Of course, sometimes the hardest part of planning a trip is getting started. To make your next upcoming camping trip as easy as possible—whether it’s your first-ever trip or you’re a seasoned camper—Parade consulted with GoRVing.com expert Jeff Crider. Crider offered his favorite campsites recommendations for each state in the U.S. Whether you’re looking for the best RV campsites near you, or the best campsites in every state for tent camping and all your other favorite camping activities, this list will help you narrow you down! “Many have planned activities, pools, interactive water features, waterslides, playgrounds, and dog parks,” Crider tells Parade. “Others are located near major attractions, historic locations for the history buffs, have access to hiking trails, have beautiful views, and plenty of fun for the whole family!”
Best Camping & Campsites in Every State
Alabama
Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort in Foley On the white sand beaches of the Gulf Shores of Alabama, you’ll find the perfect combo of natural beauty and the amenities that take camping to the next level. With perks like private patios, picnic tables, free cable and WiFi, you’ve got everything you need right on your site. But if you want to venture off the site, there’s also a water slide, lazy river, playground, billiards, and more to check out. Island Retreat RV Park in Gulf Shores Paradise is waiting for you in the Gulf Shores of Alabama! Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and featuring amenities like boat and watercraft parking, a playground for kids, a pool, bike trail access, and more. Plus, Island Retreat RV Park is less than three miles from the beach.
Alaska
Seward KOA in Seward Seward KOA is the latest KOA campground to grace Alaska, having celebrated its grand opening in May 2019. There’s a dog park, WiFi, and it’s big-rig friendly—not to mention free showers (with heated floors!) and on-site laundry. The views are unparalleled and just five minutes one way, you have Exit Glacier; in the other direction, there’s Downtown Seward. And if you don’t have an RV, no worries—Seward KOA also has other lodging options like tent sites and a one-room cabin that sleeps up to three people! Tok R.V. Village & Cabins in Tok Also in Alaska, there’s Tok RV Village, which offers gorgeous mountain views, a car wash, a laundromat, and a book exchange. It’s also big-rig friendly with 100 different pull-throughs, tent sites, cabins, and glamping tents.
Arizona
Williams/Circle Pines KOA in Williams Open all year in Williams, Arizona is Williams/Circle Pines KOA where the amenities are aplenty. On-site, you’ll find a hot tub and sauna, pool, snack bar, Kamping Kitchen, mini-golf, pavilion, bike rentals, a jumping pillow, BBQ rentals, and more.
Arkansas
Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs Rise with the sun, sleep with the stars at Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Catherine’s Landing spans 400 acres full of wildlife—bunnies, deer, even armadillos—and is set along with Lake Catherine and Big Foot Trail. There’s also a zipline on the property, so you can discover it all from a bird’s eye view.
California
Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula With a recently installed zipline and labyrinth, Ventura Ranch KOA is a super family-friendly campground. It also has many different lodging options to choose from, including yurts, cottage rentals, tents, and RV sites.
Colorado
Winding River Resort in Grand Lake On the North Fork of the Colorado River, Winding River Resort in Grand Lake has camping sites and cabins, and another big draw: Horses! Winding River Resort offers either one- or two-hour trail rides, pony rides, and horse-drawn hayrides. Dolores River Campground in Dolores Camping season in Dolores, Colorado spans from May 1 to October 11 and it’s definitely a unique camping experience. While there are drive-up spots to park your own RV, there are also more rentable housing options to choose from, too—cabins, vintage Airstreams, yurts, and Conestoga wagons.
Connecticut
Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah With Wellness in the Woods Spa services, weekly theatre films, and a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, Odetah Camping Resort feels more like a five-star resort than a camping ground. Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic With great picnic areas, a beautiful beach on the Long Island Sound, and even fishing opportunities, this campground is great for smaller camping trips.
