Sunshine is coaxing the buds into bloom as days get longer and temperatures climb across the southern U.S. While much of the country is grappling with the last storms of winter, boats are back on the lakes, hikers are back on the trails and kids are splashing in the surf in the sunny south.
From the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, camping down south in springtime is like a breath of fresh air. Blue skies greet you in the morning and cool nights are tailor-made for roaring campfires and snuggling in your sleeping bag. With the heat and humidity of summer still months away, it’s the perfect time to indulge your wild side with a spring camp-out in one of the south’s great state parks. You can shake off winter’s chill and enjoy your own version of “spring break” in the outdoors. We rounded up nine great southern campgrounds, plus the best water activities for each region.
Embrace fun in the sun with a spring camping trip in these southern state parks.
1. Explore the Coral Reefs of the Florida Keys
Where to Camp: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo, Florida
For a spring break camping trip with a tropical flair, visit America’s first underwater state park in the Florida Keys. The 70-acre Pennekamp Park has sugary white beaches and blue-green waters teeming with parrotfish, tangs, grouper, sea turtles and more. Snorkel over the sea whips and brain coral on the reef, or sign up for one of the daily scuba trips. You can even get PADI open water certified while you’re there. The state park campground offers RV, trailer or tent campsites year-round.
Recommended: Complete Florida Campground Guide
2. Paddle the Georgia Coast
Where to Camp: Crooked River State Park St. Marys, Georgia
A campsite under Spanish moss, oak and pines along the Crooked River is your put-in for a kayak excursion along the Intercoastal Waterway to Cumberland Island National Seashore. You’ll see dolphins, otters and osprey in the marshes, and wild horses, alligators and armadillos on the island. Pull your boat out at Plum Orchard to tour the turn-of-the-century winter residence of the wealthy Carnegie family. Experienced paddlers can continue the trip to the Atlantic side of the island for beachcombing to find sand dollars and shark’s teeth. The state park campground welcomes RVs, trailers and tents, with bonus amenities including a picnic area, nature center, playground and boat dock.
3. Play in Mountain Waterfalls
Where to Camp: Gorges State Park Sapphire, North Carolina
Three waterfalls along the Horsepasture River provide a week’s worth of outdoor adventure in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. At 150 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest, with plenty of boulders for your post-swim picnic lunch. A quarter-mile upstream at Turtleback Falls, a natural waterslide plunges you into the deep swimming hole at the bottom. In contrast, the peaceful 10-foot cascade at Hidden Falls is just far enough off the trail that you may have it all to yourself. At day’s end, return to your primitive campsite for peace and quiet, or enjoy the communal picnic area amenities.
Recommended: Complete North Carolina Campground Guide
4. Bike the Barrier Island Beach
Where to Camp: Anastasia State Park St. Augustine, Florida
Four miles of wide and undeveloped beach on the Atlantic Ocean is an easy bike ride to the northern tip of Anastasia State Park, a barrier island an hour south of Jacksonville. You’ll only have to share the beach with the terns, black skimmers and pelicans along this stretch of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail. Linger in the sun and surf or continue riding to the historic coquina quarry and lighthouse near the park entrance. The state park campground welcomes RV and tent campers, and their leashed pets, year-round with picnic tables and barbeque grills. Pets are not allowed on the beach.
5. Sail & Windsurf on the Gulf
Where to Camp: Cypremort Park State Park Cypremort Point, Louisiana
The protected half-mile stretch of beach south of Lafayette is a haven for watersports on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Launch your sailboat in the warm waters of Vermilion Bay or kayak out to the barrier islands to paddle the tidal marsh. Learn to windsurf right off the beach or put your boat in at the dock for a day of waterskiing or just hanging out in the sunshine. Cabin camping is available here, with individual boat slips, picnic pavilions, barbeque pits and large grassy recreational areas.
Recommended: Complete Louisiana Campground Guide
6. Hike to Wildflowers & Waterfalls
Where to Camp: DeSoto State Park Fort Payne, Alabama
With over 30 miles of rocky climbs, easy walks through wildflower meadows and boardwalk strolls in the forest, there’s a hike for every age and level of hiker at DeSoto State Park in northeastern Alabama. The Little River runs high across Lookout Mountain in spring, pumping water over DeSoto, Laurel and Lost Falls like no other time during the year, and the forest floor comes alive with a carpet of delicate trillium, bloodroot and snowdrop flowers. The park offers backcountry primitive sites, full hookup tent and RV camping sites and rustic cabin rentals, plus pavilions, picnic tables and a swimming pool.
7. Run the Whitewater in Tallulah Gorge
Where to Camp: Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Two miles long and 1,000 feet deep, the Tallulah River Gorge is one of the top destinations in Georgia for experienced whitewater kayakers. Spring dam releases bring big water and playboaters looking to ride the class IV-V rapids. If spectating is more your style, take a picnic out to Inspiration Point or one of the park overlooks on the north and south rim of the canyon. The state park campground welcomes tent, trailer and RV campers, and primitive campers can find a quiet site in the backcountry shelters.
Recommended: Complete Georgia Campground Guide
8. Test Your Angling Skills on Lake Martin
Where to Camp: Wind Creek State Park Alexander City, Alabama
Over half of Wind Creek State Park’s border on the shores of Lake Martin makes this park one the state’s top fishing destinations. This spring, catch largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, catfish and bluegill, just to name a few. Gear up and rent a boat at the marina for your day on the lake. The state park campground offers a variety of waterfront campsites, in addition to premium sites that include TV service. Cabins with kitchenettes and private bathrooms are also available.
9. Cruise the Waters of Lake James
Where to Camp: Lake James State Park Nebo, North Carolina
Drive-to and boat-in campsites right on the lake and two public boat ramps make Lake James a top pick for a spring boating vacation. Tucked against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains an hour east of Asheville, Lake James is quiet and family-friendly, with limited lakefront development for a true wilderness getaway. There are over 6,800 acres of water, with plenty of quiet coves to explore by kayak, and wide open expanses for sailboats, pontoons and motorboats to spread out and drop anchor. Picnic areas, group grilling stations and fire rings sweeten the lake-side camping experience.
