Best Camping Areas in Georgia, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana

 

South Camping is a great Southern American past time that brings us back to the frontier days of “roughing it” outdoors and catching our dinner fresh out of the lake. If roughing it is not the way you like to camp you can travel to a wide range of south camping resorts or even camp on the beach. We have compiled the best camping sites in the south so that your next camping trip will be packed with great times and fun adventures.

Camping Sites in the South

The best camping areas in Alabama are:

Cherokee Campgrounds – This south RV campground located in Helena, Alabama is a perfect getaway for the RV family that loves to take their trailers on the road. This south camp site has a beautiful lake, hiking trails, a local store and more.

Palm Lake – Located in Foley, Alabama, Palm Lake is also one of the premier southern campgrounds for RV’s that cater to people that want all of the amenities they have at home on their camping vacation. This southern camping resort has a pool, wireless internet, a lakeside clubhouse, walking paths and activities scheduled for camp goers monthly. Fees are very reasonable at $25.00 per night.

Wazoo Campground – For those who like to camp and get an adrenaline rush, Wazoo Campground in Lincoln, Alabama is for you. This southern campground is only ½ a mile away from Talladega race track where NASCAR fans camp before the big race. There is RV and tent camping allowed in this campground to suit your needs. Primitive camping fees are $20.00 per person per night.

The best camping areas in Arkansas are:

White Rock – Located in Mulberry, Arkansas, White Rock is one of the best located southern camp sites in the Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks. With amazing scenery of the mountain bluffs you will enjoy your time tent camping or in one of their cabins. Some of the activities you can enjoy include hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Fees are posted on the self service station.

Millwood Lake – Located in Texarkana, Arkansas, Millwood Lake southern campground is perfect for adventurers who like to hunt while they camp. Fishing is also a popular activity in this campground with the average lake depth only 7 feet.

Richland Creek – This is one of the best south camping sites located in Pelsor, Arkansas. This campground is rough and rugged for the outdoorsy types of campers. This campsite has 11 campsites available and is full of the best hiking trails, bluffs and waterfalls in Arkansas. Fees are posted on the self service station.

The best camping areas in Florida are:

Santos Campground – Located in Santos, Florida, Santos Campground is one of the newest campgrounds in Florida. It opened in 2005. This campground is perfect for hikers, off road bikers and even equestrians that want to be one with nature. RV and tent camping is welcomed at this southern camp site that has showers, restrooms, pavilions, electricity and water for campers.

Topsail Hill Preserve – Located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Topsail Hill Preserve is the best south camping site for people that want to camp on the beach. With 3.2 miles of white sand beaches and amazing 25 foot dunes, this beautiful southern campground offers fishing, biking, swimming, sunbathing and more.

Rainbow Springs State Park – This beautiful south camping site located in Dunnellon, Florida has Florida’s fourth largest spring. Campers can go snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and canoeing or just take in the majestic scenery. Picnicking is no problem at this southern campground where there is an abundance of pavilions, tables and grills. This campground hosts 24 camping sites including creature comforts such as hookups, bathhouses/restrooms and a dump station. Primitive campsites cost $12 per night plus tax and $22 per night plus tax for RV’s.

The best camping areas in Georgia are:

Willis Knob Campground – Located in Clayton, Georgia, the Willis Knob Campground is a reservation-only south coast camping site but it is well worth the planning. There are two horse trails covering over 10 miles and it offers some of the best scenery of any south camping site in Georgia: right near the scenic Chattooga River. Outdoor activities include auto touring, biking, hiking and more.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – This south camping site located near Dawsonville, Georgia is a perfect south camping site for the whole family to enjoy an evening or two in tents. There are 25 individual camping areas with premium hiking paths on the Appalachian Trail. One of the best features of this campground is the 729-foot waterfall which is the tallest in the Eastern United States. There are 24 tent and RV campsites for $25 per night and 14 cottages with fees ranging from $80-160 depending on the view.

Lake Conasauga Campground – Located in Chatsworth, Georgia, this south coast camping site is perfect for campers that like to have fun on a lake. This site is located in Chattahoochee National Forest and is next to the 34,000 acre Cohutta Wilderness which happens to be Georgia’s largest wilderness area. Some of the activities southern campers can participate in are swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and, of course, viewing the numerous species of wildlife that live on the campgrounds.

 

The best camping areas in Kentucky are:

Buckhorn Lake – Located in Hazard, Kentucky, this south camping site has mountainous terrain that is perfect for hiking and taking in the beautiful mountain views. The lake is perfect for fishing from your boat or for swimming.

Wolf Creek Dam Lake Cumberland – Located in Somerset, Kentucky on the second to the largest lake in the Cumberland River, this south campsite is one that is built for families that love to have fun. Campers can indulge in a variety of activities including boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, canoeing and more. This southern campground also features a huge dam, cereal mill and water wheel. Tours of the water wheel are available in season.

