The east coast of the United States can make for some amazing camping.
While my experience has mainly been in the southeast (mostly Florida), I have created a bucket list of sorts for places I’d like to camp all along the east coast.
These places have incredible sights to see, great trails for hiking and animal watching, have a unique history to them, and more.
So without further ado, check out my bucket list of places I want to go tent camping on the east coast!
1. Florida Caverns – Marianna, Florida
I wrote about this in a previous article, the top places to go tent camping in Florida.
And I have passed by this park every single time I make a trip over to my mom’s house, but have never gone.
In fact, we even recently had a day trip planned to just see the caverns and it got cancelled.
So it’s first on my east coast bucket list.
A Little About The Florida Caverns & Marianna
The caverns have guided tours (up to 25 people at a time. Be sure to reserve your spot!) during certain times that will allow you to explore some amazing underground scenery.
But there is also hiking and biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities within the area.
And for those who would like to bring horses along, equestrian camping (and trails) are available as well.
I’ve only explored a small part of Marianna, but it is a small town filled with history.
And if you ever make the trip be sure to stop for gas here; 9 times out of 10 it’s the cheapest gas you’ll get in northern Florida (this doesn’t add to the reason it’s on my bucket list, just helps to know!).
2. New River Trail State Park – Max Meadows, Virginia
New River Trail is next up on my list.
I picked this one because it’s a challenge for me.
I’ve never been primitive camping, only camping at campgrounds with plenty of amenities.
All of the campsites at New River Trail require either hiking or boating to the sites, and none have showers or bathhouses.
What’s really cool about this state park is that it’s a 57-mile long park that passes through 4 separate counties in Virginia.
39 of those 57 miles of the park runs directly parallel to the New River.
Ideally I would be able to take a week or so to spend some time camping at each of the 4 campgrounds (Cliffview, Millrace, Baker Island, and Double Shoals).
There are tons of things to do, from hiking, biking, and horseback riding, to fishing and boating.
The Hoover Mountain Biking area also offers a few miles of mountain biking trails to explore.
And most everything can be rented near Foster Falls, so you can pack light and still have a great time.
As for history, the park itself runs along an old railroad right-of-way, and contains many tunnels, dams, and bridges that are all significant.
You’ll also be able to check out an old shot tower that was used over 200 years ago to make ammunition.
And if you run out of things to do (I can’t imagine that’s possible in one trip), Claytor Lake State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park are just minutes away to extend your exploration.
Seems to me like New River Trail State Park has everything needed to have an adventurous camping trip!
3. Megunticook Campgrounds – Rockport, Maine
Going up to the top of the east coast you’ll find Megunticook Campgrounds in Maine.
There are so many reasons to visit these peaceful campgrounds on the water.
For starters, you’re right on the shores of Penobscot Bay, where you can watch the sailboats pass by and enjoy beautiful sunsets right on the water.
If you’re lucky you’ll be able to see some playful porpoises and other sea life from the Porpoise Point Waterfront.
The hosts of the campgrounds also run a weekly lobster bake as long as the weather allows it.
The campgrounds is also just a 10 minute drive (or 5 mile hike) to the sites of the Maine Lobster Festival and North Atlantic Blues Festival.
Not to mention hiking along the Maine coast boasts some beautiful views.
You’ll be able to see Indian Island lighthouse from the campgrounds, and 3 other lighthouses are nearby to check out.
If you fancy a trip on the water, schooner (larger sailboats) tours are available and a ferry can take you to the nearby Monhegan (artists’ studios, ancient forests, and high granite cliffs), Vinalhaven (a bustling fishing community), and Isleboro (a bicycling paradise) islands (source).
What’s not to love about Megunticook?
With so many community events, beautiful sites, ability to watch sea life at play, AND a nice place to relax and soak in the views?
I can’t wait to visit.
And if you don’t feel like camping in your tent, RV sites and cabins are also available.
Check out this awesome video showcasing some of what Megunticook has to offer!
4. Saranac Lake Islands – Saranac Lake, NY
Ever since I was young, our family has taken a trip each year to go boating in Niceville, Florida.
We spent 3 action-packed days on the water tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more.
The Saranac Lake Islands allow you to have that same boating fun, but you also return to your own island when the day is done.
You’ll want to pack a little extra food since the 87 campsites (62 in Lower Saranac Lake and 25 in Middle Saranac Lake) are spread out over several islands and require a boat, canoe, or similar in order to access.
The campsites are very spread out, and in some cases you’ll even have a whole island to yourself!
Off the islands nearby are plenty of villages to visit with restaurants, shops, and more.
You’ll be able to stay in a serene camping area and explore the small, bustling area around Saranac.
For those looking to explore further, there are plenty of restaurants, shopping, and sight-seeing available at the nearby villages of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid.
Something to note: since you have to boat to the campsites, be sure to come prepared to clean up your campsite when you leave it. This can be a little more difficult since your car or nearby trash cans aren’t readily available.
What Should I Add?
This list will be updated as I find more amazing places to go tent camping on the east coast, or if I visit one of the items on my list.
Where should I go camping on the east coast?
Let me know and I’ll check it out!