Cost was $10 with golden age. We have never before stayed at this campground in Acadia National Park in Southwest Harbor. This campground is a first come first serve campground and closes September 30. It is in the peaceful area of Acadia National Park and the reason we had never stayed there before is that there is always a waiting line to get in but since we had reservations for Blackwoods the next day we thought we would take a chance that it would not be crowded in September five nights before it closed. We loved the campground. There are about 31 RV sites in loop C which was built just for RV’s. New bathrooms but no showers but they can be found outside the park for a fee. It is a walk away or quick bike ride away from the seawall in a beautiful area. Many of the campers there could not get into Blackwoods campground so came here and decided they would stay because they loved it. Hiking, biking, kayaking and a quick ride to Echo Lake where there is swimming. To get over to the parkway road and Bar Harbor it is about 30 minutes away. The night we were there they were giving away free fire wood because it was the end of the season. Nice campground with Ranger talks and walks and some of the friendliest rangers who will give you complete information about the park, free shuttles, hikes etc. This campground is not as busy in the fall as Blackwoods so the rangers have more time for you! Some campers stopped at the local grocery store in Southwest Harbor where they will steam lobsters for you on the go – our camping neighbors had lobster every night!

This campground started in 2000 on what was once 19 acres of farmland so that is why all the street names are named after vegetables that were grown on the farm. Shaded and open sites- 75 of them-but it sure looks like there were more. The campground was about 80% full the night we stayed here in mid September. It cost us $28 with a Good Sam discount and a $1.00 for internet. The campground is not for tenters mostly for RV’s with showers, laundry facilities, fax machine, internet, electric, water, sewer, cable, dump station. The small restaurant next to the campground (Hermon Family Restaurant) just recently opened up again with home cooked meals which was very good. There are a number of snowbirds that stay here for the summer months from Texas and Florida and quite a few Canadians. Bangor is the center of the Down East and campers do use this as a base to travel to a variety of different tourist sites. Check-in was friendly, fast and easy, and what I really liked is that they have typed out directions on small strips of paper on a board to everything that you can take. Good stay and we stopped here because of recommendations from another camper that we met and also park reviews. Since we had been in the north woods of Maine for two weeks without utilities we appreciated a night with it. Great for a lengthy stay or a one night just passing through stay. Open May 1 – October 15.

If you don’t have reservations for Blackwoods it is hard to get in with an RV. They only have about 40 RV sites but plenty of tent sites. Actually an RV 25feet and under could fit into many of the tent sites but in the last ten years they are not doing that. Blackwoods is near the parkway and Bar Harbor. There are hikes, walks, ranger talks out of the campground. The bathrooms and many of the sites have been updated in the last five years but still no showers but showers can be found outside the park entrance for a fee, open 24 hours. This campground is still one of our favorites. The trees and the sound of the waves on the rocks at night lull you to sleep. There is a short walk down to the cliffs and park road which is beautiful. One can ride bikes through the campground and take them on the carriage roads. LLBean provides free shuttles from the campground to the parkway, Jordan’s Pond, Bar Harbor and will drop you off even with your bikes to hikes and walks around the National Park if the bus is going that way. Rangers are nice but don’t take the time with you as the Seawall Rangers do because they are so busy. Blackwoods is open all year with limited services. Bar Harbor is expanding with more restaurants especially since now all these cruise ships are in the harbor. One day there were three ships in and one of them was the maiden voyage of the new Queen Victoria from England. Interesting people from the ships and so many campers traveling from all over the country staying in the campground.

Mt. Blue State Park in Weld, Maine is in the western part of the state with mountains around it. The drive is interesting to get there, but follow the signs as well as a GPS. This is the third time we have camped here, but have not been back in over ten years. The camping sites are located in three loops all within a short hike to Webb Lake where one can boat, fish, swim, picnic and hike. There are 136 campsites – some are huge in loop two and three, but one should check out their site for low hanging branches, but there are sites for big rigs. The roads around the loops are small and narrow though. Since it was a Sunday night and in September we were able grab a host site right next to their new bathroom and shower complex. The pit toilets are still around the campground, but this new complex is very nice and clean. There is no electric or water hookups, but most of the sites are quite private. Plenty of hiking trails, and the lake is beautiful! It is a good stopover and a quiet place to spend a night or two when traveling. Others like to come up for a week or two during the summer for the cool nights, and many come to see the fall colors in early and late fall. They do take reservations now for the summer months, and after the middle of September reservations are no longer taken, and the price drops, too. Maine State Parks have really increased their cost for a night’s stay at their parks, but with the drop in price it cost us $18 plus $1.26 tax for a night and that is without services.

This campground is conveniently located off I-95 on Union Street. There are 52 shaded and sunny sites with some pull through’s 30 & 50 amp service, water, electric, sewer, dump station, restroom, showers, children s play area, rec hall, large pool, camp store, lending library. Good for touring the Maine “Down East” areas and Bangor itself. Campfires are allowed. This campground is convenient to everything in Bangor – it is a small campground with some seasonal sites. Nice playground and pool for children and easy and friendly check-in. We passed Stephen King’s house with his black gates and birds on top – interesting. Went to the new super Walmart in Bangor for food shopping and also went downtown Bangor to the park where the huge Paul Bunyan Statue is. We have seen this statue over the years and both of us believe that they must have painted it again within the past year.

Rangeley Lake State Park is located in the western part of the state on the Rangeley Scenic Byway. The Appalachian Trail crosses near the park in two spots. Beautiful drive up 17 or 4 to get to the park. Many small lakes in the region when driving these routes. We had never camped in this campground before – one of the most popular state parks in Maine. Reservations are a must in the summer and the park closes down at the end of September, but one should check the closing dates of all Maine State Parks because they seem to change yearly. After Sept 13th this year no reservations were taken for the Maine State Parks and the price drops. It’s $10 then for a Maine resident and almost $20 for an out of stater. No hookups of any kind but the sites are mostly private, some on the water with a short walk to the lake where you can put in a canoe or kayak. Only 50 sites, but there are three restrooms with showers. One of the restrooms is brand new with individual family showers with toilets that are huge. Nice park and only about 12 campers a night during the week in September with more coming in on the weekend. There is a playground area, swimming area, ball area and boat dock in the park as well as hiking trails all over the area. Float planes are popular up here flying in on the lake and fisherman are all over the place. Kayaking on the lake was beautiful looking up at the mountains and the sunsets. This park is on a huge canoe trail that goes all the way up to Fort Kent over 300 miles long. Some kayaks pull up for the night in the campground and then just pack up and leave first thing in the morning. The lake is known for its landlocked salmon and trout fishing but there are areas just for “catch and release”. In the morning we heard the moose calls come across the lake and from the nearby woods. There are also coyotes, bear, deer, birds, and plenty of other animals that you might find in the north woods. A very peaceful campground with campgfires going every night. It did get down to 34 degrees one night but it was not bad the other days have been in the 60’s. We enjoyed our drive up to here and have been biking, kayaking, reading and enjoying walks and meeting other campers. The drive around the lake is one of four Maine “must-see” scenic drives and the little towns are cute and ski towns for Saddleback and Sugarloaf mountains. At night our campfires have felt nice and warm and the stars at night – it almost feels like you can put your hand out and touch them. So clear and bright. Great place to camp and we had cell service the whole time!

Peaks-Kenny State Park is in between Greenville and Bangor, Maine. There are about 56 sites in two loops a walk away from Sebec Lake. The sites are nice and good size and there is a central washroom with bathrooms, showers and a dish-washing area. The land was donated by the Mr. Peaks in the memory of his parents and one sister that was married named Peaks-Kenny. The walk down to the lake is about 5 minutes and there is a huge shaded picnic area on the beach. A playground, boating area and swimming area are all in this area. The lake looks out to the mountains up north and the views are outstanding. Beautiful lake. We arrived around 11 in the morning and from Sept 20 to 23 it is self-registration so we took our site and put our money in an envelope into the spot for it. We were one of two campers in the park at that time but as the day wore on more tenter's came in. Just a reminder the Maine State Parks do take reservations now for the summer months and after the mid of September reservations are no longer taken and the price drops too. Maine State Parks have really increased their cost for a night’s stay for an out of stater at their parks but with the drop in price it cost us $19.26 including tax for a night and that is without services. Nice stay – we stayed here about 19 years ago during the summer with our three children and it was quite crowded so this stay was so quiet – quite a change.

W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir – Bandits Roost Campground – COE Wilkesboro, NC – May 6 & 7 (Wednesday/Thursday) Cost with Golden Age with electric and water $10 – 100 sites – our site 26A. This is another great COE campground but it is only one of over three on this lake. There are some campsites on the lake and others in the woods. There is a tenting only area and there are areas without water and electricity. The section we were in the A loop we had campers on each side of us but we could look out to the lake on both ends. Bandits Roost our campground is on the south side of W Kerr Scott Reservoir in the Yadkin River Valley. There are bike and hiking trails, boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming. Hunting is allowed in season. There is a playground, basketball court, amphitheater and launching ramps for boats, canoes and kayaks. The people who work here are nice and it is a nice campground. There is one bathroom and shower house per loop so your site could be a good distance walking to them. We stayed here for two nights, one with thunderstorms and rain and the next a bright, sunny day!

Gettysburg, Artillery Ridge Campground – I think it is expensive but it has tons of activities and it was Memorial Weekend. Artillery Ridge Campground located less than half a mile from the battlefield is quite different than the type of campgrounds we usually camp at. They have tons of sites and everyone is on top of everyone else. It was Memorial Weekend and we had booked four days. There are some good points about the park – horseback rides onto the battlefield, swimming pool, playgrounds, hookups, laundry, Wi-Fi hotspot, covered horse stalls to bring your own horse, cabins. Very friendly at check in. Bathrooms were ok! We are used to dry camping in the woods and having campsites with lots of room and privacy so this was quite a change from what we have been camping at, but we knew before we came it was going to be crowded. I will say even with the activities they had that weekend and all the people it was not noisy at night, and our neighbors were very considerate and polite. We camped here to ride our bikes to the battlefield and visitor center which we did. Also stopped at Boyds Bear which is in the Gettysburg area – what an amazing store. We stayed an extra day before heading back home and what a difference this campground is after many campers went home on Memorial Day. It was not bumper to bumper and was quite enjoyable! We would go back!

This park is located in northwest Maryland, and the Appalachian Mountains pass through the park. It has a freshwater lake that was manmade, boating and fishing. They claim that the lake is the nicest in the area. There are trails in the park for hiking. Electric hookups are available in the just the C loop. The loops are hilly but you can get your RV level. Nice sites and the bathrooms are ok. The swimming area is nice but a good hike away from the camping loops. Nice rangers and workers at the entrance station. There is a visitor center in the park with exhibits about the area. Nice stay

This park is in Appomattox and only 12 miles away from Appomattox Court House Historic Site. The park is huge with over 20,000 acres of National Forest surrounding it and that is why you can’t get cell phone service at this park. It is a pretty park, but it is not big rig friendly. We camped here with a RV just 25 feet and we could fit in about half the sites, but many are not level and a big rig would have problems driving around some of the campground roads. We stopped for just one night and you did not need reservations midweek even if you wanted one of their water and electric sites. The manager of the park stopped to talk to us as he was checking on the campers later in the evening and told us that they are quite busy on weekends and that they are developing a big rig friendly campground just up the road from this one. The new park will only have about 10 -20 campsites for big rigs with 3 way hookups and a new bathhouse. He was very friendly and informative. There are Interpretive Events happening every Sat night in this park and on Memorial Weekend they have a big campfire with stories on Friday night, canoe tour and owl call on Sat where they go out in the canoes and call to the owls at night to fly over, and finally on Sunday night a Civil War slide show plus guided hikes and educational programs throughout the weekend. The bathrooms are old but very clean and it was peaceful. There are hiking trails right from the campground down to the lake and around the lake which are very nice. The lake is huge over 150 acres. Just down the road (.1) there is a swimming beach, boat dock, playground and off shore fishing. Gasoline power boats are not allowed on the lake. The tricky part is getting into the campground. We saw signs but the drive in is about 5 miles going up and going down There are trails for horses as well as bike trails and during the weekends and in the summer there are historical and educational programs.

No hookups at all but there are restrooms and water and a campstore with laundry and showers. This campground is one of four on the Skyline drive in Shenandoah National Park. There is also another one that is for groups only. You can make reservations here for about 30 of the sites. Most of the sites are pull through and good size even for the largest campers, but there are a number of sites that are not level. Real nice tent sites. We moved from reserve site to a non reserve site only because it was more level, but actually this site faces west so we were able to look at the views looking down on the valley, and at night one can see the lights of the towns in the distance. Great views! The Appalachian Trail goes right around this campground so easy to get on to go hiking either way. We arrived on opening day May 15 a Friday and it was quite interesting within 6 hours most of the sites in the campground were taken. Lots of deer roaming through the woods and through your sites. Very nice campground!

This is a big KOA right next to the National Historic District of Harpers Ferry. It has full hookups, a lot of activities, There are 280 sites some open and others in the woods with shade, 42 Kabins, 300 person conference center, indoor basketball court, game room, movie theater, pizzeria, large heated pool, wading pool. It is near the Appalachian Trail and the C&O canal and the Harpers Ferry Historic Park. Everyone was very friendly when we checked in. It is a KOA so we found it expensive but you have to know that before you check in. Nice stay just before Memorial Weekend so very quiet.

