Hotmail
America's coolest campgrounds
Those campers in the West who are willing to do a little hill climbing for the sake of a great eco-adventure should look to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area in the San Bernardino National Forest. Located in the upper section of the forest, the 11,500-foot peak of San Gorgonio is popular with back-packers and climbers seeking incredible views of the Mojave Desert and Los Angeles. Book your backcountry pass as far in advance as possible, as there is a quota system in place, which is intended to make San Gorgonio as real a wilderness experience as possible. Vivian Creek Trail is the most used, with South Fork the second most popular method of summiting, so seek alternative, more secluded routes through the lower elevations that will ultimately connect with main trails closer to the summit. Off-trail camping is available in a number of areas. Trail conditions can be checked at San Gorgonio Wilderness Association.
In the East, some of the greatest Appalachian Trail scenes are available to those hikers who climb and camp on Roan Mountain, known for incredible views of rhododendron-covered hillsides and spruce groves. Access is through Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, or Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Moving south from Carver’s Gap to the Roan High Knob takes hikers through some of the thicker spruce on Roan. Look for rhododendron gardens a short distance off the main trail on High Knob, along gravel paths. After some steep climbs, those who want to pitch a tent off the trail can do so, but be careful of sensitive areas.
“It’s best not to camp between Carver’s Gap and Trail Shelter 3, because you’ll be in some ecologically sensitive areas,” says Morgan Sommerville, the Appalachian Trail Regional Director for N.C. and Tenn.
For dispersed camping, look for places away from gardens and spruce groves, mainly in hardwoods areas. For an actual camping structure, seek The Barn, along the Appalachian Trail past the section known as the Round Bald. Sommerville also suggests Yellow Mountain Gap. “There are some good, flat camp sites around Yellow Mountain Gap, and there are great views of the Roaring Creek Valley below,” he says.
Finally, if being outdoors for you means taking it all off—check out the Juniper Woods Campground in Catskill, N.Y. “We’re no different from any other kind of family campground, except that we’re clothing-optional,” says Peggy Kercher, an owner of the camp. “We get a lot of people from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and even Canada. And we’re starting to see more younger couples in their twenties coming here.”
Kercher emphasizes the easy-going, family-oriented atmosphere of Juniper Woods. The site features comfortable cabins and a lush, very green camp surrounded by trees. Plans for the two-hour nude cruise of the Hudson River in August are shaping up.
“When we get out a certain distance on the Hudson, the people on the boat are allowed to go nude,” Kercher says.
For all these camps check the web sites before you go. Many national parks and forests require that you obtain wilderness-area permits (which are often free of charge or of nominal cost) before you arrive at the park. Always check conditions ahead of time, as land managers might have to close sections of forest to address fire damage or other environmental issues. And always be prepared for changes in weather, especially on mountains where temperatures can drop quickly, even in July or August.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM ACTIVE |
 Active Section Front |
| Add Active headlines to your news reader: |
Resource guide