Just like no two campers are alike, each of the 15 Spacious Skies Campgrounds throughout the Eastern U.S. offers a different kind of vibe and experience. That’s by design. The three-year-old company has strategically acquired campgrounds – from Georgia in the South to Maine in the North – with the goal of providing destinations that offer campers an array of friendly and authentic camping experiences.
While each campground has its own unique appeal, there is continuity across the campground collection. All feature a variety of recreational facilities such as sport courts and jumping pillows (built-in trampolines), camp stores, a pool or natural body of water, pet-friendly amenities and facilities for activities. In addition to a range of RV sites, many also include glamping accommodations like cabins, yurts and Retro RV rentals. There’s also a company-wide Loyalty Program, and program members – called “Cosmic Campers” – receive discounts on all of their stays. All campgrounds also feature Themed Weekends, with a lineup of ever-changing weekend activities reflecting a theme like “Fiesta” (May 3-5), “Stars & Stripes” (July 4-7) and “Olympics” (July 26-27).
While selecting the 15 locations that make up the Spacious Skies collection, co-founder and avid camping enthusiast Ali Rasmussen sought campgrounds that celebrated the natural beauty as well as regional offerings of each location. Some campgrounds are in the heart of farmland, some near forests and mountains and some near vibrant and historic towns.
“Our guests who stay at multiple campgrounds often tell us how fresh and interesting each new experience is for them,” said Rasmussen. “Every Spacious Skies campground has its own personality, and we encourage our guests to discover the best attributes of each location.”
Here are the campgrounds Rasmussen recommends for a variety of camping experiences:
Best for Summer Camp Nostalgia
Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, North Hudson, N.Y.
Situated in the Adirondack Mountains, the birthplace of American camping, the sweet nostalgia of Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks is accentuated by classic log cabins tucked under towering pine trees and its river views. Activity-inclined guests have lots of choices too, such as playing at the miniature golf course, uncovering treasures at the gem mine, splashing away in the pool or testing their skills in air hockey at the campground game room. Kids can roam around the campground on a pedal go-kart or post up in the large rec hall where crafts and games are often underway. The staff knows to keep plenty of marshmallows in the camp store, because s’mores are the go-to treat for campers at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks.
Best for the Astronomy Buff
Spacious Skies Balsam Woods, Abbot, Maine
Long before dark skies travel was a trending topic, stargazing campers in-the-know chose Spacious Skies Balsam Woods when they were ready for a cosmic camping experience. The campground is situated near Moosehead Lake and a vast, unspoiled wilderness area where light pollution is so minimal that campers can often experience a clear Milky Way landscape. A perfect evening at Spacious Skies Balsam Woods involves telescopes, thermal base layers, a roaring campfire, hot chocolate and curiosity.
Best for the Scenic Tripper
Spacious Skies Bear Den, Spruce Pine, N.C.
Situated directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Spacious Skies Bear Den is an especially good choice for campers who want to explore beautiful surroundings by day and cook by their campfire at night. The National Park Service calls the Blue Ridge Parkway “America’s Favorite Drive,” and indeed it is. The 469-mile highway reveals ever-changing landscapes and stunning stops along the way. When it’s time for campers to stretch their legs, there are miles of trails leading to hidden waterfalls right at the campground.
Best for the Adventure-Seeker
Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, Monterey, Tenn.
At Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, campers can go caving on Monday, hiking on Tuesday, fishing on Wednesday, swimming on Thursday and picnicking at a scenic lunch spot on Friday. The adventures at the central Tennessee campground are many, and the days are long.
Best for New Campers
Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Dorothy, N.J.
There’s no shame in being a newbie camper, and Spacious Skies Country Oaks is the perfect place to learn the ropes. Campers whose first stop is at this gem of a New Jersey campground often become lifelong camping enthusiasts. It’s easy to see why. With a simple layout full of easy-to-maneuver sites, helpful Cosmic Crew and centralized facilities – such as the camp store, playground, pool, pavilion, arcade and jumping pillow – nothing could be simpler than a stay at Spacious Skies Country Oaks.
Best for the Winter Camper
Spacious Skies French Pond, Henniker, N.J.
Winter is a glorious season in southern New Hampshire, and the winter-season campers here agree on the importance of these four things: quality base layers, hot beverages, epic powder and roaring campfires. With Pats Peak Ski Area close by as well as miles of cross-country ski trails, adventurous days and toasty nights are the campground norm during the winter months.
Best for Family Fun
Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, Marion, N.C.
It’s no surprise that Spacious Skies Hidden Creek is a huge hit with families and multi-generational campers. From multiple pavilions for family picnics to an epic 300-foot water slide and Junior Olympic-size swimming pool and wading pool, there is something fun for the entire gang. The jumping pillow is Kid Central all summer long, and more than one young horseshoe novice has learned a thing or two about how to pitch from granddad. Other facilities include a playground, gem mining, fishing, golf cart rentals, sport courts, corn hole and hiking trails.
