This post is sponsored by RVshare.

Zion National Park in southern Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s hard not to repeatedly say “Wow!” out loud at every turn because of the massive, colorful sandstone cliffs.

My friend and I visited in May 2024, and we kicked into a joyous, unplugged, outdoor mode that made us want to quit our jobs and travel the country with backpacks. Problem is, camping isn’t our thing. We want an actual mattress, a refrigerator for our food, and outlets to charge our phones.

Staying in an RV lets you embrace the outdoors in a way you can’t when you’re staying at a hotel.  Plus, the RV scene is a friendly, helpful community of people who like to swap stories around the campfire at night (with drinks and marshmallows, obviously). That camaraderie adds to the experience.

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1. WillowWind RV Park

• Mature trees for privacy and shade
• Close to Zion but far enough to avoid crowds

What sets this RV park apart is its beautiful, mature trees – a rarity in the Utah desert. Not only do the trees offer more privacy from your neighbors, but they provide shade! That’s critically important during the hot summer months or after returning from a long, hot day of hiking. Located 22 miles from Zion – a comfortable distance from the summertime crowds – WillowWind has a clubhouse, a communal fire pit, a laundromat, a dog run and dog bath, and clean showers and bathrooms.

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2. Watchman Campground

• Closest RV park to Zion
• Three hiking trails available
• Open year-round

This is the closest place to Zion to park an RV. Run by the National Parks Service, this campground is just ¼ mile away from the park’s entrance (and near a shuttle stop, for easy access to trailheads and restaurants in the town of Springdale). Its paved RV sites have picnic tables, fire pits and grills. Some border the Virgin River, so you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water. There are sites with electric hookups available, but it doesn’t have full hookups (for water and sewer) for the RVs, so it’s a little more rustic than other RV parks.

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3. Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground

• On-site shuttle service to Zion (March-October only)
• Convenience store on site

Hailed as one of the best RV parks in Utah, this park has pretty mountain views, sites along the Virgin River, full hookups and all sorts of family-friendly amenities: WiFi, cable, a game room, a heated pool, a playground, a hot tub and more. There are 7-minute limits on showers, but that’s plenty of time. It’s a great place for dogs since there’s an off-leash area and river access. It’s a 20-minute drive to Zion.

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5. Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort

• Closest private RV park to Zion
• Available shuttle to Springdale

You can’t beat the location – just 1⁄2-mile (or a 15-minute walk) from the park, restaurants and shops. And the closest RV park to Zion with full hookups. The scenery is nice, too: you’re surrounded by mountains. While the RV area has close quarters, the service is friendly and there are 18 clean showers, fire rings with grates, charcoal grills, a fully-stocked camp store (including ice and wood for sale), free WiFi, a pool and a playground.

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The post 5 Stunning RV Parks Near Zion National Park appeared first on She Buys Travel.

When I hear the word “tent,” I rarely think of rainfall showerheads, high-thread-count linens and a private plunge pool. But I found all of that and more at the Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs “camp” in Kenya.

Highlights of Surana Buffalo Springs

• Luxurious “tents” that are really individual pueblo-style buildings
• Massage therapist named Molly Akinye
• Swimming pool overlooking the river where the elephants visit daily
• Three substantial meals per day included in the room rate
• Optional daily game drives to see the “Special 5” found only in the surround Buffalo Springs National Reserve — reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostrich and gerenuk – along with lions, impalas and more.

What You Need to Know

• It will be hot and there is no air conditioning.
• Be prepared if you have mobility challenges – it’s a long walk over an uneven path to get to your room, then stairs up to the porch.
• The free wifi works pretty well in the reception area, but not so much in the rooms.

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Overall Impressions

As my friend, Christine, and I walked from our Capture Kenya Expeditions safari Land Cruiser into the open air reception area, we turned to one another and said, “This is so beautiful.”

And that was just our first look at the Surana Buffalo Springs and its natural surroundings. This serene, upscale resort overlooks the confluence of the Eweso and Isiolo rivers and has everything you would expect in a luxury resort – attentive service, lovely rooms, fine linens, exceptional spa services and gourmet dining. Then it adds a mesmerizing touch you’ll only find in Africa: Elephants lumbering up to the river twice a day for a drink of water and a bath.

Interestingly, the resort calls its accommodations “tents.” I would call them anything but. The individual pueblo-style buildings are plotted along the winding paths. They are nestled among the vegetation and set far enough apart to allow for skinny dipping in the private plunge pool while you listen to the elephants trumpet in the distance.

Who Should Stay at the Surana Buffalo Springs

• Women traveling solo – the attentive staff keeps a watchful eye
• Girlfriends – four of the 16 spacious tents have three twin beds and all can accommodate a rollaway
• Couples or honeymooners seeking privacy – it’s easy to feel like you are the only people there thanks to the wide-spread “tents” and surrounding vegetation

Accommodations

The thoughtful design of the individual “tents” is everywhere, but nowhere more apparent that the placement of each unit. They are located to ensure maximum privacy. From our porch, we could hear other people – as well as the elephants trumpeting in the distance – but we could not see them.

Our guestroom had plenty of space for three twin beds – and room to add a fourth if need be. A separate area that was nearly as large housed the toilet room, a sink with a long shelf that easily accommodated two women’s toiletries and – the star of this show – a large rainfall shower with a view.

Our only complaint – and it was a minor one – is the relative lack of lighting. The resort is proud of its solar-powered environmental program. But, while the African-styled light fixtures were beautiful, they were ineffective. So don’t bring a paper book unless you also bring a book light. Or stick with a backlit Kindle.

Each unit has its own private plunge pool – the one family unit that can sleep up to six has two. We were overheated by the time we got into our room, so we immediately stripped and headed for the plunge pool on the patio. It was so cold that I never got all the way into the water. Just soaking my feet and wrists was enough to do the trick. I was cooled down immediately.

Guestroom amenities

·         Private plunge pool

·         Premium toiletries – body wash, hand wash, shampoo and conditioner

·         A high-powered flashlight to light up the dim pathway from the room to the dining/reception area

·         Electric kettle, tea bags and instant coffee

·         Minifridge stocked with sodas, beer, wine and liquor for a charge

·         Safe

·         Ceiling fan over the beds

Dining

Three gourmet meals and two snacks each day are included in the room rate, although drinks, including bottled water, are an additional charge.

Overall, the food was good – not great — and the portions quite large. Both Christine and I were surprised to be offered hot soup on days when the temperatures easily hit triple digits. A cold gazpacho or fruit soup seemed like it would have been a better choice.

The best meals we had were the fish options flown in from the coast.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Skip the bread and butter. We generally found it to be a little dry and flavorless and the butter was often melted in the heat. Save those calories for the rest of the meal.

Breakfast

Two chefs offer cooked-to-order eggs. The buffet included a variety of breads and pastries, fried potatoes, mixed veggies and “porridge” along with a selection of fresh fruits and fruit juices. Breakfast is served daily from 6:30-9:30 to accommodate the early morning game drives.

Lunch

This was a heavy five-course meal – a starter, salad, soup, entrée and dessert. Each day brought one choice of starter, salad and soup – order it or don’t; 5 or 6 choices of entrees, ranging from pasta to beef to vegetarian options; and two choices of dessert – fresh fruit or something yummy and bad for you.

A typical menu offered a salad of tomato, eggplant, and feta cheese with yogurt dressing, a starter of spring roles with tomato chutney and cream of butternut soup. Main course choices were:

·         Penne pasta with chicken, mushroom and bacon in a creamy white sauce

·         Beef with chimichurri topped with a poached egg and serve with sweet potato fries and wilted spinach

·         Grilled tuna in basil and lemon topped with mango salsa served with carrots and shoe string fires

·         Spinach and feat lasagna served with garlic bread and a side salad

·         Matar paneer served with rice, chapatti and pickles

·         Grilled cauliflower steak with chimichurri served with Romesco sauce and black lentils

From this menu, the grilled tuna steak was particularly yummy.

Lunch is served from 12:30-2:30.

Dinner

Another heavy meal with five courses, served from 7:30-9:30 to give people time to return from their afternoon game drives. While some guests seemed to have showered and dressed for dinner, we opted to “come as you are” and wore our slightly dusty game drive clothes to dinner. No one seemed to mind.

Amenities

On the property is an infinity swimming pool (the water was almost as chilly as our plunge pool) with a front-row view of the elephants at the river. But the biggest resort amenity is the surrounding Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Our safari included twice-daily game drives to see the graceful giraffes, majestic elephants, speedy impalas, unique oryx and more. If you aren’t on a safari tour, you can book a game drive through the resort.

The Spa

Calling this a spa might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a not-to-be-missed amenity. The location alone is worth it.

I booked a one-hour massage for the unheard-of resort price of just $45 USD. Molly Akinye, the remarkably talented massage therapist, was still working on a previous client so I decided to check out the “forest shower.” That’s the shower and toilet embedded into the side of the hill with a strategically placed tree offering a modicum of privacy. Aside from that one tree, I had an expansive view of the river while I showered. Then, because there is no waiting room, I closed the toilet seat and sat there wrapped in a towel watching the river while I waited my turn on the massage table.

The spa, which was really just Molly when we visited in late May 2025, offers foot reflexology and body treatments along with massage.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There are two massage tables, so a couple’s massage is possible. Book that in advance so Molly can call in a second therapist.

Safety Features

This resort is secluded, so I never felt any fear that a stranger might arrive and threaten us. We didn’t even bother locking our door when we headed out. And a member of the attentive staff was always ready to walk us back along the dimly-lit path after dinner.

The real thing to fear here is nature. The monkeys and baboons might be tempted to come if they smell food. The scorpions and snakes are huge and dangerous. The flies buzz everywhere. The mosquitoes carry disease. And the equatorial sun is intense.

So wear your sunscreen, use your bug spray and cover up as much as possible to protect yourself.

A Sister Resort

There are two Ashnil “tent camps” in Samburu. The other, Samburu Isiolo, is no more a tent than Surana. These guestrooms, however, look more like yurts – an octagonal structure that is stone on the back and canvas and screens on the front that faces the retaining wall built to hold back the river during flood season.

Unlike the Surana, which is hot and exposed to the blazing sun, Samburu Isiolo is hacked out of the forest along the river. So the trees provide constant shade and the river supplies a constant breeze. If you prefer a cooler stay, choose these Ashnil tents instead.

Getting There

We arrived as part of our Capture Kenya Expedition safari tour. But it’s possible to get there on your own. Take a 45-minute flight from Nairobi to Buffalo Springs, then drive 25 minutes to the camp. Or you can rent a car and drive the 310 km from Nairobi over a highway that is nearly new and in great shape for Africa where most of the roads we traveled were little more than a series of potholes strung together by strips on asphalt.

Read More

• Packing List for an African Safari in Kenya
• Tips for Making the Most of a Bucket List African Safari in Kenya
• The 5 ‘Fives’ of Africa – the Big, Ugly, Feathered, Special and Small Animals You’ll See in Kenya
• Capture Kenya: A Magical African Safari Filled with Wildlife Wonder that Also Uplifts Women and Girls

The post Not Your Average Tent: A Luxury Safari Stay in Kenya at the Surana Buffalo Springs appeared first on She Buys Travel.

You can control many elements when vacation planning but the weather’s not one of them. For my first solo camping trip, I would have dialed up days in the 80s with sunshine and a light breeze. Instead, I faced steady drizzle punctuated by torrential downpours with nighttime temps just above freezing. Here’s how I made the most of my road trip between two of the Northeast’s great mountain regions when Mother Nature delivered late fall instead of mid-spring.

The writer’s accommodations were hosted. All opinions are her own.

A Tale of Two Mountains

As a kickoff to summer, I planned a multi-day road trip between the Berkshires and Adirondacks with stays at two campgrounds. I’m not an outdoorswoman, despite years of Girl Scouting. I lean heavily towards 5-star spa resorts when choosing vacation accommodations.

But I also like to challenge myself. Within limits. A woodsy stay felt right for the hiking I planned. As a camping newbie, I was prepared to dip my toe in without committing to a tent and tons of equipment. Spacious Skies, a string of 15 campgrounds stretching along the east coast from Maine to Georgia, offered lodging choices beyond tent sites and RV lots. I booked a cottage and a yurt and started making trail plans.

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Packing Pivot

The fundamental scout mott0 – be prepared – meant that I checked the forecast. And the news was grim. So I needed to adjust my packing.

Out went the bug spray, high SPF sunscreen and bathing suit. Instead, I retrieved my winter clothes from storage, packing the following essentials:

• Lightweight Cuddl Duds long underwear
• Zip-up Patagonia fleece
• Waterproof LL Bean hooded jacket
• SmartWool hiking socks

Once I knew I’d be (relatively) comfortable, I set about adjusting my activities for the trip.