This campground is situated on the west side of the Blue Ridge and one can find it by taking a mile post 16 route 814 much easier drive than the 664 off the mountain. This is known as the jewel of the Blue Ridge because of its beauty, with the mountains around it, and located on the shores of a 25 acre spring fed lake. It was built by the CCC, and so some of the buildings are of the typical logs and natural stone. There are four loops two for tents and two for RV’s and bigger rigs. In all there are 65 sites and 30 with electricity. All sites are first come first serve so even during midweek of May there were only about 3 sites left after we got there. It is one of the most popular campgrounds of the forest service. The upper lake is good for fishing and hikes around and the lower lake has a nice swimming area, fishing pier, park benches and a few hiking trails that go around it. They had a water shortage when we were there so the showers were not working. Very peaceful campground and so much beauty!

This campground is one of the four main ones in Shenandoah National Park and the closest one to the north entrance. The Appalachian Trail surrounds it and there are many hikes in the area to take and many to some great waterfalls. It has a nice layout and opens up around May 15, so when we were there the deer stroll into the park with no fear of humans. Eight bear were spotted around the area of the campground, and driving here bobcat jetted across in front of us and then stared as we went by. 25% of the sites can be reserved and the others are first come first serve. It was empty on the weekday we were there in May but on the weekends it is usually full. Hiking, observing nature and wildlife and driving the Skyline Drive are the favorite things to do. The day we were here was sunny and clear.

Pisgah National Forest – Lake Powhatan Campground Asheville,NC – Friday, Saturday & Sunday May 1,2,3, Site 93 Hardtimes Loop/ $20 but add on if 3 way hookup which you can only get if host sites are not filled. Golden Age Pass applies so take 50% off just the base fee. The directions are easy to follow to this National Forest Campground but some of the roads are narrow off of highway 191. This park has four big loops or areas and they are all on hills – the whole park is hilly. There is a beach for swimming, showers in some loops, dump station and many trailheads in the park for hiking. If you are in excellent shape and in your twenties you can bike all around but it is very difficult for someone who is not! It is on Highway 191 right off of I-26 just before you enter Asheville with many shopping malls and stores around. It is right next to an entrance to the Blue Ridge parkway and within three miles of the Folk Art Center and the Destination Center – two good places to visit on the parkway. The North Carolina Arboretum back entrance is on the road to the campground. Dogwood Trees were all in bloom so it was very pretty driving in. It is also close to the Biltmore Estate for visiting and an easy trip downtown but Asheville is a city and the traffic is heavy especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The site we had was hard to get into but there are many that are easy. All the hosts that we met were very nice, friendly and informative. We would stay here again. There is so much to see in Asheville and on the Blue Ridge that you can not do it all in just three days!

This campground is in the middle of the Skyline Drive with a visitor center,amphitheater, laundry, trails, showers, ranger talks and walks. It is a nice campground with the Appalachian Trail just steps away. Plenty of deer walking throughout the campground and some beer sightings as well. Visitor Center had a few films to watch, exhibits and a big meadow to lookout on and explore. At night the lights from the towns in the valley glisten down below. Nice campground! The Virgina Piedmont is to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. If you haven’t driven the Skyline Drive or camped here you definitely should. When the days are sunny and clear like it was the views are outstanding and there are so many hikes one can choose.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Linville Falls Campground (NPS) Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Monday and Tuesday May 4 & 5. Site 6 in a campground with 70 sites. Tent sites are on the river and very pretty. The cost was $16 but $8 with golden age. This campground does not have any hookups but the bathrooms are clean. It is near the Linville River and the visitor center is just down the road where there are easy, moderate and difficult hikes to the higher falls, middle falls and lower falls. It was raining in spurts when we went and certain sections of the hikes were slippery with the mud and wet rocks. Beautiful falls! Nice campground and because most of the campers pulling in were traveling down the parkway a very diverse group. We met couples from Germany, Hawaii, Florida etc. Many were on long trips, a month, six months and the couple from Hawaii have been traveling for over two years touring the mainland USA. Interesting to talk to them since everyone seems to walk around the campground at night before turning in and until the rain soaks you. We camped here for two nights in the beginning of May, and Linville Falls was the only campground open on the Parkway in North Carolina. All the others open up around May 15 except campers pulling in were saying that Otter River Campground was open in Virgina.

A campground that only has full hookups/ Wi-Fi/ and cable. The Wi-Fi is a good strong signal from every site. On the campground map it shows over 65 sites, but walking around they are working on putting some new sites in, and now there are close to 90 sites or more. They are have big plans for this campground and expect to add a swimming pool, playgrounds, store, campfire pits and much more. Right now there are no tables at each site but the bathroom was clean and there are two catch and release ponds.. The sites are spread out and there is no privacy but it is still quite peaceful. You can look out towards the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance but you do hear the interstate near by. The campground sits on the former farm and homeplace for Eng and Chang Bunker (the famous Siamese twins) and their descendents. They are buried at the little white church near by and the downtown regional museum tells the history of their story. The campground is easy to get to and very close to all sorts of restaurants, Wal-Mart, and any other stores or gas stations that you might need. Very interesting. Other places to visit are all the wineries in the area (29 of them) especially the Shelton Winery (one of the most beautiful wineries we have seen), the regional museum and the largest open granite pit in the world. The visitor center downtown has maps and there is a drive through tour where you can see these sites as wells as the Bed and Breakfast which was Andy’s homeplace. There is even a winery right downtown! The Blue Ridge Mountains are close by as well as a couple of state parks and other historic sites to visit like the JEB Stuart birthplace. Lots to do and visit in the area. RV friendly, a number of free parking lots around town but the best place for a large RV is the post office parking lot. We were in a tornado watch again and had thunderstorms around midnight. Traveling in the middle of NC and western part in the months of April and May we have been told to expect this but as much as we have loved NC, I think visiting the area would be safer during other times of the year.

Cost with Golden Age $7.50 – no hookups at all! We took site 20, which was a small pullthrough looking out over the mountain. Another National Park Service campground on Skyline Drive. This campground has only 31 sites and a huge picnic area. It is on the Appalachian Trail so that it is very popular with those hiking the trail and other trails on the Drive. All sites were taken for the weekend and most of the campers moved out on Sunday especially after a violent thunderstorm Saturday night. We have a 25 foot RV and could fit in most sites but anything bigger it would be a tough fit. Only two pull throughs. Very popular campground and also with the bears. Three bears were in the campground the night before we pulled in. Beautiful drive getting to the park coming from the north or south.

Dingmans Ferry Campground – Delaware Water Gap (NPS) 133 rustic campsites – Site 84 No hookups at all but there is hot water and showers. Tent sites by the river $37/ tent or RV sites in the woods $32. Golden Age pass discount since this is a NPS campground. It seems expensive for a NPS campsite. Reservations can be made by calling the campgrounds toll free number. Not really big rig friendly! This is an interesting campground in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area located at Dingmans Ferry in PA. Sites are private along the Delaware river (tents only) or in the woods. The night we were there during the week in May only two other campers were there. The day was rainy off and on but the forest is so dense that you would not know it was raining. It can be very dark at night. There are hiking trails, horseshoes, volleyball and a boat ramp in the campground. There are a few visitor centers and a number of hikes to waterfalls in the Recreational Area and also on the other side of the Delaware River in NJ. The Appalachian Trail goes through the park and there are shuttles to bring you to one hut and pick up five miles later at another hut. There are also canoe trails and trips from one day to more than four offered for a price. It is in a beautiful area in the Pocomo section of PA and it is a resort area. The camp store opens in the morning and offers free coffee on some days at 8.

Over 300 sites here. Some tenting but the rest all full hookups. This campground is another beach resort state park in Delaware. It’s just off route 1 on the coast with the ocean on one side and two canals on the other. Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay are on the west side. This is a huge state park--over 5,193 acres. We camped here on a weekend in April and there were plenty of sites but from Memorial Day through Labor Day you better have reservations. Driving down was easy but everyone says you can’t move in the summer so much so that they have a beach shuttle going up and down the coast. There is plenty of beaches to walk, bike or drive to. In the summer, you can rent at the beach umbrella’s, chairs and rafts. Across the canal from the campground is a marina, a beach for surfers, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking etc. At the campground you can walk to the beach, bike or boat and there is fishing off the canal as well as on the fishing pier and surf fishing from the beach. Clamming is allowed also with the proper license. In season there are marsh hikes and other walks and talks. There is a popular Sandcastle Contest each July which is very popular. The campground has full service from March 1 through November 30 and then limited service the rest of the year. Bathrooms were just redone and are all tiled now and are very nice.

I reviewed this campground last year around the same time and much of the information will be the same except Bayside Campground is open again with new bathrooms. We stayed at the National Seashore at the Oceanside Campground Loop 1 in the same site as last year. There is another section Bayside which has a number of loops that are on the Bay and these sites are warmer with less wind than Oceanside. Oceanside has two loops just a dune away from the ocean for RV’s, pop ups etc and tents (make sure you bring extra long stakes) as well as three loops just for tents that you have to walk in over the dunes. These are real nice and the walk in sites are quite private. There is a Maryland State Park Campground just before you enter the National Seashore – they have some electric and these sites are close together in a line but the state park is not always open so check starting and closing dates. The National Park campsites have only pit toilets and no hookups at all but climbing over one dune is the most beautiful beach that goes for miles with the softest sand. The place is beautiful even in the rain. The Bay sites face the Bay and on that side you can go clamming, crabbing, boating, wind surfing and kite surfing. This year is colder than last year so we did not see as many people taking part in those activities. There are miles of bike trails all over the island. I think everyone should visit this gem of our National Park System. Now the wild ponies ( we saw them all over riding our bikes, ) like last year a few came into our campground and campsite. Last year the full moon was out and the beach was beautiful but this year they forecast rain but we had one storm at night and on and off rain for only one day while we were there. This campground is not for everyone but it is rustic and we love it and plan to visit this area whenever we head south from Rhode Island.

We were in the Deer Run Section (electric sites) site 118. Cost with senior discount Sun through Thursday $15. Shad Landing is south along the Pocomoke River off of route 113. This campground is surrounded by the state forest with over 14,753 acres of lobiolly pine and cypress swamps. Good fishing here as well as boating – different paddling trails – they even have a newsletter called the Pocomoke Paddles which is published four times a year with nature activities and seasonal nature articles for everyone. One can spot river otters, bald eagles and there are over 50 species of fish. There are bike trails, boat launch, camp fire programs, camp store, dump station, hiking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, visitor center, and a per pay for swimming pool. The campground is nice, the rangers are great and if you are older than 62 the state of Maryland gives you 50% off the camping fees Sunday through Thursday nights. Shad Landing has six camping loops all well shaded and two and a half loops with electricity. The showers were not great with not much privacy but at this time of year there was no one else around. We were only there for one night in the rain and thundershowers but we would definitely return. It is a beautiful campground and one can easily visit Asseateague, Ocean City and Chincoteague Island from here.

This campground is one of three in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area that has RV camping (Parkers Creek and Crosswinds), there is another for RV groups only Vista Point and one area just for tents New Hope Overlook. We did not have reservations and at this time of year did not need them but at this time they only accepted reservations for 7 days or more. The ranger came around to the site to collect the money and at this time he told us that Crosswinds and Poplar Point are going on a state reservations system beginning April 22 for dates July on. Now you can make reservations for one night or up to 14 and the website is www.ncparks.gov/reservations.php There are a lot of sites on the water and we selected one in the woods looking out over the water so that we could put the kayak in right from our site. Nice site. All sites have a table, fire ring, and alot have water and electricity. There is a boat dock so that motor boats can be put in and then brought over to your campsite if it is on the water. A nice beach area on Jordan Lake which is huge. The cleanest and nicest smelling bathrooms I have seen. We really enjoyed our one night stay here the weather was great, the kayaking really good with calm water going around many inlets and coves, nice bike ride over hills and dales and friendly hosts and other campers.

Sites 139 – Site 88 B Loop – Cost with golden age $10 This is a big reservoir with over 50,000 water acres which stretches between the VA and NC state line. There is a visitor center next to the North Bend Campground which is close to Snow Hill off of I85. Actually there are 5 COE campgrounds and 2 or 3 state campgrounds on this reservoir, but not all of them have sites with electricity and water. North Bend has many sites with electricity plus showers, interpretive trail, swimming, boating, and a playground. It is a beautiful campground with some outstanding non electric sites 115-124 looking out over the reservoir and a constant cooling breeze. It also has some great electric sites looking out over the reservoir near the beach area and where you can put in canoes or kayaks. Our site was like being in heaven it had plenty of shade, right near the beach with a great view. It was 94 outside and we did not have to put on the air conditioner at all amazing. We would definitely come back here and spend a week here great place. One of the most relaxing and enjoyable campgrounds we have ever camped at.

