5 Best Camping Experiences in the Mid-Atlantic Region – With technological advances, a fast-paced society, and tons of things on your plate, it’s always nice to slow down and breath the fresh air. Camping is a great way to rejuvenate, slow down, and take in nature. I once read a study of folks past 50 that had to recall fun memories and 80% of the memories recalled took place outside. There’s just something about being outdoors that grounds us to Mother Earth and engages the family in fun. I love camping, it’s an annual event in our family! Here are the 5 best camping experiences in the Mid-Atlantic Region!
- Cape Henlopen: With open spaces and sandy beaches, Cape Henlopen is able to offer countless activities and fun for the whole family to enjoy. 18-hole golf, Kite Festivals, basketball courts, and picnic pavilions are just a few of the things you can enjoy. Enjoy both primitive camping or cabin camping to fit your preferences. The park is newly remodeled and fitted with electric and it just happens to be my FAVORITE camp ground closest to home! Any history buffs in the family? Cape Henlopen is directly adjacent to Fort Miles – a WW2 fort where a German Sub surrendered and you can walk over and enjoy the history while you’re camping. Read my full review with images and fun stuff to see and do (including the beach) right here at my Cape Henlopen State Park Review.
- Tom’s Cove Campground: At Tom’s Cove Campground, you get the best of both worlds. With a clubhouse, video games, pool tables, cable TV, air conditioning, WIFI as well as live entertainment, you aren’t completely in the wilderness. However, you get to enjoy boating, fishing, crabbing, and scenic views throughout the park. At Toms Cove you can request, for a little extra money, a waterfront camp site. We had a waterfront site 2 years ago and it was perfect for going out in the Kayaks. If you wake up early enough you can kayak with the wild ponies as they go for a morning swim! 2nd favorite campground!
- Assateague State Park: Assateague State Park is the only park in Maryland with an oceanfront park. With Sinepuxent Bay on the West and the Atlantic Ocean on the East, there are plethora of fun activities to do. Enjoy sandy beaches, sunbathing, swimming, exploring secluded coves, and taking canoe adventures. Of course, you will also enjoy the wildlife such as deer, waterfowl and feral horses. Of course, Assateague State Park is located only eight miles away from the historic town of Berlin. This gives you the opportunity to not only go back in time, but to enjoy charming shops, momentous hotels, and small town restaurants while you camp. Horses/wild ponies can and will come right up to your cooler and tent areas so be sure that food is secured well. My son goes with Boy Scouts every spring for a beach clean up and it’s his #1 favorite camp ground.
- Shenandoah National Park:If you like options, Shenandoah National Park has a variety of campground sites to accommodate your needs. You’re sure to see lots of wildlife during your stay and get immersed in nature while in the park. This is my favorite family campground for fall camping as the leaves change colors. This National Park is full of easy, moderate and difficult hiking trails with cute little chipmunks scurrying everywhere. Any trail that leads to a waterfall is perfect for me and there are plenty of them there! These campground sites include:
- Mathews Arm Campground: This is the closes campground when entering the park from the Northern side. It sits next to a nature trail and the tallest waterfall in the park. With camping supplies and food service, this is a great spot for families.
- Big Meadows Campground: If you want a more scenic camping adventure, Big Meadows Campground is within 3 waterfalls, and many hiking trails abundant with plants and wildlife.
- Lewis Mountain Campground: Lewis Mountain Campground is perfect for couples or those who want a little more privacy during their camping trip. Although it is the smallest campground in the park, you will enjoy going into the deep backcountry of the park.
- Loft Mountain Campground: Just as its name suggests, Loft Mountain Campground sits atop an enormous flat mountain. With two waterfalls, trails into the wilderness, and picturesque views, this is the perfect site for those who want to really enjoy nature at its finest.
- Dundo Group Campground:This campground is perfect for those who want to go camping in groups. Each of the 3 sites can hold 7-20 people.
- Ohiopyle: The rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River Gorge are the centerpiece of the Ohiopyle State Park. It provides some of the best white water boating in the eastern United States as well as picturesque scenic routes. However, Ohiopyle State Park has even more to offer including:
- Picnicking
- Waterslides
- Whitewater boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock climbing
- Hiking (20 hiking trails)
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Flushable toilets
- Hot showers
- Some electricity
- Wood-walled tents
- Backpacking
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