Campground of the Week

On this week’s special Halloween episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we’re taking you on another leg of our Haunted RV Road Trip series with our resident “Camping Librarian,” Shannon Minner. In previous years, Shannon guided us through haunted campgrounds and spooky destinations from coast to coast. This time, she’s serving up something a little different: haunted bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and soak up some eerie atmosphere before retreating to the comfort of your RV for the night at a nearby campground. From the haunted speakeasies of New Hampshire to the witchy taverns of Salem, the ghostly pubs of Charleston, and the haunted saloons of the Wild West, these are some of the best destinations for a spooky (and delicious) RV road trip. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire The Omni Mount Washington Hotel Perched at the base of Mount Washington, this grand white hotel looks like it was designed to star in a ghost story—and in many ways, it has. Built in 1902 by wealthy coal magnate Joseph Stickney, the Omni Mount Washington became a playground for the elite. When Stickney died soon after the hotel’s completion, his wife Carolyn inherited it. She later remarried a French prince but reportedly continued to visit the property—and some say she never left. Guests and staff often report sightings of Carolyn, especially in Room 314, which still contains her original bed. The hotel features three restaurants and three bars, including the prohibition-era speakeasy known as “The Cave.” It’s a cozy, candlelit lounge beneath the hotel where staff have reported unexplained activity—most famously, a set of teacups that mysteriously flew from behind the bar before shattering on the floor. The Omni is a spectacular stop for travelers exploring the White Mountains, even if you just drop in for dinner or a drink. The 1902 Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a grand dining room, while Stickney’s Pub and Steakhouse offers upscale comfort food and mountain views. Nearby Camping: Mountain Lake Camping Resort (Lancaster, NH) – A family-friendly favorite with a swimming lake, water slides, and RV sites plus cabins, yurts, and tipis. Perfect for campers who prefer fun over fear. Moose Brook State Park (Gorham, NH) – For those who prefer peace and pine needles, this rustic park offers tent and RV sites without hookups but plenty of natural charm. Bonus excursion: Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway for panoramic views—and maybe a few ghostly chills on the mountain’s summit. Salem, Massachusetts Turner’s Seafood and Rockafellas You can’t talk about haunted America without mentioning Salem, the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692–1693. The town draws visitors year-round, but it truly comes alive (and perhaps a little undead) in October. If you’re planning to visit, make reservations early—many attractions and restaurants are open only on select days of the week, even during peak season. Turner’s Seafood sits on the site of Bridget Bishop’s former apple orchard. Bridget was the first woman executed during the witch trials, and many believe her spirit lingers near the restaurant. Patrons have reported seeing a woman in a flowing white gown at the top of the staircase and catching whiffs of phantom apple scents. For a signature drink, order the Campfire Espresso Martini—a fitting toast for Halloween campers. A few blocks away, Rockafellas occupies a striking old bank building that once stood on the site of Salem’s first church. Its resident ghost, Sarah “The Blue Lady,” was supposedly murdered by a jealous sea captain and is still spotted in the alley and on the restaurant’s security cameras. Rockafellas leans into the legend with themed cocktails like the Blue Lady Martini, and if you’re lucky, you can reserve a private table inside the restaurant’s bank vault—an eerie and unforgettable experience. Nearby Camping: Winter Island Park (Salem, MA) – Located minutes from downtown, this historic 17th-century fort site offers 28 RV spots (with 30- and 50-amp hookups), beaches, and easy access to Salem’s trolley. Normandy Farms (Foxborough, MA) – About an hour away, this iconic resort campground is perfect for families. Highlights include four pools, an 18-hole disc golf course, an RC track, and even a meditation garden. Charleston, South Carolina The Blind Tiger Pub and Poogan’s Porch Charleston may be known as the “Holy City,” but it’s also one of the most haunted cities in America. Its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings hide stories of scandal, heartbreak, and restless spirits. At the Blind Tiger Pub, housed in a 200-year-old building once used as a speakeasy, patrons have reported a ghostly woman in a black dress who tugs on the hair of female guests. Despite its spooky reputation, this Charleston classic is renowned for its lively patio and award-winning menu—especially the Infamous Bowl, a comfort food concoction of mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken nuggets, and cheese. Just down the street, Poogan’s Porch offers a slightly gentler haunting. The restaurant occupies a restored Victorian home once inhabited by two sisters, Zoe and Elizabeth, and a loyal dog named Poogan. After their deaths, guests have spotted Zoe wandering the halls in her long black dress and the ghostly pup darting across the porch. Whether you come for the Southern fare or the spooky ambiance, Poogan’s Porch remains one of Charleston’s most beloved dining spots. Nearby Camping: James Island County Park (Charleston, SC) – A sprawling 643-acre park with full hookups, trails, saltwater fishing, and even a seasonal water park. A longtime RV Atlas favorite. Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA – Located on the grounds of the historic Oakland Plantation, this KOA offers shady sites, a private lake, and easy access to downtown and nearby beaches. Breckenridge, Colorado The Prospector Restaurant and The Gold Pan Saloon In the mining town of Breckenridge, the ghosts of the Gold Rush still linger. At the Prospector Restaurant, once a 19th-century boarding house for miners, staff and guests have reported encounters with a ghost named Sylvia, a hostile female spirit said to dislike women. The restaurant’s old-fashioned charm and hearty fall menu—complete with housemade pumpkin pie—make it a must-visit, even if you’re keeping an eye on your surroundings. A few blocks away, the Gold Pan Saloon claims to be one of Colorado’s oldest continuously operating bars, dating back to 1861. It survived Prohibition and countless barroom brawls, and its upstairs apartments are rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former madam who gently touches tenants’ cheeks as they sleep. The bar now includes the Carboy Winery, where you can sample wine alongside the spirits of another kind. Nearby Camping: Prospector Campground (Dillon, CO) – In the White River National Forest, this dry campground offers 105 sites with sweeping mountain views. No hookups, but plenty of stargazing. Tiger Run RV Resort (Breckenridge, CO) – A luxury resort with full hookups, a heated pool, fitness center, and riverside cabins. Note: RVs must meet certain age and length requirements. Houston, Texas La Carafe and Dean’s Downtown Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the hauntings. In Houston, two historic bars bring together good drinks and ghostly company. La Carafe, housed in the city’s oldest commercial building (built in 1847), is a candlelit wine bar where visitors report flickering lights, moving shadows, and the eerie feeling of being watched. Some locals say the energy here is more mischievous than menacing—but it’s still enough to raise a few goosebumps. A short walk away, Dean’s Downtown occupies a five-story building from 1893—the first steel-framed building in Houston and one of the first in the country to have an electric elevator. Originally a department store, it later became a bar where staff still encounter “trickster spirits” that move or hide objects. The craft cocktails are designed by a former wine sommelier, so even if the ghosts don’t appear, you’ll still have something special to sip on. Nearby Camping: Traders Village RV Park – Big-rig-friendly and located beside a massive weekend flea market with carnival rides and shopping. Concrete pads, pool, and a family-friendly vibe. Lakeview Quality RV Resort – A gated park with a pool, jacuzzi, fishing lake, dog wash, and even a popcorn bar. Offers shuttles to nearby hospitals for guests in town for medical care. Eric & Jay’s RV Resort – Ten miles from downtown Houston, featuring a resort-style pool, hot tub, business center, and outdoor games. Great for business travelers, long-term stays, and weekend tourists alike. Plan Your Own Haunted RV Road Trip Whether you’re sipping a martini in Salem, listening for whispers in a Charleston pub, or spotting shadows in a Houston bar, these haunted restaurants and campgrounds prove that Halloween doesn’t have to end on October 31st. To hear all the spooky stories and travel tips from Shannon’s A Haunted RV Road Trip series, tune in to this week’s full episode of The RV Atlas Podcast. Then start planning your own ghostly getaway—with the comfort of knowing your RV is your safe, non-haunted home base. The post A Haunted RV Road Trip Pt. 3: More Spooky Spots Near Campgrounds with Shannon Minner appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Discover Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. Learn where to camp, dine, and stay for the perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway. On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we dive into one of our favorite destinations in the East—Shenandoah National Park—and explore two equally incredible ways to stay there: Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge. Whether you love rustic camping or prefer the cozy comfort of a lodge, Big Meadows is a national park experience that delivers both serenity and convenience. You can find more recommendations for exploring Shenandoah National Park in “Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks.” Shenandoah National Park Basics Shenandoah is unlike most national parks. Instead of being a single large expanse of land, it stretches along a narrow, 105-mile ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park follows Skyline Drive, a scenic highway that connects Front Royal in the north to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south. Along the way, you’ll find overlooks, trailheads, lodges, and campgrounds—all perched high above the Virginia countryside. For travelers coming from the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, Shenandoah is a surprisingly accessible park. It’s roughly five hours from New Jersey, three from Washington D.C., and four from Philadelphia or Baltimore. At about the halfway point on Skyline Drive, you’ll find the Big Meadows area, which serves as the park’s central hub. This area includes: The Byrd Visitor Center, with excellent exhibits and ranger programs  A concessionaire-run grill and gift shop  The Big Meadows wildlife viewing area, famous for deer and black bear sightings  Big Meadows Campground, one of the most popular in the park  Big Meadows Lodge, a classic national park lodge with sunset views and rustic charm  Everything in this area is walkable, making Big Meadows one of the most convenient and rewarding base camps for exploring Shenandoah. Big Meadows Campground  Big Meadows Campground is a quintessential National Park Service camping experience—peaceful, wooded, and surrounded by trails. We think it’s one of the most beautiful and best-located campgrounds in the eastern U.S. Season and Reservations The campground typically operates from late March through late November, weather permitting, and reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Fall weekends fill quickly, so early booking is essential. Layout and Site Details Big Meadows is a large, heavily wooded campground with several loops and a mix of sites for tents, pop-ups, small trailers, vans, and mid-size RVs. A few sites can handle larger rigs, but most are better suited for smaller setups due to tight turns, trees, and sloped terrain. When booking, it’s worth scrolling through the photos of each site on Recreation.gov to find one that fits your rig and camping style. Sites are spacious and private, with thick tree cover that gives the campground a quiet, natural feel. It’s not unusual to see deer grazing right beside your site at dawn or dusk—and sometimes even in the middle of the day. Facilities and Amenities This is dry camping, so there are no hookups, but amenities are solid for a national park campground: Bathrooms: Flush restrooms are located throughout the loops and are generally clean and comfortable.  Showers: A central heated bathhouse offers hot showers for $5 per 10 minutes. The same building also includes a small camp store that sells firewood, ice, bug spray, snacks, and a few camping essentials.  Ranger Programs: The amphitheater hosts evening programs such as stargazing, wildlife talks, and family-friendly events.  Trails and Access: From your campsite, you can easily walk to Story of the Forest Trail, Dark Hollow Falls, and the Byrd Visitor Center.  Atmosphere and Experience Big Meadows doesn’t have a playground, pool, or Wi-Fi, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s peaceful and timeless—perfect for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Shenandoah without distractions. One of the best perks? You can walk from the campground to Big Meadows Lodge, where you can grab dinner, catch live music, or enjoy a sunset view from the great room before strolling back to your campsite under the stars. Few national park campgrounds offer that kind of convenience. Big Meadows Lodge  For travelers who prefer comfort—or those who want to add a little luxury to their park stay—Big Meadows Lodge is a perfect companion to the campground. It’s open seasonally from May 5 through November 9 and offers a mix of traditional rooms, suites, and pet-friendly accommodations. Prices vary depending on the day and room type, typically ranging from $175 to $450 per night. The Setting Built in the 1930s, Big Meadows Lodge has the rustic architecture and warm, welcoming feel that define classic national park lodges. The building blends stone and timber construction with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests gather in the great room to play board games, sip coffee, or simply take in the panoramic sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dining Options Spotswood Dining Room: The lodge’s main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with beautiful window views. The menu includes hearty, approachable dishes—think comfort food made better by the scenery.  New Market Tap Room: Located downstairs, this casual pub offers wings, pizza, and sandwiches along with live music on many weekends. It’s a relaxed space where both campers and lodge guests come together to eat and unwind.  Coffee Bar: A small counter near the lobby serves morning coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go snacks.  Why Stay Here Big Meadows Lodge feels like a step back in time. There are no televisions in the rooms, cell service is spotty, and yet you won’t miss any of it. The combination of natural beauty, history, and community makes this one of the best-kept hidden gems in the national park lodge system. We especially love the idea of combining both experiences—camp a few nights at Big Meadows Campground, then move up to the lodge for a couple of nights of real beds, hot showers, and dining with a view. For tent campers or travelers in smaller RVs, this “hybrid stay” offers the best of both worlds. Plan Your Shenandoah Adventure Shenandoah National Park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience a classic national park setting without flying across the country. The Big Meadows area is the perfect basecamp—where you can hike to waterfalls, spot deer in the meadow, and end the day with dinner and live music at the lodge. If you’re ready to plan your trip to Shenandoah—or to any of America’s incredible public lands—pick up our guidebook Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks. It’s packed with expert advice, campground reviews, and itinerary ideas to help you create your next unforgettable national park adventure. The post Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in the Heart of Shenandoah National Park appeared first on The RV Atlas.

