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Pitch a Tent in the Best U.S. Wine Regions

Washington

Washington is a camper's paradise with the Cascades, Mount Rainier the Columbia River all within the state's boundaries. It's also the second-largest wine producer in the United States, and grapes are its fourth largest fruit crop, according to WashingtonWine.org.

It boasts more than 750 wineries, all of which produce Riesling and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. While there are some growers in the Puget Sound area, the most popular wine regions are just east of the Cascades.

Columbia Valley

Almost all of Washington's grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, which encompasses the Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley, and the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco and Kennewick). You'll find wineries off Highway 82 in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, and Route 12 and 125 in Walla Walla.

Soda Springs Campground is near the Bumping River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with 19 standard non-electric campsites--suitable for tents and RVs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and hike along Goat Ridge Trail or the Richmond Mine Trail.

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Charbonneau Park on Lake Sacajawea is perfect for fishing, boating or just relaxing near the water. It has 52 standard electric sites and two group shelters.

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Virginia

One of the oldest wine regions in the country, vintners have been growing grapes here since the 17th century. In Jamestown, settlers were obligated by law to plant European vines, but these plants were prone to pests and did not fare well. Even the first and third U.S. presidents, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, tried to grow European grapes and failed, according to VirginiaWine.org.

It wasn't until growers used Native American grapes that they had success. Now Virginia has almost 250 wineries. Chardonnay is the most popularly grown variety in Virginia. Many wineries also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Viognier.

Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley is the largest producer of Virginia wine, with more than 30 wineries nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains.

Nearly 19 wineries participate in the Shenandoah Wine Trail, where you can mosey from winery to winery with your hiking boots on. The most spectacular time to visit is in the fall, when the leaves turn into a sea of red, yellow and orange, but you can enjoy water sports on the Shenandoah River in the summer including tubing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Camp at the Shenandoah River State Park, with 15 cabins of various sizes, a six-bedroom lodge, 32 standard electric sites, and 10 tent sites.

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New York

New York is home to more than 35 wineries and 1,600 vineyards, according to NewYorkWines.org.

The most popular regions for wine growing are Finger Lakes and Long Island.

Finger Lakes

This region, with 119 wineries, specializes in sparkling wines, ice wine and dessert wine as well as Riesling and Pinot Noir.

If you love fishing, then head to Cayuga Lake State Park. Cayuga Lake is the largest and longest of the Finger Lakes, and is home to bass, trout and salmon. The campground features 14 cabins and 267 campsites, all of which accommodate tents and RVs.

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Long Island

Long Island is the state's newest wine-producing region has 66 wineries and is known for red wine. Get away from the wineries and pitch your tent at Hither Hills State Park, a 168-site campground located near the beach and close to the wineries.

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