Rainy Day Things to Do in the Berkshires and Adirondacks

My trip wasn’t a total washout because the Berkshire and Adirondack mountain regions are established vacation destinations with dozens of attractions. Once I wrapped my head around the fact that I wasn’t going swimming or roasting s’mores, I filled my days with fun and my belly with the area’s great food.

I monitored the forecast closely and when damp pockets opened up between drenching downpours, I headed outdoors for some short hikes, being careful to watch my footing on slippery rocks and muddy trails.

Here are my top picks for rainy day camping fun in the Berkshires and Adirondacks with sunshine alternatives if you get luckier than me!

Hike to Bash Bish Falls

A 20-minute hike from NY’s Taconic State Park crosses the Massachusetts border and ends at the Commonwealth’s highest waterfall. The final cascade of Bash Bish Falls plunges 60 feet into a crystal clear pool ringed by dramatic boulders. The ascent to the falls is uphill on a wide, rocky trail.

If the Weather’s Sunny:

• Longer hikes to the falls are accessible from NY’s Taconic State Park and MA’s Bash Bish Falls
• Bike the recently repaved 3.6-mile section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail in Copake Falls
• Pedal boats and kayaks are available for campground guests at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

Flower Power at the Berkshire Botanical Garden

I seek out public gardens when traveling to get inspiration for my own yard. The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, MA, is a petite gem with trails winding through classic rose gardens and whimsical topiary installations. They were having a plant sale when I visited. I scored a cardoon plant – a spiky exotic with purple artichoke-looking flowers. And it was only $5.

If the Weather’s Sunny:

• Spacious Skies promotes a Spring Bloom trail linking its campgrounds. Pick a bouquet of local wildflowers such as Queen Anne’s Lace, Bee Balm and Wild Blue Phlox to brighten your campsite.
• Explore The Wild Center, a 115-acre, science-based nature exhibit with treetop bridges, playgrounds and a music-filled forest.

Tour The Mount

In 1902, author Edith Wharton designed The Mount, a grand European-style estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. She resided there for ten years, composing many of her most famous works from her bed, including Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth. She was the first woman awarded both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and an honorary doctorate from Yale. Separate tours of the house and garden are included with admission. Seasonal ghost tours are popular, requiring a separate fee and reservation.

If the Weather’s Sunny:

• The woods at The Mount are meticulously maintained and feature outdoor sculptures worth exploring.
• The Berkshires are home to the world-famous Tanglewood summer festival and Shakespeare & Company theater performances. They’re less than 15 miles from Spacious Skies Woodland Hills.
• Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks campground is an hour north of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, featuring a full summer schedule of concerts, dance, comedy and an annual jazz festival.

Fort Ticonderoga – It’s Revolutionary!

Much of the action during the Revolutionary War happened in the region between the Berkshires and the Adirondacks, including the pivotal Battles of Saratoga in 1777. As America approaches its 250th birthday, historical sites are featuring special exhibits and programs. Fort Ticonderoga was seized by Ethan Allen, Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys and America’s most famous traitor Benedict Arnold in 1775. Costumed guides explain the fort’s history and demonstrate colonial trades like shoemaking and tailoring.

If the Weather’s Sunny:

• Boat tours are a fun summer activity in the Adirondacks on both Lake Champlain, which separates NY from Vermont, and Lake George, one of the region’s most popular family vacation destinations.
• Lake George has a Six Flags Great Escape amusement and water park and Fort William Henry, which featured prominently in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans.

Shop, Eat, Repeat

When it rains on vacation, I don’t feel guilty indulging in two of my favorite pastimes: shopping and eating. Bouncing between boutiques, breweries and bistros was a fun way to pass rainy hours.

Where to Shop

I scored some unique treasures like a monogrammed cutting board from Vermont woodworkers JK Adams. At their Dorset, VT, factory and retail store, you can view the production facilities in action.

Here are some of my top spots for shopping near the two Spacious Skies campgrounds where I stayed:

• MacKimmie Co. in Lenox is the place to go for hard-to-resist throws and a great selection of Frank and Eileen women’s clothing.
• Don’t head home without pure VT maple syrup from the Sugar Shack. Bonus: They have an interesting, free Norman Rockwell exhibit.
• Find Adirondack gear, camp apparel and a stellar downloadable playlist at Schroon Lake Department Store.

Good Eats

The dreary weather put me in a comfort food state of mind, so I gravitated towards cozy places with hearty plates like Jackson’s Old Chatham House. My favorite discoveries include:

• The French onion soup and homemade pie are two excellent reasons to visit Pitkin’s Restaurant.
• The prime rib sandwich at The Old Heritage Tavern in Lenox was smothered in crispy onion bits and big enough to share, if you get a cup of clam chowder as a starter.
• You’ll find a wide selection of craft beers at Paradox Brewery and solid pizza, too.

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks scheduled a weekend of activities for the Memorial Day holiday, including local food truck 80K Street Plates. Their $25 cold lobster roll was packed full of claw and knuckle meat.

Survival Tips for Camping in the Rain

I was able to survive and enjoy my first camping trip for several reasons.

• I didn’t stay in a cold, soggy tent.
• There were plenty of rain or shine activities nearby.
• The Spacious Skies campgrounds had a fun vibe, despite the weather.

Camp Accommodations

You can rough it at Spacious Skies campgrounds or enjoy nature from the comfort of your RV. Both the Woodland Hills and Adirondack Peaks sites have multiple lodging options, including tent sites, retro trailers and cabins.

I stayed in the Cosmos Cottage, a pet-friendly mobile home in Woodland Hills that comfortably sleeps six and has a stocked kitchen and two full bathrooms. The Cottage comes with complete linen packages, so you don’t have to worry about packing sheets and towels.

At Adirondack Peaks, my home was a bunk bed in a family yurt that also sleeps six and can accommodate your pets. Fortunately, there was a heating unit since the nighttime temps dropped to near freezing. However, there’s no running water or bathroom in the yurt. I carefully planned my evening treks to the nearby bathhouse when there were pauses in the storm. The rhythm of the rain pelting the canvas was very soothing, and I had great sleeps in the yurt.

Fun and Games at Spacious Skies

The Spacious Skies concept of building a collection of campsites was launched in 2021. The goal of wife and husband co-founders Ali and Eric Rasmussen was to develop sites with a consistent feel in unique locations. The atmosphere is inclusive and welcoming to all; Spacious Skies is a proud partner of LGBTQ Outdoors and Black Folks Camp Too.

My fellow campers included young couples traveling with their dogs and large families kicking off the summer season. One woman I met decided not to sell her 22-foot RV after her boyfriend died. She rented a site at Spacious Skies for the season and plans to commute from her home near Albany for weekends in the woods this summer.

The friendly team at the Adirondack Peaks site sent out encouraging texts to guests inviting them to a polar plunge in the pool and an evening screening of The Incredibles in the open-air pavilion with complimentary bags of popcorn. Although I shivered through the movie, I couldn’t help but smile. The kids were oblivious to the weather. They raced bikes, squealed into orbit on the massive jumping pillow and happily stomped through puddles. It was heartwarming to see children having fun at play without screens.

I’m glad I didn’t give up and go home. I awarded myself an imaginary Camping in the Rain merit badge. Will I try it again? Yes, but I’ll probably book at the last minute when the forecast is sunny and dry.

Read More:

Rainy Day at Disney – Tips for Visiting Disney Parks in the Rain

The Ultimate Family Camping Packing List

Where the Locals Camp: Best Southern California Spots

Best Camping Gear Essentials for the Great Outdoors

The post It’s Raining, You’re Camping—Now What? appeared first on She Buys Travel.

1.  St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday Campground

• Easy access to Anastasia State Park and the Matanzas River for hiking, fishing and kayaking.
• Campground includes a playground and swimming pool to extend playtime.
• Located just 4 miles from historic downtown St. Augustine.

This KOA-brand campground sits on Anastasia Island and is one of the most popular campgrounds in the St. Augustine area. The campground features 119 campsites with asphalt or dirt pads. With pull-through and back-in sites, the campsites accommodate RVs up to 75 feet long. Campsites include full hookups, grills, tables and chairs, Wi-Fi and cable. Laundry facilities are also available.

 Nearby, Anastasia State Park and the Matanzas River beckon adventure seekers with hiking trails, fishing and kayaking options. For downtime at the campground, a playground and a swimming pool keep the kids entertained.

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7. Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country

• Resort pool with private cabanas, waterslides, spa tubs and interactive water playground.
• Home to Cliff Carver – Texas’ first and only alpine coaster.
• Onsite family-friendly tavern, Squirrely’s featuring locally inspired cuisines, craft cocktails, beer and wine.

Camp Fimfo in the Texas Hill Country delivers a Texas-sized adventure at the horseshoe bend of the Guadalupe River. The campground rolls out the red carpet with back-in and pull-thru RV campsites featuring full water/electric/sewer hook-ups with 20/30/50 Amp electric. Concrete pads make pulling in and setting up a breeze. Campsites also include a charcoal grill, fire ring and picnic table. Complimentary wi-fi and cable are also available.

The list of amenities is extensive and includes a resort pool with private cabanas, and in-water basketball hoops and volleyball nets. There’s also an interactive water playground, water slides and spa tubs. Out of the water, the whole family can enjoy 18-hole mini golf, yard games, pickleball and sand volleyball. Camp Fimfo is also home to the Cliff Carver – Texas’ first and only alpine coaster. The coaster features three up tracks as it bobs and weaves for over a mile downhill showcasing epic views of the Texas Hill Country along the way.

Camp Fimfo also features several dining options. The family-friendly tavern, Squirrely’s serves locally inspired cuisine, specialty craft cocktails and local beers. It also features retro board games to keep everyone entertained. For wood-fired pizza and house-made ice cream head to The Filling Station. And when you’re craving your morning coffee, the Bandit Coffee food truck is there for you.

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10. Dark Sky RV Park & Campground

• Luxury bathhouse with indoor & outdoor private showers – nothing like a shower under the stars!
• A “dinosaur dig” pit with bones and buried treasures and a kid-sized zipline for the little ones
• Located just 33 scenic miles from Zion National Park and only 80 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in Kanab, Utah just seven miles above the Arizona border, Dark Sky RV Resort and Campground sits on 40 acres of untouched sagebrush. Campers enjoy unobstructed views of the ever-changing vista across the Red Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Kaibab Plateau. In this stunning location, you’ll awake to epic sunrises and end the evening with brilliant sunsets. And if you sit outside after dark, you’ll be treated to a canopy of the brightest stars in Southern Utah.  

For this campground, the adventures take place outdoors with an abundance of hiking trails, off-roading trails, slot canyons, hidden lakes, sand caves and more. E-bikes and off-road vehicles are available for rent to enhance your explorations across the stunning landscapes. 

At the campsite, kids will enjoy a dig pit with bones and buried treasures and a kid-sized zipline. An enclosed dog park gives the pups a space to run free. On Thursdays, guests are invited to join fellow campers on the terrace for a social hour with food and drinks. 

Luxury amenities include a modern bathhouse with private bath suites featuring heated floors and indoor/outdoor showers, an open-air laundry facility, furniture and firepits and an outdoor kitchen with grill and Ooni pizza oven. Full hook-ups and excellent wi-fi are also included.

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In the desert, monsoons are powerful, mostly short-lived rainstorms racing across the landscape and pounding campsites with high winds and buckets of rain.

“Are we going to beat the storm?” said my companion. “Those clouds look really ominous.”

That was a good question, as, loaded with gear, we headed up to Arizona’s Mogollon Rim for a three-day camping adventure. This trip was to get out of the Phoenix heat.

“I sure don’t like the look of those clouds,” I replied. “I think the Apple weather forecast was wrong again. That or we’re driving into the ten percent.”

Why Weather Apps Are Unreliable in Backcountry

Apple’s Weather app said that we were in store for three days of sunshine, cooler temperatures, hiking and dipping feet in the cool water at Knoll Lake. The chance of precipitation, it wrongly predicted, was under 10 percent. As long as there is a cell signal, you can use it. If not, check on how to analog forecast in the checklist at the end of the article.

Camping in a storm is not the type of adventure one purposely plans, but all campers need to plan for a storm before leaving the house. There’s a variety of camping gear for stormy weather, most of which are already part of the camping gear.

Earlier in the trip, the sky was filling with puffy cumulus clouds. Our conversation changed from, “Oh, look! That one looks like a clown face,” to “Uh, oh. There’s rain building up in those clouds.”