We recently headed down to South Jersey to spend a few days at Spacious Skies Country Oaks, a medium-sized campground in Dorothy, New Jersey. This property is part of the Spacious Skies Campgrounds collection, and it struck us as one of those rare campgrounds that hits a sweet spot: affordable rates, a relaxed vibe, and a solid list of amenities and activities. If you’re looking for a base camp to explore the southern New Jersey coast—or if you just want a quiet escape to relax by the pool or sit around the campfire—Country Oaks is a great option. Location: A Base Camp for South Jersey Adventures One of the biggest draws of Country Oaks is its central location in southern New Jersey. From the campground, you can easily day trip to: Ocean City, NJ (30 minutes): A classic Jersey Shore town with a family-friendly boardwalk and wide, sandy beaches. Cape May, NJ (50 minutes): Known for its historic Victorian homes, lighthouse, and charming downtown. Atlantic City, NJ (30 minutes): Whether you’re there for casinos, shopping, live music, or just a walk on the famous boardwalk, AC has something to offer. Philadelphia, PA (1 hour): Spend a day touring Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or grabbing a cheesesteak before heading back to camp. But you don’t have to hit the road. Country Oaks also makes a great weekend retreat if all you want to do is relax at the campground Spacious Skies Country Oaks:Campground Layout and Sites Country Oaks has about 150 sites, a mix of pull-throughs and back-ins, nearly all with full hookups (30/50 amp). Visitor sites are located near the front of the campground, close to the pool, camp store, and activities. Seasonal sites are in the back and create a lively, friendly atmosphere. The seasonal section is well-kept and shaded, with large trees and sites that feel cozy and cared for. There are also a handful of rustic cabins, vintage-style RV rentals, and some tent sites. If you’re camping with friends or family, there are good opportunities to group sites near each other, including options by the cabins. Pricing: A Welcome Throwback One of the things we appreciated most about Country Oaks is the reasonable pricing. During September, a full-hookup site ran about $65 per night—a rate that felt like a “throwback” to pre-pandemic camping prices. This places Country Oaks in a sweet spot between: Public campgrounds ($20–30/night, but usually no hookups or amenities) Luxury resorts ($100+/night, with premium amenities) At $65, you get a clean, friendly campground with a full list of amenities and activities, without breaking the bank. Amenities and Activities Despite its affordable rates, Country Oaks offers a solid lineup of amenities: Camp Store: Stocked with ice cream, drinks, snacks, and RV basics. Pool & Snack Shack: A spacious pool that’s perfect on hot summer days, with a snack shack serving pizza and other easy meals. Bouncy Pillow: A kid favorite. Basketball Court & Gem Mining: Great family activities. Pavilion & Arcade: Hosting events, games, and live music on some weekends. Dog Park: A large, fenced space for your pup to run and play. On weekends, you’ll also find organized activities like wagon rides, tie-dye crafts, and live entertainment, especially during the summer season. Spacious Skies campgrounds are good about planning fun, family-friendly events, and Country Oaks fits right in with that tradition. Atmosphere at Spacious Skies Country Oaks We loved the friendly, relaxed vibe at Country Oaks. Seasonal campers were decorating sites with lights and welcoming visitors, while weekenders gathered with friends across multiple sites. The campground feels like a place where families return year after year, and many campers were already booking their next trip before leaving. The staff and managers were consistently warm and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both first-timers and long-time regulars. Who Is Spacious Skies Country Oaks Best For? Spacious Skies Country Oaks is a great fit for: Families looking for an affordable weekend getaway with activities for the kids. Campers who want to explore Ocean City, Cape May, Atlantic City, or Philadelphia but return to a quiet, wooded campground at night. RVers who appreciate a balance between seasonal campers and short-term visitors. Anyone looking for year-round camping in New Jersey—Country Oaks is open all year, making it a great option for winter weekends Spacious Skies Country Oaks: The Perfect Family Camping Retreat Spacious Skies Country Oaks impressed us with its value, vibe, and location. It’s rare to find a campground that offers full hookups, family-friendly activities, and a relaxed atmosphere at such a reasonable nightly rate. Whether you’re using it as a launching pad for South Jersey adventures or just as a place to kick back for a few quiet days, Country Oaks is a campground we’d happily return to. To learn more or book your stay, visit the official Spacious Skies Country Oaks website. And check out our other Spacious Skies reviews on Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in New York, Adirondack Peaks in New York, and Shenandoah Views in Virginia. See you at the campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post Campground Review: Spacious Skies Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Guest post about Cherry Creek State Park by Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road. This is part two of a two part series about Denver State Parks. Click here for episode one about Chatfield State Park. Where to Stay Cherry Creek State Park RVing near big cities often means paying a premium price for a cramped slice of a gravel parking lot…but things are different in Denver. Two of Colorado’s excellent state parks—Cherry Creek and Chatfield— are a quick drive from downtown Denver and offer up lovely, spacious RV sites with full hookups and very affordable rates.  Our oldest son moved to Denver last year and we were quick to jump on the opportunity to plan our summer trip around a visit to him and his girlfriend and to spend some time getting to know this great city at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains. We chose Cherry Creek State Park as our base camp for our two week stay in the area and found it a wonderful place to come back to after our days out exploring.  Cherry Creek State Park is in Aurora, Colorado, about 15 miles from downtown Denver. The campground has 139 campsites spread out in several loops; most are full hook-up RV sites, but they also have around 30 sites without hook-ups, suitable for tents or smaller RVs. The full hook-ups sites are huge, with long driveways and tons of separation between sites. They’re mostly very level with concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings at every site.  Most all of the sites looked great, and we were very happy with our site in particular: we had site 81 in the Gold Rush loop, a long back-in with a couple of trees, which gave us a bit of privacy and some much-appreciated afternoon shade.  Amenities within the campground include laundry, pay showers, and a visitors’ center where you can buy firewood and souvenirs and get information about the state park. There are evening ranger programs on weekends in season as well.  The campground is open year round, and it books up very quickly during the peak season. Reservations open up six months in advance; I set an alarm the night reservations opened for our dates so that we could make sure to get a site. Full hook-up sites are $41/night, and basic sites are $28; note that park entry is not included in the nightly fee and is an extra $11/day unless you have an annual pass (which it’s worth buying if you’ll be spending more than a week at Colorado State Parks).  Outside of the campground, there’s a huge variety of recreational opportunities in Cherry Creek. The main attraction is the 850 acre reservoir with a swim beach and marina with boat rentals. There’s also horseback riding, a model airplane field, a shooting center, and several hiking trails. We spent a couple of evenings enjoying the Butterfly Hill Trail, with tons of wildflowers, birds, sunset views over the mountains, and a very active prairie dog town.  Things to Do Denver Botanic Gardens The Denver Botanic Gardens feature a huge variety of gardens, with both native western plants and internationally inspired collections, and are a beautiful and serene place to spend a day wandering. In addition to the gardens, there are rotating art exhibits, two cafes, and a “Meet Your Habitat” indoor science exhibit aimed at younger visitors.  Wings Over the Rockies Wings Over the Rockies is a an air and space museum located in a hangar in the former Lowry Air Force Base. It’s home to more than 50 aircraft as well as exhibits on the history of aviation and space travel, simulators, and rotating temporary exhibits.  History Colorado I love a good state history museum, and Colorado’s might be the one of the best ones out there. We thought three hours should be plenty of time to tour History Colorado but were dismayed when closing time showed up leaving us with a whole floor of exhibits unexplored. This is largely because of how much time we spent waxing nostalgic and exploring the recreation of a Blockbuster Video in the current exhibit all about the 90s, “Last Decade Before the Future.” But we also loved the well-curated “Zoom In: The Centennial State in 100 Objects” exhibit, and our 12 year old appreciated the hands-on activities in “Destination Colorado” about life in a 1918 eastern Colorado farming community.  Take a hike in the mountains Denver is famous for sitting a mile above sea level, but you’ll have to head out of town a bit to really be in the mountains. Fortunately, there are endless options a short drive outside of the city for getting in some hiking and enjoying the cooler temperatures that come with higher elevation. We drove to the charming little town of Evergreen, where we enjoyed lunch at Lariat Lodge Brewing Company and hiked the Three Sisters Trail. The Three Sisters are a group of rock foundations, and the hike to them is a fairly easy 2.5 mile loop with great views and some rock scrambling opportunities that kept our 12 year old interested.  Golden Golden, Colorado, home to the Colorado School of Mines and Coors Brewing Company, is only 25 minutes from downtown Denver and very much worth the trip. We spent a morning at the Colorado Railroad Museum, then headed to the adorable downtown area for some souvenir shopping and the buffet at Woody’s Wood-fired Pizza. We finished off the day with a stop at the small but engaging (and free!) Golden History Museum and a walk along Clear Creek.  Boulder Boulder is another fun college town a short trip from Denver. We made the drive here one day to check out the I.M. Pei-designed National Center for Atmospheric Research. Inside there are exhibits about weather and climate (and public tours several days a week). Outside there are hiking trails that really let you see how well the building fits into its stunning surroundings. Then we spent the afternoon strolling the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.  Places to Eat Atomic Cowboy Atomic Cowboy has several Colorado locations (and even one in Kansas City). In the morning it serves breakfast as Denver Biscuit Co, and in the evenings it transforms into Fat Sully’s NY Pizza, serving up enormous slices of pizza for $5. We ate at the Colfax Avenue location one evening before walking over to nearby City Park for a free jazz concert.  The Cherry Cricket The Cherry Cricket has been selling burgers and milkshakes at its 2nd Street location since 1945. The restaurant maintains an unpretentious, neighborhood bar vibe, even though the area around it has grown into an upscale outdoor mall. Great spot for creative burgers and local craft beers.  Jelly Breakfast and lunch spot in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. In addition to the usual brunch fare, it serves donut holes in an interesting assortment of flavors and will keep you entertained with a wall of vintage cereal boxes while you wait for your food. The post Campground Review: Cherry Creek State Park in Denver CO, with Gretchen Holcombe appeared first on The RV Atlas.

We all know RVing to a city can be a special challenge since most cities don’t have great campgrounds, but Denver is an exception. It not only has terrific campground choices, two options are state parks, which come with the recreation, views, large sites, and low prices you would expect at a state park campground, all within 20-30 minutes of downtown. We happened to have two RV Atlas regular correspondents visit Denver this summer, and we are doing a 2-part series with their campground recommendations and details about all the things to see and do in Denver. Check out this campground review of Chatfield State Park. Kerri Cox, from Travels with Birdy, is sharing her campground review of Chatfield State Park in the guest post below, and Gretchen Holcombe, from Boxy Colonial on the Road, will share a review of Cherry Creek State Park. Chatfield State Park is located on the southwest edge of Denver in Littleton, and Cherry Creek State Park is due east in Aurora. To hear Kerri and Jeremy discuss this campground review of Chatfield State Park and things to see and do in Denver, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. About Chatfield State Park On many of our trips to Colorado, my family has added a stay in Denver on our way west. One reason for this is that Denver is a great town to visit, but another is to give us a chance to acclimate to the elevation before we go higher up in the mountains. Famously, the “Mile High City” is 5,200 feet above elevation (while our Missouri home is a mere 1,300 feet and the campgrounds we head to deeper in the mountains after we leave Denver are above 8,000 feet). Chatfield State Park is on the southwest side of the city, located just off Highway E-470, which is a tollway that routes you around the city. It’s super easy to navigate to the campground while towing, which is an important consideration when staying near a city. While we have always used Chatfield State Park as a base camp for visiting Denver, many travelers and Coloradans actually visit the state park for the recreation, primarily on the lake. Chatfield Reservoir is a 1,500-acre lake that offers boating, paddling, fishing, and  swimming. There’s also a boat launch and marina. 5280 Paddle Sports offers paddleboard and kayak rentals onsite. In fact, there’s a shallower part of the lake the bigger boats can’t access that is super popular for paddlers. On land, Chatfield State Park has 26 miles of trails, a 69-acre off-leash area for dogs, a model airplane field, and horse rentals. Seriously, you could spend several days enjoying all of the activities in the park, but unfortunately, we haven’t done so! In fact, I just learned there is a waterside restaurant that I’ll have to check out on our next visit. Campground Review of Chatfield State Park Chatfield State Park has a campground with 197 sites. Since the campground is on a hilltop, many of the sites have great views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains–but not all sites do, so it’s a bit of a gamble. While the Colorado State Park website doesn’t have photos of each individual campsite, CampsitePhotos.com does! This doesn’t always help you figure out if you’ll have a view due to the angles, but it’s still nice. This time, we were really surprised to find a great view from our site. Most of the campsites in Chatfield State Park are large level sites with concrete pads. Colorado State Parks does this unique thing where they have pull-thru sites that are shaped kind of like the letter D, with the campsite being the outer arc. So, you pull off the road onto your site, and you have a nice large “yard” beside your rig. Oftentimes, we have had spots on the outer loop where we can’t even see our neighbors. The park makes strategic use of cedar trees to provide even more privacy. Plus, the sites have tent pads, too! What makes Chatfield State Park exceptionally nice is that the majority of the sites are full hookups, with a handful offering electric only. The electric sites have plenty of access to potable water, and the park has a dump station. The price is amazing at $36 for electric-only and $41 for full hookups. You will have to pay the daily entrance fee for your carload (not per person) to enter Chatfield State Park, which is $10 per vehicle. Now, let’s talk about showerhouses. As we’ve downsized from a travel trailer to a Class B, we’ve returned to using the campground showers (we have one in the van, but it’s a bit annoying to set up the curtain to protect the cabinetry since it’s a wet bath that isn’t a true wet bath). Showerhouses at state parks can be questionable! But, the ones at Chatfield State Park were nice. One important note: The campground loops have older showerhouses (with a sloped roof) that do NOT let you change the water temp, but the newer showerhouse has adjustable temps. While some of Colorado’s state parks require quarters for a shower, these have been reconfigured to be free! They were surprisingly clean. To hear more of this campground review of Chatfield State Park, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas podcast. Make sure to check out the paired post and podcast about Cherry Creek State Park for another great campground review and even more to do in Denver! Things to Do in Denver We have now visited Denver five times and still have so much left to see, but here are some things we’ve enjoyed: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Even if you can’t see a show, it’s worth a visit. You can go in just to walk around or to do yoga or see a film. But, if you can see a show, this is a bucket-list worthy destination! The acoustics are phenomenal, with the massive rocks creating a natural amphitheater. I’ve seen the Avett Brothers there twice, and it was magical! The food onsite is truly good. The sunsets over the city add even more magic. Since the venue is on the smaller side, many big-name artists do multiples shows for their visits. The 2025 season has included Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, Sting, Mumford & Sons, the String Cheese Incidident…and shows from Brandi Carlile, Gracie Abrams, and so many more are to come. Also, the small town of Morrison is a great spot to eat, with lots of cute local restaurants and rooftop patios. Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station: This is one of five Meow Wolf interactive, immersive art experiences in the nation with 2 more to come. We previously talked about the original in Santa Fe. Russell and I like odd, quirky things, and Meow Wolf fits the bill! You can wander around, exploring the environments created by hundreds of artists. Or, you can work to solve the mystery. We did the open-ended approach. The food and drinks onsite are actually very good, so I recommend checking them out. This is fun for both kids and adults. Casa Bonita: Continuing the trend of odd, quirky establishments, Russell and I checked out Casa Bonita. The chain started in the late 60s in Oklahoma City, but the Denver location built in 1974 is probably the most famous. Inside, it reminds you of something you’d find at Disney, with a restaurant designed to look like you are walking around a village in Mexico at night, complete with stars in the skies above. What takes this restaurant over the top is the elements like cliff divers, live mariachi bands, talking parrots, magic shows, and other performances. You might even spot a roaming gorilla! You must book reservations far in advance (we set up an alert, though, and got a cancellation). Since I didn’t grow up with Casa Bonita, watching the documentary Casa Bonita Mi gave me a whole new appreciation of why the South Park creators bought and restored it. Larimer Square: We checked out Larimer Square, the oldest commercial block in the city that is now a dining and entertainment district. The street is closed to vehicle traffic, creating a nice place to walk around and find open-air dining, which we love! The Wizard’s Chest: Russell likes to visit game stores in every town, and Denver’s Wizard Chest is probably the coolest one I’ve seen, as it is absolutely gigantic and designed to be a magical environment with toys, games, costumes, and all kinds of nerd collectibles! Lair O’the Bear Park: If you want to get out of the city and get a bit more into the foothills, this park has a nice trail along Bear Creek. There’s a variety of trails, nice shade, and some great open views. Overall, Denver is a great place to camp, with plenty to do in the city and easy access to the mountains. We enjoy this midpoint layover on our way to the peaks, so I’m sure we will return again. If we do, we will definitely stay at Chatfield State Park again since you really can’t beat the price or the setup! The post Campground Review: Chatfield State Park in Denver, CO with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy appeared first on The RV Atlas.

