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Place to Stay: Cabins & Campgrounds

  • Hunting Island State Park Campground – Hunting Island, SC

    Hunting Island State Park Campground – Hunting Island, SC

    Hunting Island State Park Campground

    Hunting Island, SC

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    A quick selfie with a park ranger, whose days are spent guiding visitors, monitoring wildlife, and keeping the park running smoothly. 📸 Hunting Island State Park

    Hunting Island State Park Campground
    • Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, Hunting Island, SC 29920
    • State: South Carolina
    • Website: southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island

    Overview

    Hunting Island State Park Campground sits among maritime forest and sandy shoreline, offering one of the most scenic camping experiences on the South Carolina coast.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop

    You can camp beneath palmettos, walk straight to the beach, and climb a historic lighthouse all in one day. (*The Hunting Island Lighthouse is currently closed for repairs.  The lighthouse can still be viewed from the grounds, and docents are on hand to interpret and give more information about the lighthouse.)

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Sites for tents and RVs
    • Beachfront and forest sites available
    • Mosquito repellent recommended
    • Wildlife sightings are common, from shorebirds along the beach to deer in the forest

    Fun Fact

    Hunting Island’s lighthouse was designed to be taken apart, which made it possible to move the entire structure inland when beach erosion threatened its original site in 1889.

  • Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds – Berlin, MD

    Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds – Berlin, MD

    Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds

    Berlin, MD

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    Wild ponies move quietly through the dunes near the campsites on Assateague Island. 📸 NPS

    Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds
    • Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811
    • State: Maryland
    • Website: nps.gov/asis

    Overview

    Camping on Assateague Island puts you steps from the Atlantic, with dunes, wild ponies, and wide-open skies. Campsites range from bayside to oceanside, offering different views across the island.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop

    This is coastal camping at its most elemental. Salt air, wind, and the sound of waves shape the rhythm of each day.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Reservations required and fill quickly (March 15 – November 15)
    • Expect wind and shifting sand
    • No electric hookups
    • Wild horses roam freely; food must be secured

    Fun Fact

    The famous ponies are believed to descend from horses that swam ashore after early shipwrecks.

  • Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground – Stowe, VT

    Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground – Stowe, VT

    Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground

    Stowe, VT

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    A steady rush of water moves through Smugglers’ Notch, framed by mossy rock and shaded forest. 📸 Smugglers’ Notch

    Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground
    • Address: 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
    • State: Vermont
    • Website: vtstateparks.com/smugglersnotch

    Overview

    Set at the base of Mount Mansfield, Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground offers wooded campsites surrounded by steep cliffs and classic Green Mountain scenery. The park feels tucked away, even though it sits along one of Vermont’s most scenic drives.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop

    You wake up already on the trail. Hiking, scrambling through the Notch, and quiet mornings under the trees make this an ideal base for slow, outdoors-focused travel.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Seasonal campground, typically open late spring through fall
    • The campground includes 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to sites
    • No hookups, but restrooms/showers and potable water available
    • Very popular during fall foliage season

    Fun Fact

    Long before the road was built, smugglers, traders, and later freedom seekers traveled this narrow pass on foot and horseback to move between Vermont and Canada.

  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches – Lincoln, DE

    Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches – Lincoln, DE

    Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches

    Lincoln, DE

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    A cozy cabin greeting from Yogi and friends — a classic Jellystone moment for families. 📸 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

    Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches
    • Address: 8295 Brick Granary Rd., Lincoln, DE 19960
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.delawarejellystone.com

    Overview
    Jellystone Park near the Delaware beaches is a family-focused campground with cabins, tent sites, RV loops, and plenty of kids’ activities. Guests will find pools, waterslides, wagon rides, themed weekends, mini golf, and a friendly atmosphere that feels like summer camp for all ages. It’s an easygoing home base for exploring the nearby beach towns while still giving families plenty to do on-site.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    Families love it for the activities — from character visits to craft sessions — while travelers appreciate the quiet, wooded edges of the property. It’s a perfect pick for multi-generational trips or anyone wanting a playful, low-stress stay.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Cabins range from rustic to fully equipped.
    • Pools and waterslides operate seasonally.
    • Expect weekend themes and kids’ activities during peak season.
    • Located about 20–25 minutes from Lewes and Rehoboth.
    • Campground store sells basics and souvenirs.
    • Camping schedule typically runs April – November.

