The southern part of the United States has long been a popular vacation destination for people from all over. The warm weather, beaches, theme parks, and wealth of recreational activities make it a fun place for the whole family. However, a trip to the south doesn’t have to mean staying in a hotel or waiting in line to ride Space Mountain. Camping is another great alternative, and this southern camping guide proves it!
The next time you want to point the family car south (or hop on a plane heading that way), consider one of these great campgrounds all located south of the Mason-Dixon Line. So grab your glass of sweet tea and get to planning your next camping adventure!
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
Grayton Beach State Park offers Florida beach camping at its finest. 59 camping locations are available at this popular campground. Pets are welcome and every campsite has electricity and water. Recreational opportunities abound, and fishing, kayaking, hiking, and of course simply enjoying the warm water and beach are all popular at Grayton Beach. Milton / Gulf Pines KOA is located in the area and is a great place to setup base camp while you explore the region.
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida/Alabama
Just a little bit further west along the pandhandle is Perdido Key State Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Gulf Shores along the Alabama/Florida border offer some of the most beautiful beaches in all the U.S., not just the South, as well as some amazing camping opportunities. Check out the Gulf Shores / Pensacola KOA campground for an awesome stay along the coast.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
You won’t have time to get bored during a trip to Big Bend National Park in Texas. There’s simply too much to do here. In fact, you’ll probably have to make several trips to experience everything. Some of the most popular activities that visitors partake in while at Big Bend include mountain biking, fishing, rafting and hiking. The park is listed as an International Biosphere Reserve, and has great opportunities for nature viewing.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Outdoor enthusiasts (including windsurfers) will have a blast during a camping trip to Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. Boasting the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island is a great place to visit and is an important place for over 300 bird species and even endangered sea turtles. It also happens to be listed as one of the top windsurfing locations in the continental United States. So if you want to try your hand at catching some wind or simply relaxing and nature watching, Padre Island is perfect for you. If you enjoy unique camping spots, stay in one of South Pardre Island KOA‘s water towers!
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular during the fall color show provided by the rolling hills and thick forests. However, it also makes for a quiet and relaxing summer camping getaway. It also makes for a wonderful place to go if you’re a horseback riding enthusiast, with riding trails that are hard to beat. There are a wealth of camping locations within the national park, and you’ll have no problem finding a perfect spot for your desires.
No matter which state you’d like to visit, or what activities you are interested in, the south is sure to have something for you!
Brian Belko
Writer. For Roadtrippers. For KOA. For sanity. Catcher of fish. Baseball fanatic. Proud to call Ohio home.
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