They say having too many choices is a good problem to have, but if you're looking to go camping in the Southeast, the sheer number of options can be staggering. Looking for something waterfront? What about a site you can bring the whole family to? Maybe you're looking for a more backcountry, personal experience in Appalachia? Then again, maybe you want a campsite with a great view of the natural splendor of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The possibilities are endless. We at Get Out love camping, so we decided to help narrow down your search. Still, you'd better buckle in. There's a lot of camping out there.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Defeated Creek Park
140 Marina Lane
Carthage, Tenn., 37030
615-774-3141
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you and your family can't decide on what to do, stopping at Defeated Creek Park should keep everyone happy. Seriously, this park has everything - 12,000-acre Cordell Lake features 381 miles of shoreline, and that's only the start. The site routinely holds special events and giveaways for kids, and people of all ages are welcome.
AMENITIES: Mountain biking, swimming, tennis and volleyball courts, horseback riding, fishing and boating are just a few of the options you'll have at this impeccably maintained campground. Laundry services and electrical hookups are available. The campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has over 150 RV- and tent-friendly sites.
PRICING: $15 nightly and $28 daily for the standard electric site; premium group shelters go for $50 nightly and $100 daily.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you happen to be out at Defeated Creek in late May, check out the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival in nearby Granville, Tenn., on May 28. Local bluegrass acts will rock the stage from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Bledsoe Creek State Park
400 Zieglers Ford Road
Gallatin, Tenn., 37066
615-452-3706
WHY WE LOVE IT: Bledsoe Creek State Park is a reserved, humble park with reasonable rates of $20-$25 per day and some of the best birding, hiking and crappie fishing in the state. Picnic tables and grills make it easy to enjoy the company of neighboring campers, and the sites are all ADA compliant, making them accessible to those with disabilities.
Enota Mountain Retreat
1000 Highway 180
Hiawassee, Ga., 30546
706-896-9966
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Enota Mountain Retreat is an educational nonprofit that informs campers about organic farming and living. Besides featuring excellent hiking 1.5 miles from the Appalachian Trail, Enota Mountain has organic produce for sale, opportunities for kids to feed local farm and rescue animals, and a covered outdoor kitchen to cook up some of the fresh food you get on-site. Cabins and RV/tent sites are available.
Old Stone Fort State Park
732 Stone Fort Drive
Manchester, Tenn., 37355
931-723-5073
WHY WE LOVE IT: Despite being only a few minutes from numerous restaurants in neighboring Manchester, Old Stone Fort's heavily wooded surroundings give it a distinct secluded feeling. While RV sites are available, staying at Old Stone Fort really feels like you're in the great outdoors instead of a campground. Gentle nearby nature trails give children the perfect opportunity for day hikes and observing the native bird population.
Julian Price Memorial Park
North on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, milepost 297
36.1424° N, 81.7457° W
828-963-5911
WHY WE LOVE IT: Adjacent to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park is part of the largest recreational area along the parkway. Excellently designed hiking trails, guided walks, carriage rides, fishing and canoeing are available. A 300-seat amphitheater on-site is home to numerous educational lectures, evening campfires and theatrical productions throughout the summer and fall.
OVERLOOK
Clingmans Dome
35.5628° N, 83.4985° W
865-436-1297
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Dome is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail at 6,643 feet. The site offers breathtaking views on clear days of seven different states from the observation tower, affectionately referred to as the "flying saucer." The colder, misty weather that permeates the peak enables a gorgeous coniferous forest of spruce-fir to flourish. We can't overstate the view from the third-highest point east of the Mississippi River.
AMENITIES: Although the AT has very little in the way of convenience, the steep trail up to the observation tower is paved, making it easier to ascend after a day of rugged backpacking.
PRICING: If you're looking to camp in the backcountry of the Smokies, you'll need a permit from the National Park Service, which can be obtained online. Nominal fees typically accompany the permits.