The cute cumulus showed their gray, rain-filled underbellies as the tops rose steeply into the azure sky. This meant a summer monsoon was brewing, and we were heading to it. The leisurely drive to our lakeside campsite suddenly became a race against the wind and rain.

I thought I saw a small cloud over my companion’s head.

What’s Needed to Prepare for Storms

Preparing to camp in a storm starts before leaving home. Essentials for the campsite include a camp shovel—also needed to properly smother campfires—a tent footprint, guy ropes and ground stakes, a rain fly, and a rubber mat for wet shoes. Essentials for campers include a rain poncho or waterproof ventilated jacket, a waterproof hat and extra socks.

Readying for any storm takes place when picking the campsite and where to raise the tent.

How Setting Up the Campsite Makes a Difference

Select the highest portion of the campsite, a flat spot allowing water to run off and not pool under the tent or in front of the doors. Avoid even the shallowest depression, which will turn into a puddle if it rains. I was forced into a situation like that, and while the tent remained dry, it was like walking on a waterbed.

We found the Forest Service had improved the Knoll Lake campground ($20/night; no reservations. 34° 25.6858′ N, 111° 5.6477′ W) by providing raised beds for tents filled with well-drained material. After erecting the tent and securing the rainfly, it was time to pound in the stakes. Depending on the size of the tent, there will be at least four or more loops or grommets around the perimeter for holding the ground stakes. Put a stake into each one around the perimeter of the tent.

“Do you need all of them?” my companion asked. My REI Wonderland 6 requires ten ground stakes. “It seems like overkill. Wouldn’t the corners be enough?”

“Yes, it’s a lot of work, but we’ve got a monsoon brewing, and we don’t want the tent to blow loose.”

Staking the sides of the tent prevents the wind from blowing under the floor. In addition to protecting the tent from the potential for wind damage, it keeps the floor on the ground.

Next came the tedious task of staking the guy ropes. The Wonderland 6 requires at least eight and can accommodate 12. To simplify the task, I attach carabiners to the bitter end and clip them inside the guy loop at the other end. The “bitter end” refers to the single length of the rope usually attached to the tent. The guy loop goes over the stake, and the rope is tightened using a tensioner or a strong adjustable knot, like a double half-hitch.

While we set up camp, the sky continued its blackening brew. There was no sound in the forest and nary a breeze. The puffy cumulus clouds were disappearing, and the newly formed thunderheads seemed to reach for the sun before blacking it out.

When to Ready for the Storm

We were as ready as we could be.

While preparing dinner, all the gear was kept ready to shove back into the car if the rain arrived while eating. As we finished, the breeze started to pick up. We could hear the low boom of distant thunder. In the heavily wooded area, we couldn’t yet see any lightning.

You can judge the distance from campsites to the heart of a storm by calculating five miles for each second between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. When we saw the lightning, the flash and boom came together. The wind was howling, and the rain was pouring down.

We went into the tent.

All the preparation paid off. The tent rippled but held steady despite winds gusting to around 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).

How to Ride Out the Storm in a Tent

The thick storm clouds beat the sun into submission, and night came early. The rain and wind were incessant. Monsoons usually last 30 minutes to an hour, but this storm was relentless. It’s a good thing I grabbed a deck of cards and a book before we clambered into our fabric shelter.

The main reason for gettin’ outta Dodge to go camping was to escape the local heat in the cooler mountains, recharge the spiritual batteries and test a new-to-the-market lantern from Duracell.

Why We Loved the Duracell 2000 Lantern

When camping, nights are black. At Knoll Lake, there are no lights in the campground other than what campers bring. In our isolated corner against the woods, it was black—time to test the Duracell 2000 tri-power lantern provided by the company for review.

How Duracell Lit the Tent

It was almost too bright at its whole 2,000-lumen setting inside the tent. We dimmed to the medium 1,000-lumen setting.  The low setting is 400 lumens. There’s also a flashing red light option, although the red lights are too dim to use as an emergency light.

We were able to play cards and later read with the medium setting. The built-in rechargeable battery can last more than eight hours at that power. High power is beaming for three to four hours.

Lantern Performance Out in the Storm

The real test came hours later. With the wind still blowing, the tent’s rippling was replaced with a more menacing flapping sound; something came loose. That meant crawling out of the sleeping bag, pulling on a rain jacket and heading out into the wind, rain and blackness.

I grabbed the lantern and lit it on high. The Duracell 2000 penetrated the darkness with a very bright circle of light. I liked that it’s aimed groundward, so the light is concentrated where needed. The lantern’s heft meant I could set it down without worry of the wind blowing over.

Despite my best efforts, the guy rope on the corner of the tent had come loose from the stake. With the light, it was an easy fix to reattach it. I grabbed a large rock and placed it over the stake this time. Adjusting the tension, I slogged back into the tent.

With the light still on and some grumbling from my companion, I dimmed enough to slip off the wet gear and climb back into bed.

The lantern operates when connected to an external USB or DC power supply, the internal rechargeable battery, or four D-cell batteries. We used the internal battery and recharged it with the built-in solar panel the next day. By the next night, the lantern was fully charged.

The next day, no storm intruded, so we set up the light over the picnic table and enjoyed a leisurely meal and after-dinner games before settling in front of the campfire until bedtime. The Duracell 2000 provided a clean, bright light without too much contrast between light and shadow—a challenge I’ve found with other LED lanterns.

Camping in a Storm Checklist

How to Predict the Weather Without a Cell Signal

Knowing and tracking the weather is very important when hiking or camping. Here are some quick pointers on being the campsite weather forecaster. Knowing this can make you more accurate than relying on a weather app.

Cloud types and Barometer Readings

• Cirrus clouds, the high wispy clouds: A weather change in the next 24 to 48 hours.
• Horsetails, curled cirrus clouds resembling a horse’s tail: The thick portion points to the direction from where the storm is coming. If hiking uphill in a narrow valley or slot canyon, these clouds can mean an upstream storm, and hikers should leave the valley or canyon for higher ground as quickly as safely possible.
• Cumulus clouds, the puffy, high-rising clouds that often resemble shapes with flat bottoms: A storm is brewing and wind may be coming within 24 hours.
• Cumulonimbus clouds, towering, puffy and white with increasing deep gray, blue or black colors on the lower levels: A storm is imminent.

If smoke from the campfire is generally rising, fair weather is on the horizon. If the smoke stays close to the ground, a high-pressure center moves in, bringing inclement weather in the next day or two.

Wind direction and speed

In most areas of the U.S., winds from the east tend to predict low-pressure fronts that bring storms. Westerly winds usually carry high pressure, meaning fair weather.

A sudden shift in wind direction at any time, especially if the wind is from the north, can rapidly worsen the weather.

Wind speed can be estimated by looking at bushes and trees.

• Rustling leaves: up to 7 mph (11km/h)
• Leaves and smaller branches are moving 8–12 mph (13–19 km/h)
• Small branches swaying, more dust blowing, loose papers blow away: 13–18 mph (21–29 km/h)
• Large branches are moving, small and mid-sized trees are swaying, and walking feels a little challenging: 25–31mph (35–50 km/h)
• If the wind is higher than that, the best move is to empty and flatten the tent, re-tension the stakes and take shelter in the vehicle.

Red Skies

The old adage—red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning, sailors take warning—is generally true. A nighttime red sky indicates any storm potential has moved away, while a morning red sky suggests a storm is moving in.

Campsite Essentials

• Shovel (folding kind is the best)
• Tent footprint or tarp to go under the tent
• Ground stakes and guy ropes
• Rainfly
• Rubber mat (welcome mat), optional

Camper Essentials

• Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
• Waterproof hat
• Extra socks
• Waterproof shoes or boots
• Dry bags

Selecting a Campsite if Storms Possible

• Choose the elevated portions of the campsite for the tent
• Avoid even shallow depressed areas or swales through the campsite
• Distance campsite from hazardous areas attractive to lightning: isolated trees, cliff edges and areas with loose rocks on a slope
• Look for natural windbreaks like thick vegetation, a dense tree stand, large boulders

Storm-proofing the campsite

• Dig a shallow swale on the high side of the tent, creating a small berm between the swale and the footprint or side of the tent.
• Dig shallow swales down each side of the tent to divert water away from the sides.

Securing the tent

• Spread a ground cloth, footprint or tarp under the tent floor
• Deeply pound ground stakes into all required places around the tent
• Remember to attach and tighten the rainfly securely
• Attach and tighten guy ropes to all connection points on the tent. Pound stakes deep into the ground. If wind is likely, place large rocks on top of each stake

Securing the campsite

• Bring dry bags and large sealable kitchen bags like a Ziplock bag, and have ready-to-store gear and food.
• Have a car park so it’s easy to shift loose gear and food from campsite to vehicle.
• Ensure adequate passenger seats are accessible if more durable shelter or evacuation is needed.

The post How to Survive Camping in a Storm appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Sometimes I desperately need a break from city life. Often, I’ll head to a luxury resort to relax and unwind. But, when I need to hear the call of the wild, there’s no better place to go than on a camping trip.

In Florida, that camping trip often includes a beachside campground or a place nestled among the pine trees. No matter which campground I choose, getting away from it all for a few days restores my soul.

I’m not alone. Many of the SheBuysTravel experts love to camp too … in tents, RVs and cabins … and enjoy sharing their favorite destinations, pro tips and packing lists.

We’ve compiled a list of the best camping destinations in Florida. Our top picks include:

• Florida Caverns State Park for cave explorers
• Blue Springs State Park for manatee sightings
• Henderson Beach State Park for beach camping
• Westgate River Ranch for glamping
• Anastasia State Park for birdwatching

We’ve included many others in different locations around the state, including the Panhandle, South Florida and the Keys and ones in Central Florida near Disney World.

Whatever your camping vibe, you’ll find the perfect fit at a Florida campground.

Falling Waters State Park

Location: Florida Panhandle
Highlight: Forest vibe

Home to the highest waterfall in Florida, Falling Waters State Park is located in the Panhandle in Chipley, Florida. The Sunshine State may not have mountains but it does have a few hills. And the Falling Waters State Park Campground sits atop one of the highest at 324 feet above sea level.

Fern-covered sinkholes and huge trees line the trail to the 73-foot cascading waterfall. Additional nature trails and a two-acre lake with a white sand beach add to the park’s serenity. Activities include bird-watching, fishing, hiking, picnicking and swimming.

The Falling Waters State Park campground has 245 campsites with electricity, water, picnic tables and ground grills. RVs up to 40 feet can be accommodated.

Florida Caverns State Park

Location: Florida Panhandle
Highlight: Caves

Also in the Panhandle, Florida Caverns State Park is the place to be for adventure seekers who love to explore caves. Guided tours of the caverns showcase the dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and soda straws underground. The park’s 1,319 acres include 35 campsites with electric and water hookups. Equestrians will find a stable for their horses here as well. The nearby Chipola River provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Hiking trails add more adventure for campers.

Henderson Beach State Park

Location: Florida Panhandle
Highlight: Popular vacation area

Located near Destin, a popular Panhandle vacation town, the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico beckon campers at Henderson Beach State Park. In this picturesque park, hiking trails wind through large sand dunes while surf fishing keeps anglers entertained. Additional activities include bicycling, birding, picnicking and swimming. Catching one of the Gulf of Mexico’s stunning sunsets is an ideal way to end the day.

The park’s beachfront campground has 60 campsites popular for RV camping and tent camping. Campsites have water and electricity, picnic tables, ground grills and clothesline posts. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available. And hot showers are a welcome amenity.

Destin’s best resorts are near Henderson Beach State Park, if you’re traveling with family or friends who prefer four walls to sleeping under the stars.

Edward Medard County Park

Location: Near Tampa
Highlight: Horseback riding

Located in Plant City approximately 20 miles east of Tampa, Edward Medard County Park spans 1,284 acres. A 700-acre reservoir serves as a popular fishing hole with a boat launch, fishing pier, picnic area and boardwalk to a small island. Spectacular tree canopies and ground vegetation add to this park’s charm. A 3.2-mile bridle path runs through the park for horseback riding. If you don’t have a horse, book one at the nearby stables. Kayaks and canoe rentals are available.

The 42 campsites available for use as tent sites or RV spots have water and electric hookups, picnic tables and grills.

Hillsborough River State Park

Location: Near Tampa
Highlight: Whitewater rafting

Also in the Tampa Bay area, Hillsborough River State Park lies along the upper Hillsborough River which runs through the park. Seven miles of hiking trails lead through the wooded landscape to Class II rapids on the upper river. Bicycles are permitted on the 2.2-mile Park Loop Trail and the 1.6-mile Wetlands Restoration Trail. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing round out the outdoor adventures.

The park includes 112 campsites with water, electric hookup, picnic tables and fire rings. There are no sewer hookups but there is a dump station.

