Photo by pixdeluxe via iStock
For those who live in the southeastern part of the U.S. and want to escape the busy cities and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, camping is a wonderful pastime. Camping lets us slow down, spend time with loved ones, disconnect from technology, and embrace the beautiful outdoors.
In this camping guide, we’ll first recommend our favorite off-roading trailer for camping in the Southeast. Then, we’ll explore four amazing places to camp in the Southeast across four states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. Lastly, at the end of the article, we’ll share a handful of other excellent campgrounds in the Southeast.
Now, without further ado, it’s time to dive in and discover where the best camping in the Southeast is!
Check out the video above by Simply Must Go to learn more about some of the best places to overland in the Southeast.
Table of Contents
- The Best Trailer for Camping in the Southeast
- Best Camping in the Southeast: Alabama
- Best Camping in the Southeast: Florida
- Best Camping in the Southeast: Georgia
- Best Camping in the Southeast: Tennessee
- Final Thoughts on the Best Camping in the Southeast
The Best Trailer for Camping in the Southeast
When people think about the Southwestern United States, camping is not always the first thing that comes to mind…
There are many reasons for that, but two main ones are the hot, muggy weather and the wildlife. So, how do you combat mosquitoes, alligators, and 100-degree days with 100% humidity? A camping trailer!
Camping trailers allow you to explore the backcountry in comfort and style while protecting you from the harsh Southern environment. With that in mind, one of our favorite trailers for camping in the Southeast is the Anzac GFC Moto Hauler by Rustic Mountain Overland.
Thanks to its premium build quality, outstanding durability, and bad-ass off-roading features, it’s ideal for exploring the Southern U.S. states (and all other states!). Its 15-inch wheels, 31-inch all-terrain tires, and high ground clearance are three specs that jump out right away. They allow you to go where you want, when you want, regardless of road or weather conditions.
Other notable features include its insane carrying capacity and the roomy rooftop tent. The large storage bay measures 48 x 99 inches and is spacious enough to transport bulky gear such as motorcycles, bicycles, quads, etc. At the same time, the tent can comfortably sleep two or three people and has direct access to the storage bay, which is super convenient for those rainy days when you need to grab some gear, but don’t want to exit the trailer to do so.
Ultimately, what really makes this a great trailer is the combination of features and capabilities that the Rustic Mountain Overland team has put into it. This sucker is well-built, trail-ready, and fully capable of being your base camp for your next Southeast camping adventure!
Best Camping in the Southeast: Alabama
Photo by George Dodd via iStock
While Alabama has plenty of great places to camp, there’s no doubt in our minds that you will find the best camping in Alabama at Gulf State Park Campground. It’s located one and a half miles from multiple gorgeous white sand beaches and is the perfect place to relax for a weekend and soak up the sun.
The campground features 496 sites with full hookups (ideal for trailers, RVs, vans, etc.) and eleven primitive sites for people sleeping in ground tents. All the full-hookup sites have access to electricity, picnic tables, and barbeques. Moreover, the facilities have eleven newly renovated bathrooms, a swimming pool, pickleball courts, a camp store, and more.
Best Camping in the Southeast: Florida
Photo by Robert DelVecchio – OcuDrone via iStock
When discussing the best camping in Florida, you must start with Everglades National Park. It’s the most-visited National Park in Florida, and for good reasons—it’s home to an abundance of wildlife, endless activities, and multiple campgrounds. Popular activities in the Everglades include bird watching, boating, biking, and going on ranger-led park tours.
For people who like frontcountry camping, you have two options: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Long Pine Key has 108 campsites (none with electric hookups), while Flamingo has 274 sites (41 with electric hookups). Alternatively, a handful of wild camping sites are scattered around the park.
Learn More:
- Camping in the Winter: 4 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the U.S. Southwest
- 4 Ways to Have an Epic Off-Road Camping Experience
Best Camping in the Southeast: Georgia
The best camping in Georgia is found inside Amicalola Falls State Park. Since the park is only a little more than an hour’s drive from Atlanta, it’s the perfect place to escape for a weekend. The park has 24 traditional campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers, all of which have a picnic table, fire ring, and access to water.
Something that makes Amicalola Falls State Park unique is that it also has glamping sites, cabins, and a lodge where people can stay. The park’s main attraction is the stunning 729-foot waterfall, but you can also try other family-friendly activities such as zip lining, archery, or axe throwing.
Best Camping in the Southeast: Tennessee
Photo by D. Lentz via iStock
Here’s a fun fact: I bet you didn’t know that year over year, the most-visited National Park in the U.S. is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That said, it should come as no surprise that the best camping in Tennesee is at the park. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance to secure a site! We also recommend visiting outside of summer to avoid the large crowds.
Ten frontcountry campgrounds are located inside the park, with the biggest being Elkmont Campground (211 sites). However, please be aware that many of the park’s campgrounds are seasonal and only open in the summer. If you are interested in winter camping, a good option is Smokemont Campground. The park also has backcountry, group, and horse campsites.
Final Thoughts on the Best Camping in the Southeast
Photo by ferrantraite via iStock
Now that you know where to go for the best camping in the Southeast, what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect itinerary today! And while you’re at it, why not make your camping adventure even more memorable by investing in a camping trailer like the Anzac GFC Moto Hauler?!?!
Are you interested in purchasing a camping trailer but aren’t sure the Anzac GFC Moto Hauler is quite the right fit? If that’s the case, check out the list below of other great trailers made by Rustic Mountain Overland:
Finally, as a thank you, here are a few more breathtaking campgrounds in the Southeastern US worth visiting on your next road trip:
- Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina
- Carter Caves State Park, Kentucky
- Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!