GOOD TO KNOW: The steep hike up to the peak can be taxing despite being paved, so those with disability, young children and the elderly may struggle to make the ascent. Thankfully, Clingmans Dome Road features numerous spots to pull off and appreciate the view.
Cheaha Mountain
19644 Highway 281
Delta, Ala., 36258
256-488-5111
WHY WE LOVE IT: Nestled in the heart of Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Mountain features a wheelchair-accessible walkway to the best overlook for miles. The site is more unique among the other Overlook sites on the list due to its lodge, restaurant and recreational activities and amenities available near the peak.
Looking Glass Rock
35.3037° N, 82.7935° W
828-877-4423 (Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education)
WHY WE LOVE IT: The gorgeous granite, balding face of Looking Glass Rock can be seen from a long stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and the view from the Rock is even better. Birders should rejoice as well. The mountain is a popular nesting spot for the peregrine falcon.
Big Frog Mountain
34.9995° N, 84.5294° W
WHY WE LOVE IT: For reasons unknown to us, Big Frog Mountain has a very low usage rate, meaning the unmarked trails and camping opportunities will typically be sparsely populated. Cozy rhododendron tunnels and crisp streams dot the landscape on the mountain, which features some of the best vistas to show off the natural beauty of the Cohutta Mountains in Tennessee and Georgia.
Tray Mountain
34.8012° N, 83.6838° W
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Appalachian Trail makes its way through Tray Mountain, offering up stunning vistas along the ridge to the peak. Twisted mountain laurel create a natural tunnel for much of the hike, and a side trail from the grassy campsite takes hikers to the beautiful, cozy High Shoals Falls.
WATERFRONT
Pinewood Canoe and Camp
2011 Cash Hollow Road
Nunnelly, Tenn., 37137
931-729-1042
WHY WE LOVE IT: Pinewood Canoe and Camp offers just about everything on the waterfront you could want. Natural gravel bars on Piney Creek make for great pit stops during a float down the river to fish, swim or even just relax in the warm sun. Swimming holes abound throughout the site, letting campers pick their preferred level of seclusion. Although Piney Creek isn't exactly a mighty river, we guarantee you'll have a good time on a float down the river in your kayak, canoe or inner tube.
AMENITIES: Every campsite has a great view of the river, and fire rings and bathhouses are available for campers. Creekside cookouts are commonplace, and a great way to meet neighboring campers. Fishing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the creek.
PRICING: $20 per night for RVs for two people; $15 per night for campsites with electricity for two people, with a $7.50 charge for each additional person and a $5 charge for each additional child.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you're around Pinewood over Memorial Day weekend, the camp staff is bringing nationally renowned country group The Corbitt Brothers for concerts the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Admission will be $10 for the event.
Bones Canoe and Campground
16520 Bakerville Road
Hurricane Mills, Tenn., 37078
931-209-5908
WHY WE LOVE IT: Make no bones about it, Bones Canoe and Campground is distinctly wild. Camping is allowed anywhere on the property, and you'll get a full outdoors experience at the site. While there is an office and space is available for self-contained RVs, the campground will give you a much more natural camping trip than one to a lake with a fully stocked marina.
Lillydale Campground
985 Lillydale Road
Allons, Tenn., 38541
931-823-4155
WHY WE LOVE IT: Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its stock of trophy-sized smallmouth bass, including the undisputed world record caught by David Hayes in 1955: an 11-pound, 15-ouncer. If you think you've got the skill to break a world record, Dale Hollow Lake might be your place. If smallmouth isn't your game, the lake is also abundant with largemouth bass, crappie and muskie. Nearby, the Obey River features quality brown and rainbow trout for fly fishermen.
Honeycomb Campground
188 Camp Ground Road
Grant, Ala., 35747
256-582-9882
WHY WE LOVE IT: The gorgeous white sandy beaches and well-stocked and maintained marina are enough to warrant a visit to Honeycomb. If you like it enough to stay longer, that option is available. Honeycomb offers campers the ability to rent out a campsite on a month-by-month basis at a reduced rate, making it the perfect place to settle down with your RV and enjoy the boating, fishing and barbecuing.
