10 Top Camping Locations in the South

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, many of us develop an that itch that can only be scratched by packing up the truck, pitching a tent and spending a few nights under the stars. But camping isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s an adventure in its own right. Whether you’re craving a rugged backcountry escape, a breezy beachside retreat or a quiet spot beside a trout stream, the South is packed with incredible places to set up camp. Here are 10 of the best.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Tennessee/North Carolina

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrated for its misty peaks, rich biodiversity and miles of hiking trails. This park is a dream for both avid hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, with sightings of black bears, wild turkeys and whitetail deer common throughout most of the area. Some of the more popular places to camp are Elkmont Campground, Cades Cove and Smokemont Campground, all of which are stunning this time of year. Alternative lodging options include LeConte Lodge, which sits atop Mount LeConte and offers rustic cabins accessible only by hiking, and numerous rental cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Cherokee.

Big Bend National Park

• Alpine, TX

Located in West Texas along the Rio Grande, Big Bend offers a starkly beautiful desert landscape, remote campsites and some of the best stargazing in the country. Mid-summer temps can be brutal—even dangerous—so consider making the trek during late spring or early fall. However, if you stay vigilant with the forecast, you can luck out with a milder weekend or make the most of water activities. The Chisos Basin Campground, surrounded by rugged mountains, is perfect for hiking the South Rim and Lost Mine trails. However, for an even more remote experience, you should look at the Rio Grande Village Campground, which provides riverside camping and canoeing along the border.

Congaree National Park

• Eastover, SC

Located 20 miles southeast of Columbia, S.C.., Congaree’s old-growth bottomland forest provides a unique camping experience among towering bald cypress trees and slow-moving waterways. Longleaf Campground is the main developed site, providing easy access to the Boardwalk Loop and Cedar Creek, a haven for kayakers and anglers. Those looking to take an extra step off the grid should take a look at Bluff Campground, which allows visitors to escape into a true backcountry experience, with primitive camping deep in South Carolina’s swamplands. Be sure to pack a tent fan to battle the heat and humidity, and lots of bug spray for the mosquitoes.

Hot Springs National Park

• Hot Springs, AR

Situated in central Arkansas near the city of Hot Springs, this historic park offers the perfect balance of leisure and outdoor adventure. Gulpha Gorge Campground, the park’s only developed campsite since 1924, is set along Gulpha Creek and offers scenic views and easy access to hiking trails leading to the iconic hot springs. Whether you’re one to explore the wilderness or kick back in the historic bathhouses located in the downtown area, Hot Springs offers something for everyone. Additionally, nearby Lake Ouachita State Park provides a beautiful setting for camping and opportunities for boating and fishing.

Gulf Island National Seashore

• Florida/Mississippi

Stretching along the Florida Panhandle and in Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers beach camping at its finest. There are options galore, but it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Fort Pickens Campground offers access to pristine beaches, historic fortifications and crystal-clear Gulf waters perfect for swimming and kayaking. For a quieter coastal escape, Navarre Beach Campground certainly stands out, known for its peaceful surroundings and sunsets over the Gulf. However, if surf fishing is on the menu for you and your party, look no further than St. George Island State Park, which boasts miles of undeveloped shoreline.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

• Trenton, GA

Located on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, Cloudland Canyon pairs breathtaking beauty and family-friendly amenities. The West Rim Campground offers stunning views of the canyon, while East Rim Campground provides a more secluded experience surrounded by lush woods. For those seeking a unique stay, the park also offers cozy yurts for a more comfortable camping experience with a rustic touch. Hikers will love the park’s extensive trail system, which leads to beautiful, hidden waterfalls and panoramic views across the deep gorge cut through the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek. Needless to say, the park lives up to its name.

DeSoto State Park

• Fort Payne, AL

Also perched on Lookout Mountain, but just across the state line, DeSoto State Park offers a similar, awe-inspiring setting. Here, cascading waterfalls, scenic trails, great fishing spots and heart-stopping vistas abound, with plenty to offer campers. True adventurers may prefer the Primitive Campground or backcountry sites, but full amenities make the Improved Campground a win for RV campers and casual campers alike. The quaint town Fort Payne is just down the road, providing easy access to any essentials you might need.

Kisatchie National Forest

• Pineville, LA

Located in the heart of Louisiana, Kisatchie offers a dramatic mix of rolling hills, pine forests and crystal-clear streams, making for an excellent camping setting. The Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, known for its lakeside access and awesome swimming opportunities, is one of the more popular landing spots for visitors. Those seeking a more secluded location might consider Lotus Camp, which offers some of the more primitive camping on this list, deep in the forest. Canoeists, however, will find their dream destination along the Kisatchie Bayou, which winds its way through towering cypress trees in true Louisiana fashion. For this, Cloud Crossing Campground is unquestionably the ticket.

Tishomingo State Park

• Tishomingo, MS

Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range, Tishomingo is one of northeast Mississippi’s hidden gems. Known for its striking rock formations, clear-running streams and lush forested trails, this park belongs on every camper’s bucket list. If you’re looking for a lakeside retreat, Haynes Lake Campground provides some of the best water views and fishing opportunities in the area. However, many campers opt for the park’s renowned cabins to enjoy a rustic yet comfortable stay. If you make the trip to Tishomingo, find time to visit the iconic swinging bridge, a must-see landmark.

Beavers Bend State Park

• Broken Bow, OK

Located in southeastern Oklahoma near Broken Bow, Beavers Bend features a balanced mix of fishing, hiking and paddling. Rugged hills and pine forests create a unique landscape, but it’s the crystal-clear waters that keep visitors coming back. It’s become more popular over the years, with Hochatown State Park Campground being the hub for most newcomers. However, versatility is one of Beaver Bend’s greatest attractions, with the Beavers Bend Group Camp comfortably accommodating larger groups and Coon Creek Campground offering riverside camping for swimmers and anglers.

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• Related: 10 Top Camping Locations in the East, Midwest and West.

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