Delaware
Massey’s Landing in Millsboro Massey’s Landing in Millsboro, Delaware is a luxury RV resort and waterfront campground on the bay just 30 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach. For a more glamorous stay, check out the safari tents and beachfront cottage options; for a more authentic camping experience, check out the waterfront spots. Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park in Lincoln Home to the infamous Yogi Bear, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park in Lincoln, Delaware is a must-visit camping spot. Great for families, Jellystone updated many of its attractions this past year, including its brand new splash pads and waterslides. Apart from RV sites, Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park also has cabin rentals and tent sites, too.
Florida
Boyd’s Campground in Key West Toward the end of US 1, Body’s Campground in Key West is the ultimate camping-in-the-Keys experience. Rent a kayak, chill at the pool and poolside Tiki Hut, or roast a s’more by the beachfront campfires. Camp Gulf in Miramar Beach Why camp in the dirt when you could camp on the sand? Camp Gulf is situated on the “sugar-white beaches” of the Emerald Coast, right on Miramar Beach.
Georgia
Pine Mountain RV Resort in Pine Mountain Only an hour outside of Atlanta, nestled along the Georgia pines, is the luxury experience that is Pine Mountain RV Resort. Features include steam showers, a pool, hot tub, and close proximity to Callaway Gardens and lodging options include tent sites, yurts, and cabins.
Hawai’i
‘Apua Point in Hawai’i County While you can’t bring an RV onto most campgrounds in Hawai’i due to how difficult it is to get them on the island, there are still plenty of opportunities to go camping on this tropical string of islands. ‘Apua Point in Hawai’i County is 6.6 miles from the Puna Coast trailhead along the south-facing Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. To access the campsite, hike through one of two trailheads: Pu’uloa Petroglyphs along the Puna Coast Trail or Mua Loa o Maunaulu along the Keauhou Trail and Puna Coast Trail. The campsite itself is pretty dreamy—just pitch a tent under the coconut trees. Or if you need shelter from the wind, pick a tent site with a wind-resistant stone wall. Kahua Lehua (Ho’omaluhia) in Honolulu Camp among the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens against the Ko’olau Mountain Range. You need a printed permit to camp in one of this park’s four total campsites and you can access it via 45-680 Luluku Road n Kane’ohe. Facilities include a comfort station, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and fire circles and pads.
Idaho
Lava Hot Springs West KOA in Lava Hot Springs Downtown off of Highway 30 is Lava Hot Springs West KOA. Nearby to a water park, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and of course, the world-famous Hot Springs it’s named for, the camping ground also has a laundromat, playground, dog run, jumping pillow, and more.
Illinois
D & W Lake Camping and RV Park in Champaign At D&W Lake Camping and RV Park, there’s a lot nearby. You have the University of Illinois, farm and tractor shows, and wine tastings all just a short drive away.
Indiana
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Fremont You’ll never run out of things to do at this Jellystone Park in Fremont, Indiana with kid-friendly activities like a Water Zone, jumping pillow, and mini-golf.
Iowa
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Monticello Formerly known as Walnut Acres, Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Monticello, Iowa is bookended by the Maquoketa River and the Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. A fan-favorite campground in Iowa, it’s been around since 1974.
Kansas
Topeka/Capital City KOA in Topeka RV sites at Topeka/Capital City KOA are full-service and come with free cable and WiFi, but if you don’t have an RV, there are plenty of other options: open tent sites and several rental units that sleep anywhere from four to six people. Amenities to enjoy during your stay include the saltwater pool, deluxe patio sites, and close proximity to the State Capitol, University of Kansas, Washburn University, and more.
Kentucky
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Cave City Cave City is so-named for its closeness to Mammoth Cave National Park. At Jellystone in South Central Kentucky, you’ll find comfort and fun not so far away from Mammoth. Jellystone has 93 air-conditioned cabins, as well as lots to do on the grounds: Karst Beach, Pirate and Princess Party weeks for kids, a 300-foot waterslide, and more.
Louisiana
Pontchartrain Landing in New Orleans Grab a slice of that marina lifestyle while camping at Pontchartrain Landing in New Orleans. It’s got vacation rental villas, boat launch sites, and RV sites, as well as a restaurant and bar featuring that quintessential Cajun food NOLA’s known for. The best part is the French Quarter is just a hop, skip, and a jump away on Pontchartrain’s daily shuttle.
