Ten great camping escapes
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing social distancing, camping has become one of the safe choices for people wanting a vacation instead of a staycation, allowing them to get out of their routine and into nature. Experienced campers may have their gear and be ready to go right away to the places on this list. However, for the new camper, forced by social distancing to "rough it" at a campground rather than book a hotel at their usual vacation destination, they may want to try sCAMPer Van, the campervan rental company based in Atlanta. In a sCAMPer Van, it’s usually best to pick a destination thats longer than a hour's drive so that you may enjoy the road while heading to your vacation spot. Below are 10 such destinations.
Ten Places to Camp
1. Nantahala National Forest
By far one of our favorite regional destinations, the forest offers everything for your outdoor exploration. From waterfalls, to rivers and lakes and dense forest trails, the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina is sure to excite the adventurer in you.
Nantahala National Forest Park
2. Pisgah National Forest
Another North Carolina destination, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah has amazing campgrounds throughout. Rocky Bluff and Davidson River immediately come to mind. With Pisgah having much of it’s land in Transylvania County, you are sure to spend countless hours swimming, sliding and playing in some of the most epic waterfalls you’ve ever seen.
Pisgah National Forest Park
Camping Gear
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Just north of Atlanta, you’ll find this amazing destination. Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Eastern US and sure to impress even the avid camper and hiker. Spending time just watching the kayakers is a worthwhile way to pass the time.
Tallulah Gorge State Park Park
4. Cloudland Canyon
Another Georgia gem, this destination in the northwest portion of the state has much of what you’d be looking for on a nice camping weekend: amazing trails, vies and waterfalls. Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in Georgia.
Cloudland Canyon Park
5. Devils Fork State Park
This state park is just over the border in South Carolina. Along the eastern edge of the Sumter National Forest, Devils Fork is a beauty, however it is usually quite crowded. Try to determine its off times for your visit in order to really enjoy the beauty of the park.
Devils Fork State Park Park
6. Bike Farm
HEY MOUNTAIN BIKERS: Want to enjoy Brevard, Dupont and Pisgah with some like-minded campers? Check out the Bike Farm in western North Carolina for the perfect beginning and end of your mountain biking experience.
The Bike Farm Park
7. Edisto Beach
Want some beach camping? Edisto Beach, between Savannah and Charleston in South Carolina, has everything that you’re looking for when it comes to a beach vibe, including an amazing beach side campground that will take your camping trip to the next level.
Edisto Beach Park
8. Ocracoke Island
Care to go a little further? Head up tp North Carolina and the Outer Banks with a trip to Ocracoke Island. It’s 16 miles of pristine undeveloped beaches with a ferry ride that the whole family will enjoy. Take the ferry north from Ocracoke and enjoy camping all along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Ocracoke Island Visitor Center Park
9. Jekyll Island
Need more beach ideas? How about a trip to Jekyll Island for a visit to Driftwood Beach. One of Georgia’s waterfront gems, this is a must see destination for any camper, novice or pro.
Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island Park
10. Anastasia State Park
South from Jekyll Island, you can head down to Florida for some more epic beach camping at Anastasia State Park. Once we get live music back, you can take in some great shows at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre right across the street from the park.
Anastasia State Park Park
These suggestions are primarily state parks or popular destinations. If you’re looking for something totally different, check out Hipcamp for some “out of the box” camping locations. From horse farms to organic farms, you’ll find unique camping opportunities.
Experienced campers may have their gear and be ready to go right away to the ten places listed above. However, for the new camper, forced by social distancing to "rough it" at a campground rather than book a hotel at their usual vacation destination, they may want to try sCAMPer Van, the campervan rental company based in Atlanta. In a sCAMPer Van, it’s usually best to pick a destination thats longer than a hour's drive so that you may enjoy the road while heading to your vacation spot. Book your next camping trip with sCAMPer Van and get 10% off your reservation when you type in "CLCAMPING" at check out.
David Clapper is the co-founder and CEO of sCAMPer Van. As such, he really knows his stuff when it comes to regional camping destinations. While he suggests use of his vehicles to camp at the destinations listed above, we at Creative Loafing have found that if you want to be like the Griswalds and make the trip in your own station wagon or SUV, the views are just as breathtaking.
Scamper Van Campground
Additional content on the REI website:
Georgia Camping