Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day can bring out large camping crowds; however, by camping in more secluded spots you can avoid this bustle and enjoy an enjoyable getaway experience.
Secluded campsites abound on BLM and national forest lands. Online mapping tools like Google Maps or FreeRoam can help you locate dirt roads leading to clearings suitable for camping.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is just an easy road trip away from Washington, DC, offering stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful wooded hollows. Skyline Drive – an 105-mile road that follows along the Blue Ridge Mountains’ crest offering panoramic vistas at every turn – is an iconic feature that cannot be missed during any visit to Shenandoah.
Shenandoah offers an expansive network of trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can explore a range of landscapes – from wooded hollows to mountain peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag – while hiking.
Shenandoah camping can be enjoyed year-round, but the off-season provides a more intimate experience. From December through March visitors can explore Shenandoah without crowds of campers. Unfortunately most amenities and campgrounds close during this time; however you can still take a leisurely drive along Skyline Drive or hike its legendary trails.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida provides an idyllic camping experience, featuring secluded beaches, incredible snorkeling opportunities, and even historic relics from a 19th-century fort. This park can easily be visited within one day trip of Key West.
Dry Tortugas lies 70 miles off of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico and comprises seven islands (Loggerhead, Bush, Long, Hospital Middle & Garden). Ponce de Leon discovered many turtles here; hence their name being changed later to reflect this fact and add “Dry” due to lack of freshwater on these dry islands.
Winter can be an ideal time for exploring, as its seas tend to be calmer; however, be wary that 20-knot winds could occur unexpectedly.
Big Sur
Big Sur’s rugged cliffs, lush forests, and hidden beaches offer stunning scenic beauty and outdoor adventure along the Central California coastline. Epic hiking trails, picturesque camping spots, historic and state parks can be found all over this rugged stretch of land.
Jack Kerouac and Lawrence Ferlinghetti found inspiration for their works here, along with numerous artists and poets such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Today, tourists come flocking here for its winding roads, breathtaking ocean views and delightful wilderness areas.
High season for this picturesque area runs between April and October; however, it remains beautiful throughout the year. If you prefer avoiding crowds, visit during early spring or fall shoulder seasons – don’t miss the famous Nepenthe Deli for delicious sandwiches that have become local favorites!
North Lake
North Lake features seven camping loops offering 219 tent and trailer sites, including 35 with electrical hookups; two lakes; sandy beach; rowboat, canoe and kayak rentals; swimming area; playground; picnic pavilion rentals 20′ X 32′ and 40′ X 60′ (the latter has electricity); flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels allowed); hiking trails. Hunter Mountain’s ski center and sky ride can be reached within driving distance while fall foliage viewing is spectacular around North Lake.
Moose River/Old Forge/Woodhull State Forest
Beautiful Lake George camping destination provides the ideal escape from everyday stressors. Relax by its serene waters while boating or swimming on its serene lake; or try your luck fishing its calm waters of North Lake.
Remsen Falls are located where the Moose River narrows between boulders to form Remsen Falls, accessible by footpath to a state lean-to at its point. Formerly accessible via Mohawk & Malone Railroad’s wood-railed train route from Minnehaha and then wagon ride up Fulton Chain until reaching hotels at Raquette Lake; Gove noted this trip involved “an eight mile jaunt to Minnehaha and eight mile wagon ride to hotels at Raquette Lake”.
Though remote, this site is well-known for its waterfalls and other natural water features. There are also hiking trails leading to spectacular mountain vistas.https://www.youtube.com/embed/z1XPHhl2Rag