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If you want to get out there, but you don't want to get
If you want to get out there, but you don't want to get "out there," these car camping spots are the perfect compromise. (Photo: Chris Yule/Flickr)

6 Ways to Go Car Camping

The best part about camping out of your car? No experience is required.

Published: 
If you want to get out there, but you don't want to get
(Photo: Chris Yule/Flickr)

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! .

On the totem of simple聽summer getaways, car camping is at the top鈥攁lmost all the gear you need can be culled from your garage, you don鈥檛 have to go very聽far, and there鈥檚 no need to give up too many creature comforts. Chances are there鈥檚 an easy-access spot near you, but here are some of the country鈥檚 best to get you inspired.

Best for: Wilderness with a Hint of Civilization

(Frank White/)

Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, North Carolina

Amenities:聽Picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood, and inner tube rentals.
Price: $22 per聽night.
Reservations:听(877)听444-6777

is only 15 minutes from Asheville, yet it鈥檚 location in the聽 makes it feel far removed. There are 44 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers; for kids, there鈥檚 a beach and swimming in Lake Powhatan. Not far away: (natural waterslide), , and the (popular with anglers looking to hook white bass, skip jack shad, and striper). When civilization beckons, head to Asheville for some savory聽Southern cooking at .听

Best for: Island Life

(Jennifer Walker/)

Big Bay State Park, Wisconsin

Amenities:聽Picnic tables, fire rings, hot showers, and flush toilets.听
Price: $15 per聽night for Wisconsin residents, $17 per night for nonresidents. All vehicles must聽have a parking permit: $7 per day or $25 annual sticker for Wisconsin residents,聽$10 per聽day or $35 annual sticker聽for nonresidents.
Reservations: (715) 747-6425

It鈥檚 worth the to the 2,350-acre on Madeline Island聽(the only one of the 22 Apostle Islands that isn鈥檛 included in Lake Superior鈥檚 National Lakeshore) because the 60 just off the sandy beach are extremely quiet. to explore the coastal bluffs, or from Bayfield to paddle the calm lagoon. On land, the best way to explore the 14-mile-long, three-mile-wide island is by . Take a break from camp cooking and pedal to for fresh trout or whitefish at the Beach Club.

Best for: Groups with Kids

(Kristofer Gigante/)

Whiteface Mountain KOA, New York

Amenities:聽Hot showers, flush toilets, heated pool, game room, bike rentals, mini-golf, tennis, laundry, store, Wi-Fi, and breakfast dining room.
Price: $31 to聽$38 per聽night.
Reservations:听(800)听562-0368

This pet-friendly, 聽in the Adirondack Mountains is like summer camp鈥攑acked with organized activities for kids like hayrides, movie nights, and DJ dances. From camp, a trail leads to impressive views of the , or walk about a half-mile from the campground to and its popular swimming hole. This is also a convenient base for exploring nearby Lake Placid, where you have your pick of adventure sports: rock聽climbing, mountain聽biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, SUPing, and .

Best for: Solitude聽

(Rick Obst/)

Cascadia State Park, Oregon

Amenities:聽Picnic tables, flush toilets, and communal fire pit.
Price: $17 per聽night.
Reservations: (800) 452-5687; the 25 individual tent sites are first聽come, first served, so call ahead for availability.

Surrounded by Douglas firs and聽cedars deep in the , feels more remote than it is. Take an easy walk along the creek to 聽or to the , where you can swim and fish. If you鈥檙e feeling like a serious hike with some Native American history, the 7.5-hour departs from the in 聽and takes you to the site of 8,000-year-old petroglyphs. Mountain bike trails and whitewater rafting are also nearby.

Best for: Friends or Couples

(Scott Schrantz/)

D.L. Bliss State Park, California

Amenities: Restrooms, hot showers, fire pit with grill, picnic table, and bear locker.
Price: $45 per聽night for beach campsites, $35 for all others.
Reservations: (800) 444-7175; books up quickly, so plan ahead.

A rarity on the shores of Lake Tahoe,聽this campsite is far enough from Highway 89 to mask the traffic noise. Leave the kids at home and bring your toys: bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and beer. Mountain bike on either the 14-mile Flume Trail or parts of the 165-mile .听Put in at .听Hike the 6.5聽miles from to Emerald Bay. Hungry? in is a quick trip.

Lead Photo: Chris Yule/Flickr

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