Fort DeSoto State Park

Location: Near St. Pete
Highlight: Beach camping

Fort DeSoto combines nature with history on the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast. The park’s expansive campground offers 238 campsites built to accommodate families and youth camps. RV sites, tent sites and primitive campsites are available. Sites come with a picnic table and grills. Campground amenities include laundry facilities, restrooms and hot showers.

Situated on a gorgeous sandy beach 13 miles south of St. Petersburg, this is Florida camping at its best with abundant water activities. Other outdoor pursuits include disc golf, horseback riding, hiking and biking on the Barrier Free Trail and a playground.

Yankee Traveler RV Resort

Location: Between Clearwater and St. Pete
Highlight: 55+ RV resort

For a 55 and older camping experience, Yankee Traveler RV Park provides luxury amenities close to beaches, golf, fishing and more. Amenities include free on-site wifi, climate-controlled private restrooms with hot showers, heated pool, hot tub, a recreation area, library and more.

Myakka River State Park

Location: Southeast of Sarasota
Highlight: Scenic river kayaking

Another Gulf Coast treasure, Myakka River State Park spans 58 square miles. Florida’s first state-designated wild and scenic river, the Myakka River flows through the park’s vast expanse of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. Favorite activities include biking, birdwatching, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and kayaking.

The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. All campsites include 50-amp electrical service, water, fire rings and picnic tables. The Palmetto Ridge Campground has sewer hookups. Old Prairie Campground is located near a dump station. Laundry facilities and restroom facilities with hot showers are available to both campgrounds.

The Big Flats Campground is located near Upper Myakka Lake and features a fishing deck and wifi. Some campsites also permit hammock camping.

Trail Lakes Campground

Location: South Florida
Highlight: Wildlife

If your ideal Florida camping experience includes searching for wildlife, consider the Trail Lakes Campground. Located close to the Everglades National Park, Trail Lakes features cabins, Chickee huts and primitive tent sites.

Guided eco-tours of the Everglades National Park area are available through Shealy’s Guide Service. You can expect to see alligators and plentiful waterfowl in the park’s 1.5 million acres of wetlands.

Blue Springs State Park

Location: Central Florida
Highlight: Manatees

Anyone who loves the oh-so-loveable Florida manatees will enjoy a camping experience at Blue Springs State Park in Central Florida. The manatees retreat to the warm springs during winter months. Campers arriving in spring, late March and early April bring twinkling fireflies to the park.

A half-mile-long boardwalk winds alongside the spring run providing views of the wildlife. The park features a launch site for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. A shady bicycle path connects the area springs.

For camping, the park features 51 campsites and six two-bedroom cabins. The campsites include water and electric hookups, picnic tables and grills.

Juniper Springs

Location: Central Florida
Highlight: Natural springs

Located in the Ocala National Forest, the Juniper Springs Campground features 78 shaded campsites arranged into three loops within walking distance of Florida’s beautiful natural springs. A recreation area keeps campers busy with bird watching, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife viewing. Campground amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, grills, lantern posts, hot showers and tent sites. An onsite retail store stocks convenience items.

Anastasia State Park

Location: St. Augustine
Highlight: Birdwatching

Just outside of historic St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park provides an ideal camping spot set among more than 1,600 acres of ancient sand dunes, maritime hammocks, tidal marshes and unspoiled white sand beaches. One of the most important areas for beach-nesting birds along the east coast of Florida, Anastasia State Park exists along the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. Part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, this park takes bird watching to the next level with 195 identified bird species. Monthly guided bird walks by staff members deliver a unique wildlife viewing experience.

Hikers explore nature trails that snake around sand dunes and forests. Smooth, level paths are also available for bicycling. The open waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the east side of Anastasia Island attract surfers. On the other side, the calm waters in the marsh areas invite canoeing and kayaking.

The campground features 139 campsites within walking distance of the beach. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring and in-ground grill. Electric and water hookup are available along with a three-lane dump station. Clean bathhouses equipped with hot showers keep sandy feet under control.

St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday Campground

Location: St. Augustine
Highlight: KOA brand full-service campground

Also on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday Campground is one of the most popular St. Augustine campgrounds. Benefitting from the outdoor recreation available in Anastasia State Park and the waters of the Matanzas River that forms a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway, the campground provides an ideal home base for explorations.

The KOA facility offers 119 campsites with asphalt or dirt pads that accommodate RVs up to 70 feet long. Pull-through and back-in sites have full hookups, grills, tables and chairs plus wifi and cable. Laundry facilities, a swimming pool and a playground for the kids round out the amenities.

Westgate River Ranch

Location: Central Florida
Highlight: Dude ranch with glamping

If your ideal camping experience includes real beds and air conditioning, glamping at Westgate River Ranch will make your dreams come true. Situated on 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo features horseback riding, archery, a petting zoo, airboat rides, a swimming pool and much more.

Time your camping trip for the weekend and take in the action of the Saturday night rodeo. Just one hour south of Orlando in Polk County, the resort offers three types of glamping accommodations. Canvas glamping tents feature 384 square feet of space, rocking chairs, private propane gas grills, air conditioning, microwaves, mini-refrigerators and more. Luxe Teepee tents offer 651 square feet along with en suite bathrooms. The Luxe Conestoga Wagons have 495 square feet of space. All glamping experiences come with the services of a glamping concierge to assist with scheduling activities.

Bahia Honda State Park

Location: Florida Keys
Highlight: White sand beaches

Getaway to the Florida Keys for the ultimate Sunshine State camping adventure. On Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park basks in iconic Florida Key scenery with clear waters, white sand beaches and stunning sunsets. Balmy sea breezes keep the palm-lined beaches comfortable even on hot summer days. The park is ideal for birdwatching with wading birds and shorebirds in abundance. Favorite activities of campers include bicycling, boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming.

The park features three campgrounds. Buttonwood Campground accommodates a variety of camping rigs from large RVs to small tents. The sites are gravel and have electricity, water, picnic tables and grills. This campground contains a bathhouse with restrooms and hot showers, as well as a dump station.

Sandspur Campground accommodates a variety of camping rigs up to 23 feet and tents. Campsites have electricity, water, picnic tables and grills.

Bayside Campground consists of eight non-electric sites. These primitive sites have a picnic table, grill and water. A small restroom is nearby, but campers must travel a half-mile to Buttonwood Campground to use its bathhouse with hot showers.

The post Best Camping in Florida: 15 Top Spots to Pitch a Tent, Park an RV appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The writer was hosted.

Yes, Bear Den Campground in Spruce Pine is an RV Park. But it’s also so much more! Part of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, a group of 15 campgrounds from Maine to Georgia in the eastern states, Bear Den is nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

It has your campground basics — full-service RV hookups and tent camping sites. But it also has the accommodation I came to check out: a not-so-rustic cabin in the woods.

My Cabin

I stayed in the Mountain Villa Cabin. It had everything I needed for a relaxing stay.

The cabin had a living and kitchen area and a separate bedroom. There’s a good-sized counter to dine or work on and four bar stools. The walls are rustic knotty pine. I had a comfortable queen bed.

I loved the details. The quilted bedspread, pillowcases, and shower curtain all were decorated with a bear picture.

For families, there is a cute loft space with two mattresses for kids.

My AC/heat worked perfectly. November in the mountains is cool, but inside was just right.

There was a tub and shower in my bathroom for a long hot soak after hiking trails through the mountains. The fully equipped kitchen had a full-sized fridge, a real stove with oven, microwave, dishes, pots, pans, coffeemaker, and toaster.

The TV seemed to have a lot of stations and streaming channels.

The cabin had a picnic table and fire pit and a porch with table and chairs if I wanted to be outside. Golf cart rentals are available directly across from the well-stocked camp store. Even though the website warned me not to expect wifi service in the cabin, I had reception and could check email and websites.

There are more than 10 cabins here. They range from Mountain Creek Cabin, which sleeps eight people and includes pretty much everything you need, to the rustic Cozy Campin’ Cabins that sleep either 4 or 6 and include only beds, electricity, and most have heat/air conditioning. The campgrounds and some cabins are pet-friendly.

Nature

There are 13 miles of wooded hiking trails in Spacious Skies Bear Den. My cabin was just across from the bathhouse for Area B. As the only cabin in Area B, I could look off my porch and out my window at the beautiful forest that sloped down the mountainside behind my cabin.

I hiked down to Areas C and D, where the forest trails began. In Area C, I loved the rustic water tower. It looked like a remnant of pioneer days, but my cabin water was clear and fresh, so it must have still worked well.

Amenities in the Campground

There’s lots to do on-site. The lake is open in summer for swimming and catch-and-release fishing. I took a hike along Bear Paw Trail to one of the mountains’ beautiful waterfalls.

On the road up to my cabin, as I drove around the lake, there was a volleyball court and a basketball court.

The camp store sold everything I needed and the staff was very friendly. Across from the camp store and office, I visited a rec hall and arcade. It was well-equipped with games and a full-sized pool table. The campground sells ice, propane refills, and firewood. There are laundry facilities at the bathhouses.

There is another game room, with ping-pong tables and inside picnic tables for a group. Just in front is a playground for little kids, and on the side there is a gem mining outfit.

Camping

If you are into it, this is a great camping experience. There are RV sites to accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and tent camping spots. The campgrounds offers full-service sites with water, electricity, and sewer, some pull-through and some back-in. There are some wooded sites.

Check-in is 3 pm and check-out time differs for RVers and cabin occupants. Cabin checkout is at 10 am and RVs and tents at 11 am.

Things to Do Near Spacious Skies Campground Bear Den

State Parks to Explore

Mount Mitchell State Park lies to the Southwest, about 30 miles northeast of Asheville. The first North Carolina state park, Mount Mitchell has an observation deck that provides breathtaking mountain views since you are at an elevation of 6,684 feet, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. There are eight hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Lake James State Park to the Southeast has a seasonal swimming area and boat rentals. Trails in the park include bike trails at Paddy’s Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. Both state parks have seasonal primitive tent camping.

Pisgah National Forest is less than a half-hour drive from Bear Den. It’s 500,000 acres of hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of trails.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

It’s just about an hour and a half to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country. The park is 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Cades Cove in the Tennessee section is its most popular attraction, but the entire park is filled with breathtaking mountain scenery and lots of wildlife.

Your chances of seeing a black bear anywhere in the Smoky Mountains are good. Do not approach too closely and never get between a mother bear and her cubs. You will probably see deer along the parkway as well.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving along Blue Ridge Parkway near Bear Den, it’s beautiful country and there are many overlooks to stop and admire the mountain scenery.

From Heffner Gap Overlook I could see Linville Mountain, Honeycutt Mountain, and the flat-topped mountain Table Rock.

There is a sign that explains how researchers determined where the pioneers built their homes by finding old apple trees still growing. Heffner Gap is named for Amanda Heffner, a widow named who lived in the gap with her children during the Civil War.

From View North Cove Overlook at the base of Linville Mountain in Pepper Creek Valley, you see Honeycutt Ridge and a few buildings in front of Linville Mountain.

You are only about 20 miles north of 300-million-year-old Grandfather Mountain, one of North Carolina’s most popular locations. It’s south of downtown Boone and is a World Heritage Site. Visit Wilson Center for Nature Discovery about halfway up the mountain to get a feel for the history, ecology, and wildlife of the mountain. You can cross a mile-high suspension bridge at the summit.  

Getting there

Bear Den is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 324.8, on 600 Bear Den Mountain Road.

There’s a warning on the website to not take Pepper’s Creek Road (Rt. 1566) I was coming from Florida, so I took Hwy 221 near the little town of Marion, then my Google map did take me on 1556 to Blue Ridge Parkway to Bear Den Mountain Road.

The road gets steep and curvy after you get off the 221, so you may want to put your car in a lower gear to save hitting your brakes as you go around steep curves. If you are pulling a travel trailer, I agree, it’s not the best route to take.

The post Spacious Skies Bear Den: Much More Than an RV Park appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The writer was hosted.

I spent an enjoyable few days at Peach Haven Campground, part of the relatively new Spacious Skies Campgrounds. Although I’m an avid RVer, having camped in everything from a tent, travel trailer, and motorhome, I left my current pop-up home on this trip and enjoyed one of their cabins.

What is Spacious Skies?

Spacious Skies is a relatively new company co-founded on March 19, 2021, by New Jersey-based camping enthusiasts, Eric and Ali Rasmussen. It boasts a collection of 15 member RV parks and campgrounds in the Eastern US ranging from Savannah, Georgia to Abbot, Maine.