Green River Lake – Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, this southern campsite is unique in that it offers tons of history, geology and culture. It is only 40 miles east of Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and national historic site. Also, there is a historic log house near the green river lake dam. This south camping site is not only full of history but also packed with tons of activities such as water sports, fishing, boating and more.

The best camping areas in Louisiana are:

Grand Isle State Park – This south camping site is located in Grand Isle, Louisiana on a very popular barrier island that is off the coast of Louisiana. This southern campground is perfect for big time fishermen and is also family friendly with activities such as swimming, bird watching, crabbing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and more. Fees are $18 per night to stay in this scenic southern campground.

South Toledo Bend State Park – Located in Anacoco, Louisiana, this is one of the best southern campgrounds in the state of Louisiana. This park is situated on small bluffs that have a beautiful view of the waterfront. This site is actually the host of numerous bass fishing tournaments so if you love to fish this south camping site is perfect for you. There are numerous other activities such as bird watching, hiking, off road biking, swimming, picnicking and more. There are different types of campsites to satisfy your needs. There are 13 premium campsites with water and electrical hookups that cost $18 per night. There are 42 improved campsites with water and electrical hookups for $16 per night and 5 tent campsites without any hooks for $12 per night.

Cypremort Point State Park – Located in Cypremort Point, Louisiana, this south camping site on the beach is great for family and friends that want to relax near the Gulf of Mexico. There is a ½ mile man made beach that is perfect for relaxing in the sun. There are also numerous water activities available such as crabbing, fishing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and more. Cabins cost $90 dollars per night.

The best camping areas in Mississippi are:

Clear Springs Recreation Area – This south east camping site located in Meadville, Mississippi is perfect for a family day or weekend camping. There is plenty to do with the numerous picnic areas for a family feast. The abundance of activities to keep you active include four mountain bike and hiking trails, swimming and fishing. There are 22 campsites for tent camping with water and electricity available. Campsites with hookups cost $13 per night and $7 per night without hookups.

Arkabutla Lake – Located in Hernando, Mississippi, this south east camping site is located near Memphis, Tennessee so Mississippians and Tennesseans can both enjoy this great campsite. This site has plenty of fishing areas and is popular for their large crappie fish population. Other activities include boating, hunting, biking, hiking, picnicking, water sports and more.

Okatibbee Lake – This south camping site located in Meridian, Mississippi is full of wildlife which is great for hunting enthusiasts. Within this 11,000 acre site there are three swimming areas and four boat ramps. Fishing, boating, swimming, biking and more are available on this vast south camping site.

The best camping areas in Missouri are:

Smithville Lake – Located in Smithville, Missouri this southern campground is less than 30 minutes away from downtown Kansas City. This site hosts a 7,190 acre lake with a regional visitor center and even a 36 hole golf course! There are an abundance of activities to enjoy including boating, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, hunting, water sports and more.
North Fork Recreation Area (Hammond Mill) – This beautiful southern campground located in West Plains, Missouri has low fees and 20 camping sites complete with picnic tables, fire ring and tent pad. Popular activities include canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and more.

Council Bluff Recreation Area – Located in Potosi, Missouri, Council Bluff Recreation Area is one of the most scenic camping sites in the south with 39 single sites, 7 double sites, 9 walk-in sites, and 4 group sites. Excluding the walk-in sites, all of the camp sites have a table, lantern post, fire ring and parking. Some sites will even accommodate RV’s up to 40 feet. The accommodations include showers, toilets, water fountains and changing rooms for the beach. There are tons of activities available including hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, swimming and more. The nightly camping fees for single sites are $8; double sites are $16; group sites are $25.

The best camping areas in North Carolina are:

San-Lee Park – This scenic southern campground located in Sanford, North Carolina has RV, tent and wilderness campsites. There are tons of fun activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing or you can even visit their nature center. Fees are very reasonable with per night fees of $1 for wilderness sites; $10 for family tent sites and $15 for RV sites.

Carolina Hemlocks – Located in Burnsville, North Carolina, this south camping resort has 36 campsites for tents, cars and RV’s. Each site comes equipped with a grill, table, fire ring and lantern post. Even though there aren’t any electric hookups available, there is drinking water and flush toilets available. Activities are available which include swimming, hiking, fishing, tubing and more. There is a $16 daily fee per campsite and $3 parking fee for groups that swim, fish or picnic in the pavilion.

Cheoah Park – Located in Fontana Village, North Carolina, this south coast camping site is a great camping site for people that want variety in their camping areas. There are tent, RV and cabin camping available in this park. You have all of your basic needs met with restrooms, showers, drinking water available on site. As far as activities there is a beautiful lake and beach for you to partake in boating, swimming, water sports, canoeing and more. Tent sites cost $15/day; RV’s with electric hookups are $20/day and furnished cabins are $35/day.

The best camping areas in Oklahoma are:

Lake Thunderbird – Located in Norman, Oklahoma, this south camp site has the largest body of water within 100 miles which means that you can have a ton of fun on the lake with a variety of activities including boating, fishing, swimming, water sports and more. On land activities include horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting and picnicking. This is a huge park with hundreds of campsites and some have full hookups.

