Here's the scenario: You and your family drive to a gorgeous campsite, throw the car in park...and never get behind the wheel again. These 10 camping destinations all feature miles of trails right by the campground, from gentle rambles to strenuous mountain climbs. They offer extensive on-site opportunities for kids (and adults) of all ages, including swimming, biking, fishing, and more. And they all sit smack in the middle of glorious outdoor scenery. In short, there's something for everybody—and it's all right outside your tent door.

Maine

Mount Blue State Park
Webb Lake shimmers amid the rugged terrain of Maine's Western Mountains region. Fit hikers tackle the park's namesake, 3,187-foot Mount Blue, which rewards visitors with lofty views of the forested landscape and mountains. Miles of other trail options lace through the 8,000-acre park and extend into the adjoining 10,000 acres of public land that encompass the Tumbledown Mountain Range.

The large campground (136 sites) sits on the shores of Webb Lake near the park's center, providing a family-friendly base camp with opportunities for paddling, biking, fishing, or swimming on a nearby sandy beach. Gentle paths meander around the lake shore, including the Webb Lake Nature Trail, a kid-happy path that connects with the park's nature center. Hot showers help refresh for the next day's adventures.

Info: 207-624-9950, maine.gov/doc/parks
Reservations: 207-624-9950, campwithme.com

Also consider: Camden Hills State Park, Acadia National Park

New Hampshire

Lafayette Campground, Franconia Notch State Park
Deep in a glacial valley, below towering mountains of granite, Lafayette Campground is a hiking world unto itself. Surrounded by some of New England's best mountain scenery, the campground serves as the trailhead for routes in all directions. Strike east from your campsite to complete one of New England's most iconic hikes, the 8.8-mile loop over mile-high Franconia Ridge via Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path. Climb west for 1.5 miles to visit Lonesome Lake, a pleasant swimming spot next to AMC's hut of the same name, then continue on to tackle the rocky, all-day trails of Cannon Mountain and the Kinsman Range.

The 98-site campground is located on the upper reaches of the Pemigewasset River and features hot showers and a small camp store for basic supplies. Gentle, bike-friendly paths head up- and downriver from camp.

Info: 603-745-8391, nhstateparks.org
Reservations: 877-647-2757, reserveamerica.com

Wild River Campground, White Mountain National Forest
Head six miles down a dead-end gravel road to reach a small, quiet campground surrounded by the splendor of 24,000-acre Wild River Wilderness. For peak-bagging enthusiasts, several full-day loop hikes emanate from the campground and traverse the high peaks of the Carter Range, which includes six 4,000-footers. Swimming-hole aficionados will revel in the many pools found along the Moriah Brook Trail. For more leisurely hikers, the wide and inviting Wild River Trail runs along the valley floor for 3 miles to the Spruce Brook Shelter, a fun stopover and picnic spot next to the river.

The campground is small (12 sites) and basic, with few amenities. The reward is quiet drive-up tranquility in the middle of one of New England's largest wilderness areas.

Info: 603-536-6100, White Mountain National Forest
Reservations: First-come, first-serve

Also consider: Mount Monadnock State Park; Basin Campground, White Mountain National Forest

Vermont

Branbury State Park
Nestled below the furrowed western flanks of the southern Green Mountains, this small state park is a portal to the hiking adventures of the adjoining Moosalamoo Recreation Area. This 16,000-acre swath of the Green Mountain National Forest has been specially recognized for its abundance of natural features, including waterfalls, caves, scenic vistas, and mountain lakes and streams. A range of day hikes is possible, including an all-day loop over 2,589-foot Mount Moosalamoo that offers distant views of Lake Champlain and Lake George. Wildlife is abundant, especially moose—"Moosalamoo" is an Abenaki word meaning "he trails the moose."

The small campground (40 sites) is located on the eastern shore of Lake Dunsmore, which beckons campers to swim, fish, boat, and soak trail-pounded legs. Hot water and a refreshment stand are bonuses.

Info: 802-247-5925, vtstateparks.com
Reservations: 888-409-7579, vtstateparks.com/htm/reservations.htm; 14 days or less in advance, call the park directly

Also consider: Underhill State Park; Mount Ascutney State Park

Massachusetts

Savoy Mountain State Forest
Straddling the Hoosac Range of northwest Massachusetts, Savoy Mountain State Forest offers 11,000 acres of rugged hills, ponds, woods, waterfalls, and a sweeping view from 2,566-foot Spruce Hill. More than 50 miles of trails wind through the forest, ranging from the challenging ascent of Spruce Hill via the Busby Trail or a leisurely walk to nearby Bog Pond and its floating bog islands. You can also visit several waterfalls, including the 50-foot cascade of Tannery Falls.

The mid-sized campground (45 sites) sits on the edge of South Pond and features a swimming beach, nature center, and four log cabins available for year-round rental. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on both South Pond and adjacent North Pond, where a boat launch and day-use area are located.

