Summertime means the sun is out, and when the sun is out, that means camping. No matter where you are in the US you live, there are sure to be camping opportunities near you. But, if you fancy making a trip, then the east coast has some of the best camping locations in the county. The East Coast is home to 16 national parks and several beaches and hiking trails. So there are ample opportunities for outdoor activity wherever you look.
So today, we put together this list of the best camping opportunities and spots on the East Coast. Get lost this summer with an East Coast camping trip with some friends or family.
Anastasia State Park, Florida
If you find yourself near Florida, you should take a trip to check out Anastasia State Park. This park is located just a short jaunt from the US’s oldest city and is also close to the sandy beaches and warm water that Florida is known for. The best part is that Anastasia State Park has a lot of space, so you could hike for hours without meeting another soul. You can spend the day relaxing on the shore or you can rent canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and more. In total, Anastasia State Park has over 130 campsites, including options with RV parking, electricity, secluded tents, and public amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, kitchen storage, and more.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is the oldest national park in the eastern half of the country and sees some 30 million visitors per year. The park is massive and features nearly 160 miles of hiking trails and over 40 miles of trails for biking and horse riding. You can rent a bike and enjoy a nice leisurely ride along the coastline as the waves come in.
The most well-known campsites at Acadia National Park are Blackwoods campground and Duck Harbor Campgrounds, both of which have several public amenities for camping like picnic tables, parking sites, and more. You can also rent a kayak or boat and go out into the water. But be warned, the water stays pretty cold up here year-round, even during the summer and fall!
Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts
Massachusetts is steeped in lots of history and the entire region is just waiting to be explored. Boston Harbor Islands is located north out of the Boston harbor and consists of a chain of over 30 islands, with old derelict batteries and foundations to explore from the time they were still inhabited. The island setup and shady tree cover provide a nice private camping experience. You can find your own nice clearing between the trees and shore and set up camp facing the water. If you don’t want to pack a tent, you can also rent one of the wood cabins on the main Peddock Island.
Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Featuring some of the widest animal and plant diversity on the East Coast, the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer a gorgeous range of deep, green forests and hiking trails that cut through the southern Appalachian range. The Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited camping parks in the country and it is easy to see why. You could lose yourself for days or weeks in the winding trails and deep forests. You can also try the Mount LeConte campgrounds and brave the difficult mountain trails. The Smoky Mountains is a popular destination so you need to make reservations early if your campsite requires it.
Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina
Located on the south-eastern shores of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a famous destination for locals due to the long 60 miles of coastline and fun camping and beach opportunities. The region also has one of the best state parks in the country, Myrtle Beach State Park. The park is close enough to all the fun amenities down in town but also far enough away that you can get a real feel for the wilderness while you are camping. You can rent canoes or kayaks to take out on the water or you can fish from the pier while the sun sets behind you.
Overall, Myrtle Beach offers over a dozen campgrounds, 2 state parks to choose from, and over 7,000 camping sites. There are so many options to choose from it is almost overwhelming. Myrtle Beach also has several locations with RV hookups in case you want to take a big road trip.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Delaware is a small state, but don’t underestimate what kind of wilderness opportunities it has. Cape Henlopen State Park is located within over 5,193 acres of lush temperate forests and wilderness with over 150 miles of hiking and biking trails. Cape Henlopen is one of the biggest parks in the state so it gets very busy, but there is enough space that you can find your own little hideout away from everyone else.
The park also has a special surfing beach and a beach dedicated specifically to angler fishing. Cape Henlopen offers full hookup campsites and tent-only campsites during both the weekends and the weekdays. If you do not want to rough it with a ten, then there are also camping cottages that you can rent during any time of the year. Keep in mind that non-Delaware residents have to pay more for tickets, so plan your trip accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Camping is an American pastime and this summer is going to be a great season for getting out there. After a year of being stuck indoors, it will be a breath of fresh air to get out in Mother Nature. So if you are planning a summer getaway, consider planning a camping trip to the East Coast. There are tons of opportunities to make greater memories along the beaches and hiking trails. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen cause this summer is going to be a hot one!