This is the second episode in a two part mini-series with Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ. In episode one Jeremy covered four great campgrounds in northern California and southern Oregon that he visited with his family on an epic 17 day road trip earlier this summer. In this follow up episode he picks up where he left off and covers four more great campgrounds that his family visited on the second leg of their trip.For more information about all of these campgrounds check out this detailed blog post here or listen to the RV Atlas wherever you listen to your favorite shows! Huge thanks to Jeremy from Camp West BBQ for sharing this epic journey with the RV Atlas community!   The post 8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon (Pt. 2): with Camp West BBQ appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Northern California and Oregon are home to some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes and amazing campgrounds. With all of the options, how do you decide where to stay? Recently, Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ planned his first long RV journey and chose this beautiful section of the Pacific Coast as his focus. His 17-day journey includes 8 great campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon. We are so glad he shared all of his tips and reviews with us! Thanks to Jeremy for sharing his family photos for this post!  We know Jeremy Wayland as “CampWestBBQ” online where he shares great BBQ content using his Traeger grills, with so many recipes and tips that are perfect for your camping adventures. He has been a weekend warrior, taking short trips with his family for over five years. This year, he planned his very first extended trip for his family of five (including three kids and the family dog!) in their 26-foot Coleman Lantern 263BH. Their 17-day journey took them from Elk Grove, CA, along the Northern California coast, the Oregon coast, to Salem, and back through Bend, OR, and Mt. Shasta. They hit eight campgrounds along the way—and we are so excited to hear all about them! Along with these reviews of 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon, Jeremy Wayland shared his thoughts on the shift from being a weekend warrior to a road-tripping pro, including how he went about planning such an extensive trip with his family and tips for first-time road trippers. We had such a great conversation that it is spread across two podcast episodes! To hear more about Jeremy’s journey and tips, click play on the media player above to find Part 1 of his interview or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Make sure to check out Part 2 of the podcast, as well, to hear more. Campground Reviews: Northern California Shelter Cove RV Campground (Shelter Cove, CA) If you want to visit the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and have incredible coastal views, check out Shelter Cove RV Campground. The campground offers full hookups. You won’t find a ton of resort amenities in the park, but you won’t miss them because there’s so much to explore in the area. Every evening, you can enjoy sweeping views of the sun setting over the ocean. Here’s a fantastic insider tip: Jeremy  recommends grabbing a shrimp po’boy at the campground deli. While this area isn’t good for swimming, the beaches are rich with tide pools. Jeremy’s family loved that they could walk to them right from their campsite to find sea urchins, sea stars, anemones, and crabs. A short drive away, you’ll find the Black Sands Beach, which has a stretch of black sand created from volcanic minerals and rocks.  Lighthouse Cove RV Park (Crescent City, CA) The Lighthouse Cove RV Park gives you great access to both the beach and the redwoods. It’s situated right on the coast near the Redwood National and State Parks.  This city-run campground has some full hookup sites. The best feature is that you can walk right to the water, where there’s a nice shallow harbor to play in.  Nearby, Jeremy’s family enjoyed visiting Battery Point Lighthouse (heads up: It’s only accessible for tours during low tide) and the Ocean World aquarium, which has a 45-minute tour with a touch-and-feel tide pool experience. It gives kids a chance to pet a shark, and a see a sea lion show. His kids loved it! Jeremy also recommends checking out SeaQuake Brewing for delicious beer, kombuchas, brick oven pizza, and locally caught fish dishes. Mount Shasta KOA Holiday (Mt Shasta, CA) Mount Shasta KOA Holiday served as a rest spot for Jeremy’s family on their way back home from Oregon, but the campground still deserves a shout out. It’s a smaller campground, but it has some great views of Mt. Shasta and a lot of kid-friendly amenities, with a pool, a park, and a game room. Remember, you can hear Jeremy’s full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon and more tips for planning your first long roadtrip by clicking play on the podcast player above or looking for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Check out both Part 1 and Part 2! Campground Reviews: Oregon Sunset Bay State Park (Coos Bay, OR) Not only was Sunset Bay State Park Jeremy’s favorite campground of his trip, it just might have earned the title of best campground of all time. This state park has the huge, private sites you might associate with a state park, combined with full hookups, making it the best of both worlds. He described it as having “Jurassic Park vibes” due to the lush surroundings. This is a great area for hiking and biking, with trails accessible right from the campground. He especially recommends the Sunset Bay to Cape Argo trail for beautiful sweeping views of the ocean and cliff side. This brought back so many memories of our own great visit to the Oregon Coast in 2017. South Beach State Park (Newport, OR) While Jeremy’s family was sad to leave Sunset Bay State Park, the South Beach State Park ended up offering the best beach experience out of all of the campgrounds. There are extensive bike paths and trails that make it easy to reach the beach. The sites weren’t quite as private here, but the amenities were all well maintained. Jeremy’s recommends checking out the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which is spread across 23 acres with indoor and outdoor attractions. It is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, with over 15,000 animals and 300 different species. His family especially enjoyed the Washed Ashore exhibit, which features sculptures made from debris found in oceans. Roam America Tillamook (Garibaldi, OR) Roam America’s Tillamook RV Resort puts you close to the Tillamook Creamery, a must-see on any tour of the Oregon Coast. Jeremy W. was so impressed with the campground, especially the views from the 400 Loop and the excellent facilities. Even the bathrooms earned 5 stars! There’s a lot to do in the campground itself, including a new club house with a sauna and an elevated obstacle/ropes course designed for kids.  A bonus highlight here was that you could take a train ride to Rockaway Beach with a train station right at the front of the campground. Rockaway Beach is a great spot to stroll the shops, find food, and access the beach. Then, of course, there is the Tillamook Creamery, which was fantastic, with a guided tour, ice cream and cheese tastings, an awesome gift shop, and lunch. Premiere RV Resort (Salem, OR) From there, Jeremy’s family headed inland a bit more to Salem, where they stayed at Premiere RV Resort. This was the nicest campground they stayed in overall, with beautifully maintained grounds. The park offers a cool recreation room for kids, basketball courts, a pool, hiking trails, and more.  Downtown Salem is just a 10-minute drive, and Jeremy’s family enjoyed checking out the Oregon State Capitol and Riverfront City Park, which has a carousel and hosts city events. This was a nice chance for everyone to recharge their batteries, without staying quite as busy as they had on the coast. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver (Bend, OR) Next up was the popular town of Bend. The Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver was a great base camp for exploring the area, with beautiful, tree-filled sites and an excellent pool area. The site they had was water/electric only.  Though the campground is around 20 minutes outside of Bend, they also enjoyed checking out the village of Sunriver, which has cute local shops, bookstores, coffee shops, breweries. Even in the midst of all the great things they experienced on this trip, one of Jeremy’s favorite memories was seeing his kids sit down to read right after buying new books in Sunriver. In Bend, Deschutes Brewing Company is a classic! He also recommends checking out Lone Crow Bungalow to find a great selection of gifts. Final Thoughts on This RV Journey to CA and OR As you can imagine, this was an epic adventure for Jeremy and his family! Make sure to find him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as CampWestBBQ! In addition to his camping adventures, you can find a lot of great food tips and recipes! We really want to thank Jeremy for giving us all of these details and recommendations! Make sure to click play on the media play or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app to find both segments of our full discussion, as Jeremy shared full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon along with so many great reflections on the trip planning and family experience of being on the road! If you are planning your first long RV road trip, he has some amazing tips. You can also find more great Oregon recommendations here.     The post 8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Since 2020, New River Gorge has held the title of the nation’s newest national park. Travelers are just discovering the magic of this fantastic slice of West Virginia. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, we have a special guest here to help you decide where to stay and what to do. There’s so much more to this region than its iconic bridge. Allie Kreuz is a special member of our RV Atlas Facebook group who has been so helpful in sharing tips and advice with our community, so when she reached out to share all of her trip details for New River Gorge National Park, we were excited to welcome her on the show. We last talked about New River Gorge in 2021, so it was time for an update. Allie has such great recommendations! Allie traveled to New River Gorge with her husband and three girls who camp in their Jayco 224BH. Their family likes to visit national parks, especially ones that are pretty easy to reach from the Midwest. Allie is going to tell us about two campgrounds, Adventures on the Gorge and Battle Run COE Campground. Plus, she has some great tips for what to do and where to eat during your stay. Allie shares a lot of great tips for planning a trip New River Gorge National Park adventures on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks to Allie for providing photos for this post! Adventures on the Gorge Resort Adventures on the Gorge comes highly recommended as a base camp for visiting New River Gorge National Park. Allie describes it as the perfect blend of a beautiful state park combined with a resort with great amenities. We all know how hard it is to find this combo! One tip Allie shared is that the gravel sites are not super level, like you might find at state parks, so take your levelers, especially if you have a longer rig. The campsites are not huge but they are wooded, giving them some privacy. You just might have a perfect spot to hang a hammock since the sites are all tucked into the trees. If you don’t have an RV, you will also find a large variety of cabins, as well as tent spots. Everything has a woodsy vibe that Allie describes as being like a “90s summer camp.” The pool rivals what you might find at resorts like Margaritaville at Pigeon Forge. with multiple areas for both kids and adults. But, the best part is that the pool deck has gorgeous views of the New River Gorge. There’s a sunbathing deck that has better views than the park’s visitor center. We all love when you can take the kids to a national park for outdoor adventures by day and then return to the campground for their fun and relaxation n the evening. Allie also gives a special shoutout to the food onsite at Adventures on the Gorge. Not only was it convenient, it was actually good! The park has multiple dining spots, including a pub, restaurants, and a poolside snack bar. The virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris were a huge hit with her girls, who might come to expect this at every campground. Even if you aren’t staying at the campground, Allie recommends coming for a meal. Also, you don’t have to leave the campground to truly experience the beauty of the New River Gorge. The pool isn’t the only spot to take in views. You’ll also find walking trails, scenic overlooks, and restaurants with a view. This is such a unique amenity to find in the campground and really adds to the experience! Planning an RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park Allie recommends starting your trip at a visitor center. The rangers can give you great trail recommendations, you can pick up your junior ranger booklets, and you can learn all about the park. There’s a great observation deck right at the visitor center. Plus, you can pick up all your merch and maps. Inside the park, Allie recommends Stone Cliff Trail for a fun hike (it’s more of a walk). This 2.7-mile trail follows an old road along the New River, so along your walk, you will see the rafters going by. It’s a fun way to get excited about a rafting trip. Plus, you can take a break and put your feet in the water. For a more adventurous hike, check out the Bridge Trail, which is more strenuous since it takes you to the bridge itself for up-close views. You really get a sense of the size of the bridge as you get close to it. This one includes some fun rock scrambles. Did you know New River Gorge National Park has a ghost town? You can tour the town of Thurmond. It has a visitor center inside an old train station. This was a bustling coal town in the early 1900s, but now, it has a population of two. You will have to drive there, but the drive itself is also fun, as it takes you over a one-lane bridge. You can peek in the windows of the downtown buildings and imagine what life was like a century ago. Rafting in the New River Gorge While the park is known for its views from above, one of the best ways to experience the park is in the deep river valley with a rafting trip. Allie recommends doing your visit in the summer, so you can get the full rafting experience. You can find whitewater options for more the more adventurous and calmer sections for rafting with kids and others who may want a calmer experience. Allie booked her rafting trip directly through Adventures on the Gorge. They could walk to the meeting spot right from their campsite, which was a major benefit. If you want to plan your own epic family RV trip to New River Gorge in West Virginia–consider rafting a must! Allie’s family thoroughly loved the rafting trip, from the bus ride to the rapids! Though she was initially nervous, the trip was calm enough to relieve those nerves but fun enough to be an adventure. She does recommend taking dramamine if you get motion sickness. After having a taste of tackling the rapids, her family hopes to return someday to do the Lower New River for bigger rapids! Allie booked a rafting trip that included lunch, and she was surprised by how good the spread was. Plus, at the end of the day, you can join the group to watch a video replay of your adventures. She thoroughly recommends Adventures on the Gorge for planning your raft trip. Allie shares a lot more great tips for planning your rafting trip on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Summersville Lake You could use Summersville Lake as a base camp for your visit to New River Gorge, or you can make it a day trip. Either way, it’s another great place to enjoy the landscapes of West Virginia. This is a 300-foot-deep crystal clear lake surrounded by sandstone cliffs. While you can stay busy exploring New River Gorge, Summersville Lake adds that relaxing summer element, where you can hang out in hammocks and enjoy the views and activities. On the lake, you can go paddling or boating. It’s a great spot for swimming, scuba diving, and even rock climbing (with fun drops into the lake). While Allie didn’t rent a boat this time, if she would return, she absolutely would do so on the next time to explore more of the 3,000-acre lake. There’s also newer state park right on the lake, which offers camping, hiking, and other activities. Battle Run Corps of Engineers Campground If you want to stay on Summersville Lake, Battle Run is a great Corps of Engineers campground. Allie gives two excellent tips for staying here: It’s hard to get a reservation, so consider setting up a cancellation alert in Reserve America if you miss out on booking a spot. Allie booked a last-minute stay at a gorgeous waterfront site. Make sure to note dogs are NOT allowed in the campground, which is kind of rare. As awesome as Adventures on the Gorge was, Battle Run was just as awesome in its own way. Allie recommends pairing the two parks for your stay. Doing Adventures on the Gorge first gets the excitement of rafting checked off the list, allowing your family to really relax by ending your RV trip to New River Gorge National Park at Battle Run. This park has 110 campsites, many are waterfront and electric only. Not only was the campground beautiful, it provides great access to the waters. Allie’s family had fun exploring an island just offshore. You can kayak and swim right from your campsites. The park has a terrific newly updated playground, as well as a fishing dock and boat launch. Final Thoughts on this RV trip to New River Gorge National Park We can’t wrap up this great post about planning a trip to New River Gorge without talking food. Allie recommends Pies and Pints. Fayetteville, West Virginia, is home to the original location of what has now become a small chain. Allie says it’s some of the best specialty pizza she’s ever had! Not only are the pies and pints truly great, the atmosphere is the perfect place to relax, with indoor and outdoor seating and a playground. We want to thank Allie for sharing all of these great recommendations with us! She’s already considering a return trip since New River Gorge truly stole their hearts. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, you have everything you need right here to start your reservations and itinerary! The post An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Located in the bustling outdoor playground of Grand Junction, Colorado, Camp Eddy offers a camping experience that seamlessly combines modern amenities, river access, and proximity to the vibrant downtown area. This unique campground, situated alongside the Colorado River, captures the best of both natural tranquility and urban convenience.  You can listen to our complete campground review wherever you get your podcasts! Camp Eddy Overview and Location Camp Eddy is beautifully situated on the banks of the Colorado River, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Grand Junction. The campground combines the rustic charm of riverside camping with close proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. It’s an ideal spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and travelers looking for comfortable amenities. Campsite and Accommodation Options Camp Eddy offers a range of lodging options for visitors. We stayed in an RV rental while we were there, since we flew into the Denver airport.  RV Sites: Camp Eddy features level, tidy back-in sites and pull-throughs with full hookups—electric, water, and sewer. The sites do not offer shade, so be aware if visiting in the summer.  Airstream Rentals: Camp Eddy also provides fully furnished Airstream rentals, ideal for those visiting without their personal RV. We found these accommodations very well outfitted, with toiletries, towels, and linens provided. Tiny Homes: Tiny homes offer compact, upscale luxury and a unique lodging experience with great views of the river and mountains. Campground Amenities The amenities at Camp Eddy are the star of the show, creating a hip, fun camping environment that mirrors the vibe of the surrounding region. Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: The bathhouses are clean, well-maintained, and modern, offering private, individual bathroom suites—a significant upgrade from typical communal campground bathrooms. Additionally, laundry facilities onsite add convenience for longer stays.  Outdoor Space and River Access: A beautiful outdoor area featuring Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and hammocks along the riverbank provides a relaxing communal space for guests to enjoy nature and unwind. Camp Eddy’s prime riverfront location makes it ideal for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing riverside.  Onsite Food Trucks and Snack Shop: The campground includes a convenient snack shop, ideal for grabbing quick items without leaving the premises. Additionally, during the peak season, onsite food trucks are scheduled for evening festivities. Outdoor Adventures and Activities Near Camp Eddy One of the greatest advantages of staying at Camp Eddy is the excellent variety of outdoor adventures available nearby. With its central location in Grand Junction, the campground offers quick access to exciting activities like river rafting, hiking, scenic exploration, and more. River Adventures with Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) Directly onsite, Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) makes exploring the Colorado River exceptionally easy. Visitors can rent equipment such as paddleboards, kayaks, and tubes without leaving the campground. GJA offers excellent guided float trips, including a particularly enjoyable route from nearby Palisade back down to Camp Eddy. This relaxing float provides scenic views and is highly recommended for a leisurely adventure suitable for all skill levels. Exploring Colorado National Monument Only about 15 minutes from Camp Eddy, Colorado National Monument is a must-see for campers. This remarkable national park features stunning red-rock canyons, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations, often compared to those found in Utah’s famous parks. A drive along Rim Rock Drive is a highlight, offering spectacular viewpoints like Grand View and Coke Ovens. Early morning visits provide excellent photography opportunities and cooler temperatures. Popular trails within the monument include the Canyon Rim Trail and the short Otto’s Trail, which offer breathtaking overlooks accessible for most visitors. Hiking Near Grand Junction Grand Junction offers ample hiking opportunities close to Camp Eddy. Devil’s Kitchen Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile round trip, leads hikers through beautiful red rock formations. Additionally, Monument Canyon Trail is notable for stunning rock formations such as Independence Monument, ideal for hikers seeking slightly longer routes with impressive views. ATV Tours (OHV/Off-Roading Adventures) For thrill-seekers looking for off-road excitement, adrenaline-pumping ATV tours are available in the Grand Junction area. These guided tours provide opportunities to explore more remote terrain, discovering breathtaking overlooks and rugged backcountry areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. Tours typically range from easy scenic rides suitable for beginners to more challenging adventures for experienced riders. Companies such as Adrenaline Driven Adventure Company (ADAC) provide reliable guided tours that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Mountain Biking Grand Junction is also popular as a mountain biking destination. Nearby trails offer everything from beginner-friendly paths to challenging expert terrain. Popular trail systems include the Lunch Loops area and the Kokopelli trails, providing a range of options to satisfy all skill levels. These trails offer stunning desert scenery and technical rides for those seeking adrenaline-fueled experiences. Exploring Downtown Grand Junction and Surrounding Areas Downtown Grand Junction is a quick drive from Camp Eddy and offers numerous attractions. The charming downtown district features boutique shopping, art galleries, and local cafes. The area is perfect for window shopping, enjoying local food joints, and exploring galleries. Visitors may also want to make time for a day trip to nearby Palisade, known for its orchards, vineyards, and wineries, perfect for wine-tasting excursions. Palisade offers unique opportunities to explore Colorado’s thriving wine country with numerous tasting rooms and vineyard tours. Dining Recommendations in Grand Junction Grand Junction offers exceptional dining options within easy reach of Camp Eddy, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment of the visit: Trail Life Brewing: Perfect place for a burger and beer after hiking in Colorado National Monument or rafting down the Colorado River. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the shareables–think pretzel bites and hummus platters–were a big hit with our kids. Devil’s Kitchen: Situated atop the Hotel Maverick, Devil’s Kitchen features expansive views overlooking the Colorado Mesa University campus and surrounding mountains. Known for dishes such as Wagyu steak and mushroom toast, this restaurant offers an creative dining experience ideal for special occasions or memorable dinners. The Hog and the Hen: Excellent for grabbing high-quality sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Their offerings are perfect for enjoying a picnic or as takeaway options to enjoy at your campsite. Tacoparty: A fun and casual spot serving creative tacos and unique side dishes. It’s a local favorite for casual meals. Tips for Visiting Camp Eddy Site Selection: When booking, be aware that sites are closely spaced and somewhat minimalist. RVers accustomed to grassy and spacious campgrounds should set appropriate expectations. However, the location amenities more than compensate for this.  Reservations: Book early, particularly during the summer and shoulder seasons, as the campground fills quickly due to its excellent location and popularity.  Connectivity: Camp Eddy offers strong Wi-Fi, a notable advantage for remote workers or anyone requiring reliable connectivity during their stay.  Seasonal Considerations: Summer is ideal for river activities, while spring and fall provide milder weather perfect for hiking and biking nearby trails.  Camp Eddy and Grand Junction Camp Eddy was a delightful place for us to kick off our Colorado and Utah summer adventure. Its unique urban riverfront location provides unmatched convenience to downtown Grand Junction, local dining, and outdoor adventures. The campground offers modern amenities, unique lodging options, and thoughtful design that appeals to a wide range of campers—from adventurous couples to families or groups of friends. For those prioritizing both outdoor experiences and urban amenities, Camp Eddy delivers the perfect combination, creating a memorable and enjoyable camping experience that reflects the best of what Grand Junction has to offer. The post Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado appeared first on The RV Atlas.

The Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi, is generating considerable buzz among RVers, and for good reason. Recently opened, this upscale RV resort fills a valuable niche in North Central Mississippi, offering a luxury camping experience that’s perfect for families, football fans, and snowbirds alike. Situated conveniently close to Oxford—home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”)—this brand-new resort has become an immediate standout. Dean May, affectionately known around these parts as “Casita Dean,” recently reviewed the new resort on The RV Atlas podcast. You can listen to the entire episode wherever you get your podcasts or by clicking on the media player above. Prime Location in Oxford, Mississippi Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort is located near Oxford, Mississippi, approximately 70 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. Easily accessible via Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 278, the resort provides convenient city access without the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area.  Oxford, a vibrant college town with a population around 27,000, offers an fun cultural scene, great dining, and ample shopping, all enhanced by the presence of the University of Mississippi. Campsite Options and Details The resort features approximately 150 RV sites, all equipped with full hookups including 50, 30, and 20 amp service. Impressively, about 80% of these sites are pull-through, ideal for larger rigs, with the remaining 33 back-in sites. Each site is paved, level, and spacious, providing room for campers to spread out comfortably. Dean highlighted the absence of shade due to the resort’s recent opening but pointed out strategic site choices such as back-in sites along Chillin’ Way (especially sites 117-124), which offer morning shade and additional privacy due to their location near a retaining wall and hillside. The resort also includes 20 luxurious cottages available for rent, each fully furnished and well-appointed, including amenities like a full kitchen, comfortable beds, and plenty of living space. Exceptional Resort Amenities Roundabout Oxford goes above and beyond typical campground amenities, offering a truly resort-level experience: Welcome Center The Welcome Center greets visitors with offices, a business center, restrooms, golf cart rentals, and bike racks. Guests can also enjoy morning coffee and a patio overlooking the newly completed mini-golf course. Grand Lodge The Grand Lodge serves as the resort’s central hub. Here, campers find a well-stocked camp store, community room with a full kitchen and bar, arcade room, sports TV lounge, and the casual dining restaurant called “The Canteen.” Covered balconies with rocking chairs and ample entertainment options create a relaxing atmosphere for families. Water Resort Spanning approximately 2.5 acres, the water resort is a highlight, featuring two impressive water slides, family pools, hot tubs, a lively kiddie pool complete with playground and water cannons, and a 912-foot lazy river. An adults-only pool area and a swim-up bar (“Hoka Hut”) further enhance the experience, offering refreshments accessible directly from the lazy river and the adult pool. Food and Drink Options Guests have numerous convenient dining choices onsite, including The Canteen for casual meals, the Hoka Hut swim-up bar, the Molly Barr Bar concession, and the Beach Bar serving tasty cocktails. The camp store also provides snacks, ice cream, and camping essentials. Family Fun and Recreational Activities The resort boasts pickleball courts, cornhole areas, a Gaga ball court, classic board games, an arcade, basketball courts, and two playgrounds designed for varying age groups. Plans for beach volleyball and fishing opportunities are in development, further enhancing family entertainment. Additional Amenities A fitness center, yoga pavilion, two dog parks catering separately to large and small dogs, large communal fire rings, and storm shelters enhance guest comfort and safety. These thoughtful additions reflect the resort’s commitment to guest satisfaction. Pricing and Reservations Rates at Roundabout Oxford are impressively reasonable, considering the quality and amenities: Back-in sites start at $69/night. Pull-through sites start at $79/night. Luxury pull-through sites are $89/night. Buddy sites with expansive common patios start at $199/night. Luxury cottages begin at $225/night, designed to accommodate up to six guests comfortably. A unique “Park and Play” day-use option allows visitors to enjoy amenities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., priced at $129 for four people, available Monday through Thursday. Reservations are straightforward via their online booking site, though planning in advance is advisable, especially around popular Ole Miss football weekends. Exceptional Customer Service The resort’s commitment to customer service stands out prominently. Dean May highlighted an incident involving a minor electrical issue at a campsite. General Manager Jason Elliott immediately handled the situation with remarkable responsiveness, providing guests with a luxury cottage overnight, a golf cart, and regular check-ins to ensure comfort. Staff friendliness and availability further underscored the resort’s dedication to excellent guest experiences. Exploring Oxford and Local Highlights While the resort offers plenty of onsite activities, Oxford itself provides additional attractions and dining opportunities. Recommendations include: Casa Mexicana of Oxford: Excellent Mexican cuisine. The Blind Pig: A local favorite featuring quality burgers and craft beer. Oxford Creamery: Delicious ice cream and surprisingly good coffee. Fergndan’s Wood Fired Pizza: Highly recommended local pizza destination. Booth’s BBQ and Yard: Known for excellent barbecue. Oxford is known for its vibrant atmosphere, delightful small-town charm, and variety of dining and shopping options, making it a compelling place to explore when staying at the resort. Ideal Time to Visit Although summers can be quite hot, making the water resort especially appealing, the ideal times to visit Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort are likely the milder spring and fall seasons. These times offer comfortable weather perfect for fully enjoying both the resort’s outdoor amenities and nearby Oxford attractions. An Outstanding New RV Resort Has Arrived Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort is positioned to become a highly popular destination. With thoughtful attention to detail, outstanding amenities, exceptional customer service, and an ideal location near Oxford and Ole Miss, it caters to a wide array of visitors, including families, football fans, RV enthusiasts, and snowbirds. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or a relaxing retreat, Roundabout Oxford offers everything needed for an enjoyable, memorable RV vacation. For more campground reviews and RV travel inspiration, visit The RV Atlas podcast and join our friendly private RV Atlas Facebook group.  See you at the campground! The post Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi with Casita Dean May appeared first on The RV Atlas.