7,625 acres with two lakes, but not for swimming. 20 miles south from Richmond. This campground will take a reservation, but it is a Virginia State Park and it is not site specific. You drive around and select your own site. This park has an amphitheater, boat launch area, camp store, fishing, hiking, bridle and bike trails, laundromat, museum, nature center, and playground. The bike ride is not easy as there are a lot of hills, dirt, ruts more for mountain bikes. The boat area and swimming pool are at least a 20 min hike away from the camping. Some sites have no shade, but many do, and there are a number of sites that are pull-throughs for big units. Each site has a table, lantern holder and fire grate. This park is easy to get to off of I95 and there are stores and gas stations on the way to the park. It is huge and a good stopover for one night or more. Lots of battlefields and history surround the area of Richmond (the state capital)

Sites some with electricity and water $31 plus tax, Loops A through F, our site 114 D Loop with a 25 ft RV. This is a huge county park run by Newport News with easy off and on I-64 at exit 250-B. There are campground signs to direct you but make sure you take Campground Drive not the roads that go to the visitor center and the rest of the park. This park is on a reservoir with boating, hiking, disc golf, archery, fishing, playgrounds, hot showers, laundry, and fire pits. Many sites are not level and would not take a RV over 25 feet but there are some sites that are very level where a big camper or trailer would fit so if you make reservations ask them for a site that would fit whatever your camping in. Easy drive to the Yorktown National Battlefield and it’s visitor center. Biking trails (5 miles) around the park and it also connects to the Yorktown Historic Battlefield at the George Washington Headquarters encampment where you can continue to bike on the park roads. This is a beautiful ride especially on a nice day much nicer than driving your car around the battlefield. The showers were clean and hot. The only negatives are that it is close to I-64 and train tracks so that you can hear the trucks at night and sometimes the trains. We had a site overlooking the reservoir and it was not crowded during the week actually we were the only ones in our D loop so it was very peaceful with a beautiful sunset. If you have a car you can take the Historic Parkway from Yorktown right into Williamsburg or take I-64.

Site 16 Cost for an out of stater $26 with electricity using a senior citizen discount This is a 68 site campground with modern showers, a dumping station, picnic tables and grills. It is a self-checkin but there are a few hosts sites if you have a problem and the rangers come around in the early evening to check on everyone. There are also 4 horse campsites. They had also just built a new ranger station at the entrance to the campground this year. We always try to camp at Lums Pond State Park at least as our first stopover heading south from Rhode Island. It is beautiful but the sites don’t have much privacy even though they are good size sites. The trees are getting taller and it is a great place for families and for one to ride their bikes but this time Delaware had soaking rain for a day and a half when we got there so no bike riding. We were lucky that it wasn’t raining in New England and the rain had turned to showers in NJ so driving wasn’t a problem. There are about 8 sites and some Yurts that have electricity and you can make reservations even the day before like I did. Our site 16 can hold an RV over 45 feet but because of the heavy rains the site was very muddy but most sites looked quite dry considering the down pour that these sites had. We were able to find sections of our site quite dry and level but we only have an RV that is 25 feet. It is a good thing I made reservations because another woman paid for the site but I was able to show my printed out reservation confirmation. All the electic sites were taken by 5 in the afternoon. As I reviewed this campground last year the bathrooms were very clean. If one drove around to the other side of the pond there was a boat rental place and picnic sites. They used to let you swim on the other side but because of state budgets cuts with lifeguards and a high bacteria count that has been stopped. In the campground there is a trail that goes around the whole pond and there is also a fishing pier. Follow the directions off the website not your GPS by taking 1A off of I95 in Delaware (much faster than by route 13). It is a good stopover for those from New England and especially if you plan to go down the eastern shore route through Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

Cape Henlopen State Park- Thursday, April 16 one night Lewes, Delaware - Over 148 sites - Site 36 but had to change to site 31 with water no electricity sites. Cost for non-resident $32. There is a charge of $4.00 per person to get into the park itself so this is in the campground fee. This is a beach resort campground along the Delaware shore. There are two designated swimming beaches, hiking trails even along the six miles of beach, bike riding, 18 hole disc golf course, basketball courts, winter hunting, recreational programs such as history talks, outdoor concerts, birdwatching and there is even a WW 2 observation tower where the views are great. Also, one can climb the military bunker and I can see why in the summer families come to spend a week or two. The ferry from Cape May, NJ comes in here and the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is nearby as well as the Lewes and Rehoboth canal. It is right next to the resort town of Rehoboth Beach! Delaware is such a beautiful state I can see why so many senior citizens are relocating here. Now the campground is different. There are sites for big RV’s and all RV’s have to park along the road by their site – the allotted parking space is big and could hold the biggest coach plus a car or anything you were towing. The sites have a picnic table and fire pits. There are showers but they are cold and are only on for seconds each time you push the button. It’s a good place if tenting and if you are going to the beach. Hiking to the beach is quite a distance. The bike trails are good but this park is huge the largest in Delaware so you could spend the day biking and might get on all the trails etc. The views are great from the trails and the beach near the bathhouse is beautiful. Good campground but not for everyone but we will be back. In April during the week it was self-check in and maybe there were 25 sites taken!

Many permanent but each year more are for overnight – many stay in this area for a week or more. This campground only has full hookups and the cost $29 includes internet connection and cable connection with many, many stations. It is out in the farm area of Chapel Hill and it is very peaceful. At one dip in the road before you reach the campground road Senator John Edwards multi-million dollar house is set back but all you can see is the road and a gate but those here said it is huge with its own gym. There is nothing at the campground but a playground. No restrooms or showers! It is a nice place and considered the best camping near the Chapel Hill and UNC and Duke. Call for reservations and they warn you to call when you are about an hour away from coming to the campground so that someone is at the office and your site is ready. So much construction around Duke and neither university is RV friendly at all. So we drove around and it was interesting but were not able to get out and bike or walk around. I don’t know if I would want to have biked because UNC is built on rolling hills. Nice area though and I think some people must camp here when they are visiting the medical units of both universities. We would definitely camp here again but we would rent a car – Chapel Hill and Durham, the research triangle, are big cities now with 3 to 6 lane traffic patterns. Anything bigger than a car you have a hard time getting around and no place at all to park. Actually all parking is pay now and whatever visitor parking there is – it is taken by 8 in the morning. You can pay ahead of time (like three days ahead) for a reservation to park as a visitor at UNC but the sites we saw were again only for cars. The Duke gardens (Sara Duke gardens of 55 acres, a living museum of design, plant and horticulture) and chapel (a 50 bell carillon, with bells ranging in weight from 10 to 11,200 pounds, a Flentrop Organ -in the center of the campus) and the UNC museum (Carolina Basketball History), bell tower and planetarium (a NASA training ground for many space missions) are must visits but there are so many other interesting places to visit depending on your interests.

Badin Lake campground is in Uwharrie National Forest; and has 35 sites (We had site #13.) This is one of two campgrounds in the Uwharrie National Forest. The other one (Arrowhead) has some electric sites but it is not next to the lake. This campground is next to the lake but it does not have electricity and it has only 34 sites. Reservations are needed for the weekends even the first weekend in May. It is a beautiful campground overlooking the lake. Open year round. Each site has a picnic table, grill, lantern post and tent pad. There are toilets and showers and the host kept them really clean. Fee $12. Get good directions before you drive in – if you take the road after the BP gas station on route 109 you will save yourself about three miles of traveling on gravel roads – even taking this road you will still have a mile or two of gravel to take and potholes. There were sites for big rigs but the drive in is slow and hard for large RV”s and you wonder if you will be the only ones there. There are two loops to this campground and when we pulled in about the half the sites were taken and all were reserved for the weekend. It was like all of a sudden there was civilization. If your site is on the water you can launch your kayak or fish off the banks. There are a few boat docks in the forest, hiking trails, bike trails and picnic areas. It is a beautiful forest and the host was excellent – helped us back in and gave us maps of the area and other information that we needed. This campground is about an hour away from Seagrove with over 100 pottery shops and the NC Pottery Center and Museum considered the top pottery village in the USA. Very interesting!

Bourne Scenic Park – Bourne, MA. We haven’t been back to this park in over 15 years and it has changed. It is on the Cape Cod Canal on the east end. This park is on COE land but run by the town of Bourne so the price is higher. It is on the west end of the Cape Cod Canal. We paid with the fall rates $32 with electricity and water. They have added electricity to almost all sites now and the price has gone up to reflect this. There are almost 100 sites in three different sections of this park. Some areas the sites are on top of each other but then there is a wooded section where one could find privacy. Sites can be found for big rigs and for tents. One can park their camper here for the summer season they limit the number allowed to I think one third of the park and there might be a waiting list. What is nice about this campground is that it is right under the Bourne Bridge at the entrance to Cape Cod. Crossing the bridge one can head for the ferry for Martha’s Vineyard or tour that section of the Cape. One can fish, bike or hike along the canal road. Right now they have taken out the natural pond used for swimming and are putting in a huge pool which should be completed by next summer. Biking west there is a small town for restaurants and shopping (small) and heading west you end up at Scusset State Park (which also has camping) with a beach and fishing pier. The canal is lit up at night and at all times you can watch boats crossing the canal – very peaceful. Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend. I believe this one stays open later!

This campground has about 100 sites and one row is right on the beach but most sites can if not see the ocean definitely hear it. Sites are pull through and can fit big rigs. No electricity but beautiful views with 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marsh. The beach at the campground is rocky but a short walk away or bike ride away one can find the public beach which is beautiful – a 2 mile long beach which is breezy all year round which makes it good for surfing and wind surfing. Great birding area one of the best in New England. Also a short bike ride or drive away is a fishing pier which is beautiful with the waves crashing over it. It is a beautiful area and we had a site right on the beach with great sunsets and rises and a clear, blue sky with temperatures in the 70’s in October. One needs reservations here for the summer and in the fall for the beach row but even on Columbus Day weekend one could drive in and get a spot in the back without a reservation. Bathrooms are OK and campfires are allowed. Nice and peaceful but could be noisy in the summer with a lot of kids. Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend

This state park is on the west end of the Cape Cod Canal near the Sagamore Bridge which crosses over to the Cape. There are close to 100 sites here with big sites for all sized rigs and some nice private tent sites. There is electricity and water at each site but not the tent sites. On weekends you would need reservations and during the summer even during the week. No campfires except for the tent sites but there is a big community campfire spot for anyone. This campground is on the canal with biking, fishing (3000 breakwater and 1.5 miles of frontage along the canal), hiking and it also has a beach facing the bay side of the Cape. The canal is lit up at night and at all times you can watch boats crossing the canal – very peaceful. The Lions have a supper on Saturday nights here and a breakfast Sunday morning that one can buy tickets for. Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend.

Nickerson State Park, Orleans or Brewster, MA I have not camped at Nickerson in quite a few years. This is a big park half way down the Cape. There are over 400 sites in 7 sections and they all have their positive points and some negative. Section 1, 2, 3, and 5 are small sections and some sites have water view since there are at least 7 kettle ponds throughout the park. Showers though are in section 4 and sections 6. They have started to rebuild some of their restrooms but the old ones are pretty dingy. There are no utilities here. They do have an amphitheater/ bike rentals/ boat rentals/ nature center and a park store. It is in the woods and be aware that sections 6 and 7 are miles away from the entrance to the park. We have stayed in all the sections. Every area has a pond that you can walk to down a cliff to swim at. Section 1 the swimming area is an easy walk. During the fall not all the sections are open. Sites are not all level but big rigs can find spots especially near the end of the second loop in section 4. Roads driving in the loops are narrow. This campground has 8 miles of bike trails in the park and it connects at the entrance to the Cape Cod Rail Trail which has 25 more miles of bike trail. This trail goes through towns and passes the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are also ponds for boating, hiking, bird watching and picnicking. In the fall it is beautiful and it is the only state park in MA that you can make a 1 night reservation. Unless you have a big, big rig you would not have needed a reservation this fall but in the summer it is a must. Staying here you are near Orleans for shopping, restaurants and heading east the Cape Cod National seashore with more biking trails, visitor center and beautiful beaches (love Head of Meadows). Golden age pass can be used to get into the beaches run by the National Park Service but some beaches are run by the local towns and you must pay for parking but not before around June 21 and after Labor Day but check these dates because they change. One thing you should try if you like Reuben sandwiches the Cape Codder Reuben with a small pot of beans is excellent at Hearth and Kettle restaurant in Orleans (easy drive with plenty of big rig parking, Shaws Supermarket is there too as well as a drug store). The Reuben is made with fish – melts in your mouth! Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend.

This forest is huge and close to Plymouth for those visiting the Pilgrim tourist’s sites and also in the Fall close to King Richard Faire. There 5 sections to camp in plus another section Charge Pond which has 6 sections of its own. We always stayed at Charge Pond before but it was closed for the fall until they decided to open up 3 sections for Columbus Day weekend. Charge Pond does have its own beach near the A loop but the sites here do not have as much shade as the other areas but these sites are huge. The only other area open for the fall was Barrett’s Pond where we stayed. Narrow roads driving in and there are some big sites but big rigs and those with horses are better at Charge Pond. We travel in a 25 foot Pulse so we had a nice site on Barrett’s Pond. No electricity and the bathrooms need to be redone but it was beautiful in the fall with the leaves turning. There are 16 ponds in the forest and 15 miles of bike trails. One can also canoe and fish on most of the ponds. Hunting in season – deer and game birds are stocked in certain areas in October and November. In the summer, there are interpretive programs, walks especially along all the cranberry bogs that surround this park and there are some near the bike trail for exploring. Blueberries are abundant in the Summer right off some of the camping areas and along the bike trails. You don’t need a reservation in the Fall and might not need one for the summer but check on this depending where you want to camp. Fearing Pond area is great for tent camping and pop ups. Beautiful days spent biking all over the park with only four other campers during the week – we had the bike trails to ourselves. Make sure you have a trail map (found at checking) though because it is confusing. Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend.

