I love Ferne Clyffe State Park - the walk up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source. Make sure you take time to explore the waterfall and other short trails nearby.
This was my first National Park campground experience - it was packed but I still felt like we had privacy and space from other campers. Firewood and other basics were available at the camp store at the entrance. Every bathroom has a dish washing sink- no showers, no electric. A majestic owl landed above our site- great experience!
I canโt believe I didnโt know about this place until this year. The walk in tent sites are in a shady woody area and with lake views. Clean pit toilets, serene setting, and a really cool hike to an abandoned observatory. ๐๐
Nordhouse Dunes is a beautiful hidden gem. This was my first backpacking adventure and a wonderful experience.
The hike from the parking lot is about a mile through some hilly sand so it was a nice little workout. As others have said, there are no facilities so be prepared for a primitive adventure. Despite rules posted online and at the trailhead, people still seem to camp and build fires on the dunes close to the water. Thereโs also evidence of people chopping at large, living trees instead of gathering dead wood or chopping up fallen limbs. Despite this, itโs a truly beautiful spot with breathtaking sunsets.