We’ve explored several Spacious Skies Campgrounds over the last two years, each offering its own unique charm. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, New York, instantly became a new favorite due to its perfect blend of peaceful surroundings, great amenities, and proximity to some of the Upper Hudson Valley’s most delightful towns. Where Is Spacious Skies Woodland Hills Located? Spacious Skies Woodland Hills sits nestled in Columbia County, about 2 hours north of New York City without traffic. Coming from the south, the drive is relatively straightforward, with a brief complicated stretch where several highways converge, but quickly settles into an easy and scenic route north. The campground is wonderfully positioned in the quiet hills of Austerlitz, just minutes from the Massachusetts border and the Berkshires. It’s accessed via a picturesque country road leading to the peaceful tranquility of the campground. The Unique Appeal of the Upper Hudson Valley One of our favorite aspects of this area is how the cultural fingerprints of New York City stretch upward into the Hudson Valley, and especially into the Upper Hudson Valley. You get the best of both worlds—the beautiful countryside combined with cultural experiences, including fantastic food, coffee shops, bookstores, wineries, and craft breweries. This blend ramped up during the pandemic as many New Yorkers relocated here, bringing a vibrant city vibe to upstate New York. Campground Layout and Campsite Options Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is a medium-sized campground with about 175 sites, of which approximately 50 are seasonal. The seasonal sites are notably well-kept and integrated seamlessly into the campground, creating a welcoming atmosphere for transient visitors as well. The campground layout consists of several different camping areas including the following: Lakefront Sites: These offer large, picturesque views of the water. Jeremy stayed at site 8 and particularly recommends sites around the lake for their serene views and spaciousness, despite limited privacy. Hillside Sites: On the right side of the campground map, these sites slope gently uphill. This area includes a mix of seasonal and transient campers. Cosmic Canine Sites: Perfect for campers with dogs, these sites feature private fenced-in areas. Although Jeremy didn’t personally inspect these, fellow campers highly recommended them. RV and Tent Camping Area: On the left side of the campground, you’ll find cozy sites suitable for smaller RVs and tents, complete with excellent proximity to clean bathhouses and playgrounds. Wooded, Shaded Sites: At the campground’s top area, these sites offer privacy and shade, making them another excellent option. Campground Amenities Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers amenities that strike a perfect balance between peaceful camping vibes and family fun: Brand-New Swimming Pool: Recently opened, the pool area includes comfortable outdoor seating. This amenity is particularly appealing for families, providing relaxation for adults while kids swim and play. Bounce Pillow and Playgrounds: Families will appreciate the bounce pillow, especially with a strategically located RV site right next to it. There are also two playgrounds to keep kids entertained. Dog-Friendly Amenities: Besides the canine sites, the campground boasts two large dog parks, dubbed the Cosmic Canine Commons, making it exceptionally pet-friendly. Game Room and Activities: A game room, gem mining, volleyball, basketball courts, and a stocked lake for fishing offer diverse recreational opportunities. Camp Store: The store is well-stocked with essentials, snacks, firewood, merch, and local treats, adding convenience to your stay. One of the campground’s best features? Cleanliness! Bathhouses are immaculate, showers hot and reliable, and the landscaping beautifully maintained. A Special Touch: Curated Activity Sheet Sparks, the campground manager, provided a curated activity sheet upon check-in, featuring local recommendations and staff favorites for dining, hikes, and sightseeing. We love this unique offering. This kind of personalized guide offers campers the opportunity to genuinely explore and appreciate the local area beyond standard tourist offerings. Exploring the Nearby Towns One of the significant draws of Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is its location near three charming towns, each within a short drive: West Stockbridge, Massachusetts (9 minutes away) West Stockbridge impressed with its quintessential New England charm. Notable spots include: Six Depot Roastery and Cafe: Located in an old train depot, serving exceptional craft-roasted coffee and delicious pastries. Shaker Mill Books: A large, inviting independent bookstore. William and Sons Country Store: Known for quirky local finds like Moxie Soda. Amici: A well-reviewed, casual Italian restaurant. Chatham, New York (15 minutes away) Chatham offers a vibrant, hip atmosphere with great local establishments: Stony Kill Coffee and Records: A trendy spot blending coffee culture with vinyl records. Black Cat Coffee: Another local favorite. Bimi’s Cheese Shop: Known for delicious cheeses, including a memorable three-year aged cheddar, and Opinel knives. Fork and Whisk Cafe and Bakery: Tasty baked goods and brunch offerings. Fiesta Cafe: Highly recommended breakfast spot with lines out the door. The Chatham Bookstore: Charming independent bookstore featuring our own books on their shelves. People’s Pub: A popular local eatery highly recommended by the campground manager. Kinderhook, New York (20 minutes away) Kinderhook is smaller but still charming, with places worth visiting: Kinderhook Books: Excellent independent bookstore. Morningbird: Adorable local market and coffee shop. Brooklyn Pizzeria: Casual pizza spot. Local Farmers Market: A nice addition if you’re visiting on the weekend. Why Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is a New Favorite Overall, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills combines the serene charm of a countryside escape with the convenience and culture of nearby small towns. We are enchanted by the campground’s quiet, relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding area. The personal touches, such as Sparks’s thoughtfully curated recommendations, truly elevated this experience, making it a campground worth returning to again and again. For campers seeking relaxation coupled with access to excellent amenities and local culture, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, NY, should be at the top of your list. And don’t forget—using the coupon code RVATLAS will save you 10% off your reservations at any Spacious Skies campground. We look forward to returning soon, perhaps for some upstate leaf peeping in the fall. Until then, see you at the campground! The post Campground Review: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in New York appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Assateague State Park is one of Maryland’s most beloved coastal camping destinations, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, roaming wild horses, and picturesque campsites. Located on the northern end of Assateague Island, just a stone’s throw away from the famous Assateague Island National Seashore, the state park offers campers a distinct yet equally captivating experience.  In this week’s RV Atlas podcast episode, we’re sharing our best tips for making your visit to Assateague State Park both comfortable and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a first-time camper, here’s everything you need to know to start planning a trip to one of our favorite camping destinations in the country. Know Before You Go: Assateague State Park at a Glance Location: Berlin, Maryland, on the northern part of Assateague Island. Camping Season: Late April through October (reservations available up to a year in advance). Amenities: Bathhouses with hot and cold showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. Campsite Options: Dry camping sites (no water/sewer hookups), with limited electric hookups available in loops G and I. Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in designated loops (G, H, I) and nearby beaches, but must remain leashed. Activities: Beachcombing, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, kayaking, and more. With these basics covered, let’s dive into our top tips for your Assateague camping adventure. 1. Understand the Difference Between Assateague Island State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore It’s essential to understand that Assateague State Park and the National Seashore, while neighbors, offer distinct camping experiences. The state park features excellent bathhouses with hot and cold showers, flushing toilets, dishwashing stations, and some electric hookups, making it more comfortable for those who prefer modern conveniences. In contrast, the National Seashore provides a more rustic experience with no hookups and vault toilets. 2. Book Early—Very Early Assateague State Park is incredibly popular, so planning ahead is crucial. Campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance. Weekdays offer better availability than weekends, so if your dates are flexible, opt for a midweek stay. 3. Visit During Spring and Fall Spring and fall are the best seasons to enjoy Assateague, thanks to milder weather, fewer crowds, and a tranquil environment. These shoulder seasons also provide excellent conditions for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. We’ve personally found these seasons perfect for relaxing campfires and enjoyable beach days without summer’s intense heat. 4. Pick Your Campsite Wisely While there are no genuinely bad sites at Assateague State Park, proximity to the beach enhances your experience. Sites closer to the dunes offer quick beach access and stunning sunrise views. Many sites are spacious enough to accommodate larger RV setups comfortably. Be careful about booking sites too close to the bathhouses as the traffic and noise may not be ideal for some campers. 5. Camping with Pets? Know the Rules! Assateague State Park allows pets in camp loops G, H, and I and on adjacent beaches. Pets must remain leashed unless swimming and always clean up after them. The rangers are serious about the pet rules! Ensure your furry friends have up-to-date vaccinations and check detailed pet regulations before arriving. 6. Be Prepared for Dry Camping Most sites at Assateague State Park do not have hookups, and generator use is restricted from 10 pm to 7 am. We have successfully dry-camped using solar power and our RV batteries for three nights. We’ve dry camped even longer with an onboard generator. Plan accordingly: conserve power, consider solar solutions, and prepare for a low-energy, relaxing camping experience. 7. Respect the Wild Horses One of Assateague’s iconic attractions is the wild horses that roam freely. Keep a minimum distance of 40 feet, and never feed them, as they can become aggressive around food. Secure your campsite, store food safely, and enjoy these majestic creatures from afar. 8. Mind the Wind—Secure Your Campsite The coastal environment is beautiful but can also be windy. Secure awnings, tents, and loose gear to prevent damage and disruption. We recommend using sturdy stakes and weighted items to keep everything in place. 9. Know the Ocean Conditions Assateague’s beaches range from serene to rough, depending on weather conditions. The park’s beaches are typically unguarded, so always exercise caution, watch children closely, and familiarize yourself with rip currents and ocean safety guidelines. 10. Enjoy Biking—But Beware the Burrs! Biking around Assateague is fantastic, offering scenic views and easy access to various park areas. However, sharp sand burrs can puncture tires, especially during fall. Carry spare tubes, patches, and a reliable pump, just in case. 11. Prepare Differently for Beach Camping Beach camping brings unique challenges—sand inevitably finds its way everywhere, wet towels pile up, and sun protection is essential. Pack extra sunscreen, quick-drying towels, sand-resistant mats, and dedicated gear for the beach. 12. Utilize the Dump Station Wisely A dump station is available at the park. For convenience, consider using a portable tote tank for emptying grey and black water without needing to move your RV mid-stay. It saves time and hassle, allowing you to extend your camping enjoyment.   Additional Quick Tips and Resources: Reservation website: Assateague State Park Reservations Pet policy and guidelines: Pet Camping Rules Nearby activities: Bird watching, fishing, kayaking (rentals available nearby), nature programs, and ranger-led activities. Proximity to services: Berlin, Maryland, provides dining, grocery shopping, and other essential amenities just a short drive away. Plan Your Next RV Adventure! Ready to explore Assateague State Park? We promise you’ll fall in love with this unique coastal haven, where wild horses roam, the ocean soothes, and camping memories are made. For more RVing inspiration, campground reviews, and helpful tips, listen to The RV Atlas podcast and connect with our friendly community in the RV Atlas Facebook group. See you at the campground! The post 12 Tips for RV Trips to Assateague State Park in Maryland appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Like Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach, Branson is a family friendly camping destination, offering both the natural beauty of the Ozarks and tons of attractions. Luckily, Branson campgrounds and RV resorts are as bountiful as the fun. Whether you prefer a peaceful lakefront retreat or an active kid-friendly RV park, there’s a great campground for you in Branson, Missouri. On this week’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy back on the show to share a roundup of Branson campgrounds.  To listen to Jeremy interview Kerri please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Or read on below for a guest post from Kerri. Welcome to Branson! Branson is a small town with big theaters, big roller coasters, and big lakes. The brightly lit Branson Strip (AKA “76 Country Boulevard”) cuts a strip through the Ozark Mountains. Beyond the giant statue of King Kong and over the the go-kart tracks, you can spy the rolling green hills (which turn orange in the fall). This regional destination grew in national popularity during the 1980s when the local bluegrass and comedy music shows were joined by big names in the country music scene. While some of that action has died down, even today you can take your pick of live performances, which now are no longer limited to country, morning through night. Since the 80s, Branson has really expanded to become a family destination with theme parks, museums, mini golf courses, and so much more. There truly is something for everyone, whether you want to chase thrills at Silver Dollar City, chase deals at an outlet mall, or chase laughs at a comedy show. Toddlers, teens, and grandparents alike can be ALL be entertained! Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s take a look at some great Branson campgrounds! Public Campgrounds in Branson Public Branson campgrounds offer the best scenery in the region, with a mix of amenities and hookup options. These parks have the lowest price point but may be the hardest to book due to their popularity! Table Rock State Park Location perks: Table Rock State Park provides easy access to both the lake and the Strip, located right on the water less than 15 minutes from Branson’s main attractions. General vibe: While the sites aren’t as big as some state parks, this campground has a good mix of nature and amenities, with a relaxed atmosphere. Hook ups: Basic, electric, and full hookup sites Amenities: Boat ramp, marina with watercraft rentals, visitor center Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more Extra insider info: Check out the new deluxe yurts! Branson Lakeside RV Park Location perks: Branson Lakeside RV Park is a city-owned park within walking distance of downtown Branson and the Landing shopping/entertainment complex. It’s located along the shores of Lake Taneycomo under an iconic bridge. General vibe: This is a bustling park with a lot of road noise, but it also has some cool features because of its location. Hook ups: All full hookup Amenities: Fishing piers, trolley stop for free downtown trolley, free passes to Branson’s AquaPlex waterpark Activities: Extra insider info: The park just added new, larger patio sites that look amazing. Don’t try to swim in the lake, as it’s too cold, but definitely try to go out on a kayak or canoe. Indian Point Corps of Engineers Campground Location perks: Similar to Table Rock State Park, Indian Point COE is located on the lake and within arm’s reach of Branson’s attractions General vibe: This is a classic campground with large sites and tall trees that’s a little less developed than the state park. Hook ups: Electric/water and electric-only sites Amenities: Boat launch and marina Activities: Fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more Extra insider info: On days when Silver Dollar City is busy, the roads to the campground will be very congested. Old Highway 86 & Mill Creek Corps of Engineers Parks Location perks: Old Highway 86 COE and Mill Creek COE are two campgrounds that are much more remote than the rest on this list, but the drive is worth it if you want to experience all the natural beauty of the Ozarks. General vibe: The waterfront sites are among the most scenic you will find in all of Branson, and the campgrounds are quiet and peaceful. Hook ups: Electric/water Amenities: Boat launch, swim beach, Activities: Fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more Extra insider info: Book early or watch for cancellations (you can set up availability alerts on Recreation.gov) since these COE campgrounds are super popular! Fun fact: I reviewed Old Highway 86 COE on the RVFTA podcast on one of my very first visits in 2015! You can still find that episode here! Private Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri Private Branson campgrounds are plentiful! You’ll find a lot of relatively similar campgrounds, and it seems like new ones are being built each month! Most are pretty similar in quality, as long as you check the reviews before you book. Branson KOA Location perks: The Branson KOA is located near the Strip but not directly on it. You can use less-congested side roads to reach it. General vibe: It’s a very typical KOA, with some sites that are tight and out in the open and some that have special perks or more shade. It’s definitely family friendly with a pool that has a small slide. Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup Amenities: Pool, snack bar with pizza and wings, pancake breakfast on select days, golf cart rentals, dog run Activities: Family game area with corn hole, Extra insider info: The deluxe patio sites are worthwhile for the extra space, shade, and furnishings if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the campground. Lakeshore RV Park Location perks: Technically, outside of Branson, Lakeshore RV Park is closer to the small town of Hollister, while providing easy access to Branson lakes and attractions. General vibe: This well-maintained new park is small and quiet maintained with a friendly staff. It does have a lot of road noise. Hook ups: All are full hookups Amenities: Newly built showers and laundry Activities: Fishing, paddling Extra insider info: The waterfront sites are really nice, with some having doublewide concrete pads. Do note that Taneycomo Lake is not for swimming, with water temps around 50 degrees; however, this is a cool place for paddling! Silver Dollar City Campground Location perks: Located on a different peninsula than Silver Dollar City, the park’s campground offers a lot of convenience thanks to a free park shuttle–all while bypassing some of the Silver Dollar City traffic. General vibe: This is a bustling family friendly campground with the added benefit of nice trees. You will get a lot of road noise. Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup Amenities: Large pool, camp store, free SDC shuttle and reduced-price tickets Activities: Swimming Extra insider info: The cabins are built in the style of the buildings at SDC and offer rustic charm. Branson Musicland Kampground Location perks: Branson Musicland Kampground is located right on the Strip, so you can easily walk to many restaurants and attractions. General vibe: The canopy of trees helps reduce the noise of traffic. Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup Amenities: Pool and pet area, well-maintained restrooms, showers, and laundry Activities: Swimming Extra insider info: The campground is built on a hillside and has some tighter roads and sites for big rigs. Get a pull-through if you have a larger RV. You will have to deal with traffic on the Strip to reach it unless you check into the backroads. Things to Do in Branson, Missouri If you’ve been to Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, or similar tourist towns, Branson will feel very familiar, as it has a similar mix of attractions. Of course, each place has a bit of its own personality. Here are some of the top things to do in Branson: Go to a live show. You’ll find dozens of music, comedy, and magic shows, including old favorites like The Baldknobbers and The Pressleys, which play on the traditional hillbilly theme with country music. Dolly’s Stampede is extra fun and has a good meal. Find a thrill. Silver Dollar City is a particularly scenic theme park, with tons of fun for kids of all ages. It’s a sister park to Dollywood, so you’ll find a similar atmosphere. The roller coasters earn national reviews. On a hot day, explore Marvel Cave. For water attractions, head to White Water. Plus, there’s the traditional mix of tourist-town fun, like a ferris wheel, helicopter rides, ziplines, go karts, mini golf, and more! Hit the waters. Branson is surrounded by three lakes. Lake Taneycomo is like a river that snakes through the old downtown and along the Landing, while Table Rock Lake is a behemoth that extends deep into the valleys surrounding Branson. Further south, Bulls Shoals is the quietest. All offer great waters for boating, paddling, and fishing, among other water sports. You can also take a ride on the Showboat Branson Belle. Tour a “museum.” I use the word “museum” lightly here since these aren’t your standard educational museums. Instead, you’ll find locations like Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum, and more. Go shopping. Head to the old downtown area to find tourist shops, like Dick’s 5 & 10. Nearby, Branson Landing is an outdoor mall with a water and fire show along the lake. You’ll also find a lot of great craft stores, antique shops, and outlet malls all across town. Enjoy the Ozark Mountain scenery. Check out the hiking and biking trails, go horseback riding, or take a scenic drive. Whatever you do, just make sure to get off of the Strip and out into the hills for outdoor recreation! Catch the Bass Pro Vibe. Did you know Springfield, Missouri, is the hometown of Bass Pro? Aside from visiting the original shop in Springfield, you can visit the Branson store on The Landing or attractions developed by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro. Check out the Top of the Rocks area for a golf-cart cave tour, restaurants, nature trails, golf, museum, and more. Or, head to Dogwood Canyon for more nature experiences. Eat! Don’t leave Branson without eating some of the local cuisine (i.e. fried foods, Southern blue plate specials, barbecue, etc.). For ice cream, Andy’s Custard is a can’t-miss local favorite! Which of These Branson Campgrounds is Best for You? It’s hard to say which Branson campground is the right fit for you! Luckily, there are dozens of options far beyond the ones listed here! The main thing is to pay attention to the location and the reviews. After camping in Branson for over a decade, my family doesn’t have one clear favorite. Instead, we pick our park based on what we want to do or where we want to be. You can read more about the parks listed above, as well as a few other options, over on my Ultimate Guide to Branson Campgrounds. I hope this roundup of Branson campgrounds help you a great place to stay for your visit to my corner of the Show Me State! The post 9 Great Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Myrtle Beach has long been a favorite destination for RVers, offering a mix of beachfront camping, family-friendly entertainment, and outdoor recreation. In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas, we dive into a review of Ocean Lakes Family Campground, one of the largest and most well-known campgrounds on the East Coast. Then, we share our top things to do in Myrtle Beach, from state parks to local dining and fun attractions. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a relaxing escape, this guide will help you make the most of your Myrtle Beach RV trip. Thanks to Bill Sferrazza for the photos of Ocean Lakes Family Campground that appear in this post. Ocean Lakes Family Campground Review A Campground with History Ocean Lakes Family Campground opened in 1971 with just 30 RV sites and one bathhouse. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly and now features 859 RV sites and nearly 2,600 land-lease homes. This transformation has turned Ocean Lakes into a self-contained resort, offering a mix of vacation rentals, full-hookup RV sites, and beachfront access. Location and Accessibility Located on South Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, Ocean Lakes is the southernmost of the city’s mega-campgrounds. It’s just north of Murrells Inlet and conveniently positioned between the bustling boardwalk area of Myrtle Beach and the quieter state parks to the south. This prime location makes it easy to explore both lively attractions and serene natural spaces. Campsite Options and Pricing Ocean Lakes offers pull-through RV sites, making it easy for large rigs to maneuver. Most sites near the beach feature concrete pads, while those farther inland provide a mix of shaded, grass-covered spots. Pricing varies throughout the year: January–April & November–December: $48–$53 per night April–May & September: $70–$75 per night June–August (Peak Season): $106–$111 per night For a beachfront location with resort-level amenities, these rates are reasonable compared to other high-demand oceanfront camping destinations. Seasonal Atmosphere: What to Expect Ocean Lakes has distinct seasonal vibes, and knowing what to expect can help you plan accordingly: Summer: Packed with families, golf carts everywhere, and a high-energy, social environment. Spring Break & Shoulder Seasons: Busy, but slightly less crowded. Fall: A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with retirees and seasonal campers. Halloween Weekends: A festive time with decorated campsites and campground-wide trick-or-treating. Amenities and Activities Ocean Lakes is a small city in itself, providing nearly everything you need for a full vacation without leaving the property: Waterpark & Pools: Includes a lazy river, multiple pools, splash zones, and straight-drop water slides. On-Site Dining: Casual eateries offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream. Grocery Store & RV Services: A full-service store and RV repair shop. Golf Cart Rentals: A must-have for getting around this massive resort. Game Room & Recreation Center: A fun indoor space for kids and families. Beachfront Access: Walk directly onto the sand from your campsite. Potential Downsides Busy Summer Scene: If you prefer quiet, avoid June–August. Golf Cart Traffic: The sheer number of golf carts can be overwhelming. Limited Privacy: Sites are medium-sized but close together. Overall, Ocean Lakes Family Campground delivers an exceptional beachfront camping experience, especially for those who love a social, amenity-rich campground. Looking for other great camping options in and around Myrtle Beach? Please click here for the rest of our favorites! Our 14 Favorite Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach offers something for every kind of traveler, from outdoor enthusiasts to foodies and entertainment lovers. Here are our top 12 things to do in Myrtle Beach: 1. Visit Myrtle Beach State Park A quieter alternative to the busier beaches, Myrtle Beach State Park features hiking trails, a fishing pier, and a beautiful stretch of shoreline perfect for a relaxing day in nature. 2. Explore Huntington Beach State Park Located south of Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park is a top-tier camping and day-trip destination with scenic marshland trails, birdwatching, and the historic Atalaya Castle. 3. Enjoy Breakfast at Johnny D’s Waffle House A local favorite, Johnny D’s is a must for a hearty breakfast, serving decadent waffles, creative skillets, and delicious coffee. 4. Play Mini Golf Myrtle Beach is the mini golf capital of the world, with countless courses featuring creative themes and fun obstacles. 5. Catch a Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game Baseball fans can enjoy a fun and affordable night out watching the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the city’s minor league team. 6. Go Kayaking with Black River Outdoors Guided kayaking tours at Huntington Beach State Park or through scenic salt marshes offer a peaceful way to explore the region’s natural beauty. 7. Ride on the SkyWheel Get panoramic views of the coastline on the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach’s 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel. 9. Explore Murrells Inlet MarshWalk A scenic boardwalk lined with waterfront dining, live music, and fresh seafood, perfect for an evening out. Here you’ll find higher end dining options like the Wicked Tuna, or more casual restaurants like Drunken Jack’s.  10. Visit Brookgreen Gardens A stunning botanical garden and sculpture park, ideal for a peaceful afternoon. The children’s garden and educational programming make this a fun destination for all ages.  11. Experience Legends in Concert This live tribute show features incredible performances of iconic musicians, from Elvis to Whitney Houston. Worth the price of admission. 12. Tour Birds of Prey and Bull Island Ferry For a unique wildlife experience, visit the Center for Birds of Prey or take a ferry to Bull Island for a day of hiking and beachcombing. Plan Your Own Myrtle Beach RV Trip In our opinion, Myrtle Beach offers an unbeatable mix of family fun, outdoor adventure, and beachfront relaxation. Whether you stay at a bustling resort like Ocean Lakes or a tranquil state park, you can craft an RV trip that perfectly suits your tastes. Have you camped in Myrtle Beach before? Join the conversation in The RV Atlas Facebook Group and share your favorite campgrounds and activities! And if you want to hear more details about our experience, listen to the full episode of The RV Atlas Podcast for an in-depth discussion. The post Ocean Lakes Family Campground Review + Our 14 Favorite Things to Do in Myrtle Beach appeared first on The RV Atlas.

This is part two of a two part series about RVing in Quebec with Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road. To check out part one about Montreal and the Montreal South KOA Journey please click here. To listen to this episode about Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for Gretchen’s guest blog post. Old Québec City very much feels like something out of a fairytale version of an old European city…at least if you can manage to forget about all the tourists around you who are thinking the same thing. At times it can feel a little too perfect–as if you’ve accidentally gone to the World Showcase at Disney’s Epcot instead of to Canada. But there’s a lot of very real history and culture behind the picture perfect surface of Québec City, and our family loved our time here. We stayed at the Quebec City KOA Holiday during our stay here–and it served as a great basecamp for exploring the city. The Quebec City KOA Holiday The Québec City KOA Holiday is just across the St. Lawrence River from Québec City, in the town of Levís. This is a great KOA with a helpful, bilingual staff, easy access from the highway, great proximity to Québec City, and lots of nice amenities to come back to after a day of touring.  The RV sites are mostly full hook-up gravel pull-throughs with pretty good sized yards. There are some patio sites, as well as a range of non-RV options, including rustic camping cabins and deluxe cabins. RV sites range from around $65 CAD up to over $100 CAD for patio sites.  The pool area is awesome, complete with water slides, a hot tub, and a splash pad area. There’s a communal fire pit in this area as well and lots of other indoor and outdoor communal spaces throughout the campground.  There are a lot of different options for getting into the city from the KOA. The campground runs a free shuttle every day, but it does need to be reserved a day in advance. We had planned to drive to the Levís ferry and take the quick ride across the river to the historic district, but we found out the the day we arrived that the ferry workers were striking and the ferry wasn’t running. So we ended up driving into the city every day, and this was actually surprisingly easy. It’s only about a 20 minute drive and traffic was never too bad. Driving and parking in Old Québec looked harrowing, however, so we parked in one of the large paid surface lots along the edge of town, which meant about 15 minutes of hilly walking to get to most of the sites.  Fun Things to Do in Québec City Walking Tour of Old Québec   Old Québec is so compact and walkable, and so rich with stories and history, that we thought a walking tour would be a great way to get our bearings and learn about the city. We went with the 2 hour “Grand Tour” with Tours Voir Québec and were very happy with the company and with our guide, but there are other well-reviewed companies that offer similar tours (some with guides in period costumes!) We really enjoyed getting to hear about the city from the perspective of someone who lives there and to see some hidden spots we wouldn’t have found on our own.  Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site Old Québec became an Unesco World Heritage site in 1985, largely because it’s one of the oldest towns in North America with a mostly intact system of fortified walls surrounding it. This Parks Canada site offers a few different ways to explore the walls and learn more about them. They offer a two hour guided tour that sounds wonderful but isn’t recommended for younger kids, so we opted instead to head to the Artillery Park area so our 11 year old could do the interactive “legend of the talking walls” activity. He got to borrow a magic sword and complete a quest that took us along the walls and through the town, using our iphone to get clues. There’s also a museum about the history of the city and walls at Artillery Park and a self-guided tour (with costumed characters!) of historic buildings full of three centuries of military history.  Morrin Centre I’m not sure there’s anywhere else in the world where you can take a tour of a building that has, over time, served as a jail, a college, and a library…but you can do just that at the Morrin Centre. Our guide first took us downstairs to see the creepy jail that dates to the early 1800’s (complete with a chance to be closed up in one of the cells) then took us back up to learn about the building’s college years and see the English-language library it’s home to today. Musée de la Civilisation “Civilization” is a pretty broad theme for a museum, and the Musée de la Civilisation takes full advantage of it, with exhibits on everything from the Catholic diocese of Québec to professional wrestling. We enjoyed the “This is Our Story” gallery about the 11 Indigenous nations in Quebec and the sprawling “In Other Words, Quebec” exhibit. We especially loved “Word is Bond. The Sound of Rap Queb” where you borrow a set of headphones that plays a soundtrack for you as you go through the exhibit.  Old Québec Funicular This nearly vertical cable car takes you from Lower Town to Dufferin Terrace. We thought the $5/person (cash only) price for a 30 second ride was a little steep (pun intended), but it’s a fun experience to do one time (and it saves you a trip on foot up the frighteningly-named Breakneck Stairs). Where to Eat in Québec City We highly recommend brunch at La Buche, which features Québécois cuisine including house-made rhubarb jam. We also enjoyed a dinner at the Parisian bistro-style Cochon Dingue. Finally, we loved the burgers and creative poutines at Le Chic Shack, in a historic house right by Dufferin Terrace.  The post RVing in Quebec Part 2 (Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road back on the show to talk about her big summer RV trip to Quebec.  Her family stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and enjoyed several days in the most European of Canada’s great cities. To listen to Jeremy interview Gretchen please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Or read on below for a guest post from Gretchen. People often tout Montreal as “the most European of North American cities,” and indeed a walk along the cobblestone in the older parts of the city can make you feel like you’ve been transported both across the ocean and back in time. But Montreal also feels vibrantly modern and distinctly Canadian, and its location means it’s within easy driving distance for people in much of the US and Canada. Our family spent a few days in Montreal this past summer as part of a longer Canadian road trip, and we all left loving Montreal and wishing we could stay longer. We stayed at the Montreal South KOA Journey and it was a very good basecamp for our Canadian adventure. The Montreal South KOA Journey The Montreal South KOA Journey is 15 miles from the city and bills itself as the closest campground to Montreal. It’s big rig-friendly and easy to access from the highway. As first-time visitors to Quebec (and non-French speakers), we appreciated the friendly and helpful bilingual staff.  