We have never camped here before. Very interesting – beautiful park. Nice drive through historic Hingham with beautiful old houses to get to the park. Close to Boston (35 minutes away) so that you can drive to the nearest T-station or take the ferry over to Boston and that is what many campers do that stay here. Plymouth is also a short drive down route 3 from here so one can visit many of the Pilgrim tourist attractions. There are two camping sections in this park (262 sites and 140 with electric), one with electric hookups and one without. It looked like sections of the non electric section did not even open this year maybe due to economic reason. Most of the state parks in MA need to remodel their bathrooms and repave their roads and even bike trails. Bike trails and hiking trails run through the park (12 miles of bike trails alone), plus one can bike on old military roads left when the military left this park to the state. Nice ride, beautiful views, ponds and some great birding. Make sure one picks up the trail guide though at the entrance to the camping area because you can get very confused. Mt. Blue Spring is in the park and from the campground one can walk, drive, or bike to the spring to fill out your water bottles or containers for some nice fresh spring water for free. Make sure you check closing dates for any campgrounds in New England because most close at the end of Columbus Day weekend.

Reservations are needed even though there were sites open when we were there but on the weekend the ranger said they are full. I love this campground. It has a beautiful beach, a wind surfing and surfing section, boat rentals, picnic area, a snack bar and a hot spot for Wifi at Island Joe’s 24-7. Bikers can also bike around all the loops in the campground as well as on bike trails along the main road. In the campground there are playgrounds, hot showers, electricity and a pathway to the campfire circle. There are 139 sites and every restroom also has laundry facilities.. There is a bedtime lending library for ages four to nine. All the sites are nice with a lot of shade and over the years I have stayed in almost all of them but have not been back in over twelve years. I would choose the Coquina loop if you could. It is the closest loop to the beach so has the coolest breeze and if riding your bikes to the beach it cuts your distance down by over half than from some of the other loops. The rangers were nice when checking in. The only problem that we had was finding the right road to turn in to – there are signs but deceiving. We turned into the lighthouse road twice before we got the right road. It is near Historic St. Augustine which is one of my favorites places to visit with a fort, mission and quaint downtown. Definitely one of the best little towns in Florida but it has changed in twelve years and has the traffic and sprawl with it! The beach is great with waves that are very strong. We drove around all over and this town is no longer RV friendly. Therefore we got the heck out of there and I don’t think we will ever be back. Too bad – it was my grandparents favorite city in Florida and we always stopped there on our way down from Rhode Island. Not any more I guess they don’t want or need campers!

You can make reservations here but not site specific and I believe that is the way Georgia does it for most of their state parks. This campground is on the coast situated on the Crooked River. There are over 500 acres with campsites, cottages, picnic shelters, pioneer group campground, nature center, boat ramp, dock and a miniature golf that cost $2 per person open year round. One can ride bikes on the roads but not on the trails. This park is known for all the different birds that stop here on the way south and north. There is no swimming but if you have a boat you can go on the river and also over to the Cumberland Island National Seashore. This is a great campground to stay at if you plan to take the ferry over to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a day visit. You might want to make reservations first – the ferry leaves from St. Mary’s National Visitor Center at 9 and you return by 5:30. It is only seven miles away from the campground. St. Mary’s is a cute little historic town with quaint shops and restaurants to visit when you stay at Crooked River State Park.

Wifi is available, but you might have to move to another spot like near the office if your site is under the trees. We had a pull through site under the trees and it was nice but very close to the sites and campers next to us. This park is about two blocks away from the beach but it does have it’s own pool. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We only stayed for one night but we would return even though we do like more privacy between sites.

This park is a very convenient stop off of I95 in Selma, NC on your way down south or heading north. We stopped here on our way back towards Rhode Island after traveling close to two months. The people were very friendly it seems to be a young couple and they are trying very hard to please. The bathrooms were so clean – you have a code to get into them. They have satellite and also a RV wash (this is extra). There is also lake but not for swimming but you can fish with no license required but it is a catch and release. The cars on 95 at night did not bother us but we had the air conditioning on because the temperature hit over 90 again but the whole eastern seaboard is having a heat wave. It is definitely an easy on and off when traveling interstate 95.

Travel-Trailer Village- Site B8 – water, electricity, sewers, laundry, pool - $27 and up We actually wanted to stay in the NPS no utilities campground because it is deep in the woods with biking, hiking, and more privacy but with the heat wave hitting the east coast we decided to stay in this park for the electricity. This is not run by the park service even though it is on Prince William Forest land. A company bids to run it and it is in the process of changing hands right now. To get to the rest of the park you would have to drive all the way around. This park sits on the northern boundary of this park off of Dumfries Road – it is in driving distance of the Springfield intersection which is known for its traffic during rush hour. This campground has 6 rows of sites with close to 15 sites per loop. There is one tree between each site but if they are not full you can have some privacy. The hosts were very nice. There is a small pool and you can ride your bikes on the campground roads between loops. This was convenient for us for a night before driving around the beltway tomorrow towards New England. 27

We stayed in the North East loop with full hookups because we wanted to dump the last night of our camping trip before we drive back home the next day. They have two other loops with just electricity (these are not as private as most of the other loops). They also have about 5 other loops without any utilities. These loops are pretty, private and some of them (Miles & Elk) have some sites looking out from the cliffs looking down on the river. At the state park one can boat, fish, swim on the western shore, bird-watching, canoeing, and hunt in season. It really is a beautiful state park on an inlet between the North East River, Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay– there was a nice breeze from the rivers considering that the temperature was in the 90’s. You can make reservations but on weekends you must reserve two nights! There is a park store with a little restaurant attached and behind it is a trail that goes to a lake where one can catch some Bass. There are a number of other trails to hike in the park – one goes down to the Elk Island lighthouse. The trails go through forests, wetlands, marshes. The roads are a little hilly to ride your bikes but it can be done! Nice park and plan to return. If you are over 62 from any state you get 50% your camping fee.

Follow the directions from the website not the GPS and even then it can get confusing to find it. Nice drive in the park to find the campground loop near the beach and fishing pier. This park has over 1,427 acres with live oaks draped with Spanish Moss which makes biking the roads very comfortable. Offers great wildlife viewing. You can swim in the ocean at the beach site but at the other campground which is shaded and along the river you can also swim there. The park is the Gateway Station to the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is also known for shark tooth hunting and shelling along the beaches. The rangers were very nice and we had an enjoyable time. If you haven’t camped here before you should try it out.

Some loops they reserve for groups like the boy scouts etc. Loops A and D were open on this June weekend so it was not full but they do take reservations non site specific from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No hookups of any kind but at least one restroom in each loop has a shower. The NPS needs to put some money into redoing the bathrooms etc but that is the only complaint I have. We camped there for two nights. This was during the heatwave and though it was hot it was not unbearable staying there. Very shaded with some nice breeze blowing through. Saw one raccoon and we had deer in our campsite during most of the day they are not afraid at all. There are picnic areas in this park and a number of nice walking trails. Off of loop D there is a trail that goes to the Greenbelt Metro to hop into DC. It is about a mile to walk there. This park is amazing – it has over 1100 acres and it is just 12 miles from downtown DC. It is beautiful. I was surprised how safe it was and very quiet. The host was excellent. Best of all they have sheds of free firewood for your fires at night. They have about two bins in each loop and they fill them everyday. This is close to route 1 and the University of Maryland and when you pull out you are on 193 so there are a number of restaurants around the park and near the University. There are some ranger programs at night but you need to check the schedule and they also have guided walks. Some of the trails are also for those with their own horses. Great park and it is open all year!

Another beautiful Florida State Park just north of Daytona near the beach but on the Intracoastal Waterway. The north end of the park has over 12 miles of shoreline for boating and over 2000 acres with hammock and salt marshes. The river banks have remains of oyster and snail shell mounds left by the Indians. The live oak hammocks are covered in Spanish moss, ferns and green-fly orchids. There is no swimming in the park because of the alligators. The roads around the campground are all hard dirt with a lot of sand and some of the roads are hard for a large camper to move around. We have only a 24 foot RV and we can see why the park has a limit of 34 feet and 11 in height to stay here. We found it very hard to ride our road bikes on the hard dirt here because of all the sand. Very easy to spin out on your bikes. Even wild coffee and sage can be found on the shell mounds. There are nature trails to walk, visitor center and picnic areas. The salt marshes one can find oysters, snails, crabs, fish with over 160 species of birds looking for their next meal. During the summer manatees stay in the the Tomoka river and one can see dolphins as well as alligators, raccoons, bobcats, deer and otters. The campground is under a shady hammock and there is a restriction of camper length and height 43 by 11 feet. Just a warning the first weekend in March is biker week and there is a week in October that is Octoberfest for bikers so the park is crowded and one needs reservations. There were some sites available the first weekend in June but I would still make reservations if you are traveling on the road. After having spent a day at Wekiwa Springs State Park on a Saturday this park was a nice peaceful retreat.

Little Talbot Island State Park is north of Jacksonville and is another great Florida State Park. It only has about 36 sites and if you a RV over 25 feet I would think twice about staying there. There is basically one road into the campground and it is narrow and on rocky sand. There is not enough room for two RV to pass. The road is curvy and there are some sites that an RV would not be able to back in. Most of the sites are shady and there seem to be a lot of tenters here. We had site 35 which was out by the creek and did not have much shade but there was plenty of room for an RV to back in and move around since it is a wide open space for those bringing boats to the boat dock. If you had a kayak or canoe these would be good sites. Looking over the sites 17,18,19,25 and 38 are good shady sites than an RV could fit in but again I would not take anything over 25 feet. It is a pretty park on it’s own island which is part of the Talbot Islands State Parks system which includes Little Talbot Island, Amelia Island, George Crady Bridge State Fishing Pier, Big Talbot Island, Fort George Island, Yellow Bluff Fort and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve.. There are five miles of beaches which are a bike ride away from the campground – beautiful. One can fish, canoe, kayak, surf, swim, bike, horseback riding, tour on a Segway tour and hike here. It is also a great place for observing all types of birds coming and going during the seasons. It is beautiful here and very peaceful.

Juniper Springs Recreational Area (Ocala National forest) - $9 Golden Age Pass – Site 7 (9 is good) a pull through. **This campground has a raccoon problem a major one. Raccoons all over during the day in campground on the trails and at the springs. Campers and day visitors are feeding them and they think it is cute. We first met one on our bikes and he would not move and get out of the way next we were having lunch at our site on a beautiful picnic table and one came out of the woods and straight at us. He would not stop he was coming for our sandwiches. We had to grab our food and go into the camper. He circled us for about twenty minutes smelling our bike and our camper and picnic table. At the springs we saw them all over the area every time anyone left their picnic table the raccoons were on the table and into their stuff. We have been around raccoons but never have we seen this many out during the day and not afraid of humans. Florida needs to fine anyone who feeds them because this is a beautiful park and the raccoons are not shy and come out during breakfast, lunch and dinner time. There is even a hawk in the park who has stolen steaks off the grills while people are cooking. This campground is beautiful with three loops one for tents and the other two for anyone for a total of 79 sites. Many pull through sites. Bathrooms are nice and there is a lantern stand at each site. There is a short walk to the springs and they are nice to swim in. A little nature walk with a historic mill museum on the property. There are no hookups here so this week you did not need reservations but on the weekends you do all year long. During the snowbird season they are always full. There are canoe rentals for the near 8 mile canoe run through the Juniper Prairie Area which takes over four hours. At the springs there is a convenience store with camping supplies, beach supples, food, drinks etc. One might see at this campground deer, black bear, turkey, birds and more raccoons than you want to see.. They do have interpretive programs during certain times during the year at the amphitheater. This is a beautiful campground and I think since there were only about ten campers when we were there we saw more raccoons then normal.

This campground is another nice Florida State Park. There are two loops and about 60 sites. The majority of the sites are shaded. We had site 44 and it definitely was shaded. This loop had more shade than the other one. It cost $22.50 for the night for electricity and water. Reservations were necessary on the weekend and now that school is out in most Florida counties. They have some primitive hike in sites and canoe sites but because of the drought they are not easy to get to. We arrived around noon and had to wait until almost 2:00 PM to get to our site since Florida has a 1:00 PM checkout time and a 3:00 PM check-in time. The people in our site forgot to check out when they left so we had to wait until the rangers could check the campground around 1:30. Others came in and went to their sites right away. This is a busy campground and day area on weekends being so close to Orlando and we arrived on a Saturday for one night. Peaceful campground and we could bike over to the springs to go swimming or boating. The day area was full on Saturday and many cars were turned away – they only have 300 slots for cars and you can not get in for the day until another car leaves and there is no place to park to wait. If you are a camper they have a parking area for you to wait near the ranger station and you can walk around the park and springs while you are waiting. This park is similar to Blue Springs State Park in that on a weekend it is like a foreign country. If you speak English you are in the minority. Oh, well! When we were there some kids had used all the toilet paper and stuffed the toilets with them. We did not see the rangers ride around as much as other Florida State Parks but they seem to be shorthanded and had to control the day visitors in the Spring area. There were also a number of sites with more than 8 people on them. This spring is a constant 72 degrees year round where you can swim or snorkel. Forty-two million gallons of crystal clear water flow each day from the springs into Wekiwa Springs Run. In the river there are over 32 different kinds of fish and the park has an abundance of birds of all types. There are alligators and some bald eagles but also turkeys, turtles, and deer. The park has over 7,600 acres and some walks which show Florida as it used to be. There is a 15 mile trail to canoe on the Wekiva River lined with sabal palms, purple astors and orchids. This is bear country and the snakes were active the first weekend in June that we were there. There is a nature center with some live animal displays and a park concession stand. The park stays open until 8 for swimming. Nice springs but like the springs at Blue Spring State Park better but liked the campground here more!

