Sprawling forests and uncrowded beaches make New England a camper’s paradise.
From the brisk, rugged coasts of Maine to the quaint lake cottages of New Hampshire, New England is a camper’s paradise. This multi-state region offers a diverse range of activities, whether you’re visiting White Mountain National forest for some paddling or you’re biking across coastal Rhode Island. Nature trails, oceanfront camping and even glamping are available here. New England is also a great destination for adventure lovers because it’s easy to get away from the crowds and truly experience the natural side of this beloved area.
Majestic trees meet Atlantic waters in Acadia National Park, a family-friendly nature getaway for campers of all stripes. From Hull’s Cove Visitor Center, you can take the park’s scenic drive to Sand Beach for a swim. Hikers can then enjoy the trek to Otter Point, which provides stunning views of the coastline, or take the Cadillac Mountain Loop hike. In addition to hiking trails, the park has numerous campsites and campgrounds available.
A great place for quiet beach camping, Cape Cod has options with rv sites, cabins, family camping and everything in between. Far from the bustle of Boston, you can find bike and kayak rentals along the cape, with some good options in Provincetown. Cape Cod National Seashore is a haven for adventure and play, and there are a few state parks with pristine beaches, including South Cape Beach State Park and Scusset Beach State Reservation.
Vermont’s Green Mountains are the perfect place to adventure any time of year, but in the warmer months, you can enjoy full service family campgrounds as well as tent sites. Granville State Forest has biking trails, while Savoy Mountain State Park has multiple camping spots and a lake for canoeing. The Appalachian Trail also stretches through a section of the Green Mountains, intersecting with Long Trail, if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
New England’s winter’s are famously harsh, so you’ll want to keep tent camping between May and October. Note that crowds will die down significantly once kids go back to school in early September, so keep in mind that you may have a better time (and a peek at some changing leaves) if you choose to camp in early fall.