They became the first private campground company to partner with Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT), an organization that promotes the outdoor lifestyle to campers of all experiences and backgrounds. All 15 of the Spacious Skies Campgrounds are “Unity Blaze Certified,” which acknowledges the campgrounds’ commitment to the Unity Blaze motto: “You are Invited and Welcomed.”

Read More: Rustic Charm in the Wild West: Buffalo Bill Cabins in Cody Wyoming Review

Spacious Skies Discounts and Promotions

Spacious Skies has a loyalty program for short-term camping at any of its parks They also offer 10 percent discounts to military, first responders, and Campers Card members. Groups booking three to five sites will receive 10 percent off the cost of the sites. Groups booking six to 10 sites receive a 15 percent discount. And groups booking 11 or more sites will receive a 20 percent discount. Groups of all sizes receive a 10 percent discount on holiday reservations. Themed weekends are another unique feature you find at all the Spacious Skies Campgrounds. It’s based on seasonal themes.

One of these themed promotions is a Fall Color Trail that begins at the Spacious Skies Balsam Woods campground in north central Maine and continues south as the East Coast’s local hardwood forests of maple, birch, oak, ash, hickory, beech, and other trees turn shades of red, purple, orange, and yellow.

Campers are encouraged to follow the trail over multiple weeks in autumn, beginning in Maine and working down to the Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks campground in Georgia as the leaves turn. Campers booking multiple campground sites for the Fall Color Trail will get a 13% discount.

Read More: The Ultimate Family Camping Packing List

Peach Haven

Spacious Skies Peach Haven is a family-friendly campground located at 160 Sarratt School Rd Gaffney, SC 29341  just about nine miles from the Visitors Center/Art Gallery in Gaffney, South Carolina. You are even closer to the beloved Gaffney Peachoid, the city’s iconic peach-shaped water tower. The area surrounding the campground is rural and peaceful. Each park in Spacious Skies has its own hat pin and naturally Peach Haven’s is a peach. They will soon have their own mural painted by a local artist. It’s scheduled to begin in mid-October. Also, Spacious Skies Peach Haven runs a special through November where a camper can book two nights and get one free (except holidays).

Almost all of the campground is shaded by tall pine trees. Whether you have a big rig motorhome, want to book a cabin, or go rustic with a tent, Peach Haven can accommodate you. The general manager at Peach Haven, Nicole Lara, makes check-in easy. The store is stocked with anything you may have forgotten to bring including ice, propane, firewood, or groceries.

Peach Haven’s unique themes include Halloween Preview, Hollywood, Travel, Oktoberfest, Halloween Blowout, Fall Festival And Pumpkin, and Monster Mash.

Campground

The RV sites have everything a camper needs and more. There are 111 RV sites. Full hook-up sites have 50 amp /30 amp electric, sewer, and water. There are some pull-thru sites and some back-in sites. You can book just water and electric sites if you choose. If you are a more rustic camper, they have eight tent sites with water and electricity and seven primitive tent sites. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.

If you would like to try RVing but don’t have a camper of your own, Peach Haven works with RVShare so you can rent one and have it delivered to your reserved site.

Cabins

There are five adorable little cabins. All are fully equipped with dishes, utensils, pots/pans, a microwave, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker in the kitchenette portion of the living area. All the cabins have a porch a fire pit and a gas pit; they are air-conditioned and heated. They all have a wall-mounted flat-screen TV but you do need to bring your own Roku or Fire Stick.

You Have several choices. You can choose between two Deluxe Lodges that Sleeps 6 with a Queen bed in a separate bedroom, a Futon in the living space, and a set of bunk beds in a little alcove off the living space. There’s a Private bathroom with a tub. The kitchenette is fully equipped with dishes, utensils, pots/pans, a microwave, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker.

There is one Deluxe Cabin that sleeps four with a Queen bed and the kitchenette in one room with a set of bunk beds in a little alcove off the living room and a Private bathroom with a tub.

If you are solo or just a couple traveling, there are two cabins built for two that are similar to the Deluxe Cabins but there are no bunk beds and just a shower, no tub in the bath.

My Stay in a Peach Haven Deluxe Lodge

I stayed in a Deluxe Lodge and my back deck was facing one of the lakes. I enjoyed watching a pair of geese swimming around. It was very comfortable. I had brought some food and was able to prepare meals easily between the microwave and the hot plate. I brought my own linen since that is not furnished as part of the package but if you want you can rent a linen package there.

Amenities

At the front of the campground where you check in, there is a small camp store and office. There’s a colorful jumping pillow in front and a swimming pool directly behind the office. There is a nice bathhouse and restrooms by the pool. There are laundry facilities so you don’t have to drive into town to wash clothes.

The mini golf course where you can play putt putt is done in a cute Gaffney theme.

You can play in the rec hall and arcade or lounge under the pavilion.

If you want an easy way to get around the campground, golf cart rentals are available. Peach Haven is pet-friendly so your fur baby is welcome in both campsites and cabins. There are two dog parks at the campground. I met a beautiful German shepherd enjoying one when I was there.

You can go gem mining, play horseshoes, or Gaga ball here. If you like to fish, there are three lakes for catch-and-release fishing or just relaxing around. The hiking trail runs around the rear of the campground through some beautiful piney woods..The wifi works great. I connected more easily than I would in most hotels.

Need to Know

Remember to pack your own towels, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and toiletries. They are not furnished. And, before setting out for the campground, check the Peach Haven website for possible road work that will not show on Google or Waze. When I went, crews were working on I-85 and the exit was blocked. There was no way to know how to detour, except on the Peach Haven website.

The post Spacious Skies Peach Haven Review: South Carolina Campground near Gaffney appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The writer was hosted.

If you’re looking for glamping with a twist, Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country is your new family fun stop in Central Texas. Camp Fimfo is in the heart of New Braunfels, but happy campers who stay here get that “away from it all” vibe without really being away from anything. 

If you love the idea of outdoor fun, s’mores and songs around the campfire but don’t love the idea of spending the night in a tent, Camp Fimfo New Braunfels offers many ways to stay that don’t involve sleeping on the ground. Here is everything you need to know about planning a fun family getaway to this quirky camp in Central Texas.

Texas Hill Country Glamping at Camp Fimfo New Braunfels

I’ve always been a fan of spending time in the great outdoors – except when it’s time to go to bed. Then I’m firmly on team great indoors. I’ll happily hike, swim in the lake, get dirty and cook my food outside, but I want to be cozy, warm and dry at the end of the day. 

If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, you’re in luck. There are a lot of glamping resorts that cater to outdoor lovers who still need that bit of pampering and access to creature comforts – hello, indoor plumbing; I’m looking at you. If that describes you and you’re looking for a camping spot in the Texas Hill Country, Camp Fimfo has options and activities galore. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to go with your RV or want to rent a unique, stylish cabin, Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels doesn’t disappoint. And even better news? The newly-opened Camp Fimfo Waco is an option if you’re looking for something a little further north in Texas.

About Camp Fimfo

Camp Fimfo delivers an outdoor adventure suitable for all ages. Located at 250 Whitewater Way, New Braunfels, TX 78132, this whimsical campground and RV park has direct access to the Guadalupe River. An easy drive from both San Antonio and Austin, Camp Fimfo makes a great weekend getaway for locals. 

If you’re visiting one of Texas’ larger cities, Camp Fimfo makes an awesome side trip that adds a new dimension to your Texas Hill Country experience.

Driving through the gates to Camp Fimfo a sign says “You’re there yet!” Even though civilization (aka grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping) are not far away, there’s a sense of being away from it all.  Camp Fimfo has everything you need to play or relax.

Since opening in July 2021, the campground continues to grow, adding more RV sites and cabins as well as more amenities. Part of the Jellystone Campground family, Camp Fimfo brings a unique vibe to the camping world. While there are plenty of activities for younger children, there’s a focus on tweens and teens here that isn’t typical of many resort-style campgrounds.

Read More: 15 Great Texas Road Trips

Wait, What’s A Fimfo?

Fimfo is an acronym that’s a mantra for exploring camp and spending time outside. There are clues around the camp as to what Fimfo stands for, but if you’re stumped and can’t figure it out, a staff member will probably tell you if you ask. 

Part of the fun is figuring it out. Once you know, you’ll likely say “I can’t believe I didn’t figure that out sooner” which, according to staff, is the typical response.

What’s Your Choice…RV or Cabin?

With 250+ RV sites and fanciful cabins, you’ve got numerous options at Camp Fimfo New Braunfels. The RV sites have concrete pads and full hook-ups ranging from $75-$105 per night based on the season and location. If you don’t have an RV and want to experience one, consider renting from a service like RVShare. If you’re uncomfortable driving one, they’ll deliver and set it up for you.

There are three cabin styles to choose from: Coyote Cabins, Bluebonnet Cabins or Riverview Cabins. Great for larger families, Coyote Cabins have three bedrooms and sleeping accommodations for up to 12 people. There’s a one-bedroom with a queen bed, one with two twin bunks and a third with a twin, and a double with a trundle bed. In addition, there’s a pullout sofa in the living room.

Coyote Cabins and Bluebonnet Cabins

I stayed in one of the Coyote Cabins with my husband and two sons. We had three separate bedrooms, a full kitchen and a small living/dining area. We had a main bedroom with TV, a smaller bedroom with one set of bunk beds and a TV, and another bunk room with three sets of bunk beds and no TV.

And I realize no one goes camping to watch TV, but we appreciated being able to relax and watch TV in bed at the end of the day. 

The Bluebonnet Cabins are slightly smaller than the Coyote Cabins, and they’re located a little further away from the camp amenities. The Bluebonnet Cabins are still spacious, with high ceilings, a front porch and sleeping accommodations for up to eight.  There is one bedroom with a full-size bed, one loft with two twin-size mattresses, one bunk bed in the hallway and a pull-out sofa in the living room.

Both the Coyote and Bluebonnet cabins have full kitchens, A/C, cable, wifi, charcoal grills, a picnic table and a fire ring. And both are pet friendly. And although both cabins can accommodate quite a few people, none of the cabins has more than one bathroom.

A Cozy Retreat for Two – Riverview Cabins

Located on the banks of the Guadalupe River, the Riverview Cabins are nothing short of adorable. These A-frame cabins from Bivvi sleep two. Features include a full bed, mini-fridge and air conditioning. A small porch makes the ideal spot to sit and take in the starry night skies. These also have a charcoal grill, fire ring and picnic table. You won’t have a private bath, but the bathhouse is a short walk away.

Tent Sites

If you really want to rough it, Camp Fimfo has 19 tent sites available.

Direct River Access and Loaded With Amenities

With direct access to the Guadalupe River, floating, tubing and even fishing are all possible during your stay. But the amenity list goes far beyond that.

A well-stocked general store sells souvenirs, sundries and food items, including beer and wine. If you forgot your bathing suit or a beach towel, the store has those too. You can also find some camping and fishing items. If you don’t find what you need at the camp store, stores in New Braunfels are a short drive away. 

You’ll absolutely find an activity you can enjoy with your family at Camp Fimfo, from miniature golf to their long list of fun, resort-like amenities.

Other park features include:

• Spacious heated pool with hot tubs, volleyball net and basketball hoop
• Alpine coaster
• Poolside cabanas
• A swim-up bar cleverly named No Dive Bar
• Interactive water park with a splash playground
• Two exciting pool slides and two speed slides
• Scheduled activities and workshops featuring things like Firebuildng 101, family bingo, trivia nights and tie-dye
• Movies under the sky
• Prickly Par Mini Golf
• Five Falls Gem Mining
• Sports courts including baseball, tennis and pickle ball
• Playground by the river 
• Jumping pillow
• Yard games including cornhole and giant Jenga
• Hammock grove
• Fun photo opps

Coming soon: The River Zip. If soaring over the Guadalupe River, through a grove of twisty Cyprus trees, and landing on the top of a cliff with a 360 view of the Texas Hill Country sounds like your type of adrenaline pumping activity, then you will be excited to know this activity is coming to Camp Fimfo soon.

On Site Dining

The family-friendly tavern, Squirrely’s, serves New Braunfels-inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails along with local brews. The tavern has retro board games available on the table, and when the weather is nice, they open up the garage door style windows, and guests can enjoy the sunshine while they sip and play Yahtzee or Battleship.

Guests may also find live music at Squirrely’s on weekends, especially during the warmer months. Check the camp activities schedule.

The Filling Station is the place to go for wood-fired oven pizza and in-house-made ice cream.

In food truck fashion, Bandit Coffee is the place to get your morning brew.

Of course, with fully equipped kitchens and charcoal grills, you can make your own camping meals. Don’t forget to get marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars because no camping trip is complete with s’mores.

