Southeast Secrets: 5 Hidden Gem Campgrounds to Beat the Crowds

The Great Smoky Mountains are iconic, but they’re also the most visited National Park in the country. If your idea of "getting away from it all" doesn't involve a traffic jam on a mountain road, it’s time to look deeper into the Southern landscape.

From treehouse-style platforms in Tennessee to island escapes in Florida, here are five under-the-radar spots in the Southeast that offer world-class views without the world-class crowds.

1. Edgar Evins State Park, Tennessee

Located on the shores of Center Hill Lake, this park offers a totally unique architectural twist on camping.

• The Draw: The "Treehouse" campsites. The park features wooden platforms built into the steep, lush hillsides, giving you an elevated view of the forest and the water.

• The Activity: Rent a boat at the marina to explore the emerald coves of the lake, or hike the Merritt Ridge Trail for some of the best sunset vistas in Middle Tennessee.

• Official Page: Tennessee State Parks - Edgar Evins

• Camping Info: Edgar Evins Camping Details

2. Devils Fork State Park, South Carolina

While everyone flocks to the coast, the "Mountain Lakes" region of South Carolina remains a peaceful sanctuary.

• The Draw: Access to Lake Jocassee. This is one of the only places in the South where you’ll find crystal-clear, Appalachian mountain water that looks more like the Caribbean.

• The Activity: Waterfalls. Many of the lake’s most beautiful falls are only accessible by boat or kayak, making a paddle trip feel like a true expedition.

• Official Page: South Carolina Parks - Devils Fork

• Camping Info: Devils Fork Camping & Reservations

3. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

Technically on the edge of the "hidden gem" category because it’s so beautiful, it still feels vastly more private than the major National Parks.

• The Draw: The Yurt Village. If you want a break from tent pitching, their yurts offer a "glamping" vibe right on the rim of a massive thousand-foot deep canyon.

• The Activity: The Waterfalls Trail. It’s a steep climb (bring your sturdy boots!), but the view of Cherokee and Hemlock Falls spilling over sandstone cliffs is worth every step.

• Official Page: Georgia State Parks - Cloudland Canyon

• Camping Info: Cloudland Canyon Facilities & Stay

4. Garden Key, Dry Tortugas, Florida

This is for the true adventurer. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West and accessible only by ferry or seaplane, it’s one of the most remote campgrounds in the lower 48.

• The Draw: Camping next to a massive 19th-century coastal fortress (Fort Jefferson) on a tiny coral island.

• The Activity: World-class snorkeling right from your tent. At night, the lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way look bright enough to read by.

• Official Page: National Park Service - Dry Tortugas

• Camping Info: Garden Key Camping Guide

5. DeSoto State Park, Alabama

Nestled atop Lookout Mountain, this park is a lush wonderland of rushing water and rhododendrons.

• The Draw: Diversity of choice. Whether you want full RV hookups or a primitive "back-to-basics" site, you’re never more than a short walk from a creek.

• The Activity: Little River Canyon. Just a few miles away is one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi, offering breathtaking overlooks and swimming holes.

• Official Page: Alabama State Parks - DeSoto

• Camping Info: DeSoto Improved & Primitive Camping