restricted, so plan to reserve your site months in advance. If you’re seeking beauty and tranquility, Cumberland Island is tough to beat.
I hope you have the opportunity to explore and love these places, too. Want more? Pick up one of our campground directories, and check out the Web sites below. Happy camping!
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