Getting Around Camp Fimfo New Braunfels

It’s easy to get around Camp Fimfo New Braunfels – all the roads at this camping resort are paved, and the speed limit is low, so it’s pedestrian and bike-friendly. There’s adequate parking located near the entrance where you check in and at the general store/pool area. Each cabin and RV site also has parking space for one vehicle plus a golf cart.

Golf cart rentals are available and fun for kids of all ages. There are a couple of places at Camp Fimfo where you can’t drive your car, like the gravel path leading down to the river, but the golf cart will get you there. Prices are $79 per day for a limo golf cart (six-seater) and $56 per day for a standard golf cart (four-seater.) Camp Fimfo does not allow private golf carts unless needed for ADA reasons.

Plaid is a thing at Camp Fimfo New Braunfels and I’m not sure why. But, it looks great and the new fleet of golf carts showcase that plaid theme.

How to Plan Your Best Camping Experience

For RVs, the check-in time is 3:00 PM and checkout is 1:00 PM. Cabin check-in is at 4:00 PM, with the checkout at 11:00 AM. Plan for at least two nights here to get the full experience. But there’s so much to do that you and the kids or grandkids will likely want to stay longer. If camp amenities and activities are important to you, check the schedule before you book. 

Check the list of prohibited items. There are some restrictions on outside alcohol and firewood.

Know the cancellation policy. You’ll pay the full fee if you cancel within a week of your booked stay.

Ask About Special Discounts

Camp Fimfo New Braunfels offers a military discount. They also offer various discounts and incentives on extended stays, so tacking on that extra night just might work to your advantage. Check their Facebook page or campfimfo.com for other discounts and specials.

Camp Fimfo Has A New Second Location in Waco

The new Camp Fimfo Waco opened in late summer 2022. Camp Fimfo Waco has similar accommodations and cabin styles, although the names and theming are aligned with Waco and the surrounding area. 

I’ve stayed at both Camp Fimfo New Braunfels and Camp Fimfo Waco and the two biggest differences I’ve noticed is that the Waco location’s Squirrley’s Tavern has a more elevated vibe, although a very long way from stuffy or formal. The pool area at Camp Fimfo Waco has smaller waterslides than the original location in New Braunfels, but if those thrilling waterslides are a must-have, Hawaiian Falls Water Park is less than a mile from camp.

Camp Fimfo New Braunfels has the alpine coaster and is soon adding a zipline adventure, making it the more robust of the two Camp Fimfo locations when it comes to activity choices. 

Aside from these small differences, campers should expect to have similar experiences at both camps and equal amounts of that “Fimfo vibe.” That will make sense when you figure it out.

This is an update of a post originally written by Terri Marshall

The post Texas Hill Country Glamping at Camp Fimfo New Braunfels appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The writer was hosted.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in family camping in Central Texas, Camp Fimfo Waco is waiting to be explored this summer. Themed weekends, family-friendly activities and events throughout the summer season, such as live music, foam parties, arts and crafts and more, await.

If the blazing Texas summer heat isn’t your idea of a good time, Camp Fimfo is open year round for family glamping and camping. Here’s what this new Central Texas camping and glamping resort can offer.

Camp Fimfo Waco is Texas’ second Camp Fimfo location. The original location is located on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels.

What’s a Fimfo?

Fimfo is an acronym that’s a mantra for exploring camp and spending time outside. There are clues around the camp as to what Fimfo stands for, but if you’re stumped and can’t figure it out, a staff member will probably tell you if you ask.

Here’s a clue: Both F’s represent the same word used twice. That’s all you get!

How to Get to Camp Fimfo Waco

This tranquil camp is located minutes from downtown Waco and sits along the Bosque River. Plug 1000 Chickadee Lane, Waco, TX 76708 into your mapping app or car’s navigation system and head out toward the fun.

Camp Fimfo is located just less than four miles from the famous Magnolia Market in downtown Waco, which sits along Interstate 35. Waco is about 90 miles from Dallas and about 102 miles from Austin, so an easy drive from either of these two major Texas cities.

Cabins and RV Sites

There are multiple ways to stay at Camp Fimfo Waco. The property has 231 RV sites and 73 cabins listed in their inventory.

Red Carpet RV Sites

Red Carpet RV sites include full hookups with 30/50 amp electric, a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill, cable, wifi and concrete pad and patio. Back-in and pull-thru sites are available. River view sites are also available.

Premium RV Sites

Premium RV sites include full hookups with 30/50 amp electricity, a picnic table, a fire ring, a charcoal grill, cable and wifi. Premium sites are back-in only.

Mammoth Cabins

Mammoth Cabins have three bedrooms and can sleep 11 people. They include a full kitchen and private bathroom and are stocked with linens and bathroom and kitchen basics. Cabins have front porch seating and river view cabins are available.

Firewheel Cabins

Firewheel Cabins sleep 10 people. They include a full kitchen and private bathroom and are stocked with linens and bathroom and kitchen basics. There’s a private master bedroom, a small cubby bedroom off the kitchen and a sleeping loft.

Cabins have front porch seating and riverview cabins are available. Firewheel cabins also have a picnic table, fire ring and a charcoal grill. River view cabins are available.

Magnolia Cabins

Magnolia Cabins can sleep up to eight people. They include a full kitchen and private bathroom and are stocked with linens and bathroom and kitchen basics. Cabins have front porch seating and pet-friendly cabins are available.

Tent Camping

Camp Fimfo’s website permits guests to book tent campsites and shows a map of available tent sites. Since the property is still being developed and ongoing construction may be a factor, I recommend calling Camp Fimfo Waco in advance of booking a tent camping site.

Review of the Firewheel Cabins

My family of four spent a weekend in one of the Firewheel cabins at Camp Fimfo Waco. The cabin has space for 11 bodies but the common areas, such as the living and dining areas, were on the smaller size and there was only one bathroom. Although we had more bed space than we needed, the amount of space for the four of us inside was perfect.

We did a combination of indoor and outdoor cooking and found the modern, indoor kitchen to have all of the amenities we needed. As with most glamping cabin kitchens, we had what we needed to make basic meals. Everything was fresh, new and modern. Camp Fimfo Waco had only been open about seven months when we stayed, so we had the advantage of brand spanking new furnishings, dishes and so on.

While no one goes glamping to watch TV or surf the internet, we did appreciate having a nice wall-mounted flat-screen TV with cable and wifi. We did spend most of our time outside, but it was nice to stay connected and watch the news in the morning when we were having breakfast.

The covered porch with a picnic table was a great feature, as was the fire pit. The only negative for us was that the area the cabin is built on hasn’t been seeded yet. It had recently rained, and since we had no grass, keeping mud out of the cabin was a struggle.

Onsite Waterpark, Miniature Golf and More – Included Amenities at Camp Fimfo

Whether you stay in a cabin or an RV, the list of included amenities is long and will keep your family entertained throughout your stay. Here’s what’s included in your campsite/cabin fee:

• Resort-style swimming pool with swim-up bar and hot tub
• Water playground
• Sports Courts (basketball, pickle ball and tennis)
• 18-Hole Mini Golf Course
• Cornhole, horseshoes and other yard games
• Live music
• Arts and crafts and other organized activities
• Children’s playground

Check the activities calendar when you arrive to see what’s offered. Some of the arts and crafts activities have an additional small fee to participate but most of the fun is complimentary. There are also poolside cabanas that you can rent for an extra fee.

What Else is Available at Camp Fimfo?

There’s an onsite general store that sells souvenirs, a decent selection of food and beverages, if you forget something, and camping supplies. The general store is also where you pick up your club and balls for mini golf, as well as any sports court equipment.

Golf cart rentals are also available if you’d like to have something small and zippy to help you get around the RV park. Reserve a golf cart as an add-on to your reservation.

There are also lots of fun places around the property to take photos.

On Site Dining

You might not expect a camping resort to have fantastic dining options but the quality of the camp restaurant was one of the things that surprised me – in a very good way – about this getaway.

Squirrely’s Tavern is so much more than just a snack bar. It’s an inviting, approachable place to get an elevated meal or enjoy a cocktail, and it can also be a place to grab a slice of pizza or a burger to enjoy by the pool. It’s a small, thoughtful space that adjusts beautifully to what guests need in a camp bar and grill.

The menu includes several appetizers, a selection of seriously good tacos, handhelds and wood-fired pizza, which you can watch being made in the open kitchen. If you feel like having something sweet, try one of the house-made cookies or an ice cream cone.

Squirrely’s also serves their own brand of IPA on tap, plus a selection of craft cocktails from their full bar. There is also a coffee bar.

Things to Do Off Property

If you want to leave the campgrounds, Waco has plenty of things to do.

Waco is home to Magnolia Market and all things Fixer Upper. Although tourists are unlikely to get a glimpse of Chip and Jo, their store is a fun place to check out. Even if you’re not a shopper, the Food Trucks at the Silos is a fun place to check out. There are lawn games and a fun, communal, family-friendly outdoor space. The Magnolia Table is a great breakfast spot, but arriving early is essential, especially on weekends or during the high tourist season. All enterprises owned by the Gaines family are closed on Sundays, so factor that into your planning.

Other fun things to do include Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Mayborn Museum, located on the campus of Baylor University. If the water features at the camp pool aren’t enough of a thrill, grab tickets to nearby Hawaiian Falls Water Park.

Final Thoughts on Camp Fimfo Waco – Would I Stay Here Again?

A thousand times yes, although for a weekend camping trip, I’d probably opt for the New Braunfels location for a weekend camping trip because it’s closer to my house. The cabin was comfortable and had all the amenities we needed, such as kitchen equipment, wifi and air conditioning and heating.

We spent most of our time outside or doing things together as a family, which is the intent of Camp Fimfo. There’s plenty to do right on the property for a long weekend of camping, and also plenty to do in the Waco area if you want to explore and do more. Future plans for the camp include more robust river access so the opportunities for water activities will add another fun dimension to Camp Fimfo Waco that our family would be excited about.

Whether you’re driving your own RV, renting one from RVShare or staying in one of the cabins, this is a great way to get that taste of outdoor life without giving up your creature comforts. There was always something to do and the camp was safe and fun for my tweens to explore a bit on their own.

It has always been my experience that these glamping resort style vacations are the best family vacations for us. We all unplug a little, get some outdoor time in and enjoy being together as a family.

The post Camp Fimfo Waco – Fun, Quirky, Central Texas Glamping appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Looking to get back to the basics and spend some time recharging in the great outdoors? In Massachusetts you can be in the great city of Boston in the morning and camping in a state forest by midday. Campgrounds in Massachusetts run the gamut from scenic lush forests, craggy coastline and gorgeous green farmland.

We’ll run through tent campgrounds, RV campgrounds and the amenities that each offers. Get ready to plan that family vacation, girls getaway or solo trip to a campground in Massachusetts offering hiking, biking, fishing and more.

Tips for Booking Massachusetts Campgrounds

When you’re booking your camping getaway, we highly recommend double-checking a few items to avoid surprises.

• Book in advance for peak season, popular destinations or smaller campgrounds.
• Some Massachusetts campgrounds are located in unique settings with ferry-only access. Make sure to book your transportation as soon as you’ve booked your site to avoid disappointment!
• Always double check site occupancy. While some campgrounds allow for four guests in the reservation cost, many are based on two guests. To avoid surprise costs be sure to see how many guests a site includes.
• Many campgrounds that are state run do not allow alcohol. If you’re envisioning fireside beers with friends, plan accordingly.
• Almost all campgrounds in MA require you to buy firewood on-site or use charcoal. A rare few allow firewood to be brought in IF it goes directly from your vehicle to the fire pit and doesn’t touch the ground. Allow budget to purchase firewood.
• If you’re traveling with a dog, be sure to check required paperwork so that you have it on hand.
• Some campground showers operate on quarters. It’s a good idea to keep a roll in your car just in case.

Unique Massachusetts Campgrounds Worth the Effort

There are several campgrounds in Massachusetts that require a little bit more effort to visit. They’re remote, on islands and require special transportation. These unique experiences are worth the effort though! Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Boston Harbor Islands State and National Park

Looking for one of the most unique camping experiences in New England? You can camp on Peddocks Island, just off the coast of Boston. It’s a city camping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Options include tent sites or yurts. To get to the island you’ll need to catch a passenger ferry from the Hingham Ship Yard. There is limited ferry capacity so make sure you book the tickets as soon as you reserve a tent site.

When packing for your Harbor Islands camping experience you’ll need to bring in water for each camper, anything you need for food prep and cooking and trash bags. This park is carry-in, carry-out.

Number of Campsites: Sites have composting toilets. There are restrooms with flush toilets at the Visitors Center.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 7:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Tent sites at Boston Harbor Islands are $8/night for MA residents and $20 for non-residents. Yurts are $55/night for MA residents and $140/night for non-residents. There is an additional $4.50 nonrefundable fee on each reservation.

