An activity on just about everybody’s list during their camping trip is going for a hike. It is a time-honored camping tradition and for good reason. You get an up-close look at your surroundings and can take your time getting to know a natural area. Most campgrounds have hiking trails adjacent to them so you can really enjoy and explore your surroundings. Below are seven of outstanding campgrounds with hiking trails around the country to get you inspired for your next hiking-camping trip.
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1. Walk In the Water Campground Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, Florida
The land comprising the Lake Wales Ridge Forest is prized for its unique plant life. In fact, the scrub ecosystem that thrives along the ridge has some of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants in the entire continental United States. The park has many recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The real standout here is the hiking. The trail system traverses a multitude of terrains from forest wetlands to scrub drylands. Hikers have two trail options directly from the campground: the Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Loop Trail. Additionally, the state forest has other hiking trails featured in the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker Hiking Program close to these campgrounds with good hiking trails. There are only eight campsites here for a truly wild and fun camping and hiking experience.
2. Little Pine State Park, Pennsylvania
Little Pine State Park is set beside the expansive mountain section of Tiadaghton State Forest in the PA Wilds. The PA Wilds is a land mass in north central Pennsylvania that covers 25 percent of the state and is one of the biggest blocks of green space in the eastern United States. The park itself and the larger surrounding area are a wonderland for miles and miles of hiking exploration, making it a great campground with hiking trails. Traverse mountains, hills, creeks, and through forests to lakes and rivers. Listen to nesting bald eagles, songbirds, and herons. Spy otters and beavers in the waterways. There are 110 camping sites, including two yurts and three cottages.
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3. Makoshika State Park, Montana
Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika State Park is a quintessential badlands landscape rich with geological formations and dotted with pine and juniper. An extensive set of hiking trails lets visitors explore the fascinating, rugged topography. Many dinosaur fossils have been discovered in the area too. The visitor center exhibits reveal the area’s storied geologic and fossil history. This wonderful campground with hiking trails offers campers 28 sites, including a large yurt or two tipis.
4. Staunton State Park, Colorado
Set amidst rugged mountain scenery, Staunton State Park is a hiker’s delight. Over thirty miles of hiking trails allow you to explore the diverse ecosystems of high grassy meadows, and flowing waterfalls. and soaring granite cliffs. The varied geology supports a wide and rare collection of plants and wildlife. You may spot moose, black bear, mountain lion, elk, deer, fox, coyotes, marmots, and many bird species. Hike in the park’s forest of pines, spruce, fir, and aspen trees in any season thanks to the park’s year-round opening. This park has 25 tent campsites, all hike-in only, and ranks among the best campgrounds with hiking trails for outdoor lovers looking for an authentic wilderness experience.
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5. October Mountain State Forest, Massachusetts
The largest state forest in Massachusetts, October Mountain State Park is a haven for hikers. Hiking trails are available for every level of experience and include sections of the famous Appalachian Trail. One of the most scenic trails leads through Schermerhorn Gorge, a striking natural feature that has beckoned generations of geologists to its wondrous formation. The varied forest terrain is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals. These campgrounds with hiking trails have quite a few options for campers, including 44 campsites and three yurts that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Note that campsites are open through October 9, so get your spot this season today!
6. Geode State Park, Iowa
Geode State Park is known, as you might have guessed, for its many colorful geodes that bring in “rock hounds” from far and wide. The park, however, is also an outstanding spot for hiking enthusiasts with several trails traversing the park. The main trail starts at the north end of the lake and takes you through the forest alongside the water all the way to the end of the lake at the dam. There are several other trails that round the lake from different spots, and all can be connected to walk fully around the large lake. Additionally, the Southeast Iowa Bike Route is a forty-six-mile trail that connects Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Geode State Park. Hikers and cyclists take this route that winds through southern Iowa woodlands, pastures, and lush cornfields with loads of rolling hills and the occasional flat terrain. There are 91 campsites and the park is open year-round.
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7. Letchworth State Park, New York
Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is quite simply one of the most scenic spots in the eastern U.S. The area is cloaked in a lush forest thick with a variety of vegetation and wildlife. The crown jewel of the park is the Genesee River that roars through the main gorge. Three major waterfalls flow between cliffs topping out at 600 feet. Hikers have the luxury of choosing between 66 miles of hiking trails that explore this special area. There are 338 reservable campsites in total. The 257 standard campsites are open until October 10, and the 81 cabins close at various times during the fall, with the last set closing on November 27. So make your reservations for a fall trip at these campgrounds with good hiking trails today!
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!