The sites are mostly a grid of standard gravel pull-throughs, but there are a good number of trees for shade and decent separation between the sites. Everything at this KOA is beautifully done and well-maintained: the bathrooms are nicely decorated and sparkling clean, there’s a small but lovely pool at the front of the campground, and the huge patio sites are probably the nicest I’ve ever seen. Sites start at around $70CAD for a basic pull-through and go up to over $100 for those patio sites.  The biggest thing to think about with urban RVing, though, is always how to actually get into the city to see the sites. The drive into Montreal from the KOA can be less than 30 minutes, depending on when you go. We did make the drive once, but we found both parking and traffic to be big challenges, so we did most of our travel via Montreal’s excellent public transportation system. There are a few different subway and rail stations within easy striking distance of the KOA; we made the 20 minute drive to the REM Brossard Station and took the new light rail from there into the city. There’s plenty of surface parking at this station, the trains are clean and comfortable, and, as a bonus, you get wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal’s skyline as you approach the city.    Fun Things to do in Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica This impressive neo-gothic cathedral in the heart of Old Montreal dates to 1824 and is a must see for first time visitors to the city. It’s open to visitors for self-guided tours during the day and at night becomes a canvas for “the AURA Experience” light and music show. Our attempt to attend the nighttime show was thwarted by a power outage in the area, but we very much enjoyed gawking at the impressive art and architecture by day. The entire area is worth spending time exploring; Old Montreal is the part of the city that feels the most European, with its old buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s always busy, and there’s always something going on; we found public art and live music everywhere we turned.  Pointe-a-calliere Pointe-a-calliere, Montreal’s museum of archaeology and history, might just be the coolest museum I’ve ever been to. It’s built on the site where the city’s first European settlers lived in the 17th Century, and the museum’s first level allows you to actually walk through the preserved archaeological remnants of the old city and see evidence of how it changed throughout its early history. Another exhibit preserves the remains of Fort Ville-Marie, the actual spot where the city was founded as a Catholic mission, under a glass floor that visitors can walk across. There’s an excellent multi-media show (in French and English) about the history of Montreal. Our eleven year old loved the immersive, hands-on “Pirates or Privateers” exhibit. And make sure to end your visit by going to the top of the museum’s tower for awesome views of the city.  Montreal Botanical Garden Montreal has a world-class botanical garden with twenty themed gardens to explore. We especially enjoyed the bonsai collection and koi pond in the Japanese Garden and the highly Instagrammable lake with bridges and a waterfall in the Chinese Garden.  The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Montreal’s maze-like art museum sprawls across a few different buildings, some connected via underground hallways. It’s Canada’s largest art museum and a great place to spend a few hours. We definitely didn’t get to all of it, but we saw a special exhibit on Flemish masterworks as well as checking out the extensive collection of Canadian art and a fun pop art gallery.  Where to Eat in Montreal One could devote an entire vacation to exploring Montreal’s food scene, and sadly we didn’t get to sample as much as we’d have liked, but we did enjoy brunch one day at Maggie Oakes in the Old Port area. They have a great patio overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier, perfect for people-watching (and the food was good, too!) And then, just around the corner from the Museum of Fine Arts, we stopped in at Burger Bar Crescent, where the menu features some creative burger, poutine, and mac and cheese choices. Not as much people watching here, but it does have a great view of a giant painting of Montreal’s own Leonard Cohen on the side of the nearby building. The post RVing in Quebec Part 1 (Montreal and The Montreal South KOA Journey) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast we are welcoming guest correspondents Dan and Jess Steck for a terrific review of Jellystone Park Petoskey in Michigan. The Stecks recently returned from an epic RV trip to Michigan with their two daughters Penny and Molly, and their two lovable dogs. To listen to our interview with Dan and Jess please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for their guest blog post about Jellystone Park Petoskey.  Jellystone Park Petoskey Location and Overview If you are looking for a family-friendly RV resort in Northern Michigan, look no further than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan.  With spacious RV sites and an impressive array of cabins, this campground hits the sweet spot as both a full service RV resort and an excellent basecamp for exploring the area. Keep reading to find out what makes this park the perfect destination for balancing relaxation and exploration.  Jellystone Park Petoskey is situated only a few minutes drive from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Northwestern Michigan. Bring your tent or RV of any size (this campground is very big rig friendly!) and enjoy spacious sites surrounded by tall pines and birch trees.  There is a large variety of camping cabins available from one room rustic cabins to camping lodges featuring roof top decks or outdoor TVs and fireplaces!  These diverse accommodations make this a wonderful pick if you are traveling with a family who may not be bringing an RV along with them. Jellystone Park Petoskey: Attractions, Amenities, and Overall Vibe The grounds of Jellystone Park Petoskey are impeccably cared for and quite lovely. Flower boxes and flowerbeds overflow with colorful blooms and the campground staff can be seen caring for the property throughout the day.  I dare say we are talking about a Fort WIlderness level of cleanliness here.  Throughout our stay we were continually impressed by the cleanliness of the campground. The campground boasts one of the most lovely seasonal sections we have ever seen. We recognized several campground staff with RVs in this section and you can see that the care they put into the campground is mirrored in the beauty of their seasonal sites.  You will be hard-pressed to find yourself or your kids saying “I’m bored” during your stay here. Kids young and old have access to a great array of activities.  Available to you all day are jumping pads, a playground, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and everyone’s new favorite hobby–pickleball! On a hot day take a dip at the Swimming Hole.  The pool, though not huge, is perfect for cooling off and splashing around with the family.  On a mid-Saturday afternoon it was certainly busy at the pool but on Tuesday at 1 pm we nearly had the pool to ourselves. For more swimming adventures head just a few minutes down the road to Lake Michigan.  Like every Jellystone, the scheduled activities and amenities for kids are always a star of the show. There is a nice sized arcade and game room within the activity center that are open for you to come and go all day long.  Fun events like candy-bar bingo, HEY! Rides, tie-dye, character visits and movie nights are always a crowd pleaser.  Did you ask for gem mining? Of course! It’s not camping unless you are going home with a bag of gems When we asked our daughters, ages 3 and 5, what their favorite part of vacation was, they both yelled “the bike parade!” They both thought biking (and scooting) all the way around the campground with the activity director and big kids was out of this world. And we as parents will certainly never forget watching that joy! If kicking back and relaxing is on your vacation agenda then Jellystone Park Petoskey is a great spot!  Despite all of the fun activities the campground is overall very calm and peaceful.  The nicely paved roads throughout the campground are great for walking the dog or a family bike ride.  There is even a Little Free Library on-site that had a great selection of kids and adult books.  The majority of the campground was well shaded which is perfect for an afternoon nap in your zero gravity chair.  Things to do near Jellystone Petoskey Even though you could spend an entire vacation right at the campground, one of the biggest amenities of this Jellystone is the location! From the campground you are less than a 10 minute drive from Petoskey State Park – a lovely 1 mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.  Also only a 10 minute drive from the campground you will find yourself wandering the streets of CHARMING downtown Petoskey.  WIth tons of shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lake you will find yourself scanning Zillow and looking at home prices in the area. Stop at Mudicks Fudge and Ice cream for the ultimate afternoon treat!  A few minutes walk from the shops and dining of Petoskey you will find Bayfront park. What an awesome place to spend the day. There is an excellent playground, a history museum, the Petoskey Breakwater and Lighthouse, and a very unique stone beach where you can hunt for the world famous Petoskey Stones. While these stones can be found along most of the western coast of Michigan, they are in large supply here. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, you can collect up to 25 lbs of stones from the shores of lake Michigan per year (unless you are within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore). I am quite sure our 3 year old collected about 15 lbs herself.   On an afternoon drive we stumbled upon Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery and Rudbeckia Winery.  Approximately 20 minutes from the campground this was a great find.  The scenery was beautiful and there was a full menu of wine and craft beers in addition to lots of great snacks. This location also doubles as a Harvest Host Location and you can also book a site on campspot. Looking for a day trip? We had the most amazing time taking a drive on Michigan’s route 119 (M-119) through the tunnel of trees along the northwestern coast. This 40-ish minute scenic drive will land you in Wilderness State Park.  The state park offers 26 miles of shore line including a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach. For us, Wilderness state park holds the current title of most beautiful sunsets that we have ever seen. If you are stargazers like we are you will want to visit Headlands International Dark Sky Park located only 9 miles from Wilderness State Park. What a wonder! 2 miles of undeveloped shoreline at the northwest point of Michigan lower peninsula. The skies here are undiluted by light pollution and the nighttime sky is breathtaking.  We sat under the dark sky taking in the milky way and that is a memory we will hold forever.  This area of Michigan is not unfamiliar to seeing the Northern Lights.  While we were not lucky enough to see it here we hope you are! Overall we had an unforgettable time at Jellystone Park Petoskey.  If you are looking for a wonderful campground to serve as your basecamp for exploring the area of Northwestern Michigan-this is it! If you are looking for a campground to relax and unwind- this is it! What a sweet spot in the camping world. The post Campground Review! Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Looking for a taste of the relaxing, tropical lifestyle? Camp Margaritaville brings that vibe to its luxury RV resorts, with several locations across the southern US. This campground review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale will tell you everything you need to know for a great stay at this resort, which lives up to its motto: “license to chill.” We are excited to have our friend Bill Sferrazza from A Camper and a Camera back to share this review. He is a luxury resort aficionado and brilliant photographer. He has stayed in some amazing places, and Camp Margaritaville Auburndale quickly became a favorite, thanks to its over-the-top level of service and amenities. It even topped Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge, which we also loved (hear our review here)! To hear Bill share his campground review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale with Jeremy, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you listen to podcasts. Camp Margaritaville Auburndale Location Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is located in Central Florida, around an hour southwest of Orlando and 40 minutes northeast of Tampa. You can combine your stay with a visit to Walt Disney World, since you can be on the park property in less than 40 minutes. While the immediate area doesn’t offer as much to do due to its rural location, you have easy access to many day-trip options, whether you want to the theme parks, beaches, or great towns like Orlando or Tampa. Or, thanks to the resort-level service at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, you may opt to just hang out and enjoy the park amenities and atmosphere. Campground Atmosphere Driving into the resort at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, you can expect to immediately be wowed. It truly feels like an oasis. The tropical vibe really comes through, straight down to the tiki huts. While shade not abundant, the resort has planted many large palm trees across the campground, which truly give the tropical touch. The campground has over 300 campsites, all of which are full hookup. You’ll find a mix of back-in and pull-thru, as well as some motorhome-specific pull-in sites. You’ll find a variety of upgrade options, including sites with tiki huts, outdoor kitchens, prime locations, hammocks, and so much more. It’s definitely worth exploring the full suite of options before you book. In addition to the RV sites, you can also book a cabana cabin. Bill actually stayed in a cabin on his trip, and he was very impressed. Other Park Details Let’s get an overview of the pricing and booking details at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. Expect to pay around $95 to $175 per night, depending on whether you go for a more basic or a premium-level site. Although that sounds high for a campground, this is reasonable for a resort on the East Coast. For comparison, Bill booked this park again for a stay next year, with some additional nights at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. The Fort Wilderness reservations started at $250 a night. So, you are paying a premium for both the location and the amenities. Just remember, these parks usually use dynamic pricing, so reservation costs vary by season, day, and availability. Cabin prices are also fairly reasonable. They start run around $190 to $225 a night. You get a whole tiny home with a kitchen and more. Campground Amenities at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale While you might expect a Margaritaville to be more adult focused, the Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is also family friendly, with amenities for kids and adults of all ages. When you pull into the resort, you will see an event pavilion, camp store, pools, and a beautifully designed tiki hut area with a stage for live entertainment, including ticketed concerts. The entertainment area is surrounded by food trucks and other eateries and a lovely spot to sit while you dine or hang out. You can find a great variety of food and drinks. You can have food delivered to the pool areas. You’ll find many opportunities to cool off on a hot day, whether you’re taking your little ones to the splash pad, enjoying the waterslide with your tweens, or hanging out in the “Licensed to Chill” pool, which has a swim-up bar. There are two pool areas, and both are equally create. On land, you’ll find mini golf, pickleball, cornhole, treasure mining, playgrounds, and more. Again, all of these are great for both kids and adults. Even the pets get an over-the-top experience at the Bark-aritaville Dog Park, which features a dog run and a spa. As Bill points out, you can stay as busy or as relaxed as you wish! The park offers both vibes and has plenty of opportunities for both playing and relaxing. To hear more details of this campground review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you listen to podcasts. Things to Do Near Camp Margaritaville Auburndale As mentioned earlier, Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is somewhat near nothing and somewhat near everything. While the immediate area is sparse, you have the opportunity to easily venture out to find great things to do. Here are some great options: Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, and other Orlando theme parks: You can easily spend a day or several days visiting the theme parks, which are 30-45 minutes away. Camp Margaritaville is a super relaxing place to stay, making it worth the drive. Tampa: Tampa is 45 minutes away and has tons of attractions Beaches: Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches are just over an hour’s drive to the west. Check out Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, and more. Bill shares a ton of great Disney insider info on the podcast! Click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas podcast to hear his tips! We really want to thank Bill for sharing this great campground review of Camp Margaritaville Auburndale—and all of his amazing photos!     The post RV Resort Review: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, FL appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Jellystone Park Binghamton in New York is truly a rising star campground that is very, very good now–and has the potential to be one of the best Jellystone Parks in the country in the near future. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in New York, this campground delivers–with indoor, outdoor, and water activities for kids of all ages to explore. Bring your tent or RV–or stay in one of the glamping accommodations or cabins. All of the accommodations here are nice–and the spacious RV sites are among the best we have seen at any private campground across the country. Read on to find out more about this terrific campground and to hear all about our fun three day adventure there. We recently were looking for a campground to enjoy with our youngest son, Wes. With his big brothers working for the summer, it was his time to shine. Bringing a friend along doubles the fun, so we planned a special boys’ trip for the kids and their dads. We picked the Binghamton Jellystone Park for its range of activities, with many centered around the lake. On a hot summer day, what could be more fun than spending a day rotating between a floating obstacle course and swimming beach or hitting the water in a kayak or canoe?  