Camping along the Appalachian Trail can be an unforgettable journey for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. On a map, including the one above, you will see that the Appalachians are generally thought of as extending from the Springer Mountain in Georgia up to Mount Katahdin in Maine, which is still the highest peak in eastern Maine. Still, it remains as such in 2021 as among the most beautiful places to visit in America. Camping along the AT is ideal for anyone looking for a getaway or a great way to spend a week. Here are some tips and tricks on how to find the perfect camping spots and what to bring with you on your trip.
The Appalachian Trail traverses through three official campgrounds in Georgia, Maine, and New Hampshire. Most of the campgrounds are located within half-mile of each other, though some are located as far as seven miles apart. Since the trails are not closed for the season, you can expect to find plenty of space for camping at any of the campgrounds. Some of the popular campgrounds include Bear Mountain, Bald Cypress, Cataloochee, Devil’s Den, Hocking Hills, Mountain Laurel, Piedmont Top, and Rainbow Springs.
For those who want to get away from it all, camping is also very possible in the five state parks in the Appalachian Trail: Bad Blossoms, Bullard Lake, Cataloochee State Park, and Spillington State Park. These designated sites are very close to each other, meaning that hikers can easily make their way between the two. Among the best part about camping in these parks is that the trail is often made accessible by car or a shuttle service so that visitors don’t have to take all the extra time to hike the entire way. In addition to being close to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, some of the campsites even offer restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas. While these sites may not offer as much solitude as those found in more remote sections of the Appalachian Trail, they certainly offer more amenities.
When you choose to camp at one of the many designated camping spots along the Appalachian Trail, you’ll find that there is a wide variety of things to do on the trail. If you enjoy hiking, then perhaps you would prefer to do a little bit of nature watching or perhaps you would prefer to do some bird watching. Hiking the trail will also allow you to encounter wild animals like deer and others, and if you are a kayak operator, you’ll have a great opportunity to see some of the natural wonders that the coastal plain has to offer like tidal pools, islands, brushy shorelines, and bald mountains.
For those who like to backpack and camp, then the Appalachian Trail is definitely the place for you. Not only does it offer an awesome view of the greenery surrounding you, but you can hike along the trail as far as you’d like and still be able to stay in a relatively small area. Just make sure to pack everything from the tent and fuel (eshenaurs.com can be helpful in this regard) to food and water for your journey. Additionally, make sure to plan ahead and check the weather for the dates you plan to travel.
The latter, however, may not sound like a necessity because there are so many different accommodation options, including Bed & Breakfasts, campgrounds, Cabin Rentals, and inns, enabling you to not only save yourself from the unexpected weather but also to fit a longer stay into your vacation. Camping along the Appalachian Trail will provide you with some of the most serene, peaceful times you’ve ever had in your life, and you can get as far as you’d like from civilization.
As you plan your future Appalachian Trail hikes, it’s a good idea to make a camping checklist so you’ll know exactly where you need to be on any given day. The Appalachian Trail is a very long hiking trail, so it’s important that you take your time and follow the instructions written on your in-distance route. Also, be sure to pack a reliable water supply, because you’ll probably be walking for several days. Always bring a camera, since you never know what might turn up along the way. One of the highlights of camping along the Appalachian Trail is the unique scenery you’ll encounter, and there’s no better way to capture it on camera than with the help of a quality digital camera.
