Whether it’s a leisurely beach road trip or you want to push your rig to its limits, we’re here to help you turn those dreams into a reality. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite destinations on the east coast for your next local getaway.
Area Sales Manager Erich Ross’ pick – Asheville, North Carolina
Surrounded by over a million acres of protected national forest, Asheville is the perfect spot to set up a home base from which to explore all the Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer. There is truly something for every kind of adventure seeker around Asheville; hiking, white water rafting, biking, rock climbing, fishing, ziplining, stunning scenic drives, and a whole array of wildlife.
One experience that shouldn’t be missed in the warmer months is Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest. Sliding down the 60-foot rock face sends you plunging into the 8 foot deep pool at the bottom. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty and on-site bathroom and changing rooms are open, making it the perfect place to cool down with the family.
Whatever your travel style there is sure to be a campground in the area for you. Romantic Asheville has a comprehensive list of many of the best campgrounds in the area, whether you’re after a relaxing glamping experience or prefer to hit the backcountry, they’ve got a recommendation for you.
To learn more about Asheville and the surrounding national forest checkout the Explore Asheville website.
For 4x4ers – Windrock Park, Tennessee
So, you want to get your rig dirty? Look no further than Windrock Park in Tennessee. Only 40 minutes out of Knoxville, Windrock Park has over 73,000 acres or 300 miles of off-road tracks and trails. Perfect for ATVs, dirt and mountain bikes, Jeeps and 4x4s, buggies, and trucks, it’s a great spot if you’re just finding your off-roading feet.
What makes Windrock Park so good for any level of driver is the variety of tracks. With trails rated from easy to extremely difficult, it’s easy to work your way up the levels without getting in over your head and risking damage to your vehicle. It does however pay to know a thing or two about basic off-road mechanics should you run into trouble.
If you want to really get stuck into some 4x4ing, why not stay a few days? Windrock Park has camping onsite with accommodation options from cabins, to RV sites, primitive sites, and yurts. If you want to really get into the off grid camping lifestyle, having a reliable dual battery system is a must and means that even though you might be roughing it, you’ll never be without power.
For more information or to get your permit, check out the Windrock Park website.
For camping – Blue Spring State Park, Florida
For a truly unique wildlife viewing experience, Blue Spring State Park in Florida is the place to go as, during the winter months, this national park plays home to hundreds of manatees. Only 45 minutes from Orlando and two hours from Tampa, it is the perfect place to escape the city for a local camping trip.
Manatees aren’t the only attraction at Blue Spring State Park though. Throughout the year there is sure to be something available for everyone from fishing, to bird watching, boating, scuba diving and snorkelling, kayaking, tubing, and swimming. With so much to explore and enjoy it’s worth staying a few days. Camping is available in the sand pine scrub, with each site able to accommodate recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long including picnic tables, water, electricity, dumping and grill facilities.
For more information or to book a campsite check out the Florida State Parks website.
For a road trip – Roanoke, Virginia
For a place rich with history look no further than Roanoke, Virginia. First explored as early as the 17th Century, the Roanoke Valley has been home to farmers and settlers ever since. With plenty of historical sites around the city, you don’t need an off-road vehicle to have a relaxing getaway. Nestled in the mountains, Roanoke has something for the thrill seeker as well having been named one of the International Mountain Biking Association’s top mountain biking destinations in the world. It’s also close to the Appalachian Trail and 70 National Parks that span over 14,000 acres, perfect for cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
If food and culture is more your speed, Roanoke should not be overlooked. The city has a lively arts scene with a full calendar of events including live music, performing arts and traditional galleries. As far as food, there are plenty of delicious restaurants as well as plenty of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries to check out.
Being a city there are plenty of accommodation options for every style of traveller and budget. There are plenty of bigger and boutique hotels and inns as well as plenty of campgrounds in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information on all that Roanoke, Virginia has to offer check out the Visit Roanoke VA website.
So, there you have it, we hope you’re feeling a bit more inspired to get out and explore some of the best the east coast has to offer. Check out our blog for tips on planning your next overland trip. Where are you heading off to next?
