There’s a reason why camping is a classic American getaway: direct access to the Great Outdoors, uninterrupted quality time with your crew, and an intimate angle on the country’s many landscapes. You can find campsites all around the United States, but here, we’re showcasing some of the country’s stellar Black-owned campgrounds, glampgrounds, and RV parks for your next outdoor escape. Prepare to pitch a tent or park your RV and relax fireside (just don’t forget the s’mores) at these spots spread from Maryland to Michigan.
The Muvaland—located on Maryland’s eastern shore about two hours south of Washington, D.C.—is a private campground directly on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a small property with space for up to 12 people, which means you won’t be jostling for room on the beach after setting up your site. It’s a space for quiet introspection, too, as it’s located in a residential area (read: no Afronation-level DJ sets come nightfall). You’ll have just the basics during your stay: an outhouse, hammocks, benches, a picnic table, and a fire pit.
Don’t skip heading to the bay at high tide, when you can dangle your feet in the water from the three-seat beach swing.
Tip: While RVs are allowed, there aren’t electrical or water hookups, so most guests here choose to set up tents.
The name gives you just about everything you need to know about this spot. On a lake just two hours outside of Atlanta, The Glamp Inn’s luxe geodesic domes are equipped with heating and air conditioning (a boon in Georgia’s sweltering summers), furnished decks, and outdoor fireplaces for evening s’mores. Available in both queen and double-bed configurations, the suites have a kitchenette—but you can book breakfast and dinner packages where meals are delivered directly to your dome if you want to take a break from cooking for yourself. It’s a great spot for couples looking for a romantic getaway or friends’ weekend, especially considering it’s an adults-only property. Be sure to check the site’s calendar, as owner Shayne Stuart hosts on-site wellness retreats.
There’s something for everyone at this park owned by Bob and Joy Johnson: your traditional RV sites, picnic areas, a B&B for those looking for a few more creature comforts than an RV provides. Beyond accommodations, there’s a small grove of fruit trees and a fishing pond, with views out to Weiss Lake. A long wrap-around porch with rocking chairs and a gazebo are a few of the places designed for maximum relaxation. Keep in mind: Reservations are a must for this site, which sits an hour from Birmingham and two from Atlanta.
Tip: Be sure to walk the trail that leads to the property vineyard and chat vines with Bob during your stay. He makes his own sweet wine with the muscadine grapes the area is known for and hosts wine experiences during the fall harvest season.
Cobles Landing is a family-owned, multi-purpose campground run by husband-and-wife team Rex and Shawanda Coble. Opened in 2020, the 25-acre campground sits on land Rex’s family sold years ago that the Cobles reclaimed, which includes a pond, natural spring water, walking trails, and a fresh-water well. An hour outside of Charlotte, NC, there’s tons to do in the area beyond relaxing at Cobles Landing, including ATV off-roading through the property’s backcountry, hiking through the nearby Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, and fishing, both at the Cobles Landing pond and nearby Blewett Falls Lake.
About a 1.5-hour drive from Detroit, Kamp 42 Degrees is a privately-owned, cannabis-friendly campground on 10 acres of old shade trees and spacious lots for camping and RVs. Despite its relaxing environment, this spot is anything but low-key: The adults-only site regularly hosts live comedy shows, live music, karaoke, and DJ sets. It’s also a particularly popular stay for NASCAR fans, since the Michigan International Speedway is about a 10-minute drive away. Note: To reserve a spot, you’ll need to message the camp hosts directly on Facebook Messenger or call.
G&R Campground has been in business since 1997, and is a rare spot in the region that offers year-round camping. This site is packed with options to suit your camping style, from a 10,000-square-foot activity hall (family reunion, anyone?), 16 air conditioned/heat equipped cottages, and 200 RV and tent sites, many with all the hook-ups. For those who love roughing it, they also offer primitive sites with no utilities. No matter what site you choose, make sure to book in advance—you’ll need proof of reservation to enter. Amenities include showers, bathhouses, a general store, a pool and picnic area, and available Wi-Fi.
Tip: You can while away the days relaxing at the campground itself, but you’d be remiss not to explore this stretch of southern Delaware, including the Redden State Forest and nearby Slaughter Beach.
Just outside the Talladega National Forest and 45 minutes east of Birmingham, Time Away RV Resort is chock full of amenities—like showers, a swimming pool, fire pits, and full electric hook-ups—and it’s open year-round. Owned by Nathan and Alicia Lawson, the RV-only park also has perks set up with kids (like the Lawson’s own) in mind, including a basketball court and an on-site playground. Set on five acres, the resort is also within walking distance of the famous Talladega Superspeedway, making it a perfect stop for racing fans. Be sure to plan ahead as prices are based on race weeks and off-race weeks, and special rates are available for long-term stays.
This RV campground—opened but Josh and Amber Gordy in 2012 about halfway between Atlanta and Savannah—comes with a few bells and whistles, like on-site laundry and shower facilities. There are also spacious sites, connections to nearby walking trails, and playgrounds for the kids. When it comes to heading off-property, you’ll find Hamburg State Park about 15 minutes away for biking, hiking, and fishing—plus, if you’re in need of supplies, pop over to nearby Sandersville, population 5,600.