Best for the American History Buff
Spacious Skies Minute Man, Littleton, Mass.
Although it feels remote and private, Spacious Skies Minute Man is located just minutes from Boston, where American history buffs can explore places like the Minute Man National Historical Park, Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and Lowell National Historical Park. Back at the campground, weary travelers can relax with an evening dip in the pool or a game of pinball in the arcade.
Best for Fishing Fans
Spacious Skies Peach Haven, Gaffney, S.C.
With three catch-and-release ponds well-stocked with fish, this is the place for anglers with a penchant for lazy lake days. And if not everyone in the group likes to fish, there are plenty of other options, like on-site mini-golf and a ga ga pit (a hilarious-to-watch form of kid-friendly dodgeball) and nearby attractions like an outlet mall and museums.
Best for Convenient Travel Stopovers
Spacious Skies Sandy Run, Fayetteville, N.C.
The reality of camping life is that some days, there’s just not enough time to smell the roses, walk the trails and laze a day away at the pool. With an array of sites for easy set-ups, and a location just minutes from I-95’s exit 44, many campers – including snowbirds – choose Sandy Run for brief stays before moving on to other destinations. Returning snowbirds might consider a few days, though, as this convenient campground in the heart of Cumberland County features some spectacular early-spring wildflowers. See them at nearby Cape Fear Botanical Garden or J. Bayard Park & Nature Center.
Best for the Spooky Devotee
Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, Savannah, Ga.
Savannah is renowned as the most ghostly city in the U.S. with its decaying brick buildings and ancient graveyards giving off an eerie charm. Those wandering its streets often feel a mysterious aura. To lighten the mood, consider visiting one of the city’s bustling breweries. Ghost enthusiasts can take guided ghost tours with stops at the city’s famous ghoulish sites and then relax around a robust campfire with friends and competitive ghost-story telling.
Best for Water Lovers
Spacious Skies Seven Maples, Hancock, N.H.
Regardless of whether campers like to be in the water, on the water or around the water, there’s a water-centric adventure for everyone. The campground’s Maples Pond is stocked with trout, and the boat launch provides direct access to Moose Brook and on to Norway Pond. connected to two kayaking trails. Paddlers can rent kayaks right at the campground. There’s also a swimming complex with a kid’s water slide and splash pad.
Best Variety of Area Attractions
Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, Luray, Va.
From wineries and farms to museums and scenic drives, this Shenandoah Valley campground offers a huge array of immersive, scenic and experiential attractions. Examples include the New Market Battlefield Military Museum, Luray Zoo, Bear Mountain Ziplines, Skyline Drive, Luray caverns, Virginia is for Lovers LOVEwork and of course, Shenandoah National Park.
Best for Lobstah Lovahs
Spacious Skies Walnut Grove, Alfred, Maine
Located in the small town of Alfred, population 3,000, Spacious Skies Grove is a destination that many would characterize as quintessential Maine. And that means lots of lobstah, which is practically its own food group in this part of Maine. There is no shortage of places to enjoy and purchase the tasty delicacy, such as the Old Orchard Beach Pier and at restaurants in the town of Wells and in nearby Portland.
Best for Music Lovers
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, Austerlitz, N.Y.
Tucked away in the trees among the Taconic and Berkshire mountain ranges, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is located less than 12 miles from the historic Tanglewood Music Center, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a venue for a wide range of other concerts. This summer’s lineup includes performances by big names such as John Fogerty, Jon Bastiste and Brandi Carlile. Music-loving campers can spend their days exploring scenic Adirondack Mountains and then pack a picnic and head to Tanglewood for a relaxing evening of music.
Ways to Stay and Save
Spacious Skies Campgrounds offer a variety of accommodations choices in addition to RV sites. Most locations feature cabin options, and many also offer glamping accommodations such as yurts and retro trailers.
Members of the Spacious Skies Loyalty Program, called “Cosmic Campers” can save up to 12 percent on all RV sites, cabins and other accommodations. The annual fee to join the program is $31.90. While the Loyalty Program discount cannot be combined with other discounts, the discount with the greatest savings is rewarded, providing campers with the best possible deal on their stay.
As you can see, Spacious Skies Campgrounds has masterfully curated a diverse collection of camping destinations that cater to a wide variety of interests and preferences across the Eastern U.S. From the nostalgia-inducing landscapes of Adirondack Peaks to the cosmic vistas of Balsam Woods, each site offers a unique experience while maintaining a harmonious standard of amenities and activities that ensure comfort and engagement for all types of campers. Whether seeking adventure, tranquility, or a thematic getaway, Spacious Skies provides a tailored camping experience that celebrates the natural and cultural richness of each location. Moreover, the consistent quality and thoughtful amenities, coupled with the benefits of the Cosmic Campers Loyalty Program, underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing the camping experience. This strategic approach not only satisfies the varied tastes of today’s campers but also positions Spacious Skies as a leader in redefining outdoor recreation and hospitality.