Florida mile marker 37. This is a wonderful state park with over 80 campsites in three areas. Bayside without electricity (not for RV’s), Sandspur for tents, popups and vans with electricity and water and Buttonwood for everyone with electricity and water. Some sites face the gulf side and some of the tent sites face the ocean side. You can snorkel, bike, fish, swim, picnic, kayaking or hike up to the old bridge. There is a nature center with talks by the rangers. The water is like that beautiful carribean blue and in May it was enjoyable but still hot. We had site 12 where the little fishing dock was in back of and we could see both bridges (new and old) from our site. Very enjoyable three day stay. Checkout is at 1 and checkin at 3 but if you come in early you can enjoy the park until your site is cleared.

Nine RV sites, five tent sites, and six boat sites. $24 but with golden age half price. Water, electricity, playground, showers, picnic shelter, boat ramp and at 10:00 and 3:00 you can watch the boats go through the locks. This is a small campground but very nice and the sites are big enough for big rigs. Peaceful and only about a mile off the interstate and close to Stuart. We rode our bikes and enjoyed watching the boats go through the locks as well a a manatee. Typical Corps Of Engineers campground – nice!

The campground is in two loops with sites 1 through 23 facing the beach but high up on the dunes. The other sites are just as good since everyone can see the ocean and there are a few walkways down. We had one of the beach facing sites. There is no shade here but the ocean and beach make up for it. When we were here the temperature hit 110 degrees very high for Florida at this time of year. There is a nice breeze off the ocean but it was still hot but when you get on the beach it was so much cooler and the water was very comfortable. We spent the whole afternoon swimming in the ocean. Nice beach and sand. Cold water showers outside the restroom and hot showers inside. The campground sign said that it was full, so reservations are needed even during the week. The beach has a lot shells wash up on it and it is a feeding place for pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and other birds. The saltwater fishing is excellent. There are canoe and kayak rentals available at the park and there is a sidewalk along the road that is used for biking. There is a nature trail where one can view wildlife and natural vegetation. All sites have water,electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring. Florida is still in a drought so fires have not been allowed in most of the state campgrounds that we have stayed at. The ranger station even has a lending library for those ages 4-9. At night during the months of May through early September Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback sea turtles crawl on the beach to nest and lay their eggs so lights need to be turned down on the campers that face the ocean. This is really a pretty section of Florida driving the nine miles from Tomoka State Park where we stayed the night before over to A1A at Flagler Beach. The back roads looked like the “old Florida”. Very charming. Just a short distance north of the campground is a good seafood place to eat “Snack Jack” – it has burgers too! The rangers told us not to miss it! This campground is worth a return visit but I guess it is hard to get into to during the snowbird season.

$27 plus tax and bed tax . Two hundred ninety-three sites plus some cabins. All sites come with electricity, water and sewer. This is a county park which is huge. They have a beautiful drive-in where the park itself has picnic areas, disc golf, boating, nature trails, bike trails, and miles of beaches and lakes. The campground itself has a punch in code entrance which is also used for the restrooms. The main road has street signs (small little green signs) with every loop having a letter from A to V. There are restrooms for every three loops, laundry area, camp store, covered hall as well as amphitheater and a lake pavilion. No swimming in the lake only in the ocean – resident alligator. It is a very nice campground and there are sites for big rigs but the roads in the campground are narrow. While we were there a caravan of big rigs came in and were all placed in the K loop. Follow your GPS because it went over bridges that my maps did not even show and we were in the campground before we knew it. When we drove in there is a naval base also and I thought we were coming into the naval base; but no, we were on the right track. Check-in was friendly, quick, and the campground hosts were all nice. They make rounds to check the campsites and there is a resident police officer that lives right near the gate of the campground. All the sites are in the woods mixed with palm trees and most sites are huge. There are some stray cats, raccoons, owls and lots of birds. You would never know that you are near a city like Jacksonville. We were the only campers in our area. May is a good time to camp because spring break is over and there were not many campers. One of the hosts said they don’t get too many snowbirds because they can’t stay for over a month but they do get families on spring break, weekends and in the summer. An interesting campground well worth checking out.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida $26 plus taxes The last time we camped here was close to 18 years ago and it was raining, cold and windy. We stopped for an overnighter in May this time and there was a nice breeze, sun and clear skies. The camp sites are ok not as nice as some of the other ones in the keys and none on the ocean but the rest of the park is great. Mangrove trails, boating, scuba tours and snorkeling tours. A visitor center with all types of fish, information and movie. Three beaches and at Cannon Beach a Spanish ship was sunk for a coral reef. You can see tons of fish and old cannons there – we had a great day snorkeling. The last time we were there my oldest daughter about 10 at the time and I went out on the snorkeling tour and there was a storm – it was tough snorkeling and the boat swung around and almost hit us on the head so this time my husband and I stayed closer to shore and it was great. Beautiful weather and a great place to camp. What was interesting though we just spent a week in the Keys camping – Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, Long Key and John Pennicamp is the only one that had a campground full sign out and it was full yet if you make reservations it is easier to get into this campground than the other three.

We have not camped at Ft. Wilderness in 12 years and this is the first time for us without our children since we were married. I will give you the pros and the cons. Pros – It’s Disney and the whole atmosphere is great. They have more busses now going to everything so there is less of a wait but did notice some of the cabin loops waited for quite awhile. The Hoop De Do is there and that is good. The boat dock and beach are there and the bathrooms are wonderful. We were there Memorial Weekend and the following week and were surprised that the crowds were not big at the parks during the weekend. The campground though was crowded but the loops thinned out after the holiday weekend. They still have the water light parade at 9:45 every night on the Bay and Magic Kingdoms fireworks behind it which is beautiful. Checkin was fast and easy and the staff was great. You don’t even get out of your car or camper to checkin. They now put out a little schedule of all the activities during the day for people staying at the campground – great for kids. They still have the movies at night at the campfire. Staying at the campground you can find a bus to anywhere in Disney World and Downtown Disney. This is the best thing! Also one of the best deals (don’t tell Disney though) is that if you purchased a mug for $12 you can fill it up with soda, water, coffee, tea etc as much as you want during your whole stay at Disney. Every resort does this so you can go with your mug from resort to resort and drink away! Disney tries to control smoking around their resorts but there seems to be a lot more people smoking in Florida then other states, and no one thinks they are littering when they throw their butts on the ground. Cons – The cost keeps going up and it is close to $100 a night for the premium sites. Since I made my reservation a year ago they have raised the price three times and now they charge more if you are there for a weekend then they do for the week so that your rate is not the same the whole time. No Wifi except for three places around the park (for the price you pay they should have wifi). They charge you for the wifi $10 for 24 hours which is over $300 for wifi for a month and that is just for the internet nothing else. Our loop was quiet, but some of the other loops especially during the holiday weekend were noisy, but not during the week. They are planning some big changes here with adding or expanding sites to become pull throughs and more sites for the big, big rigs. I can’t imagine what they are going to charge for these changes. This campground went from not allowing pets to having one loop with pets to – during our bike rides we counted at least 10 loops for campers with pets so they have really changed their policy. Right now during the week the park was only a third filled but on the weekends totally filled – it used to be always filled.

$26 plus taxes. Long Key State Park is located on Long Key in Florida. Every site faces the ocean. There are 60 sites but some are for tents only. Big rigs can fit but the road in is narrow. It seems that there used to be more palm trees and underbrush between all the sites; but in the last year much of it has been cut down and cleared for many reasons. For some sites, even though they state partial shade, they are not really shaded. The ocean shore line is rocky but you can find sections to walk out and snorkel and there is a lot of boating in the area. It is a nice park; the bathrooms are clean, and the rangers helpful. In the park there are a few hikes, like the Golden Orb Trail/ Layton Trail/ a nature trail and they even have a canoe trail where you can rent a canoe and they give you a detailed map and pamphlet. We stayed two nights here. We rode our bikes all over the campground as well as the bike trail just outside of the park that goes all the way into Marathon. There are snakes in the park so one needs to watch their step when hiking on some of the trails. Fishing everywhere which is one of the biggest recreational draws of the Keys. It is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail so you do find some interesting and endangered birds in the park. Sea Turtles do nest on the beaches so they ask they you have lights out at night – but it is not patrolled like the South Carolina beaches. Interesting park and we will be back!

This is a very nice campground but busy. We had site 1 which faced the inlet and it was a good one. The campground used to be bigger but they have closed one loop, don’t know if this was because of hurricane damage or not. This State Park has a marina, restaurant, a number of fishing piers, beaches, birds (tons of Pelicans and Osbreys), picnic areas, two museums, boat docks and rentals. We rode our bike around and at night with all the lights it is beautiful. We camped for one night in May so it was not full and there were no host campers but they have two sites for them. Nice breeze from the ocean and the inlet and interesting watching all the people fishing. So many Pelicans and on the fishing pier we also were able to enjoy two Manatees swimming and coming up for air. Enjoyable campground! The beaches are a great place to surf, snorkel, skidoo and get some sun.

Rally Park – Lazydays – Seffner, Florida – right outside of Tampa off of I4. This campground is tied in with Lazydays, and if you go online they have an internet special for first timers there for three days and two nights. You must register ahead of time online. They will send you a letter and coupons for the meals. You get one of their almost 300 sites with water, electricity, and sewers. Complimentary breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday – 50 amp hook up, cable tv, wireless internet, morning newspaper delivery and rv seminars if you want them. There is a recreation center, laundry facilities, screened and heated pool and Jacuzzi, tennis, horseshoes and shuffleboard. There is a service center, plus the biggest selection of RV’s to look at. Tennis, horseshoes and shuffleboard, starbucks coffee all the time and concierge services. On site there is also a Flying J, Cracker Barrel, and camping world. I believe the rate for staying there without the first timers program is close to $20. When there is a big rally the rates may go up because of more activities scheduled but no matter what it is still a good deal.

This park is near Ft. Meyers, which is part of the Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway – first western lock. $12 with golden age pass. There are 30 sites with water and electricity and 8 boat sites. This campground is about ten miles off Interstate 75 and located on the Caloosahatchee River. It has exotic vegetation and tropical atmosphere. Every site but the two middle ones are on the water - either the salt water side or the fresh water side. Nice breeze even though today was over 90. All sites have a cement slab with covered picnic table, water and electricity, and fire pit. The lock is there but boats coming through the lock take place up river. There is a recreational section that is across the river but the drive around is about 8 miles but there is swimming at the recreational section. The campground has a dump station, hot showers, public phones, a fishing pier and picnic tables around the park for campers only off their sites. This is a very peaceful campground with very nice hosts. Our site was on the point between the split of the river – very nice. At night there was a full moon and with the lights from the lock and boat docks it was beautiful. It was so nice to sit outside late at night and just watch the moon’s reflection off the water.

County Park – water and electricity and close to $40 a day now for an rv (last year it was 25 – big jump). Florida has so many taxes on tourists, the tourist development tax, sale and county. Three loops in the campground – one for vans, tents and popups, one for rv’s and others with pets and one for rv’s etc. All the reviews have been right on about this campground – it is beautiful and the sites are private with a lot of shade. Ours was facing west over the gulf so the sunsets were beautiful with a nice breeze coming off water. There are bike trails, a fort and one of the best beaches in the country to walk, ride or drive to. The bathrooms could be more updated but they are ok and the showers are hot. Easy checkin and the campground is very quiet at night and even during the day. We went in May during the week for three nights so were able to get reservations for a site and there were many other sites available but they did have posted that they are booked every weekend through July. I know it’s very hard to get reservations here from January through April and I can see why. Everyone we met complained about how hard it is to get a site during those months. If you book though they do not give out refunds if you have to cancel but, you have a year to remake reservations. It worked out well for us because we canceled last year and stayed this year at last years price, and that was close to almost $15 a day difference. They do have laundry facilities, a camp store, playgrounds, dump station and a campers dayroom. Would love to come back but if only we could get reservations! There is a raccoon problem here from late in the afternoon through the evening and you can not leave any food out and even your coolers. The squirrels are brazen too one tried to sit in my husbands chair and join me eating peanuts outside. I had to go inside the camper to get rid of him.

John Dickerson State Park – Hobe Sound, Florida – two campgrounds Pine Grove and River – 24 plus tax – water and electricity. Pine Grove has 90 sites but this section was destroyed by a hurricane and there is limited shade. River is 4 miles in from the ranger station and it has 44 sites but these are well shaded and close to the boat dock, swimming, trails and bike trails. When we visited in early May there was no swimming because of bacteria or alligators. The River campground is not made for big rigs even though there are large sites the road in is narrow and hardly any room to back in – would not put anything more than a 25 footer in one of these sites. It was really hot when we were there so the Pine Grove sites you needed air conditioning until late afternoon. There are some nice bike trails there and the rangers were very nice.