Maine
Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport The Sandy Pines Campground located in Kennebunkport, Maine is another level of camping. Really, it’s glamping all the way around. With glamp tents, RV and tent sites, and one-room cottages, the entire aesthetic of Sandy Pines feels Instagram-worthy. Smuggler’s Den Campground in Southwest Harbor You’ll be a happy camper if you stay at Smuggler’s Den Campground in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Bordering popular Maine destination Acadia National Park, Smuggler’s Den is about a 20-minute drive to Bar Harbor—one of the top beach towns in the country—and a short walk from Echo Beach.
Maryland
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsport At Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsport, Maryland, choose from many different rental options—from a variety of cottages and bungalows to RV sites and primitive tent sites.
Massachusetts
Normandy Farms Family Campground in Foxboro In the woods between Boston and Cape Cod, there’s Normandy Farms Family Campground—a luxury camping destination that’s been around since 1971. Bring an RV, pitch a tent, or rent a yurt, deluxe cabin, pop-up trailer, or safari tent.
Michigan
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman If you’re looking to bring your RV to Michigan, Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman has just about every amenity and entertainment option you could imagine. From wine tastings and a gourmet restaurant to sleigh rides in the winter and themed murder mystery weekends, you won’t soon get bored at Thunder Bay. Indian Creek Campground in Tecumseh If you’re not much of a self-starter and much prefer an itinerary to be handed to you, let Indian Creek Campground in Tecumseh handle it all. The staff actually organize activities for campers: wagon rides, karaoke parties, fireworks—you name it! Port Huron KOA in Kimball Port Huron KOA has been experiencing some construction delays recently, so be sure to cross-reference if they’ll be open when you plan to visit. Situated on 70 acres, you can get just about anything here—from a rented golf cart to hand-dipped ice cream.
Minnesota
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging in Lanesboro At Eagle Cliff, it’s all about the outdoor activities. You can go tubing, canoeing, kayaking, or biking and the best part? The campsite says it’s “naturally mosquito-free!”
Mississippi
Jellystone Park Camp in Pelahatchie Is it even a Yogi Bear’s Jellystone if there isn’t a water park of some kind? At the Pelahatchie Jellystone, kids can relish in the Water Zone, pool, nearby beach, and of course, the jumping pillow.
Missouri
Branson Shenanigans RV Park in Branson With a name like Branson Shenanigans, there’s no way this campsite in Missouri isn’t a good time. Just a quick drive away from the Titanic Museum, the Branson Ferris Wheel, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, you’ll probably never run out of stuff to do on-site, but if you do, there’s plenty to do off of it.
Montana
West Glacier KOA Resort in West Glacier The views from West Glacier KOA Resort are out of this world. Just 2.5 miles from the West Glacier entrance, you’ll be surrounded by mountain scenery and the natural scent of pine. In fact, West Glacier KOA Resort won 2017’s KOA Campground of the Year!
Nebraska
Camp A Way in Lincoln Yearround, Nebraska’s Camp A Way campground offers cozy cabins, full hook-up sites, and creekside tent sites and has for the last 50 years.
Nevada
Las Vegas RV Resort in Las Vegas When you hear “Vegas!” you probably don’t immediately think of RVs. But the Las Vegas RV Resort is not to be ignored! Though it’s limited to adults only (ages 18 and up), the main advantage of Las Vegas RV Resort is how close it is to The Strip.
New Jersey
Camp Taylor Campground in Columbia Camp Taylor Campground is not only family-friendly but it’s also located adjacent to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. As the wolves on the preserve howl at night, it makes for quite an authentic camping experience!
New York
Lake George RV Park in Lake George This year is Lake George RV Park’s 55th anniversary and it’s not hard to see why the 120-acre park has been around for so long. Featuring park pools, a trolley, a Bark Park, a playhouse, and more, by far one of its biggest draws is the water park Cascade Cove. Branches of Niagara in Grand Island Between Niagara Falls and Buffalo, you’ll discover Branches of Niagara Campground Resort—a hidden gem of sorts. You can rent log cabins, yurts, tent campsites, or park your RV in a spot.
