Darrin Gleeman’s Tour of the South: The Best Camping Trips are on a Laid-back Timetable.
The southern states have some of the most beautiful camping sites in the world. And with mild temperatures persisting well into fall and in early spring in the South, the weather is very agreeable to prolonged camping trips. Some of our favorite free camp grounds let you pretend you’re a naturalist- even for just a few days. More upscale camping sites in the South have amenities that make you feel like you never left home.
We asked Darrin Gleeman of New York, NY to expound a bit about his favorite camping trips and destinations. He enjoys camping on the east coast for its rugged natural beauty, but also loves the warm southern and northern states. “Me? I like to really feel like I’m camping. At the end of the weekend, I want to come home and appreciate everything I have; camping for a few days makes me do that.”
Whatever you like, there’s something for everyone in the South.
Darrin Gleeman’s Best Southern Destination Camping Trips
- Camping grounds in South Carolina are verdant and green, with palm trees, lush green foliage and the laid-back attitudes that you find throughout Lowcountry. Huntington Beach State Park offers fishing, swimming and bird watching, too. Fees vary.
- North Carolina free camp grounds are rare, but many parks offer specials so you can get a night free if you stay for a few days. South Mountains State park offers fishing, and hiking on miles of rugged trails. $9 a day for overnight camping. It’s rustic, so make sure you bring everything you need to be comfortable.
- Central and South Florida camping trips offer you a chance to see the real Florida. The full-service Manatee Springs state park has fishing, boat tours and of course, manatee-watching; the manatees migrate to the spring in winter. $16 a night to camp at this beautiful park.
Camping Trip Tips: Exploring the Northern states.
The northern states offer lake living, fee and free camp grounds, and plenty of rugged outdoorsy things to do with the kids, too. Set your sights on a relaxing retreat when you head north for your vacation- and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to check out our choices for four best northern campgrounds in the United States which are located in Maine, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Hampshire.
Explore Our Favorite Camp Sites in the Northern U.S.
- Find Minnesota’s Bear Head Lake camp grounds in the North woods area of the state. Eagle, moose and black bear-watching are a must; the state park also offers some of the finest fishing and hiking in the state. $18 for camp sites with amenities.
- The best camping trips to Northern Wisconsin’s Big Bay Lake include a quiet sandy beach, swimming, and hiking. Out of state campers pay $17 a night to stay at the state park. It’s worth it.
- Camping trips to northern Michigan’s Upper Peninsula must include a stop at Brimley state park on the Lake Superior shore. Free camp ground fishing weekends are once a year; anyone who stays at any Michigan park on these days can fish for free! $15-$20 nightly to camp at the state park; summertime cabins cost $65 a night.
We thank our contributors:
- Darrin Gleeman New York, New York