To hear Jeremy share his full campground review of the Jellystone Park Binghamton, click play on the media player above or search for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast player. Activities at Jellystone Park Binghamton, NY The Jellystone Park Binghamton is a rising star in the world of RV parks. It has tons of attractions you’ve come to expect from a Jellystone Park, like mini golf, an obstacle course, a jumping pillow, and much more–which is why you can enjoy a full vacation without leaving the campground. What really sets Jellystone Park Binghamton apart is the water obstacle course on the lake. Kids love the large inflatables that float on the lake, and adults can do it too. It is a great workout! When you show up at this Jellystone Park make sure to check the time slots for the water obstacle course and sign up for a session at no additional cost. Once you have completed a session you can run back to the camp store and sign up for another one. We did one session per day while we were there and had one cancelled because of bad weather.  Another thing we appreciated was the free use of kayaks, canoes, and life jackets. Jellystone Park Binghamton leaves them by the water so guests can use them at almost anytime during daylight hours. There is no extra charge to use the boats. Not only does this setup make it easy to have flexibility in your day, we also appreciated that it (and many other activities) can be enjoyed without paying an additional fee. Kids can pick from the menu of amenities and play the day away without “nickle and diming” Mom and Dad. If fun on land is more your thing, you can check out everything from candybar bingo to gaga ball, whichever suits your speed. Pickleball is also popular, and the campground provides paddles and balls right at the court at no additional fee. We love that this is a great sport for kids and adults to play together! We played about 40 games of pickleball while were there because the boys could not get enough. Near the camp store is a ropes course. There is also a laser tag area indoors. Like many RV resorts, they have a gem mining station for the younger kids. Activities take place on weekdays and weekends, which is great for guests who visit Monday through Thursday to avoid the crowds. You will receive a schedule of activities upon arrival and we recommend that you take a look right away so that you can optimize your trip and make a loose schedule for your stay. Accommodations at Binghamton Jellystone Park Jellystone Park in Binghamton has a lot of options for camping. Of course, you can stay in your tent or RV, but the campground also has yurts, conestoga wagons, glamping tents, and cabins. These accommodations are spread throughout the campground and mixed among the RV sites. So this would be a great place for vacationing with a family that does not have an RV. As far as we could tell–most of the accommodations do not have bathrooms–but there are ample bathhouses spread throughout the campground–and more being built. The RV sites are some of the most spacious we have seen at any Jellystone Park. Many of these sites are shady and wooded like you might find in a state park, and some have direct access to the lake. Our favorite sites were on Bear Boulevard on the road up to the Conestoga Wagon area. There are sites that would be great for pop up campers and sites that can accommodate the big rigs. There is truly something for everyone at this Jellystone Park. Beside the lake are four yurts with decks, air conditioning, sleeping for four, and a direct view of the water obstacle course. The Conestoga Wagons and cabins also have heat and air. If you don’t have an RV, there will certainly be a comfortable place to stay! The view of the lake from the yurts is wonderful and makes for a great place to kick back and relax or cook dinner for family and friends. As you know, we love a good camp store, and Jellystone Park Binghamton did not disappoint. It has ice cream and souvenirs, and the staff is super friendly. The young staff that work here are well trained, professional, and polite. They also keep the campground clean and the landscaping nicely manicured. Every inch of the campground felt loved and well cared for–even the bathhouses.  Remember, you can hear Jeremy share his full campground review of the Jellystone Park Binghamton by clicking play on the media player above or search for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast player. We had such a great stay from start to finish. If you are looking for a fun place to stay in New York State or want to visit a campground that is an attraction in its own right, Jellystone Park Binghamton provides an exciting family experience, with more activities than most people can do in one trip!  We are already planning on making a return trip and rumor has it that they are building a pool–which will take this campground from very, very good to completely epic! The post Campground Review! Jellystone Park Binghamton, NY appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Schodack Island State Park Campground (located near Albany, NY) is a hidden gem in a state park system that is filled with them. On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast we welcome Olivia Karis on to the show for the very first time to review this relatively unknown campground. She is a native New Yorker that loves camping in the state and knows the Albany area incredibly well. On this week’s episode she gives us a terrific review of the campground and offers up tons of suggestions for activities, attractions, and food in the area around. To listen to Jeremy’s interview with Olivia, click on the media play above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or read on just below for Olivia’s answers to all of our questions about Schodack Island State Park Campground and the area around it. Q: Where is Schodack Island State Park Campground Located? A: Schodack Island State Park Campground is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, about 15-20 minutes south of Albany. This area, known as the Capital Region, generally encompasses the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs as well as the surrounding suburbs. We have the Adirondack Mountains to the north, the Catskill Mountains to the south, and the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts to the east. It’s a pretty ideal location with Montreal 3.5 hours north, NYC 2.5 hours south, and Boston/Cape Cod 3 hours east. Q: Tell us a bit more about this state park… A: The campground is located within Schodack Island State Park, which was opened in 2002 and is an approx 1,000 acre park with seven miles of shoreline along the Hudson River and the Schodack Creek. (The area occupied by the park used to be a series of islands but it became a continuous peninsula in the early 1900s when they were dredging the Hudson River to make a deep-water channel to Albany, and the sediment was deposited here.) The park is designated a state estuary, which is a place where freshwater mixes with saltwater, because this part of the Hudson River is tidal. (It is deeper than the body of water into which it flows, and as far north as Troy, the flow of the river changes direction with the tides.) The park also encompasses a bird conservation area that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers, and blue herons, which nest in the park’s cottonwood trees.  Q: Tell us a little bit more about the history of this campground? A:  It has a cool history because it was opened relatively recently, in 2016, and at that time it was the first new campground to be built in a New York State park in 35 years! Q: What does the campground look like? A: The campground is wooded, but it has unique vegetation for the northeast because it is at sea level, so you see cottonwood trees and vines which form a dense foliage. Q: How big is Schodack Island State Park Campground? A: There are two loops, Creekside and Riverside, with a total of 66 sites. The sites are generally spacious, level, and private, with a mix of sun and shade.  Q: Tell us more about the individual campsites…  A: There are 43 sites with 50-amp electric, and the remaining sites in the tenting area do not have any hookups (on Creekside). There is no water or sewer at any of the sites. (NYS park campgrounds tend to be pretty rustic.) Each loop does have a bathhouse with free showers and there are multiple water stations within the loops. The sites are a mix of back-in and pull-through. Q: Where are your favorite sites at this campground? A: At the southern end of the Riverside Loop, sites 22-24 are the closest to the playground (a short walk from there). Creekside Loop has a cute playground for very young children, centrally located near the bathhouse. Q: What is the price range for sites here and how easy are they to book? Sites are $15-19 per night for non-electric and $23-27 with electric, with an additional $5 per night surcharge for out-of-state residents. There is a $6 per car entrance fee to the park on weekends and holidays (May-October) — however, this does not apply to campers. Reservations are through Reserve America and sites can be booked up to 9 months in advance. Funny enough, the two camping loops have two different seasons. This year, the Riverside Loop is open May 3-October 13 while the Creekside Loop is open April 19-November 17. (This is because the Creekside bathrooms are heated and the Riverside bathrooms are not.) Q: What kind of amenities can be found within Schodack Island State Park? A: The park itself is open year round and includes 8 miles of multi-use trails. There are pavilions for rent as well as numerous activities available within the park including hunting, fishing, boating, geocaching, hiking, biking, playgrounds, and picnicking. In the winter they offer cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, with ice skates and snowshoes available for rent. Q: Are there options for food within Schodack Island State Park? A: All summer long, the nearby Schodack Landing Firehouse puts on Firehouse Fridays under one of the park pavilions, so you can walk over from your campsite and enjoy burgers, dogs, sausage and peppers, chicken sandwiches, meatball subs and more. There are also vendors and live music. Q: Are there any activities within the park? A: In partnership with the public library down the road, the Castleton Public Library, there are sometimes events at the park during the summer like outdoor movie nights and story times. The park also puts on a fall festival in October and they do an event called Lights in Our Park at Christmas, where people decorate the campsites and win prizes. Q: Any insider details that campers should know before booking? A: Bring your boat — motorized boats are permitted on the Hudson and there is a kayak launch on the creek as well. You do need to be aware of the tides. The creek turns into mud flats at low tide, and tidal changes in the river can make navigating more challenging so be aware. The park information booth can help you with this. Be aware of ticks, and hunters during hunting season (end of camping season). There have been a few bear sightings. There is a highway bridge nearby that crosses over the Hudson so you will be able to hear some distant, steady traffic — it’s not dead silent here. On the plus side, you can see some incredibly huge cargo ships going by on the river from time to time, which is fun for the kids. Q: What could be improved at Schodack Island State Park Campground? A: As long as you understand that you are in a NYS park and the hookups are minimal, there really isn’t anything lacking!  Q: What is the best time of year to visit? A: Spring, summer, and fall are all wonderful times to visit, but the northeast is especially well known as a fall destination and the camping is wonderful that time of year — warm days for hiking and exploring, cool nights for campfires. Q: What are some of the best things to do in the area? A: The immediate area surrounding the park is rural. There is a library up the road in the village of Castleton, which has free Wi-Fi if you need it and a regular schedule of activities — good for kids on a rainy day. Castleton also has a couple of restaurants and a farmer’s market on Wednesday afternoons in the summer. About 20 minutes away is Golden Harvest Farms, a great choice in the fall for apple picking, cider donuts, pies, etc. Q: How about hiking or natural activities? A: The Empire State Trail is a recently completed 750-mile trail for biking and walking across New York State. The section in this area is called the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail and there are parking areas for the trail within 15-20 minutes from the campground. A bit further out is John Boyd Thacher State Park, about a 40-minute drive from the campground, which is an incredible spot for hiking and beautiful views. It is situated on the Helderberg Escarpment, which is a series of limestone cliffs that are one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. There are panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. A highlight is the Indian Ladder Trail which has waterfalls, caves, and you can even find fossils right on the trail. There are staircases to traverse so it definitely has some fun challenges. This trail is considered one of the best in the region and it’s great for both kids and adults. There is also a really fun aerial adventure course at this park called Wild Play which offers zip lines, high ropes, and a jump off of a 40-foot tower. This park also has a beautiful and educational visitor’s center, and even a campground. Q: How about attractions near Schodack Island State Park Campground? A: You can really get a taste of everything in this area because there is so much to do — not only all of the nature to explore nearby, but city life as well. In Albany you can take a tour of the USS Slater, a WWII destroyer escort. You can also visit the Empire State Museum, a free museum dedicated to the history and culture of New York State. (I am biased because my husband works there as the head of exhibit graphic design.) This is another good rainy-day destination for families and there are things for the kids to do, including a vintage carousel. The museum is part of the Empire State Plaza, which is the seat of New York State government and includes the State Capitol, where you can take a guided tour. (I recently took a haunted tour of the Capitol at Halloween!) There are other museums in the downtown Albany area and shopping and dining along Albany’s Lark Street, which you can follow up with a walk through Washington Park. There is an outdoor theater in the park called the Park Playhouse that offers free musicals and plays during the summer, and there are other theaters in Albany where you can take in plays and concerts. Moving a little further north up the Hudson you have the city of Troy, about half an hour from the campground, which has been called the “Brooklyn of the north” and has some great shopping and dining options. They filmed the HBO show The Gilded Age in Troy, as well as the Scorsese film The Age of Innocence, and it has a very walkable downtown with beautiful architecture. (When we talk about food I will mention Troy’s farmer’s market.) In under an hour you can make it to Saratoga Springs, the location of the famous Saratoga Race Course, America’s oldest sports venue, where you can see horse racing 6 days a week in the summer. Saratoga also has the National Museum of Racing with its Racing Hall of Fame, Saratoga Performing Arts Center where you can see major touring acts, and you can even relax in the natural mineral springs from which the city takes its name at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. It’s almost too much to mention at this point but the city of Hudson is half an hour to the south of the campground and that’s a whole world of incredible dining, shopping, galleries and antiquing, particularly on Warren Street. Q: How about options for great food in the area? A: Where to begin!! This is my favorite subject! Considering that over a million people live in the Capital Region, you are not going to be short on food options. Let me start with breweries, as I know RVers are often big on breweries! About 25 minutes east of the campground you will find S&S Farm Brewery. I have never been here but it’s really popular. It is a working farm and brewery open on Friday and Saturday nights, and they welcome families with kids, as they have a big outdoor area with a playground. They have food trucks and live music. There is also kind of a brewery district in north Albany with Druthers, Fort Orange, and Fidens Breweries, among others, in that area. For breakfast, Schodack Diner and Skyline Diner are both solid nearby options, typical diner fare. The Crisp Cannoli does excellent sandwiches and baked goods. If you are in this area on a Saturday morning, you have to get to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which is a gigantic farmers market in this area, open year round (it moves indoors for winter) — tons of farm fresh produce as well as baked goods, cheeses, specialty coffee, hot food, crafts, plenty to see and do. Speaking of coffee, Gipfel Coffee is my favorite and it’s located inside a very cute shop called Sand Lake Merchant. Alias Coffee, Jacob Alejandro, and Stacks Espresso Bar each have a couple of locations in this area and are very good. For lunch and dinner, I am a big fan of Ala Shanghai just north of Albany for their delicious soup dumplings, Ted’s Fish Fry which has multiple locations in this area, DeFazio’s Pizza in Troy which is arguably the best pizza around, Dinosaur BBQ in Troy, Indian Flame in Wynantskill for their excellent Indian buffet, and head to Lickety Split in East Greenbush or Kurver Kreme in Albany for great ice cream. This is barely scratching the surface! Correspondent Bio: Olivia Karis lives with her husband Ben and their 12-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter, and two dogs in the Albany, New York area. She grew up as a summer camp kid but never went camping until adulthood, when her family was invited to try out a pop-up camper alongside some friends. It was on that very first camping trip that their then-toddler daughter took her first steps, and from then on, Olivia and Ben were hooked. Olivia has been a dedicated RV Atlas listener since 2016 and after absorbing all she could from the podcast, she bought her first camper, a vintage 1963 Shasta Astrodome named Daisy. Daisy certainly turned heads but after a few years it was time for something more practical with modern amenities. Still loving the vintage look, Olivia and Ben then purchased a 2020 Riverside Retro 190BH named Zelda, which is still part of the family today. The post Campground Review: Schodack Island State Park Campground in NY appeared first on The RV Atlas.