Undiscovered Campsites Off the Beaten Path
Hidden Gems are places that don’t appear in guide books and are difficult to locate online, offering travelers an unforgettable experience away from mass tourism.
Traveling off the beaten path allows you to truly experience a culture and community – this is the best way to create memories that will last a lifetime!
1. Lost Echo Lake
Travel is about discovering something new; typically people think of iconic locations such as Paris, Tokyo and New York when thinking about travel destinations. Yet increasingly travelers are opting for less tourist-trodden areas by discovering hidden gems off the beaten path instead. By going off-grid travel means experiencing local culture rather than following tourists around.
Camping is one of the best ways to experience these gems; many campsites around the country can become hidden treasures if one takes time and effort to discover them. A good starting point would be looking up local travel content creators on Instagram; these experts know more about where these undiscovered treasures lie than anyone else.
At first, this trail resembles a road, leading up to Corral Pass. From here it becomes an uphill slog through old growth forest but with spectacular ridgetop views of Mt. Rainier and gorgeous George Lake as payoff.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
With 37 miles of Atlantic beaches, this National Seashore spans both Maryland and Virginia. Visitors enjoy walking the beach, riding horses on the sand (in-season), searching for seashells, hunting/fishing for dinner (in season), kayaking/birding/picnicking etc. Additionally, visitors may witness Chincoteague ponies roam freely through its salt marshes, while it also boasts the Chincoteague Lighthouse on Virginia side of island as well as US Fish & Wildlife Refuge on Virginia side.
The seashore provides shelter to a diverse array of plants and animals that have adapted to living in coastal salt marsh environments, such as wading birds such as snow geese and waterfowl, bivalves such as Atlantic menhaden, clams and oysters. Entrance fees do apply; golden age passes, military passes and access passes may be accepted instead. Assateague Island closes during its breeding season to vehicles within the Over Sand Vehicle Zone on both ends to protect Piping Plover nests which are federally endangered species.
3. Cottages at the Water’s Edge
Off the beaten path travel means leaving behind the crowds and exploring a location like a local. It could mean staying at less-than-symbolic campgrounds or skipping over major attractions; or it can mean immersing yourself into its culture and customs, like this G Adventures review of Thailand.
Piney River Camping in Tennessee is a hidden gem offering relaxing outdoor activities. Stay in a tent, camper or RV and experience hiking trails, boating opportunities and much more at this family-friendly campground.
Find undiscovered camping gems by following local travel content creators on social media, such as Instagram. Their accounts could feature pictures and details about local destinations you might otherwise overlook, or try using Instagram’s search function with keywords such as “travel,” “local,” or “destination.” Who knows? Perhaps you may discover your ideal campsite! Let us know all about it so we can share this discovery.
4. Riverview RV Park and Marina
Riverview RV Park and Marina is an idyllic family-friendly park and quiet retreat for anyone in search of peace. Offering spacious inland, riverfront, lagoon campsites – with stunning views of shale cliffs and wilderness landscape – Riverview RV Park and Marina makes an excellent home away from home for any peaceful environment seeking respite from daily life.
Campgrounds provide an ideal setting for exploring by bike or boat, with scenic waterfalls and hiking trails nearby. There is also an onsite boat launch providing easy access for fishing or other aquatic sports activities.
There is also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to visitors of the park. Hikers may enjoy exploring High Falls – a 1.4 mile trail leading up to an overlook of 150-foot waterfall – while nature enthusiasts may take part in one of Nature Quests programs offered within the park.