Camping is a great way to experience the outdoors, and most outdoor enthusiasts — like hibernating bears — tend to perk up a little when winter starts thawing away. Although you really can camp in any season, spring and summer are the best times to enjoy the renewal of nature and the cycle of life that makes the wilderness burst with color. The east coast is packed with campsites and natural areas best enjoyed during the spring, but we can only show you a handful of what it has to offer. Whether you’re looking to camp out in a forest or edge closer to the water, read on to discover just a few of the best east coast camping spots.
Acadia National Park – Maine
One of the best places for camping is Acadia National Park in Maine. The park is open year round and has two well known campgrounds, Seawall and Blackwoods. If you camp in Blackwoods, you’ll need a permit from December to March. It’s closer to Bar Harbor, however, which is a rustic little town and seaport with nice restaurants and shopping. The cost to enter the park is $20 per car/camper, and campground prices range anywhere from $10-$20.
Green Mountain National Forest – Vermont
Another fantastic place to find the best east coast camping is the Green Mountain National forest in Vermont. There are 5 campgrounds that are accessible depending on the season you’re camping in. And unless it specifically says so, you can camp just about anywhere in the forest and backcountry. The park is also accessible year round and there are no entrance fees. Most of the campsites are also free.
Chester State Park – South Carolina
South Carolina’s Chester State Park is a historic campground that contains a large 160-acre lake, which is great for those who love to fish. Other activities also include archery, boating, and hiking. The park has 25 RV and tent sites, with some containing water and electric hook-ups as well as cabins.
Hershey Park – Pennsylvania
Rounding out last, but never least, in our best east coast camping list is Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. This is a great spot for those who have kids. It’s a 55-acre campground and it offers space for RVs and tents, or you can rent a rustic cabin. Either way it’s a stone’s throw from Hershey Park, which has a zoo and water park, and even allows pets!
Featured Image from Cameron Sanborn/Unsplash