French Broad River Campground
1030 Old Marshall Highway
Asheville, N.C., 28804
828-658-0772
WHY WE LOVE IT: The sleepy French Broad River paints a picturesque image of nature for camp-goers. Tubing, fishing and tennis are just a few of the activities at the campground, which has spacious sites for both RVs and tents. Cabin rentals are also available. The real draw, though, is the brief drive to scenic Asheville, putting you in the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors and one of the finest cities in the Southeast.
PADDLE IN
Looking for a waterfront camping trip that's a little more rugged than normal? We'd start by recommending the Tennessee Blueway, a 50-mile stretch of river through Chattanooga down through the Tennessee River Gorge, with dozens of put-in spots and primitive campsites available along the way. If you've done that and are looking for more, direct your attention to neighboring Alabama, home of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the single longest river trail in America at 631 miles.
Alabama Scenic River Trail
WHY WE LOVE IT: What's not to love? Alabama has an incredibly diverse river system, ranging from swift whitewater, swampy bayous and saltwater flows to and from the Gulf of Mexico. This variety of topography, coupled with the sheer amount of rivers there are to travel, means no two trips along the trail will be the same.
AMENITIES: Depending on where on the river you are and where you're going, conveniences could range from full-blown hotels to just stark wilderness. What sort of camping you want to do on the trail is entirely up to your planning.
PRICING: It would definitely be wise to bring cash with you depending on how long you're planning on staying. Longer trips where you'll have to go to a city to get food will warrant a cost. However, it's entirely possible to bring all the food with you that you'll need and camp out on public land along the rivers, meaning this trip could be completely free.
GOOD TO KNOW: It is possible to get through the locks at the dams on the Alabama River by contacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers station that runs each dam. Dams on other rivers, however, don't have locks for boaters to go through, so plan your trip accordingly. Dead-ends such as those are marked along the river.
WHERE TO PUT IN:Although there are hundreds of spots along the trail to put in and camp, we recommend the Little River Marina and Lodge, less than an hour and a half from Chattanooga.
Little River Marina and Lodge
1780 County Road 102
Cedar Bluff, Ala., 35959
256-779-6461
However, depending on what section of the trail you want to paddle, you may want to research it yourself. For more answers, check out alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
BACKCOUNTRY
Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road
Appalachian Trail
Cosby, Tenn., 37722
865-436-1200
WHY WE LOVE IT: One of the prettiest sections of the Appalachian Trail, the 19-mile trip from Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road really showcases the splendor of the region. The elevation along the trail changes from under 2,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet over the course of the trail, so get ready for an invigorating hike over some of Appalachia's best bald peaks.
AMENITIES: There are a few shelters along the trail that will afford you some vestige of comfort during your hike and get you off the ground at night.
PRICING: Although there are no fees associated with doing this portion of the Appalachian Trail, bringing a few bucks along for food after the trip is done might be a good idea.
GOOD TO KNOW: Max Patch, the conclusion of this section of the trail, is an old logging campsite with some incredible views of the Smokies. If the backpacking portion isn't for you, Max Patch Mountain's peak is an excellent spot to set up camp or have a picnic. There is parking near the peak and an easy two-mile hike in.
Panthertown Valley
35.157732° N, 82.998769° W
828-524-6441
WHY WE LOVE IT: Panthertown Valley has some of the most immaculately kept trails in the area thanks to the Friends of Panthertown nonprofit organization. Over 30 miles of trails complete with wild blueberries, eight different waterfalls and views that last for miles are at your disposal.
Virgin Falls
Sparta, Tenn.
35.8290° N, 85.2950° W
615-532-0431
WHY WE LOVE IT: An excellent first hike for beginner backpackers, Virgin Falls rewards those who complete the trail with an awesome view of its namesake cascade. Interestingly, the fall flows out from an underground stream. After falling 110 feet, it flows back underground again, making it one of the most unique waterfalls in our state.