Dog-Friendly Campground: No dogs.

Read More: Top Attractions to See in Massachusetts

2. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground

569 Edgartown Rd. Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

508-693-3772

Seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is an extremely popular vacation destination. Its population swells dramatically during the summer. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground has the distinction of being the only campground on Martha’s Vineyard. Its location in Tisbury, the Vineyard’s main port, makes it a great jumping off point for family-friendly island adventures. During peak season recreational activities are offered. The 2023 season will run from May 24th – October 11th.

Access to the campground involves taking a ferry from Woods Hole or another spot. Make sure you book your ferry passage when you book the campsite to avoid a lack of transportation later.

Number of Campsites: 103 tent camping sites

RV Sites: 50 RV sites and 27 cabins

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in runs from 3 pm-10 pm, alternate arrangements can be made for late ferry arrivals. RVs must check-in before dark. Checkout by 11 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Nightly rates for campsites range from $69-$85 depending on season and primitive vs. electrical campsites. RV sites range in price from $108-$130. Site prices include two adults, additional costs apply for extra campers. Weekly discounts are available. If you want to select your site in advance there is a $10 fee.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Slightly. Dogs are not permitted during their peak season. You can bring your canine companions between opening day and June 30th and from September 1 to closing day. There is a dog fee of $5/night.

Massachusetts State Parks to Add to Your Camping Bucket List

Many of the campgrounds in Massachusetts are located at state parks. With over 150 state parks and about 30 offering camping, vacationers can select the perfect surroundings for their next trip. We’re going to outline a few of our favorites below. There are a few things to note that carry across all Massachusetts campgrounds at state parks.

• Massachusetts doesn’t allow the transportation of firewood into or out of a Department of Conservation and Recreation Campground. Firewood can usually be purchased on-site with a credit card.
• Alcohol is prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.
• MA residents enjoy discounted prices.
• Most locations allow reservations to be made up to four months in advance.

3. Wompatuck State Park

204 Union Street Hingham, MA 02043
617-895-8245

Located in Hingham, Wompatuck State Park caters to active folks. With activities like biking, boating and geocaching you won’t hear “I’m bored”. If you’re looking to combine camping with access to Boston, Wompatuck State Park is only 35 minutes outside of the city.

Wompatuck State Park was named after a local Algonquin tribal chief the colonists called Josiah Wompatuck. It is said that he gave the park and the land to English settlers in 1665. The park itself spans a staggering 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. With over 40 miles of trails, campers won’t run out of hiking options. Biking is a breeze on the 12 miles of paved bike trails. There is a boat ramp and fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. Flush toilets and showers are available to campers.

One of the park’s well-known features is Mt. Blue Spring. You can visit the spring house to fill up your water bottles with fresh drinking water. Another unique thing about Wompatuck is its past as an ammunition depot during two wars. Because of this history, there are old cement bunkers that you can hike near.

What You Need to Know About Wompatuck State Park

Number of Campsites: 250 campsites each campsite is furnished with a picnic table, pedestal grill and fire ring. Campsites have a capacity of four adults or two adults and the children in their care (and two vehicles) so be sure to book more than one if traveling with a larger group.

RV Sites: Roughly 125 back-in sites feature RV electrical hook-ups. Maximum vehicle length is 35’. There is a dumping station on-site.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites can be reserved up to four months in advance. The 2023 season runs from May 11, 2023 through October 8, 2023. There are no walk-in or same-day reservations. Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. Electrical hookups add $6 to your reservation and there is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be shown at check-in.

4. Wells State Park

159 Walker Pond Road Sturbridge, MA 01566

508-347-9257

Wells State Park campground is located in Sturbridge, MA near the Connecticut border. The 1400 wooded acres offer hiking and a wooded getaway close to Worcester. You can explore wetlands and see cliffs.  Amenities include free showers, boat ramp access, swimming and fishing. During peak season, nature programs are offered.

Once you’re done hiking you can head over for a day at Old Sturbridge Village. If you have time I highly recommend crossing into Connecticut to visit Traveler Restaurant in Union, CT. This roadside restaurant offers one of the best tuna melts ever and your meal comes with two free books. The cafe is lined all over with bookshelves full of used books. It is one of our family’s favorite stops in the area.

What You Need to Know About Camping at Wells State Park

Number of Campsites: 55 tent/RV sites, 4 yurts, 1 group site

RV Sites: Yes. No dumping available. No hookups available.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in 1pm-9pm. Checkout by 11 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. There is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.

5. Myles Standish State Forest

194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330

508-866-2526

Centered in the middle of Interstate 495, Route 3, Route 44 and the Cape Cod Canal, this campground is located in the middle of over 12,000 acres.

Myles Standish offers 15 miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of horseback riding trails and 13 miles of hiking trails that take visitors deep into the forest. If you’re visiting during the summer be sure to check out program offerings like pond shore walks and cranberry bog exploration. You can also tour a fire tower! Swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing are available at College Pond.

Once you’re tired of the woods you can head over to Plymouth, numerous golf courses or King Richard’s Faire.

What You Need to Know About Camping at Myles Standish State Forest

Number of Campsites: 400 campsites, including some equestrian-friendly campsites (must have Coggins papers for horses). Three yurts are available.

RV Sites: RVs are welcome but there are no hook-ups. There is a dumping station on-site.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites can be reserved up to four months in advance. The 2023 season runs from May 11, 2023 through October 8, 2023. There are no walk-in or same-day reservations. Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. Electrical hookups add $6 to your reservation and there is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.

6. Salisbury Beach State Park

1 Beach Road Salisbury, MA 01952

978-462-4481

Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a popular spot for both RVers and tent campers. Its unique location on the coast, abutting a salt marsh and at the mouth of the Merrimack River lends it to activities. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, fish in the Merrimack River or take out a canoe for an adventure. From the campground you’ve got great views of Plum Island and the lighthouse. If you’re looking for beach camping closer to Rhode Island check out Westport Point’s Horseneck Beach State Reservation.

Had enough beach days? Nearby you can take in a show at the Blue Ocean Music Hall, visit Plum Island Soap Co. or head to Joe’s Playland for skee ball and ice cream.

What You Need to Know About Camping at Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Number of Campsites: 484 sites available for tent camping, RVs and trailers. Sites are not shaded.

RV Sites: Yes. Sites have electric and water.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in time is 1pm-9pm. Checkout by 11am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Site fees are $22/night for MA residents, $70/non-residents. There are additional nightly costs of $4/water hookup and $6 electric hookup on all sites. You’ll also pay a $3 surcharge that benefits the Salisbury Beach Trust Fund and a $4.50 non refundable transaction charge on all bookings.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.

Note: Because of Salisbury Beach State Reservation’s location on a barrier, beach weather can cause closures. If the weather is looking sketchy, we recommend calling ahead.

Best RV Campgrounds in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a great destination for RV camping enthusiasts and offers a wide range of camping options. RV enthusiasts have many options for parking and camping across the state, from Andover to Salem to Pittsfield. You can enjoy camping near historic towns like Sturbridge or explore the outdoors by going hiking, fishing or mountain biking across Massachusetts. Whatever your camping preferences, you are sure to find experiences that suit your Massachusetts campground needs.

7. Normandy Farms Campground

72 West Street Foxboro, MA 02035

1-866-673-2767

Normandy Farms Campground in Foxboro, MA is the perfect spot for camping enthusiasts of all tastes and budgets. Foxboro’s location between Boston and Providence makes it a great stop on a trip to either.

If you love to bike this is the spot for you. Not only is there a bike park with a jump line, skills area and pump track but it backs up to the Foxboro State Forest which offers 23 miles of challenging bike trails.

Amenities include:

• Creative Arts Center offering movies, arts and crafts, yoga and cribbage
• 18 hole disc golf course
• 1.5 acre dog park complete with agility equipment
• Playgrounds, fishing pound, soccer field, softball field, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, corn hole and bocce
• Fitness center, laundry facilities, wellness center (with massages!) and a recreation lodge with activities and jacuzzi
• 4 Pools including one indoor pool

Number of Campsites: 400+ sites, 31 sites allow tent camping

RV Sites: Yes. Basic sites all the way up to full hook-up sites that include water, electric, cable and sewer are available.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is after 3 pm. Checkout is 12 pm.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Rates are based on two people per site. Tents are limited to specific sites that run $40-$86/night depending on season. RV sites run from $61-$146/night depending on season and amperage.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Pets must have proof of current vaccinations, be leashed and not be left unattended.

8. Sun Retreats Cape Cod (formerly known as Cape Cod RV Resort)

176 Thomas B Landers Road East Falmouth, MA 02536

1-888-991-5331

With 55 acres to explore, Sun Retreats Cape Cod is a premier camping resort and family campground in East Falmouth. With tent sites, RV sites and vacation rentals options exist for groups of all sizes. Families will love the mini golf course, playground, lake, and boating options. The 2023 season runs from April 28-October 31st.

If you’re looking to be closer to the Upper Cape be sure to check out the Boston/Cape Cod Holiday KOA in Middleboro, MA.

Number of Campsites: 38 tent sites available. 34 Cabins available-sleeping between four and six guests.

RV Sites: 103 sites available- full hook-ups and both 30 and 50 amp sites

Check-In and Checkout Info: Tent/RV Check-In is at 2 pm. Cabin check-in is at 3 pm. Check out is at 11 am. Quiet hours are 11pm-8am daily.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Prices start at $45/tent sites. RV sites range from $63-$97/night. Cabins start at $120/night and go up to $204/night.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Dogs need to be leashed.

Read More: How to Rent an RV for Your Next Camping Trip

9. Pinewood Lodge Campground

Located in Plymouth, Pinewood Lodge Campground is a peaceful oasis between Rt 44 and Miles Standish State Forest. Tucked into 200 acres of forest, the campground features a 50-acre lake with over 3,000 feet of frontage and a 6-acre private island. This family-friendly mostly RV campground takes camping to the level of vacationing by packing in amenities and conveniences that will enhance your time. Parents will feel like they’re on vacation too when they can grab a drink from the full service bar (weekends) or mini-bar (weekdays).

Families will love:

• two playgrounds
• an ice cream shop and snack bar
• horseshoes, bocce ball, basketball, volleyball

Number of Campsites: 7 tent-only sites, 6 yurts, 6 cabins, 230+ RV sites

RV Sites: Full hook-up RV campsites are available. Pinewood Lodge Campground has a factory-authorized service center for repairs.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in for campsites is after 1 pm. For cabin rentals check-in is after 3 pm. Checkout at 11 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites range from $55-$75/night. Yurts, basic cabins, deluxe cabins and tiny homes are available. Prices range from $94-$210/night.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Leashed pets are allowed. Max two per site, $5/night. Must bring proof of vaccinations with you.

Note: Unlike many other campgrounds the showers at Pinewood Lodge ARE metered and require quarters. Don’t forget to plan accordingly.

10. Atlantic Oaks Campground

3700 State Highway 6 Eastham, MA 02642

508-255-1437

This Cape Cod campground is designed to appeal to RVers. Located super close to the National Seashore Visitors Center and only 23 miles from Provincetown, Atlantic Oaks sits right on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Amenities include a playground, laundry, dog park, game room, free wifi, bait shop and pull-through campsites that have full hookups.

With access to the rail trail, it’s perfect for families who love active vacations and biking. Surfing and boogie-boarding is a huge attraction at nearby Coast Guard Beach. You can also check for available tours at Nauset Beach Lighthouse (the Cape Cod Potato Chip logo inspiration) and visit a working windmill (Eastham Windmill).

Number of Campsites: 100+ sites available

RV Sites: 45 30-amp sites, 39 50-amp sites

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is from 1 pm-9 pm. Checkout is by 12 pm.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Tent sites (water only) run from $40-$62. RV sites run from $70-$104/night depending on season and 30 or 50 amp.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. While the campground does allow dogs (up to two, $4/night each) they don’t recommend bringing them. Dogs must be taken with you whenever you leave the campsite and the nearby beaches do not allow dogs.

Great Massachusetts Campgrounds for Families

11. Prospect Mountain Campground

1349 Main Road Granville, MA 01034

1-888-550-4762

Located in the scenic Berkshire foothills, this Massachusetts campground is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape nearby cities Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT. Nearby attractions include Granville Gorge, Granville State Forest and the New England Disc Golf Center. In our opinion this campground veers towards the glamping end of things. It’s the perfect warm-up for inexperienced campers or destination for a low-key girlfriend getaway.  