    Fun Fact
    Some of the themed weekends include everything from “Pirate Fun” to “Christmas in July.”

  • Delaware Seashore State Park Campground (Indian River Inlet & Rehoboth Beach) – Rehoboth Beach, DE

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground (Indian River Inlet & Rehoboth Beach) – Rehoboth Beach, DE

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground (Indian River Inlet & Rehoboth Beach)

    Rehoboth Beach, DE

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    The Indian River Inlet Bridge rising above the beachfront campgrounds at Delaware Seashore State Park. 📸 Delaware Seashore State Park

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground (Indian River Inlet & Rehoboth Beach)
    • Address: 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.destateparks.com/park/delaware-seashore/

    Overview
    Delaware Seashore State Park offers two large campgrounds — one on each side of the Indian River Inlet — with easy access to wide beaches, fishing piers, and sweeping coastal views. The campgrounds are modern and spacious, with full hookups, clean bathhouses, and quick access to both the ocean and the bay. It’s a favorite for RV travelers, surf anglers, and beach-loving families.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    You can walk to the beach, fish from the jetty, or watch boats pass beneath the iconic Charles W. Cullen Bridge — all without moving your car. It’s coastal camping at its simplest, with sunrise on one side and sunset on the other.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • RV-friendly with full hookups and oversized sites.
    • Tent campers welcome; some loops offer more shade than others.
    • Beach access is walkable from both campgrounds.
    • The Indian River Marina area has restaurants and supplies.
    • Strong coastal winds are common — bring sturdy gear.

    Fun Fact
    The striking blue-and-white Indian River Inlet Bridge is one of the most photographed structures in Delaware.

  • Lums Pond State Park Cabins & Campground – Bear, DE

    Lums Pond State Park Cabins & Campground – Bear, DE

    Lums Pond State Park Cabins & Campground

    Bear, DE

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    Named the best RV park in Delaware, Lums Pond’s renovated, roomy sites sit just steps from the pond and the kind of seasonal scenery that makes the stop memorable. 📸 Lums Pond State Park

    Lums Pond State Park Cabins & Campground
    • Address: 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/LumsPond

    Overview
    Lums Pond State Park offers deluxe cabins and wooded campsites set around Delaware’s largest freshwater pond. With miles of trails, a treetop adventure course, and calm water perfect for paddling, the park blends quiet nature with a few welcome thrills. It’s a comfortable, close-to-everything retreat in northern Delaware, especially for families or weekend adventurers.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The deluxe cabins offer a balance of comfort and nature, making this an easy place to stay even if you’re not a seasoned camper. The Go Ape zipline course is a standout attraction, and the pond is ideal for beginners learning to kayak or paddleboard.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Deluxe cabins include full bathrooms, kitchens, and heating/AC.
    • Boat rentals are seasonal; check ahead for hours.
    • Trails are mostly flat and great for biking and hiking.
    • The campground is pet-friendly in designated areas.
    • The zipline course requires reservations in advance.

    Fun Fact
    The pond was originally created in the early 1800s to power a sawmill and serve nearby canal operations.

  • Trap Pond State Park Cabins, Yurts & Campground – Laurel, DE

    Trap Pond State Park Cabins, Yurts & Campground – Laurel, DE

    Trap Pond State Park Cabins, Yurts & Campground

    Laurel, DE

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    Photo Caption Paddlers gliding through the baldcypress trees at Trap Pond State Park. 📸 Trap Pond State Park

    Trap Pond State Park Cabins, Yurts & Campground
    • Address: 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/TrapPond

    Overview
    Trap Pond State Park is one of Delaware’s most distinctive outdoor experiences — a quiet, cypress-lined lake that feels more Southern swamp than Mid-Atlantic forest. The campground includes cabins, yurts, tent sites, and RV loops set close to the water. Visitors come for paddling through the ancient baldcypress trees, birdwatching, and a landscape unlike anywhere else in the state.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s one of the best spots in Delaware for kayaking, thanks to the still water and otherworldly scenery. The cabins and yurts give travelers a comfortable, close-to-nature stay, especially in the golden light of early morning.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Book paddling rentals early during peak season.
    • Cabins and yurts vary — some are waterfront, others wooded.
    • Bathhouses and laundry facilities are available.
    • Trails circle the pond and connect to longer, quieter routes.
    • Mosquitoes can be present in warmer months — pack accordingly.