Curry Hammock – listed as Marathon – 28 sites We stayed at Curry Hammock State Park for just one night and it is delightful. We had a water site. The park is clean and they imported a lot of white sand for this summer. Our site was just a walk away from the ocean and there are some trees there for shade in parts of the park. Bathrooms are clean but the toilets are upgrade pits but there are showers. This park has only been open for about 4 to 5 years but always closed after Memorial Day until November but this year they are staying open all summer. It did not show on the computer yet so if you want to go during this summer call for now. We did have reservations the second weekend in May but there were still sites available. There are over 1000 acres and there are thatch palms where the white-crowned pigeon finds his habitat. Two miles of the Overseas Railroad trail for hiking and biking to Marathon goes through the park. It’s a great place to kayak and canoe. We did snorkel but I can’t say it was as good as Bahia Honda. Plan to return – very peaceful with a nice breeze even on a hot day.

We stayed at this campground for one night the first weekend in May on our way to the Keys. It was hot and crowded. The campsite was full and the day area was packed on the Saturday. We definitely were the only ones speaking English. The day area has hiking areas and boardwalks that go to the spring. At the spring you can tube, snorkel, boat down the river to the swimming area bring your own equipment or rent it there. It is beautiful and I enjoyed snorkeling in the springs but it was over crowded. During the winter months the Manatees swim here and it is off limits for swimming, it must be very nice to see them and being cooler much more enjoyable. I believe this river runs north and the current is deceiving when you are trying to go up stream – very strong. The spring per day releases over 110 million gallons of water. The water stays at 72 degrees and being from New England the water felt warm to me but the Floridians were all complaining about how cold it is. It is not as cold as Alexander Springs where we have camped quite a few times because when you swim there you stay cold all day and it takes some time to get into the springs. One local swimmer was telling us that the springs at Blue Springs State Park are being destroyed because they don’t have showers for people to rinse off before they go in and the chemicals on the bodies are causing pollution and they let too many people use the park everyday. One girl on a raft was even smoking and you know where that butt was going to go when she finished it- could not believe it. Glad we camped here for one night but don’t know if I would return on a weekend during the hot months. I don’t think the State of Florida had enough help to manage this state park the way it needs to be done. This was our first camping in a Florida State Park in over ten years so maybe things have changed and they are directing their funds out of the parks.

This campground started in 1964, and has something like 80 permanent trailer sites and 250 travel trailer sites. We were put in a section with about ten others campers and tents, but this campground is huge with many different parts. The workers were very friendly, and you followed someone on a golf cart to your site. There are tropical birds all over the park and little duck ponds. The bathrooms could use an update but not very many people use them especially those living or staying in the park models. You can walk to the beach (long walk better taking a bike). The Sanibel beaches are sandy and beautiful, and they do have waves not like the Keys. Shells everywhere, and you see everyone bending over to collect them. They have boat rentals available at the Marina. This campground is the only one on Sanibel Island, and you can easily bike to everything – shops, restaurants, groceries and sites. We did drive to the Ding Wildlife Refuge and the Shell Museum but everything else we biked too – nice and level and wide bike lanes on both sides of the roads away from the main road. We did have reservations but a number of campers came in and were able to get a site without them. It is May and not there busiest time of year which is January through the beginning of April, and reservations are hard to come by at those times of the year. Their low season starts in June and the price drops down ten dollars for full hookups. Price is high, but the park is cute and it is on Sanibel and if you stayed in the parks across the bridge in Ft. Myers you would have to pay the $6 toll everyday. Enjoyable stay !

60 sites - $23 plus taxes. This campground is very interesting. The sites are all a good size with shade – water and electricity. Pretty campground. The restroom is in the center of the campground with a laundry and hot showers. There are grapefruit trees around and palm trees. On the grounds there is also a playground, picnic area, boat area and you can rent canoes to travel the Estero River which used to be the main route for goods to be shipped before route 41 was built. It is right off route 41 and the bike trails along that route. The rangers were very nice here and there is also the Koreshan Unity Settlement to visit on the park grounds. This is a must see and is a bike ride away from your site. This was a religious communal society established here in 1894. The grounds and many of its buildings were donated to the state of Florida in 1961. There are many buildings to visit and the walkways along the Estero River are quiet and peaceful. This was a hard working group who believed in hard work, education, the arts and music, security, order and a sense of achievement. There is a self-guiding trail using guidesheets or sometimes a ranger or host takes people on a tour. The self-guiding one is free and the host led tour costs around $2.00. The buildings are furnished and they have put up glass so that you .May with a cool breeze so it was very enjoyable walking around.

Assateague Island National Seashore – Assateague Island, Maryland sites ? April 19,20- $10 a night with golden age pass. We stayed at the National Seashore at the Oceanside Campground Loop 1. There are two campgrounds Bayside (The NPS has closed the three loops in the Bayside while they work on redoing the bathrooms etc – they are going to be open this summer) and Oceanside. Oceanside has two loops just a dune away from the ocean for RV’s, pop ups etc and tents as well as three loops just for tents that you have to walk in over the dunes. These are real nice and some of the sites the walk is not bad at all. There is a Maryland State Park Campground just before you enter the National Seashore – they have some electric and these sites are close together in a line. The National one has pit toilets and no hookups at all but climbing over one dune is the most beautiful beach that goes for miles with the softest sand. Sometimes you see campers riding their horses. The place is beautiful. The Bay sites face the Bay and on that side you can go clamming, crabbing, boating, wind surfing and kite surfing. There are miles of bike trails all over the island. I think everyone should visit this gem of our National Park System. Now the wild ponies – we saw them all over riding our bikes, along the roadside and a bunch came into our campground and campsite. The days we were there the full moon was out and the beach was just beautiful to watch from the boardwalks from the campgrounds.

James Island County Campground – Charleston, South Carolina - $27 plus tax – Site 34 – water and electricity. This campground run by the county is very interesting and the park itself is huge. Nice bathrooms with activity center, miles of bike trails, camp store etc. The park itself has a number of fields and ponds for everything – dogs, kids, fishing, splash center etc. Our site was on a little pond with a fountain in it near the activity center. We had shade, palm trees, birds and a swing to sit and watch everything. Very nice just make sure you follow the directions from the website not your GPS. They have a shuttle for a fee that takes you to Charleston Visitor Center (they even dropped us off at Fort Sumter) , or to Folly Beach and they are quite close to a Piggly Wiggly and a Wal-Mart. They have primitive sites for those that want to camp in the field without electricity. Their festival of lights at Xmas time is very well known and campers come from all over to spend weeks staying in the park. They are open year round and are full most of the year

Edisto Beach State Park – Edisto Beach, South Carolina -$23 plus tax and fees – site 23 Beach Campground – water and electricity. This campground has two sections one is in the woods where the sites are pretty, private and huge. Great walk in tent sites here! It is warmer in this section but not bad. The other is on the beach. Some of the beach sites are in a field and others are among the palm trees one dune away from the beach. Not as private as the other section. It is very relaxing here with a nice breeze blowing most of the day. The showers are hot! There are bike trails that go to the next campground as well as to the interpretive center, boat dock, forest trail and to the Spanish Mount. The trails are not paved but they are hard pressed. They go through beautiful palm trees and over bridges. The Spanish Mount Trail is interesting ending with a Mount that used to be over a half an acre wide and 20 feet high of crushed oyster and clam shells where they think the Indians used to have get together and celebrations. We really enjoyed the bike trails here. There is also a Piggly Wiggly, Package Store, Subway, Restaurant, Gas Station and State Beach across the street from the Beach Campground in walking distance. Campers in the beach section must keep their lights blocked from the beach at night so that the turtles will come out and lay their eggs. Bring extra drinking water because the water has a salty taste. Nice campground!

Hunting Island State Park – Hunting Island, South Carolina - $23 plus taxes site 47 – water and electricity. Another great SC campground. There are over 200 sites in this campground. Some loops are crowded while the loops in the woods have more private sites. We had a site right on the beach with the boardwalk right next to us and the waves putting us to sleep at night. Nice couple who checked us in on the road by the office and gift shop – fast, quick and easy. Nice beach and the palm trees are beautiful throughout the whole state park. We rode our bikes over to the main entrance and saw the Hunting Island lighthouse, gift shop and beaches. Nice area! We also rode on the nature trail which ended at a section that had been hit by a hurricane with trees down all over – very interesting. This was about a 45 minute ride over and back and if you wait until the tide is at low tide you can ride your bikes on the beach and be over there in 5 but if the high tide comes in you can’t get back that way so watch the tide charts. I can see why everyone raves about this campground!

Huntington Beach Campground – Huntington Beach, South Carolina - $23 plus fees and taxes – Site 3 – water and electricity. Sites? This campground is on the beautiful grounds of the state park and the former home of Archer and Ann Huntington – Atalaya (very interesting)which is open daily and free to explore. Brookline Gardens is across the site also built by the Huntingons. Beaches are beautiful, places to ride bikes all over the park and some sites are more private than others. Very peaceful, education center, marsh boardwalks, bird watching, alligators, palm trees. Enjoyable place to camp and we will be back! The only negative is that there is no privacy when trying to change up in the shower stall but the showers are hot.

Kiptopeke State Park, Cape Charles, Virginia -123 sites- $31 with electricity and water and cable April 21 I had heard good things about this state park just before you go over the Bay Bridge in Virginia to Norfolk. The rangers were very nice at check in and we arrived on a semi rainy day during the week so had no problems getting a site during the Spring. The bathrooms were big and clean but the showers have no place to hangup your towels or clothes or changing area. There is a number of walks to take and a beautiful beach with soft sand. A fishing pier that overlooks the bay with shipwrecks lined up and the bay bridge in the distance. This is a migratory bird flyway stopover for a number of birds on their way south or north. In the fall there are thousands of birds who land here of all types including butterfly's. There are over four miles of trails or hiking, bird watching and biking. We enjoyed our stopover here but would really like to return in the fall for the bird migration. I was told you need reservations for that time period and it is a good idea to have them for the summer and weekends.

Lums Pond State Park, Bear , Delaware number of sites 67- April 18- 27 with electricity. This is a 68 site campground with modern showers, a dumping station, picnic tables and grills. It also has 4 horse campsites. We have not camped at Lums Pond State Park in 14 years but have always used this as our first stopover and last stopover heading south from Rhode Island. It is beautiful. The trees are getting taller and it is a great place for families and for one to ride their bikes. There are now 8 sites and a couple of yurts with electricity but I would suggest that one make reservations for those. The bathrooms were very clean. If one drove around to the other side of the pond there was a boat rental place and picnic sites. They use to let you swim on the other side but because of state budgets cuts with lifeguards and a high bacteria count that has been stopped. In the campground there is a trail that goes around the whole pond and there is also a fishing pier. We saw turtles on logs and other wildlife in the pond. Lums Pond is Exit 1 off the Delaware Turnpike off I-95 in Delaware and then you drive down 8 miles. It is a good stopover for those from New England and especially if you plan to go down the eastern shore route through Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

Cedar Point Campground = Croatan National Forest, Cedar Point, NC Golden Age pass with electricity $8.50. This campground has 35 sites. The sites are spaced around two loops and all have lamp posts. There are no full hookups but there is a dump station and showers. It is very nice and peaceful with a host who comes around checking on everyone. There is a small fishing pier and boat ramp. The marsh and inter coastal waterway is perfect for kayaks and canoes to navigate the canals. There is a nice Tideland Trail for walking which goes through the salt marsh and the woods and on boardwalks over the marsh where crabs can be found. There are benches and interpretive signs to read along the way. This campground is close to Atlantic Ocean beaches in the area. It is very nice!

This is one of our favorite National Forest Campgrounds in the White Mountains along the Kancamagus. There are flush toilets and pay showers and the sites are big with lots of trees. It is a great place to ride a bike and it is along the Swift River. It is near the Russell-Colbath National Historic Place an 1830 homestead that you can walk too. When we were there, the new barn had fiddlers performing all through the day. There a few places to walk down to the river and some have a great place to swim in the summer. There is hiking near by and the whole highway is great for visiting with waterfalls, hiking and just relaxing. There are a number of campground hosts. They do not take reservations here but the campground fills up fast and is hard to get into in the summer. It is almost in the middle of this great highway and when the leaves are turning it is spectacular. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home and it was $19 a night and half for golden age. It is not open during the winter. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This campground is a New Hampshire State Campground located in the beautiful Franconia Notch with 97 wooded sites. It is open year round with no facilities, but not staffed after Oct 9 through about May 20. There are bike trails, hiking, skiing, fishing, swimming etc near by. At the campground the bike trail goes by and there are a number of hiking trails starting from the campground or across the street. This is one of my favorite campgrounds. They do take reservations and in the summer and fall holiday weekends, you need reservations. It is situated at the bottom of two mountains in a notch, a creek runs by and when you have a fire and the full moon is out, the leaves are turning like it was this past Oct – it is beautiful. They do have what they call premium sites so they charge more for them – which is almost all of those at this campground during the summer until Labor Day. We had no problems getting a site during the week in October. You need to check out the sites though because some are not level and hard to get into. There are no hookups but they do have nice showers and also a check in hut with a fireplace and store. The rangers are always friendly here. The bike trail goes from above Cannon Mountain all the way down to the Flume. Riding South to North can be tough but the other direction is great. The ride from the campground to the Basin is not bad though. Great for hiking, waterfalls, swimming in some of the waterfalls and lakes and just a great camping experience. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home and it costs 19 a night.