Porters Creek Trail
Great Smoky Mountains, near Gatlinburg
35.696728° N, 83.388272° W
865-436-1200
WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the perfect site for anyone looking for a romantic hike, or anyone who appreciates flowers blooming. The trail nearly explodes in native wildflower blooms throughout the months of April, May and into June. Historical sites are dotted along the trail, including the foundation of an old settlement as well as the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin from the 1930s.
Gahuti Trail at Fort Mountain
34.778950° N, 84.70553° W
706-422-1932
WHY WE LOVE IT: Only about an hour from Chattanooga, the sights you'll take in while on this trail are among the best in the region. Traveling through some seriously remote Georgia state park land, you'll cross numerous streams and different ecosystems while you ascend and descend the 4,000 total feet of elevation change along the trail.
HIGH ADVENTURE
Nantahala Outdoor Center
150 Hawkins Drive
Ocoee, Tenn., 37361
800-232-7238
WHY WE LOVE IT: The NOC has basically everything your outdoorsy heart could desire. Zipline tours, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, paddling school, paintball - you name it, they've got it. One of the premier outdoor outfitters since 1972, the NOC is world-famous for providing the most intense, energizing and safe outdoors experience possible. Whether you go for a day or longer, we guarantee you'll have a great time.
AMENITIES: The deluxe cabins and motel on-site have you covered for any amenities you may want. Several fantastic restaurants are nearby, and a local amphitheater often hosts live music and shows for your enjoyment. Hostel-style accommodations as well as raised platform tents are available.
PRICING: $200-$500 per night for a cabin. If that's too steep, the Dogwood Motel has rooms for $80-$90 per night. Looking for something more earthy? The basecamp, where Appalachian Trail hikers stay, costs $40 every day. The outdoor activities range from $70-$200, depending on what you're doing. Visit noc.com for more pricing information.
GOOD TO KNOW: The NOC offers a number of instructional training courses as well, ranging from wilderness survival and medicine to raft guide training. A visit to the NOC might even set you up on a new career path!
Warriors' Path State Park
490 Hemlock Road
Kingsport, Tenn., 37663
423-239-8531
WHY WE LOVE IT: Besides being one of the most pristine and gorgeous parks in our state, Warriors' Path has much to offer those looking to get active. Opportunities for horseback riding and miles of taxing mountain biking trails will give the energetic camper a run for his or her money, while the Olympic-size pool located at the campground will give them the ability to cool off afterwards.
Historic Banning Mills
205 Horseshoe Dam Road
Whitesburg, Ga., 30185
770-834-9149
WHY WE LOVE IT: This site perfectly blends the comfort of a cabin with the adventure of ziplining, kayaking, geocaching and climbing. Stay in furnished, relaxing lodges or your RV while experiencing whatever adrenaline rush or activity you're looking for. Falconry shows and demonstrations are also available for those looking to put the wild in wildlife.
Brookside Campground and Rafting
764 US-19
Topton, N.C., 28781
828-321-5209
WHY WE LOVE IT: Not many campgrounds offer the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing campout with showers and laundry while also providing the chance to float down a whitewater river either with or without a guide. Naturally, Brookside scoffs at those other campgrounds. If you've caught the rafting bug, Brookside will definitely suit your needs.
Mulberry Gap
400 Mulberry Gap Road
Ellijay, Ga., 30540
706-698-2865
WHY WE LOVE IT: Mulberry Gap is a mountain biking haven, offering up guided single- and multi-day tours of one of the premier trail systems in the Southeast. Whether you opt to stay in one of the roomy cabins, park your RV or pitch your tent, be sure to bring one thing: Your bike. If the cycling isn't enough for you, whitewater paddling, ziplining and yoga are just a few of the other possibilities.