New Hampshire
Westward Shores Cottages & RV Resort in West Ossipee Perched on the Northwest shore of Ossipee Lake in West Ossipee, there’s Westward Shores Cottages & RV Resort. Close to Mt. Washington Valley shopping and other attractions, it also offers direct access to the Lake as well as a gas dock and boat launch.
New Mexico
Roadrunner RV Resort in Red River This RV resort located in the Red River Valley of New Mexico features 120 RV sites with full hook-ups, internet, and DirecTV. It’s about a mile from town and features beautiful riverfront views that make you feel like you’re parked right in the heart of nature.
North Carolina
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bostic At Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bostic, North Carolina, campers have more than 600 acres to explore and enjoy. With full hook-up RV sites, glamping tents with lake views, and premium tent sites, campers don’t just have staying options, they can also choose from tons of water-related activities, too. There’s also an 18-hole mini-golf course, a jumping pillow and jump pad, and laser tag. One reviewer wrote, “Can’t say enough good things about the campground, staff, and fellow campers. VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY with well-organized and planned activities, so many in fact that you can’t do them all. First but certainly NOT my last trip.” Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA in Rodanthe Life is better at the cabin… especially when you’re on the water. At the Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA campground in Rodanthe, you’ll love the oceanfront views and indescribable OBX vibe.
Ohio
Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins in Toronto With RV spots and log cabins, camping at Austin Lake in Toronto, Ohio is always a cozy experience. Features include hiking trails, epic bird watching, picnic areas with shelters, four playgrounds, pedal karts, a tube slide, hayrides, and of course, planned weekly events.
Oklahoma
Jellystone Park at Keystone Lake in Mannford Nearby Tulsa, there’s Jellystone Park at Keystone Lake—a 25,000-acre man-made lake. With 300 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of lakefront places to park as well as kayaks and paddleboards to rent.
Oregon
Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA in Hammond With all the amenities for the ultimate family-friendly stay, the Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA in Hammond, Oregon is a fan-favorite. One recent camper wrote, “This is by far the best KOA we ever stayed at. Our daughters had the best time at the Fun Zone, which was very clean and well kept. Our RV site was perfect and private.”
Pennsylvania
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Harrisville Named 2020’s Park of the Year, Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Harrisville, PA has some great family-friendly options. That includes their brand-new resort option: the Ranger’s Retreat Cabin that can sleep 14 and features a covered back porch. Other fun things to do include laser tag, Gaga Ball, and RC Tracks (for remote control vehicles) on site. Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County Camp along Raystown Lake but be sure to bring your fishing pole, mountain bike, and of course, a camping chair. In addition to tent sites, this Pennsylvanian campground also offers upscale lodging options: cabins and guest houses, too.
Rhode Island
Melville Ponds Campground in Melville Just five miles from Newport, Rhode Island, Melville Ponds Campground in Melville is technically situated on Aquidneck Island. Here, people walk and hike the trails, go fishing, bring their dogs to the dog park, and visit the local Sandy Point Beach and of course, the historical, nautical town of Newport.
South Carolina
Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach RV campground or full-out water park?! Located at the South End of Myrtle Beach, Ocean Lakes is operated by an award-winning team with the goal of being the best family-friendly resort destination they can be. With 859 campsites and 310 oceanfront acres, Ocean Lakes can accommodate just about everyone. It even has EV charging stations, proving they’ve really thought of everything!
South Dakota
Palmer Gulch/Mount Rushmore KOA in Hill City Get to the Gulch! Palmer Gulch/Mount Rushmore KOA in Hill City, South Dakota has been around for a long time, so it’s rich with history. Today, the RV Park is more expansive than ever, offering rodeo events, hayrides, tie-dyeing, and more activities. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Brandon In Sioux Falls, there’s Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort where there’s an open corn maze in the fall, laser tag all year round, and an air-conditioned General Store.