    Fun Fact
    Trap Pond is home to one of the northernmost natural stands of baldcypress trees in the United States.

  • Killens Pond State Park Cabins & Campground – Felton, DE

    Killens Pond State Park Cabins & Campground – Felton, DE

    Killens Pond State Park Cabins & Campground

    Felton, DE

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    Rent a kayak or paddleboat and spend an easy hour exploring the calm water at Killens Pond. 📸 Killens State Park

    Killens Pond State Park Cabins & Campground
    • Address: 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/KillensPond

    Overview
    Killens Pond State Park offers lakeside cabins and quiet wooded campsites just south of Dover. The park centers around a 66-acre pond, with trails that circle the water, boat rentals, a nature center, and a family-friendly waterpark nearby. It’s a peaceful escape for travelers who want a little bit of everything — woods, water, and plenty of room to roam.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The cabins sit close to the lake, giving you a front-row seat to sunrise paddling and evening walks. Families love the easy access to the waterpark, while hikers and birdwatchers come for the trails and wildlife.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Cabins offer heating and air conditioning, plus screened porches.
    • Boat rentals are available seasonally.
    • The campground is open year-round.
    • The waterpark operates seasonally with separate admission.
    • Quiet, low-light evenings make for great stargazing.

    Fun Fact
    The pond was created in the 1700s as a millpond, making it one of Delaware’s oldest man-made lakes.

  • Cape Henlopen State Park Campground – Lewes, DE

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground – Lewes, DE

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Lewes, DE

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    The shoreline at Cape Henlopen, with peaceful water views and wide-open sky along the Delaware coast.

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
    • Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen

    Overview
    Cape Henlopen State Park offers one of Delaware’s most scenic campgrounds, with tent sites, cabins, and RV loops tucked among sandy pines just minutes from the ocean. The park is known for its wide beaches, miles of trails, WWII observation towers, and a peaceful coastal feel that makes it easy to settle in for a long weekend. It’s a rare place where history, nature, and classic beach-town charm overlap.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    Staying here gives you early-morning beach walks, bike rides through the dunes, and quiet evenings under the trees. It’s also just a short hop from Lewes and the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the Delaware coast.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Book early — sites fill quickly, especially in summer.
    • Cabins are simple but comfortable, with picnic tables and fire rings.
    • The campground has modern bathhouses and laundry facilities.
    • Beach access, trails, and bike rentals are all nearby.
    • Mosquitoes can be heavy in summer; pack bug spray.

    Fun Fact
    Cape Henlopen once served as a strategic military base — the old WWII fire control towers still stand along the shoreline.

  • Salt Rock State Campground – Sprague, CT

    Salt Rock State Campground – Sprague, CT

    Salt Rock State Campground

    Sprague, CT

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    Laid-back camping vibes at Salt Rock—hammock, sunshine, and room to spread out. 📸 Salt Rock State Campground

    Salt Rock State Campground
    • Address: 173 Scotland Rd, Baltic (Sprague), CT 06330
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://ctparks.com/parks/salt-rock-state-forest

    Overview:
    Now managed by Connecticut DEEP, Salt Rock offers peaceful riverside camping with tent and RV sites along the Shetucket River. While there are no cabins, it’s a beautiful, off-the-radar option for traditional camping.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    It’s a great alternative to more crowded state parks and offers tranquil views, great fishing, and easy access to trails and waterfalls. The vibe is laid-back and the sites are nicely spaced.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • No cabins—tent and RV sites only.
    • Restrooms and showers available.
    • Limited amenities—best for self-contained campers.
    • Open seasonally.

    Fun Fact:
    The campground was once privately operated and praised for its “sensitive stewardship” before being purchased by the state to preserve its natural character.