STARGAZING
Pickett State Park
4605 Pickett Park Highway
Jamestown, Tenn., 38556
931-879-5821
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you're looking for stars, Pickett is the place for you. In conjunction with Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area, Pickett became the first state park in the Southeast to be recognized by the International Dark Sky Association for its commitment to creating a dedicated space to view the heavens. Park representatives have worked with local communities to limit the amount of light pollution, giving you the clearest view of the night sky in the state.
AMENITIES: Over 30 miles of hiking trails are available for camp use. Swimming on the sandstone cliff-surrounded beach is another possibility, but perhaps fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the scenic Arch Lake better suit you. Cabins ranging from rustic to deluxe are available for rent, and the campground has over 30 sites for more rugged campers.
PRICING: $16 per day for a tent camp; cabins range from $60 per night for rustic to $130 per night for deluxe. A non-refundable $5 reservation fee is required for cabins.
GOOD TO KNOW: The famed Perseid meteor shower will be taking place on Aug. 12. Pickett and Pogue Creek have organized a party to view the shower, with special guest Paul Lewis from the UT Space and Science outreach program.
Land Between the Lakes
238 Visitor Center Drive
Golden Pond, Ky., 42211
800-525-7077
WHY WE LOVE IT:Land Between the Lakes is a sprawling natural recreation area, and much of it is dark enough to really showcase the Milky Way and the rest of the cosmos. Camping is available anywhere in the park, provided you have the proper paperwork. Also, the nearby Golden Pond Planetarium is a perfect opportunity for you to not just observe the stars, but to also learn something about them, too.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
10821 Park Road
Spencer, Tenn., 37367
423-881-5298
WHY WE LOVE IT: Fall Creek Falls is beloved by many for a variety of reasons. Let us perhaps add another, then: Regions of Fall Creek Falls are the darkest in the state, making it optimal for stargazing. Officials at the park hold routine astronomy weekends where you can meet amateur and professional astronomers and enjoy the sky together.
Doll Mountain
Doll Mountain Road
Ellijay, Ga., 30540
706-276-4413
WHY WE LOVE IT: Doll Mountain is renowned by locals as a premier location for being able to see the stars clearly. This is no mere stargazing spot, though. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains which encapsulate the campground offer up some great nature walks, and Carters Lake presents boaters and fishermen with ample opportunity to have a good time.
Oak Mountain State Park
200 Terrace Drive
Pelham, Ala., 35124
205-620-2520
WHY WE LOVE IT: At Oak Mountain State Park you'll be inundated with things to do, from internationally recognized mountain biking to horseback riding, golf and everything in between. More importantly for you, local astronomical groups regularly congregate at the darker areas of the campground for spectacular views of the night sky.
GLAMPING
While we don't particularly consider this to be camping, it is wildly growing in popularity. For those not in the know, glamping stands for "glamorous camping," which can mean functional outdoor hotels complete with clean bedsheets, fluffy down pillows and heated pools. Even we have to admit this looks pretty fun.
Camp Leconte
WHY WE LOVE IT: This is your chance to be outdoors in the literal height of luxury. Camp Leconte is one of the most well-renowned and sought-after locations in Gatlinburg. And who wouldn't want to sleep in a treehouse? What about an open-air treehouse complete with queen-size beds, a built-in shower and a barbecue grill? All while being close to the most popular attractions in town? No one, that's who.
AMENITIES: For a campground, Camp Leconte doesn't spare much expense. The treehouses and safari tents feature fresh linens and beds, along with coolers with ice and beverages already stocked. The RV and primitive camping sites have access to all features of the campground as well, including a heated swimming pool, hi-speed WiFi, bath houses and laundry services.
PRICING: $30 per night for the primitive (that is to say, tent) sites; $50 per night for an RV hookup site; $120 per night for a safari tent; and $170 per night for a luxury treehouse. We recommend you make reservations online; the safari tents and treehouses are in high demand.
GOOD TO KNOW: The on-site trolley will take any visitor or "camper" directly to downtown Gatlinburg for a day of shopping and fun. Camp Leconte is also in walking distance to Mills Park for a lovely hiking and picnic spot.