Tennessee
Lazy Llama Campground in Chuckey Family owned and operated by two retired educators (one of which is an artist), Lazy Llama Campground in Chuckey, Tennessee is unlike any other campground experience thanks to its resident llamas that patrol the grounds. Be sure to visit the on-site Llama Store for llama- and alpaca-made goods.
Texas
North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson Bring the whole family together at North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson. Previously known as Rustic Creek Ranch, North Texas Jellystone Park offers lots of outdoor activities, from fishing and hiking to hayrides. Your kids may even catch a glimpse of Yogi Bear himself… and his friends.
Utah
Zion River Resort RV Park and Campground in Virgin Surely you’ve heard (or seen the pictures of) Zion National Park. Well, Zion River Resort RV Park and Campground in Virgin, Utah is situated on the Virgin River and just minutes from the National Park. The views make it a can’t-miss camping destination. Cannonville/Bryce Valley KOA in Cannonville It’s the sunset for me! Cannonville/Bryce Valley KOA in Cannonville, Utah is known amongst RV-ers and campers for its sunsets that quite literally illuminate the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. While you’re in Cannonville, stop by nearby attractions like Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grosvenor Arch, Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Red Canyon, and Scenic Byway 12, an All-American Road.
Vermont
Brattleboro North KOA in East Dummerston Voted a top 10 campground by USA Today in 2020, Brattleboro North KOA has everything from deluxe cottages and cabins (that can sleep up to eight) to tenting sites and RV spots. Every Saturday night there’s a free ice cream social and there’s even a family-friendly challenge of sorts to visit all 15 covered bridges throughout Windham and Bennington, VT. Can you visit (and take pictures) at them all?
Virginia
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Luray In Luray, VA, you’ll find the best vacation ever in the way of Jellystone. With all the classic Yogi Bear amenities campers and RV-ers alike love—a family-friendly Water Zone, laser tag, a zipline, a jumping pillow—the 73-acre Luray location has it all. Endless Caverns in New Market Pet-friendly and family-friendly, the Endless Caverns in New Market, Virginia are situated on a gorgeous mountainside campground that spans 265 acres across the Shenandoah Valley. But that’s not even what makes it most unique—Endless Caverns literally has a majestic cave on site, discovered back in 1879, that you can explore. It’s called Endless Caverns for good reason!
Washington
La Conner RV Resort in La Conner Open year-round, La Conner RV Resort offers a unique camping experience you can only get in Washington. Sitting on 111 acres of campground and featuring a half-mile of saltwater beachfront, there’s nothing that feels more Pacific Northwest than La Conner.
Wisconsin
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia In Caledonia, Wisconsin, Jellystone Park Camp-Resort offers family camping at its finest. With many different campsite options—including a selection of cabins—this resort features pedal carts, giant jumping pillows, Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, and more. It’s also only 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and 75 miles north of Chicago. Schatzi’s 4 Seasons Resort in Gordon-Wascott Known as an outdoor recreational haven, there’s no outdoorsy activity at Schatzi’s 4 Seasons Resort you can’t do. Camp, fish, hunt, swim, hike, ski, snowmobile, or quad on the many ATV trails along the 2,300 acres of spring-fed waters. Hungry? Grab a bite at the Golden Chipmunk Bar & Grill. Want a moment of peace? Sit out by the crystal-clear Cranberry Lake and just take it all in.
West Virginia
Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing If you plan on parking your RV at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing, West Virginia, be sure not to miss out on their whitewater rafting tours! Lodging options include everything from cabins, glamping tents, tent sites, and vacation homes.
Wyoming
Terry Bison Ranch Resort in Cheyenne As its name suggests, campers get up-close-and-personal with bison at the Terry Bison Ranch Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Take a train tour for the most up-close experience with the bison as they roam the reserve.
Other Interesting and Unique Campgrounds
Twin Lake Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs, Florida Twin Lakes recently got an upgrade into a glamping campground by the millennial kids of a longtime RV resort operator. Now, you can expect everything from cabin suites and full-site hookup sites to fancy glamping tents. Time Away RV Park in Lincoln, Alabama Right next to the famous Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama, Time Away celebrates its grand opening in June 2021. Next up, these are the best college towns throughout the U.S.
