We’ve had a lovely summer here in Nova Scotia but it’s not over yet. This week, special guest Taylor Anderson writes about some of the great camping spots around the city of Halifax.

In the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, home to plenty of cultural treasures all year, there are equally enthralling camping opportunities. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, fun camping with friends, quality family time, or scenery with a hike, there are options for everyone.

Here are a few spots where you can get outside and enjoy camping near Halifax for a stress-free weekend.

A Quiet Walk (Photo credit: Property#1 from Flickr)

1. Romantic getaway: Anchorage House & Cottages
Anchorage House & Cottages offers a lightweight form of camping, since nothing puts a strain on a good relationship like having to find a rock-free patch of grass to put up your tent and figuring out who will cook! Instead, try renting a cottage in nearby Hubbards and enjoy the romantic backdrop, water views, all the amenities of home, and all kinds of activities. You can go swimming, enjoy a good lobster supper, try out kayaking or cycling, or take a boat tour together. It’s also easy to get to Halifax, Lunenberg, and Peggy’s Cove from this location, so you can explore anything this area of Nova Scotia has to offer.

2. A group of friends: Shubie Campground
Shubie Campground is a municipal campground in Dartmouth, so it’s a short drive if you have to pack everyone into the car to get there. It offers a full array of services so you don’t have to live with stinky people for days, and you can pay for coffee or internet if you’re desperate for some amenities. You can take showers for a small fee and there’s a laundry station there, too. Play tennis or volleyball with your buddies, or try freshwater fishing nearby. There’s even a canteen for stocking up on junk food before you stay up all night. Just save the private conversations for later – the campsites are often close together.

3. The whole family: Wide Open Wilderness
Wide Open Wilderness is a family-friendly campground, and it offers amenities for everyone. It welcomes kids and provides oversized lots, showers, toilets, laundry, a games room, swimming pool, and even bouncy castles for the kids! The parents can enjoy bird-watching while kids get ice cream or popcorn from the office and go to one of several playgrounds, play pinball, or swim. They hold frequent events and kids’ events on Saturday mornings.

4. Experienced campers: Bluff Wilderness Trail
For those looking to enjoy a hike on well-maintained trails, see diverse flora and fauna, and experienced in “leave no trace” camping, Bluff Wilderness Trail is a great advanced option. The Bluff Trail has no designated campsites, so they discourage camping by those who are accustomed to destructive camping methods such as clearing the forest, building cooking fires, and defecating near running water. If you’re used to camping without amenities, Bluff Wilderness Trail is a fantastic place for experienced campers to explore.

These are a few of the best spots for camping near the Halifax area. No matter why you want to get away, you can find a campground that will suit your preferences without having to drive too far. Don’t let the summer pass without enjoying some time outdoors in this scenic province.

Taylor Anderson contributed this guest post on behalf of American Express credit cards. Taylor is freelance writer and a member of a network of bloggers who write about travel and lifestyle.

Source: http://eastcoastbychoice.ca/2012/08/17/best-camping-spots-near-halifax/