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From Maine to Florida, the east coast of the United States is loaded with beautiful campgrounds ripe for planning your next vacation. For many people, camping is a great way to disconnect from a rapid paced life and experience nature at its fullest. With activities like hiking, fishing, and cooking over an open fire, camping can be a treasured memory for many individuals and families. Just disconnecting from technology and sleeping outside are two very simple ways that camping can soothe the soul. So whether you are searching for a coastal retreat or a wooded environment, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Here are a few worth exploring:

Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

Located in northern Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park is a scenic area comprised of 13,050 acres that span across three counties. The park is most known for its Falls Trail System, a seven-mile trail loop where hikers can view up to 22 waterfalls, the highest being the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Campers can choose traditional tent camping or bring their own trailer to set up at one of the 120 campsites complete with electricity and water hookups. The campground provides visitors with access to hot showers, flush toilets, and sanitary dump stations as well. The park also has modern cabins available for rent which may work well for those newbies who are not ready to acquire camp gear just yet. Aside from hiking the 26 miles of accessible trails, visitors have access to Lake Jean where they can rent boats, go fishing, or simply stay beachside and catch some rays.

Assateague State Park, Maryland

If you are looking for a truly unique experience, look no further than camping at Assateague State Park. The park is established on a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic ocean on one side, and a bay on the other. What makes this destination unique is not only it’s oceanfront access, but the amount of wildlife present. Assateague is home to wild ponies, among other animals like deer and waterfowl. Campers are provided with a picnic table and firepit at each site. Bathhouses with showers and toilets are also available for access. Collect seashells, sunbathe, or fish alongside the two miles of ocean beaches, or head to nearby Ocean City, MD for plenty of dining and shopping options. Camper beware: sunscreen and bug spray is a MUST for camping at Assateague!

Fort Yargo State Park, Georgia

A beautiful park full of recreational activities, Fort Yargo is an excellent family destination located between Atlanta and Athens. Campers have plenty of overnight options to select from including cottages, cabins, yurts, and campsites all available for planning ahead of time with reservations. The property is home to a 260-acre lake, 20 miles of trails, and tons of activities such as disc golf and mini golf. Fort Yargo also features a log fort built in 1792, which is one of the only remaining forts built by settlers. So, you can pick up a little history on your visit. Also, if you are new to camping, Fort Yargo participates in Georgia’s first-time camper program, which provides families with camping equipment before they invest in their own. Kids can take part in camping lessons and ranger-led hikes which is a great way to integrate young people into the world of outdoor adventure through camping.