Horse Heaven Ranch – Located in Talihina, Oklahoma, this southern campground is more of a camping resort and is perfect for the camper that loves horses and camping in luxury. This ranch has six luxury cabins and 32 RV sites with hookups. It also has primitive and tent camping areas for people who like “roughing it.” Available activities are hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding and more.

Cedar Lake – Located in Heavener, Oklahoma, this south east camping site is great for people that want to camp without the distractions of too many activities. There are 87 camping sites with RV parking available. Activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and picnicking. Fees are $15 for regular camping; $21.00 for double site camping; electric and water hookup for $3.00 per day.

The best camping areas in South Carolina are:

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area – This southern campground located in Edgefield, South Carolina sits on a 12 acre beautiful manmade lake which has 10 camping sites. There are numerous activities to partake in including hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, picnicking and more. Fees are very reasonable which are only $7/day for camping and $3/day for parking.

Congaree National Park – Located in Hopkins, South Carolina, this southern camp site sits in a beautiful old growth floodplain forest which is the largest in North America. These record setting trees are very tall which adds to the beauty and tranquility of the forest. There is plenty to do including canoeing, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking and even visiting the museum in the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. One of the great things about camping in this park is that you only need a permit from the visitor center and the permit is free!

Brick house Campground – Located in Whitmire, South Carolina, this south camping site contains beautiful scenery and clean facilities. Activities include wildlife and plant viewing, hiking, photography, hunting and more. There are 23 primitive campsites available with grills, tables and lantern holders. Fees are very reasonable at $5 per night and $50 for a 30-day period.

The best camping areas in Tennessee are:

Chickamauga Lake – Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this is one of the best southern campgrounds in Tennessee. This campsite has 810 miles of shoreline with 35,000 acres. With clean facilities including many campgrounds, bathrooms and showers, the Chickamauga Lake south camping site is one of the best in Tennessee. Activities include boating, sport fishing, swimming, hunting, picnicking, wildlife viewing and more.

Lakeview RV Park – Located in Bluff City, Tennessee, this south camping site is perfect for the camper that loves to bring his RV. Wide roads in this campground make it easy to maneuver your RV. With full RV hookups you can enjoy all of your home comforts while camping. There are tons of activities including boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming and even Wi-Fi internet access.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this scenic southern campground is wonderful for people who like to camp with spectacular forest views and observe plant and animal life. There are 800 miles of maintained hiking trails with some trails designated for backcountry camping. Additional activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, biking, horseback riding and auto touring. Fees range from $14-23 dollars per night. It may cost more than other camping areas in Tennessee but you will not be disappointed camping in this national park.

The best camping areas in Texas are:

Double Lake Recreation Area – Located in Cleveland, Texas, this is one of the best south camping sites in Texas and is perfect for the camper who loves to fish. Double lake has plenty of catfish, bass and bream for you to catch for seafood filled dinners. There are three piers for fisherman and a boat ramp with parking. Other activities include swimming, beaching, hiking, biking and more. There are 65 family sized camping sites with 37 of them wheelchair accessible. Every site has a lantern holder, leveling pad, picnic table, grill and fire ring. Drinking water, flush toilets and showers are available throughout the campground. Fees range from $15-25 daily.

Somerville Lake – Located in Somerville, Texas, this south camping site is located on the beautiful Somerville Lake which offers numerous outdoor activities. Some of these activities include water sports, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and biking. There are numerous camping areas at the lake and fees vary.

Choke Canyon Reservoir – Located in Three Rivers, Texas, this south camping site is located on the Choke Canyon Dam and reservoir that supplies water to Corpus Christi, Texas. There are numerous activities available in this clean campsite for campers including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Fees are $12-20 per night with screened shelters at $45 per night.

The best camping areas in Virginia are:

First Landing State Park – Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this southern campground on the beach is the most popular state park in Virginia. With south tent camping and cabin camping areas available you can be sure to be comfortable with your basic restroom, shower, and electricity comforts. There are many activities available including boating, bay swimming, picnicking, fishing, nature watching, hiking and more. There are even three indoor aquariums for your viewing pleasure. Camping fees cost $25 per night; $30 with electricity and cabin fees varies.

Shenandoah Acres Campground – Located in Stuarts Draft, Virginia at the bottom of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this south campsite is perfect for families that love to go camping. Tent camping and RV camping is available. Each site has fire rings and picnic tables with hookups for water, electric and sewer available. Activities include hiking, biking, picnicking, outdoor games, fishing, swimming and even a “Chapel in the Woods” which is perfect for worship, reflection or meditation. This campground is near shopping, restaurants and local area attractions.

Pocahontas State Park – Located in Chesterfield, Virginia, Pocahontas State Park is one of the more popular camping sites in the south. There are numerous activities to participate in including picnicking, biking, swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and more. There are 116 campsites with 6 cabins. There are bathhouses with showers, electric and water hookups and dump station. Campsite fees cost $25 per day and $78 for group camping. Cabin fees vary.