This is at the Fryeburg Fair which is one of the biggest fairs in New England, second to Springfield. Camping starts in 2007 for Sat September 29 through Sunday October 7. It is at the fair and they have over 3000 campers stay during the week. You can stay in the Trackside or Fairview areas. We stayed in the Fairview. This is bumper to bumper camping but with electricity and water, no bathrooms. There are showers though on the fairgrounds for pay. Considering it costs over $10 to park a camper in one of the parking lots around the fairgrounds, paying to camp for around $26 a night for water and electricity is not a bad price. The fairgrounds and everything going on is right there in walking distance. Tuesday is senior day for free entrance to get into the fair and they have nightly entertainment. It is a good time – you must stay at least two nights and most people stay for the week. This fair has lots to eat, great halls with homemade crafts, furniture, and events like the piglet run, skillet throw and the lumberman contests. It is different. The schools in this area are closed for this week; last year they had over 400,000 people attend the fair. Most campers that you see during this time even along the Kancamagus Highway are all heading to the Fryeburg Fair. It is also near North Conway, New Hampshire with all its discount shopping and great places to eat.

This is another New Hampshire State Park located in the beautiful Crawford Notch State Park. There are 36 sites that can be reserved and some are premium sites which cost more than the $18 a night we paid. The sites are all wooded. We camped in October during the week, when the leaves were turning and it was beautiful. There were only about 8 other sites taken. They have put in a new bathroom complex with showers and washer and dryers which is great. There is a ranger that checks up frequently but does not live at the campground. The campground is near hiking, rivers, waterfalls, skiing etc... It is located near a beautiful wild flower field that in October had butterflies all over it that you could walk up to and almost touch. It is also near Bretton Woods Ski Area and the Famous Mt. Washington Hotel, which encourages the public to visit. The hotel is worth a visit – it is beautiful and the wrap around porch looks out over Mr. Washington. They have golf, skiing, cross country skiing, horse back riding and lots of activities for families. It is an historic hotel which was where in 1944 the famous Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference was held, which set the gold standard around the world. It is a great place to camp because there are a lot of things to do. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home for $18 a night.

This was our first visit to Passaconaway. It is another National Forest campground along the famous Kancamagus in the White Mountains. There are no hookups or showers but some of the sites are along the Swift River. There are about 32 sites in the woods and some are just beautiful with the tall trees. It is a quiet campground with a host. It is so close to Jigger Johnson, that one can drive there to use the showers which are pay. This campground is not open in the winter, but it fills up in the summer after Jigger Johnson is full. There are campers that prefer this campground to Jigger Johnson. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home in the fall of 2006 and did not have problems getting in. It costs about $17 a night. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This is another National Forest campground in the White Mountains to the west of the village of Lincoln. It fills up in the summer on weekends, but when we were there in the fall 2006, there was only one other camper midweek and the host was not there. It costs about $17 a night and half for golden age. It has bathrooms but no showers or hookups. Across the street the Ammonoosuc River runs by and it is a pretty walk and picnic area. You can see the Mts. on a clear day. It is a quiet campground. We did not see any wildlife but moose have been spotted here often. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This is located in the White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire. The campground has 28 sites in a wooded area for about $17 dollars a night but with the golden age pass $8 a night. It is on the Kancamagus Highway and not far from the village of Lincoln and the information and hiking center for this area. One can walk to the Pemigewasset River to fish. There are a number of National Forest campgrounds in this area. There are no showers or hookups available. It was Ok, just depends what type of camping you like. In the summer most of these campgrounds on this highway are filled by Friday afternoon and sometimes during the weeks. This is one of the National Forest campgrounds that are open in the winter for skiers. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This is a National Forest Campground in the White Mountains with pay showers but no hookups and about 54 sites. It was about $18 a night but half with the golden age pass. It is a nice campground in a wooded section, the group campsites across the street are along the Mad River. The main road travels along to the Waterville Ski Area and is really a nice bike ride. We were there in October, there was only about one other camper there during the midweek but there is a ranger who stays there. Check closing dates many of the National Forests campgrounds are not open in the winter. We would camp here again. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This is a National Forest Campground on the Kancamagus Highway near the village of Lincoln and the Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire. It is near Loon Mt for skiing and there is a bike trail from Loon into the village of Lincoln where one can find stores and places to eat. The bike trail runs along the river and is very nice especially in the fall when the leaves are turning. This campground was $18 a night and half price for the golden age pass. It has two loops. The sites are large and shaded. There are no hookups or showers. There is a tent section that is beautiful. The sites are private and along the Pemigewasset River river. One can walk to the river and in the summer months there are a number of places to swim in your own private area. There are a lot of hiking areas in the White Mountains – it is a beautiful area. We really enjoyed this campground and plan to return. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the White Mt. region. It is open in the winter without facilities for winter campers many who cross country ski or downhill at Loon or Cannon. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home and no problems getting in – in September and October but heard that it does fill up quickly in the summer. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

This is a National Forest Campground that is open all year long but without services in the winter. There are no hookups or showers. It is a small campground about 26 wooded sites and it is located along the Mad River. There are some sites along the river. We camped there in the fall and the hose was there and three other campers. It is near Waterville Valley Ski area and the shops at the base of the Mt. The scenic Waterville Valley is a great place to hike in the summer. It was about $17 a night. We camped here in a 25 foot motor home in the fall of 2006. All of these National Forest campgrounds are on a self-pay system so make sure you have the exact change to put into the envelope.

I am not sure of the number of sites in Fundy but the serviced area at Headquarters had almost 50 sites. Fundy is a great place to hike, swim, ocean touring, play golf, tennis, and watch the biggest tides come in and out of the Bay of Fundy. There are three family campgrounds and two have electricity. Headquarters is the only one with electricity, water and sewers and the best view of the tides and within walking distance to Alma the golf course, visitor center etc, but the others have their advantages check out their web site – Chignecto has large wooded sites with some electricity but nice bike trails; Point Wolfe has few sites but they are open, quiet with swimming and great views. There are also a number of back country sites and primitive areas available. They have ranger programs every night alternating nightly in English or French and walks led by the rangers during the day. We have camped and visited Fundy over the last 40 years more than 5 times and love it. It is very near Hopewell Rocks which is a must see! The only negative thing is that Canada (National Parks) now charge for not only the campground but to get into the park – a daily rate which I think is high $8 per adult per day. If you have children who are over 16 they are charged the adult rate per day. So, for the 4 of us the camping rate was over 30 with w/e/s and then a daily rate of 32 dollars on top of that plus the $11 reservation. If you are planning to stay for a few days which most campers do the fees add up. At least the US National Parks the rate charged is for everyone in the car and it is for 5 days or even more in some parks.

Still one of my favorite Maine State Parks Campgrounds. Very scenic, quiet, lots of hiking and near Camden for shopping and the ocean. There are 107 campsites and they are planning within the next year to put in electricity on some of their sites. I don’t know if I am for that or not. It is a great campground as it is without the noise that sometimes electricity brings. Great place to retire!

Some great tent sites and there are some RV sites on the Bay. There is no electricity and most of the camping areas have pit toilets and water but the entrance of the campground has a nice washroom with showers. Great for hikes and for clamming when the biggest tides of the Bay of Fundy go out!

A great Maine State Park ( no electricity ). It is on Frenchman’s Bay and some of the sites have water views but there are hiking trails all along the edge of the Bay. Where else can you have lobsters delivered by a local fisherman delivered to your site for $6.

Located 5 miles south of Presque Isle with over 700 acres. Maine’s first state park. There are 30 sites in the woods with water and a washroom near the first sites. There is no electricity. The bathrooms have been redone. Very interesting – there are at least 7 private bathrooms with a shower stall and wash basin (great for families with small children). Very clean. There is a place to swim on a fresh water lake with a place to put in a boat. A quiet spot to camp with privacy in the woods and the drive on route 1 from Presque Isle or Houlton to get there is beautiful. The best part about this campground is that they have one of the nicest group of rangers working there that greet you at the entrance and offered all sorts of help and assistance. They drove around during the night and day to see if anyone needed help. There is a playground and 3 hiking trails up Quaggy Jo Mountain, which in the winter some of them are used as cross county trails.

On the northern, eastern acadian shore of New Brunswick on the river and bay with the warmest waters north of Virginia. This is a beautiful park with a number of campgrounds. South Kouchibouguac Campground has 311 sites and 46 with electricity, Cote-a-Fabien Campground has 32 first come first serve sites but no services and there is a number of canoeing campgrounds and backcountry sites all over the Park. South K takes reservations and the others are first come first serve. As in all Canadian Parks they have kitchen shelters for anyone to use especially the tenters when it is raining. These shelters have sinks, stoves, firepits, tables and a place to wash dishes – great for large groups. There are beaches for swimming, alot of hiking trails and there are great bike trails all over the park leading out from the campground. This summer we had to watch out for the jellyfish when swimming but on the pathway to Kelly’s Beach the bridge was a great place to stand and watch all the jellyfish swim by. They were beautiful. There are nightly programs (English & French), daily walks and one can rent bikes, boats etc. It is a great campground in a beautiful area. It is near the Irving eco-center with its long boardwalk going over the dunes (less than an hour away) – a must see. The only negative thing which I will repeat here from my Fundy assessment is that -the Canadian (National Parks) now charge for not only the campground but to get into the park (they have gone from no charge, to $5 per carload to a daily rate which I think is high $8 per adult per day). If you have children who are over 16 they are charged the adult rate per day. So, for the 4 of us the camping rate was over 30 with w/e/s and then a daily rate of 32 dollars on top of that plus the $11 reservation fee. If you are planning to stay for a few days which most campers do the fees add up. At least the US National Parks the rate charged is for everyone in the car and it is for 5 days or even more in some parks.

I am not quite sure how many campsites at New River Beach. Over 50 with electricity. The big beautiful beach is within walking distance. You have to keep track of the tides because it is on the Bay of Fundy with the biggest tides in the world. There are walks along the seashore and when the tide is out you can walk over to inlets with nature trails and islands. The sand is good and a great place to run. The park at the beach has a playground, restaurant, store, volleyball courts. The campsites are private but need to be check out to make sure you are level. Big rigs might have some problems here. It is a relaxing place and the employees at check in were friendly and very helpful. Plan to go back to this park!

This is the second time we have camped at Murray Beach – the last time over ten years ago. They have added sites – now there are 118 sites and 57 sites have electricity hookups. The camping sites are in the open fields with great views of the beach and ocean. It is a great place to run and it is close to the bridge over to Prince Edward Island (close in miles but single, narrow road through villages so time must be added). Big Rigs can camp here. The Confederation Bridge can even be seen on a clear day. Sea Kayaking, sun bathing, and sunset watching are done here. It is a beautiful spot with a nice beach. Cape Jourimain Nature Park is worth a visit when in the area right next to the bridge.

I do not know how many sites. Over 75 with electricity hookups. This campground is in a reasonable walking distance to Parlee Beach considered the best beach in New Brunswick with some of the warmest waters north of Virginia. This is a resort area with swimming, volleyball, some ports activities, restaurant and beautiful views. They have events planned at night at the beach like some local music talent – the group we listened too were excellent with their own CD’s. This park is also located in Shediac which is considered the lobster capitol of the world and downtown there is a big lobster that you can stand, climb etc for pictures. At night the town is lighted up on seagulls leading the way. Nice town! There is plenty of seafood but coming from New England the seafood is still cheaper then it was here because of the high prices in Canada. We had a nice site in the campground but everyone here is right next to each other – not much privacy. The bathrooms were fine but it is a crowded campground. I don’t think we will be back – not our type of camping.

This park is huge (1,359 acres) and has really been updated since we camped here 20 years ago. It is beautiful with two beaches, a golf course, volleyball, softball etc. There is a proshop and a restaurant/bar at the golf course which you drive through to get to the 300 campsites in a woody or open area with electricity. There is a campstore that also sells food and ice cream – very reasonable. This is a great camping experience especially for families with children. The park is very well maintained and the drive along route 105 is beautiful. We even saw a moose on the highway on our way there. I don’t know the exact price because they have a special – stay in one provincial park for 6 nights and get the 7th free or stay in 3 provincial parks in New Brunswick for at least 1 night each and get your fourth provincial park free for 1 night. This was our free night!

This is a New Hampshire State Park situated in the beautiful Franconia Notch. The mountains are above and the creek runs through it. Some of the sites are small but there are others in the meadow that big rigs can camp in. There are coin operated showers that are very hot and clean. The house at the entrance has a fireplace with a fire going, where anyone can gather, sit, read, talk and enjoy. When it rains and it is cold, it gets quite crowded The bike trails go through this park down to the flume and up passed Cannon Mt. They are great. One can visit the Old Man in the Mt (which is not there anymore), the basin, flume etc. Lots of hiking even from the campground. There is also swimming available down the road at Echo Lake. There are some sites right on the creek. One should check out their site - some areas are hard for a big camper to get around and when it is muddy it can be difficult. The loop to the right would be better for large campers. The only problem with this campground now is that they started taking reservations the last three years and now 88 of the sites are by reservation only. They have also decided in the New Hampshire State Parks to select some premium sites that cost $5 more from June 17 to Labor Day. So now you pay to make the reservation and then pay more for the premium site and it seems that most of them are premium. I think I liked it better when it was first come first serve, except to drive that distance and not get a site was a problem too. We had a beautiful site right on the creek and we rode the bike trails all over. The small town near by also has bike trails that head out to the White Mt National Forest. This campground looks out and up at the mountains all around it - it is beautiful especially in the fall. Great place. For those who can not live without utilities the State Park at Cannon Mt, just about a mile away has a few sites with electricity, swimming and views of the mountain - even during the winter months for those who snowmobile and ski.