Prospect Mountain has two ponds. One offers catch and release fishing and the other offers paddleboating. A heated pool is available between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Other amenities include horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, bocce, playground, game room, laundry rooms and propane filling onsite. Additional fun, family-friendly add-ons are available for a reasonable cost. These include laser tag, miniature golf and gemstone/fossil mining. Check their events calendar ahead of your trip to see if any additional activities are planned.

What You Need to Know About Prospect Mountain Campground

Number of Campsites: This campground is fairly compact. All but 14 tent sites have electric. There are also 14 cabins (1-2 bedrooms).

RV Sites: There are only 20 full hook-up nightly sites so if that is something you’ll need be sure to reserve early. Four wastewater dumping stations are located on-site.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is at 2 pm. Early check-in can sometimes be accommodated, but you must call first. Checkout is 11 am.

Cost & Reservation Rules: Reservations aren’t required but during busy times they are highly recommended. Sites can accommodate up to six people. Rates run around $45/night for a standard tent site, $49/night for a premium tent site, $150/night for a 2 bedroom cabin and between $65-$115 for RV sites depending on pull-in vs pull-through.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Pets are welcome. You must have a copy of their rabies vaccination certificate for the front office to keep on file.

12. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

15 Scott Road Lanesborough, MA 01237

413-447-9419

Mt. Greylock Campsite Park is located in western Massachusetts and has been voted Best of the Berkshires for many years running. It sits at the foot of Mt. Greylock State Reservation covering 47 acres. This peaceful campground offers generously sized sites with trees between them, giving a feeling of privacy even in a campground with amenities.

If you’re an adults-only party, I highly recommend booking one of their primitive campsites. They’re located away from the RV and electric campsites and tend to veer more towards friends camping groups and adults. This campground has tons of amenities including one of my favorites, horseshoes, along with a playground, heated pool, stocked fishing pond, activity center, volleyball, basketball courts and even laundry facilities. The bath house is open 24/7 and has toilets, sinks and free hot showers.

Although this campground is located next to state land it is not a state campground. Therefore drinking is allowed by those 21 and over at their own sites. Bringing in your own wood is still not allowed. You can purchase firewood on site.

What You Need to Know About Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

Number of Campsites: 110 campsites total- including RV sites.

RV Sites: Yes. They can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. All RV sites have water, electric and gray water hookups.

Cost & Reservation Rules:  Pond and hilltop primitive tent sites are $40/night. Deluxe campsites with electric are $45/night. Site cost includes up to two adults and three children. Additional adults are $12 and kids are $6 up to the limit of four people and two structures (primitive) or six people and two structures (deluxe).

RV sites are priced based on RV size. Standard back-ins are $45/night, standard pull-throughs are $50/night, large back-ins are $55/night and large pull-throughs are $60/night. Weekly rates are available.

Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in runs from 2 pm-9 pm. Checkout is 12 pm. Quiet hours are 11 pm-7 am.

Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. You can have up to two well-behaved, leashed pets.

Which Massachusetts Campground Is Right for You?

As you’re looking through this list and selecting the perfect campground for your family, be sure to consider the size of your party, your budget, how important nearby activities are to you and what campground amenities are important to you.

What is your favorite Massachusetts campground?

The post 12 Best Massachusetts Campgrounds Perfect for Adventure appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The names of Georgia’s best camping sites are as much fun as the notion of an outdoor vacation. So are the kinds of places all over the state to sleep and stay. From yurts to container pods, at the beach or by a waterfall, Georgia has dozens of camping destinations to consider.

It’s impossible to count the possibilities – one data point from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is 41 state parks with 2,700 campsites. That means tent-only, RV pull-through and back-in, primitive places and group camping.

Privately-owned campsites and campgrounds are also available throughout Georgia.

The best camping options in Georgia are as diverse as all the people you know who might go camping with you! Consider a few personalities, and then we’ll drill down to some details to help you choose the Georgia camping spot right for you.

Read More: Essential Camping Gear: What to Bring and What to Leave Home

Georgia Campgrounds With Interesting Names

Skidaway Island State Park: Curious name with access to salt marshes, Spanish moss, maritime forest trails and the ocean. This is the southern half of Georgia. Claims to the name include the British town Skedway, native American Skidowe and today’s residents who say it means beautiful, bountiful and pleasant.

Cloudland Canyon State Park in a little town called Rising Fawn: Backpackers hike in here for 13 primitive sites in a grove of hemlock and RVers choose shaded hook-ups. Find this in-the-clouds campground in Georgia’s top half.

The Okefenokee Swamp is the place for campers in Stephen C. Foster State Park: Dark skies and loads of stars distinguish these wetlands of international importance.

Amicalola Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest earns its name in part for having the tallest cascading waterfall in the southeast—720 feet. This is the southern start of the Appalachian Trail.

Think 350 to 760 AD when its first residents named Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely in southwest Georgia. Wide range of camping options today, including hammock sites.

Campsites Without Traditional Tents or RVs

Should you call it best camping in Georgia when there’s no tent in sight like the ones your parents set up in the backyard, or hauled off in the station wagon or SUV with the kids?

Yurt Villages

Yurt villages add some pizzazz at six state parks in Georgia. Think canvas and wood tent/cabins with beds to sleep six, screened windows, locking doors, porches, grills and a picnic table. Bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets are a short walk, and enjoy the water spigot just outside the yurt.

The newest yurts are at Red Top Mountain above Lake Allatoona. High Falls, Tugaloo and Fort Yargo have air conditioning! Other yurt choices are Cloudland Canyon and Sweetwater Creek.

Tugaloo – another cool name which meant at the fork of a stream to the Cherokee – is on Lake Hartwell north of Atlanta so boating, fishing and swimming are part of camping.

The only pet-friendly yurt is at Fort Yargo; Winder is the town, between Atlanta and Athens. No pets are allowed in any other yurt.

Read More: 10 Camping Essentials for Women

Canoe and Kayak Camping

Paddle-in camping is primitive, found on islands in three state parks south of Atlanta. Rental boats can be found at each.

Southernmost is Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, easily accessed from Interstate 75. The campsite sleeps 30.

Newnan is the town for Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Check in by 1:00 pm to paddle (or hike 5.5 miles) to eight undeveloped backcountry campsites. Why 1:00 pm? To get to your backcountry site before dark.

High Falls State Park in Jackson accommodates 25 people on its primitive camping island. This park is home to the tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta.

Squirrel Nests and Platforms

Want to just roll out a sleeping bag for a getaway and not expect much else? Fort Mountain State Park at the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness has six platform campsites. Simplicity campers here also choose from three pioneer campsites and four walk-ins. Other people reserve the 15 cottages.

Victoria Bryant State Park in north Georgia’s upper Piedmont has eight platform walk-in campsites—-and a golf course!

Consider a night like a squirrel at Unicoi State Park. Hammock or sleeping bag allowed, no tents. The “nests” are platforms built off the ground and stacked on the side of a ridge. Each holds four sleepers.

Container Pods for the Night

Moving, or camping? That’s the question for outdoor adventures in a pod. Most of us see pods as storage or transport. On 12 acres in Wildwood, Georgia, four miles from Cloudland Canyon State Park, are two camp-in pods. Private and luxurious. Think nightly fees of $298 or $399 for four people. Call this glamping.

Domes and Rectangles

And consider glamping at Lake Lanier, a bit northwest of Atlanta. These tents are geodesic domes (Ever equate Buckminster Fuller with camping?) or safari rectangles, 14 by 16 feet, furnished.

Safari tents hold a queen bed and one set of bunk beds. Domes have a king and space for two twins.

Some Campers Visit Every Georgia State Park

“We think it’s fun to do a double,” says Mitch Marshall who visits every Georgia state park with his wife Marilynne, and some of them twice! “Some trips we identify two parks sort of near each other and split our time away from home, or stay a bit longer.”

Often that means discovering little parks they might not have noticed in brochures and websites.

Like tiny Dames Ferry park near better known High Falls and Indian Springs, south of Atlanta, more middle Georgia. Why is that a bonus? Lakeside camping is one reason.

Plus, Fresh Air Barbecue in nearby Jackson has been serving classic southern food since 1927, and the Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette recalls the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.”

Retired and grateful to experience the outdoors all over Georgia, they sleep in their RV under a map of the state with stars pinpointing the places they’ve camped.

“We started with a 17 footer and now stretch a little bit more with our 22-foot camper,” Mitch says.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Before setting out, make sure your marriage or partnership can survive backing into an RV camping site. They’re not all drive-through, and experienced campers say the job of giving directions is just as challenging as backing up the truck.

Read More: Essential Tips for First Timers Towing a Trailer

North Georgia mountains camping trips delight Mitch and Marilynne for the mountain peaks and views, and cooler air.

“Vogel State Park near Blairsville is just so beautiful, and interesting as maybe the second oldest park in Georgia,” Marilynne says.

And all RV campers will appreciate Vogel’s recent updates to all full hookups. That means sewer hook-up in addition to electricity and water.

From Fort Mountain State Park, the Marshalls visit Ellijay for a day trip and lunch, and use the Blue Ridge Mountains hiking trails to see even more “absolutely wonderful scenery.”

Since this mountain is seriously steep, they recommend driving in from the town of Chatsworth side.

Tallulah Gorge State Park means steep too, with 400 steps down into the gorge. Hikers who reconsider their idea to descend can take a bridge at the halfway point to the other side and go back up!

Cloudland Canyon State Park earns rave reviews for its “amazing scenery” from Mitch and Marilynne, including two waterfalls deep in the canyon. Their caution: the hiking trails here are strenuous.

Black Rock Mountain State Park comes with a caution from those who’ve been: roads are steep and narrow so be confident with your RV driving, and problem-solving. The FoxFire Museum invites immersion into mountain life with walking trails, 20 log buildings, demonstrations and artifacts.

The bear rambling among campsites at Fort Mountain State Park served as a stark reminder to Mitch and Marilynne and their Georgia campgrounds neighbors to lock up food supplies, always.

Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth, on the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, is an easy Atlanta access campsite.

Best Camping In Georgia Further South

Georgia’s a big state so it helps to think regionally when exploring park campgrounds, whether tent camping or RV resorts. Further south makes year-round camping even easier.

Tybee Island is a much-loved Georgia beach, a neighbor to Savannah. And Skidaway Island State Park is about 30 miles away with salt marshes and maritime forests.

Make time for the Visitor Center at Skidaway, particularly to see the skeleton of the prehistoric sloth.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Welcome centers at many Georgia State Parks are new, robust, and filled with natural science exhibits and information. Travelers who rejoice in visiting the parks in many states report Georgia welcome centers to be exceptional.

Island Camping Adventures

Primitive group camping is possible on Sapelo Island at Cabretta Campground. Ferry is the only way to get there and groups are limited to 10 – 25 people. Transportation is provided to haul gear to the campsite which is just steps away from undeveloped beaches.

Cumberland Island, accessible by ferry from St Marys, is an official National Seashore with five camping areas. Specific details are vital to know about each one and available on the website. Plan to walk in all gear, and walk out all trash.

Jekyll Island campground is a half-mile from Driftwood Beach, with 12 primitive tent camping and 167 RV pull-through or back-in spaces. Old oak trees, Spanish moss, birding trails and bike rentals are part of the mood.

Campgrounds with History

Some people travel to post offices to see murals painted as CCC projects—the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Others choose campgrounds like F. D. Roosevelt State Park 80 miles southwest of Atlanta, in Pine Mountain. Seems fitting this park abounds with stone cottages, fireplaces, steps, walls, culverts and a spring-fed swimming pool.

CCC workers built them in 1933, part of the launch of Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Ten other Georgia State Park & Historic Sites feature CCC stone works.

Farms with Campgrounds

Agritourism for best camping in Georgia sounds like explorations for another day.

Dollison Farms in a south Georgia town called Poulan thinks tent campers enjoying their farm is a good idea.

Georgia Grown is a concept spreading beyond edible and usable products to farm-stay opportunities, and the Georgia Grown website offers links to agritourism camping.

Amenities in Georgia Camping Spots

Experienced RV campers Mitch and Marilynne Marshall consider brochure spreadsheets from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites indispensable.

“We cross reference locations with details like wifi, miles of trails, pet friendly and lakeside parking,” they say. Others look for restrooms, picnic tables, swimming pools, laundry facilities and boat docks in planning the best camping trips in Georgia.

Camping families count on each other too, joining social media groups to find practical tips beyond brochures and campground websites. Kemp Outside is a favorite of the Marshalls—observations of a former wildlife biologist dedicated to making sure no kids miss out on the wonders of nature. Or no adults either.

FriendsofGAStateParks.org is another.

The post 30+ Top Spots for the Best Camping in Georgia appeared first on She Buys Travel.