AT campsites at the Gnarly Oak

Camped here 1 night while hiking the AT. Multiple flat areas for tents and/or trees for hammocks alongside the trail as it crests the ridge just north of the GA/NC border. Running water out of a pipe (it's a spring I guess?) just south of the ridge, but you'll need to boil or filter before drinking. I was here in the middle of November and so it was cold and windy at night.

Central location on Mt Desert Island

Stayed here 2 nights in June. Large CG with many, many sites. Some waterside, others back up the hill a bit. The sites themselves were big and had trees enough for multiple hammocks. They also have wooden tent platforms at each; as most of the ground is rooted and uneven. Waterside sites are expensive, so keep that in mind. Each loop has its own bathhouse with showers that cost a dollar(in quarters) for 5 minutes. Fire ring and table at each site.

Maine Wilderness campground

Stayed here 2 nights in June. Wooded sites on the shore of the largest lake in New England. Our site was large enough for tents and hammocks; which was nice to have options. The sites are also far enough away from each other that you dont feel like you're in an apartment building. Central bath and free shower house with laundry/dish sinks outside was an added bonus. Fire ring and table at each site. Rangers were super nice and helpful. Trails to beach area with a playground for the kiddos. Its pretty remote so make sure you have everything you need before venturing past Greenville. Take the drive up to(and past if you're real adventurous) Kokadjo for moose spotting.

On the shore of Champlain

Stayed here 1 night in June. Quiet out of the way state park on the shore of Lake Champlain. Rangers were ridiculously nice. Sites were big and grass covered; but without many trees for hammocks. Fire rings and tables at each site. Central bathroom and water supply. Beautiful sunset overlooking the lake.

Letchworth Campground

Stayed here 1 night in June. They have a peculiar rule at the gate that says to not enter CG if not checked in with the office and to set up in the parking lot; so make sure you get there before the office closes at night. The sites are very close to one another and pretty small. We barely had room for 2 tents. Plenty of tree cover right on the rim of the gorge though. Fire rings and a table are provided at each site.

In the shadow of the mountains

Campground sits by itself on a small peninsula in Lake Granby, CO. Has many drive up spots with gravel tent pads. Sites are not right on top of each other so you will have some space. We arrived after dark and setup; the view in the morning was a wonderful surprise. Almost no trees/shade, expect sun and wind exposure.

Close to town

This is run by the City of Spearfish along the banks of Spearfish Creek. Real close to stores and I-90. Found this CG at the last minute one evening out of necessity. Plenty of drive up sites for campers/RVs or tents. Not too many sites have trees for hammocks, though it is shady. Sites are close together, so if you don't mind making camp friends this is perfect. Clean and well maintained. Our site had the creek running through it, which was great for relaxing.

Remote and free

At the far western edge of Badlands NP sits this FREE (what?!, IKR) campground. No real sites, just a big flat open space with a small building that houses the toilets. No fires or water source either. Signs of wildlife everywhere so definitely watch your step, especially at night. Was very crowded the one night I spent there, but most everyone was quiet and respectful of each other's space. Beautiful views at sunset and sunrise.

Drive in spots for campers, RVs, or tents

State Park that offers a beach, canoes, fishing, and camping. Sites are drive-up with plenty of room for a tent or two and fire-rings. Some sites may have trees for hammocks. Can get loud with lots of RVs in spots nearby.

Dispersed camping at its best

I've camped here at multiple locations - off Chimney Top Rd, Tunnel Ridge Rd at the Tar Kiln, and off Indian Creek Rd on the banks of the East Fork of Indian Creek. Each has its own unique qualities. All are great for tents or hammocks, just be prepared to have to prep the site a little since its the middle of the forest. Sites along the rim (on Chimney Top or Tunnel Ridge Rds) will not necessarily have a water source nearby. Tar Kiln does have a building with a pit toilet at the parking area. Each time I visited, there were other folks there of course, but not so many that you didn't feel out in the wilderness [which you are ;-) ]. Plenty of scenic views and hiking trails to falls, or arches, or narrow ridges, etc. It can be be time consuming to have to drive out to Slade for supplies, so make sure you have what you need before heading in.

First to Review
Beautiful Views on the AT

Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge. Perfect spot for hammocks or tents right off the trail with large rocky outcrops for your views. Easy enough to set up a small fire ring right on the edge for night-time relaxing. There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap. Closest road access is down the mountain about a mile west at Tesnatee Gap on GA Hwy 348 (Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy)

Close to the AT

On the banks of Rock Creek, these gravel spots offer wonderful fishing and hiking opportunities; with the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye trails close by. Very secluded, but also close to gravel Rock Creek Rd so traffic noise can be a factor. Maybe not the best for hammocks, but plenty of space for multiple tents at each site. Also has a tendency to be windy in this valley.

Mulky CG

Quiet, secluded campground on the banks of Cooper Creek. Drive up spots with gravel tent pads and lots of trees for hammocks. Just east down the gravel road is Cooper Creek Recreation Area with hiking trails and fishing. Going west, at the bridge over the creek, take the gravel road northbound to the trailhead for Sea Creek Falls. A relatively unknown but beautiful fall that you can scramble up.