Info: 413-663-8469, mass.gov
Reservations: 877-422-6762, reserveamerica.com

Also consider: Beartown State Forest; Wells State Park

Connecticut

Macedonia Brook State Park
Gurgling through the rumpled folds of eastern Connecticut, Macedonia Brook flows through a 2,300-acre gem of a park. Convoluted geology defines the region, a twisted story revealed in outcrops that date back more than 500 million years. Rock-hounding hikers should watch for remarkable displays of banded gneiss and other unusual rocks. Everybody else should enjoy the lush woods and rolling terrain of the many color-coded loop hikes that traverse the park. The 6.8-mile Blue Trail offers the full tour, ascending 1,365-foot Cobble Mountain to views of the nearby Catskill and Taconic Mountains.

The mid-sized campground (51 sites) straddles Macedonia Brook, providing ready access for stream fishing, exploring, or simply soaking your toes. Amenities are limited to water and outhouses.

Info: 860-927-3238, ct.gov
Reservations: 877-668-2267, reserveamerica.com

Also consider: Mashamoquet State Park; Pachaug State Forest

New York

Letchworth State Park
In western New York, the Genesee River roars through a precipitous gorge nearly 600 feet deep. Mighty waterfalls tumble in foaming whitewater. Extensive hiking trails wind around the canyon rim,66 miles of adventures, overlooks, river access, and waterfalls for all levels of experience and intensity. The truly inspired can tackle 24 miles of the long-distance Finger Lakes Trail, which traverses the park's south side. Everybody should consider the 7-mile Gorge Trail, which offers numerous overlooks into the canyon below.

The large campground (270 sites) is located in a quieter corner of the park, away from the bustling center of activity that surrounds the largest waterfalls. A mix of electric and tent sites are available, plus a host of luxuries, including playgrounds, athletic fields, hot water, and even a swimming pool.

Info: 585-493-3600, nysparks.state.ny.us
Reservations: 800-456-2267, reserveamerica.com

Also consider: Woodland Valley Campground (Catskills); Fish Creek Pond Campground (Adirondacks)

New Jersey

Stokes State Forest
The Appalachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge for 12.5 miles through Stokes State Forest. En route it passes over 1,653-foot Sunrise Mountain, which rewards hikers with sweeping views west toward rugged forests and mountain slopes and east over rolling pastoral farmland. Thirty-three miles of additional trails provide days of adventure; several of them lead to a designated swimming and day-use area on Stony Lake, the forest's largest body of water.

Fifty-one sites are available in two different areas. Anglers should opt for the Lake Ocquittunk campground, located adjacent to the Big Flatbrook, renowned as one of the state's best trout fishing streams. Cabin-lovers should consider it as well; ten are available with hot and cold running water, electricity, stove, lights, a fridge, and a wood stove (reserve far in advance).

Info: 973-948-3820, state.nj.us
Reservations: 973-948-3820, state.nj.us

Also consider: High Point State Park; Wawayanda State Park

Pennsylvania

Cook Forest State Park
Picture trees with trunks wider than you are tall. Imagine that they soar more than 150 feet overhead, and were seedlings when Pennsylvania was a British colony. Now go see them for yourself at Cook Forest State Park in northwest Pennsylvania. This 8,500-acre park features 1,300 acres of old-growth woods, including the 315-acre Forest Cathedral, where stupendous hemlocks and white pines tower toward the sky. Twenty-nine miles of trail explore the rolling sylvan terrain, and more than 11 miles of wide dirt roads are perfect for bicycles. The large campground (210 sites) is within easy striking distance of the Cathedral; several paths lead to some of the area's most impressive old-growth. Twenty-three rustic cabins are available for weekly rental. For kids, the camp playground might just be more exciting than the park’s 300-year-old trees.

Info: 814-744-8407, dcnr.state.pa.us
Reservations: 888-727-2757, pa.reserveworld.com

Also consider: Ohiopyle State Park; Hickory Run State Park

Maryland

Cunningham Falls State Park
In western Maryland, the rumpled Catoctin Mountains beckon with miles of rugged trails and rough, scramble-happy terrain. Cunningham Falls State Park also entices with short and easy paths, including rambles to its namesake 78-foot waterfall, the state's largest. For all-day rambles, consider nine miles of the 27-mile Catoctin Trail (a spur of the Appalachian Trail) that traverse the park; or ascend the 7.5-mile Bob's Hill Trail to Bob's 1,765-foot summit, enjoying views along the way of the surrounding Piedmont region.

The park is composed of two sections, Manor and William Houck, each with a distinct campground. Manor is small (23 sites), basic, and quiet, but lacks direct access to many of the park's features and amenities. William Houck is larger and busier (107 sites, including 33 with hook-ups) and features 13 camper cabins for rent. It's only a half-mile stroll from the falls and located adjacent to Hunting Creek Lake, where three designated swimming areas are available.

Info: 301-271-7574, dnr.state.md.us
Reservations: 888-432-2267, reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Also consider: Gambrill State Park