This state park is just over the Sagamore Bridge at the entrance to the Cape. It is a nice campground, with the 285 sites set in pine and scrub oak. It is only a bike ride away from the bike path along the Cape Cod Canal. Nice ride. At the canal you can watch the boats travel up and down the canal to get to Boston or points north or points south. Sandwich is a nice little town on the Cape that is not as crowded in the summer like the rest of the Cape. This is a good campground to stay at to visit most of the Cape especially if you plan to take the ferries in Falmouth. There are a lot of campsites at this park but our site was private and very quiet. They now take reservations here.

I agree with the previous positive review. This is an excellent campground with an ocean breeze. Clamming is near by and one can ride a bike down to the small fishing village Galilee to buy clams and lobsters, go to the beach or take the ferry over to Block Island. It is almost impossible to get a reservation for this park in June, July and August. Many beaches near by. There are some sites not taken but call first. In May, the early part of June, September, and October you can find a site with no reservations during the week and some weekends. I would still call first to see how many sites are available. There is a big RV area with sewers that has an open look that looks out over an inlet (very pretty) but the other camping loop is private with trees and with electricity and water. There are tennis courts available and playing fields. Out of state residents pay $35 dollars for e,w and s and $25 for just w and e. If you can get in,it is a beautiful state campground.

This is an excellent campground if you like one with no showers, electric and sewers. It is in the White Mountain Natinal Forest so it is beautiful and some sites are able to see part of Mount Washington. You can hear the water running down the mountain from some sites and others are on a cliff overlooking the river depending on the season whether you can see it. There are very private sites and others that are in a meadow which can handle big rigs with great views of the mountains. This campground is used by a lot of campers that hike Mt. Washington and other mountains in the area.

This is another National Forest campground in the White Mountains. I love this campground. The sites are huge and private with a lot of tall trees. There is a river that runs in the back of the campground and one can walk to it (very close to some sites)and swim in the summer. Big groups are welcome here and it is still very quiet. It is on the Kancamagus Highway with river swimming, hiking and beauty. One can drive to the Old Man in the Mountain (which is not there anymore) or to North Conway for shopping and food in less than an hour. The golden age pass is accepted here with 50% off camping fees. They were not accepting reservations and generally you don't need them except for some busy weekends in the summer. This might change since there are a number of National Forests Campgrounds in this area that are taking reservations now so check online at the National Forest website.

This is one of the Maine State Park campgrounds which can be reserved for 2 or more nights on weekends and 1 or more on Sunday through Thursday (you don't really need reservations except for the summer and holiday weekends). This is a beautiful park that we have camped at many times on our way up the Maine coast heading to Canada or for an extended stay. It is on the coast - sites should be checked because some are for tents only but they are beautiful with water view. There are some sites for RV's in an open area and also in a secluded area that you need to backin and some are drive through right on the coast. The tent sites and some of the RV sites are some of the best I have ever seen on the rocky coast of Maine. There are 24 foot tides here heading up through the Bay of Fundy. One can go hiking, clamming or touring. Quoddy Head is near by and a visit to Roosevelt-Campobello Island is a must. Check passport requirements that will be needed within a year if you decide to cross over to Canada. The shores are rocky and beautiful with alot of wildlife. This is one of our favorite campgrounds and is not crowded like some of the other State Parks because it is on the Canadian border.

This is one of my favorite Maine State Parks. The campsites (62) are wooded and some in an open area. There are hot showers but no utilities. It is on Frenchman's Bay across from Mt. Desert Island. The views are beautiful and some sites look out to the Bay and all are in walking distance. Some of the sites slope down hill, so one needs to check out the sites but most are fine. Most sites are backins. There are hiking trails around the park, a boating and dock section, picnic area and a swimming beach just down the road. The sunsets are beautiful here. If you go down to the docks in the early evening you might be able to buy clams and lobsters right from the fishermen just coming in from their day's catch. This park is in a busy area in the summer between Ellsworth (ten minutes away) and Bar Harbor (20 minutes away) and Acadia National Park (20 minutes). Yet, if you stay here it is peaceful, beautiful and very relaxing. It is also close to the other Acadia (Schoodic P). It is only open between the end of May and about October 15. You can make reservations for 2 or more nights on weekends and 1 or more nights from Sunday through Thursday. There is a playground in the picnic area. Nice campground!

I really don�t want anyone to know about this campground because you can usually drive up and get a site, but it is a gem with no services. This is a state campground for RV�s only in a parking lot next to a beach looking out on the Atlantic Ocean, and an inlet where one can canoe. Some sites lookout on to the breachway where one can watch the fishermen and the other sites are in rows in the back. You can ride your bike around this area and there are also restaurants close by for seafood. There are only 75 sites here with a bathroom but no showers. It is on the beach and looking out to Block Island Sound. It is beautiful and peaceful. There are no reservations just first come first serve and the maximum stay is one week. The season runs from April 15 to Oct 31 and rates are with no services $14 for residents and $20 for non-residents with extra charges for additional cars. This campground is south of route 1 in southern RI in the town of Charlestown. For those with tents or if you want more services there is another RI State Park that offers camping and swimming -Burlington State Park just north of route1 in the same area.

Nickerson State Park is in the middle of Cape Cod - a great place to stay for a couple of days to tour this area. There are showers but there are also 8 fresh water ponds for swimming. There is a swimming area within the park that you can drive to but from many of the camping loops a walk down a hill is needed to find your own private little area. There are seven loops with 420 campsites in a pine/oak forests. The first 4 areas are close to the entrance which is good because this park has over 1900 acres. We have stayed here many times and have camped in all the loops. They all have their pros and cons. There was a storm this past winter so they closed the park but will open up again late in May. Loop 7 will remain closed for the season. One of the greatest things about this park is that there are paved bike trails that go all over and then hook up at the entrance of the park to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This trail has wonderful paved trails that go up and down the Cape. There are trails all over the Cape. There are even restaurants that have set up along the trail to offer food and water in some areas. The trails are safe for children of all ages. This park is hard to get into without reservations in the summer because of all the great Cape beaches near it and the National Seashore. There are ranger programs in the park in the summer and a newletter with all the National Seashore Activities, trails, hikes and talks can be picked up at the National Park visitor center which is close. Many families stay for at least a week and some for the max of 14 days. Others return every year for family vacations. Enjoy!

This is 1 of 2 campgounds in Acadia National Park. Blackwoods is located off the loop road near Bar Harbor and it is required to have reservations now from May 1 to mid Sept. You can take the chance and pull up and be placed on a wait list but you might have to move everyday. You have a better chance of getting in-in the Spring and Fall unless you make a reservation. There are no showers in the campground but some very close by. This is a great campgound. We have camped here maybe 15 times in the last twenty-five years,usually for 5 or more days and sometimes for two weeks at a time. Now they have the Island Shuttle Bus which comes to the campground, which is free(thanks to LL Bean) to take you to different sections of the park and to Bar Harbor, Northwest Harbor and Southwest Harbor. Southwest Harbor is where the other campground Seawall is-very pretty and first come first serve (only open May to early September). There is so much to do in Acadia - dirt bike trails on the carriage roads, hiking, ranger talks and hikes, beaches, tours out to some of the islands and a visit to Bar Harbor with its great shops and nice walk along the seashore. There are ranger talks at night with slideshows at the campground. To drive the loop you need to buy a pass for your car for $20 which is good for seven days. Lots to see and do and it is beautiful. Lots of wildlife. Visit the Acadia National Park site for more information. The campground is huge with two loops. The second loop where many of the RV's are, the sites are close but many are pull throughs. RV's can be placed in any loop though-some of the upper loops have huge sites. You need to check your site out because one time we could not get into our site because it was too small and the road was muddy but that was only once in fifteen times. We love this campground even though it does not have showers. There are pay showers right outside the campground gate. There are hiking trails right from the campground and one of them goes down to a rocky cliff way above the ocean where you can sit and read and enjoy the day (be careful with small children though because at the rocky edge you can slip). We have hiked this trail when our children were 2 and when they were 20 - you just need to be careful. The last time we camped at Blackwoods we did encounter a problem with RV's running their generators for a long period of time in the morning, during the afternoon and at night. It was so bad that when one camper finally turned theirs off after 2 hours everyone around them cheered, clapped and hooted. This has never happened before when we camped there but I don't believe they have generator hours like some other National Park campgrounds do, also it was in October and not in the summer when it is warmer. Trips to Northwest Harbor are fun because you can go down to the boats coming in and purchase clams and lobsters right off the boat. A ride over to the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland is a good days trip. It is part of Acadia National Park and the views are outstanding. Blackwoods campground had different rates depending on the season. The basic season runs from May 1 to October 31 then the bathrooms are shut down but it is open year round. Check this out because this year they closed October 31, 2005 until May 2006 to make repairs in the campground. It is a great place and the kids will love all the activities. Ours loved the drive up the mountain at night to view the stars and the flashlight walks through some of the trails. There is a paper of the weekly walks, talks, activities etc at the visitor center which you can pick up. There is a pond for swimming and a few beaches around the island. I do not know anyone that has not fallen in love with Acadia National Park - it is a wonderful place to camp and visit.

This is one of the Maine State Park campgrounds which can be reserved for 2 or more nights on weekends and 1 or more on Sunday through Thursday. There are some beautiful sites in the woods but there are some sites in the meadow for big rigs. This campground is up high over Camden which is a beautiful seaside community with great little shops. The park has a toll road and hiking trails to the top of Mt. Battle for panoramic views of the harbor. It also has private picnic sites and hiking trails down the hill from the campground that you can walk too with some beautiful views of the bay. We have camped here many times in the last twenty-five years as we head up the coast of Maine going to Acadia National Park or on our way to Canada. The rangers are very nice. It's a good place to stay awhile to visit along the coast or just for a one night stopover. We like the first loop on the right. Great campground and adorable town. The library in town should be seen - part of it is built underground and they do have computer access there. Don't miss the Oreo cows in a pasture near town pass the library. In the Fall they gave us a discounted rate.

Mount Blue State Park is another state campground that reservations can be made for two nights on weekends and one night Sunday through Thursday. This campground is up a mountain with a beautiful beach that the kids will love. It is in western Maine and the sites are very private with a lot of trees between sites. We have camped here about 5 times in the last twenty-five years. Some times when it is not crowded it is so dark and scary. We have never made reservations but on some holiday weekends you might need too. You can hike, swim, mountain bike, horseback rid, ATV riding, boat, fish and picnic here. There are ranger led talks on weekends in the summer. Nice and cool in the summer. Beautiful spot. Nice spot to camp in the fall for the fall colors. Enjoy! There are no electric or water sites though.

Quechee State Park is located in the Quechee Gorge Area. There are 611 acres there and the campground is next to the gorge which has a 200 foot drop. There are hiking trails down the gorge, where one can jump in for a swim at your own risk. It is beautiful. One can stand on the RT 4 and look down the gorge. There is also a Glass Blowing Mill and Pottery Shop at the top of the gorge (highly rated). We always stop here when camping for a night or two. Reservations can be made for 2 or more nights. Easy to get into on a first come first serve during the week, but we have found it becoming more difficult in the summer to get a site on a weekend without a reservation. Quechee is near Woodstock, Vt a nice town to visit. It is also near North Hartland Lake for swimming and fishing, Billings Farm Museum, the VINS Nature Center and within driving distance of the Coolidge Homestead (worth a visit). It is a beautiful and peaceful area but can become congested in the summer.

This is another great Maine State Park way up north on Moosehead Lake. The sites were wooded and many right on the water. We had a wooded site and it is quite private and peaceful. There are hot showers but no utilities. You can boat, fish, swim, hike and see a lot of wildlife. Just outside the park we saw a number of moose on different days. Be careful though -they are big and will be protective especially the mothers with their young. It gets very dark at night even in August, if you are in a wooded campsite, so bring flashlights. It is a beautiful area of Maine and the campground is great.

This campground is close to Plymouth and near the Cape. It is big with many loops all over the park in a beautiful natural setting. Some campsites are on one of the sixteen ponds, yet other sites are near the ponds but in a forest with pitch pine and scrub pine. The Charge Pond area has the biggest sites with not much shade, where you can walk down to a pond for swimming. Some of the other loops have sites right on the water with a lot more shade. The showers and restrooms were clean. This state forest has 15 miles of paved bike trails which are close to all the campground loops and 13 miles of hiking and 35 miles of equestrian trails. They even have one loop in the Charge Pond area that is only for those camping with horses. See the website for more information. This is a nice campground but there are times on holiday weekends where the groups camping together in the Charge Pond area can get rowdy (July 4). It is still better than it was 15 years ago. Yet, the Charge Pond area is still one of our favorite areas and is a great place for a family.