Campground Reviews

June 17, 2019 by Julie Leave a Comment

Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)

We fell in love with the Crescent City / Redwoods KOA nestled among 10 acres of redwood forest. It had everything you’d expect from a KOA franchise, but had the natural beauty of a state or national park. It really was the best of both worlds.

Watch the short video below to see the highlights.

Sites

I definitely wouldn’t call this location big rig friendly, so we were glad that we recently downsized from our 44’ toy hauler. Our smaller Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel and truck fit perfectly in our pull-thru spot with full hook-ups (power, water, and sewer).

For even smaller rigs, there were back-in sites right under the trees in the Redwood Forest section, alongside little cabins and tent sites.

Loved these little back in sites for small RVs and trailers.

Amenities

The walking paths winding through the redwoods were the best part of this campground to me.

However, they did have all the standard amenities like Wifi, laundry facilities, 2 bath houses, in addition to a general store, game room, dog park, and playground. They even had a lot of information with detailed instructions on self-guided scenic drives and local hikes.

Local Area

The famous redwood trees are the main attraction in this area. Just a short drive from the campground is Redwood National and State Parks, a unique combination of national park and 4 California State Parks conserving old growth forests, beaches and grasslands along Northern California’s coast.

While here, we also enjoyed a visit to Battery Point Lighthouse, a registered California Historical Landmark. The light house is on a tiny island that you could walk out to during low tide. Afterwards we went over to the harbor to watch the sea lions sun bathing and then to enjoy some fresh seafood at Crescent Seafood, a locally owned restaurant.

Reservations

This campground was full even in the late spring (after spring break and before summer break), so be sure to make your reservations early. You can do that online or by calling 707-464-5744.

Click here to see my favorite KOA, the Tucson Lazy Days KOA Resort.

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Learn why you should visit the Crescent City / Redwoods KOA nestled among 10 acres of redwood forest. It had everything you’d expect from a KOA franchise, but had the natural beauty of a state or national park. It really was the best of both worlds. RV full hook-up sites, tent sites, and cabins are all available to rent for you next family vacation.

June 5, 2019 by Julie Leave a Comment

Best Campgrounds in Florida

Florida is the perfect destination any time of year! The first thoughts that come to mind are sandy beaches and Mickey Mouse, but the state offers so much more including 3 national parks, crystal clear spring fed rivers, and a whole lot of history.

Just as the state has so many different activities, Florida also offers every type of campground you can imagine.

No matter what your preference, there is something for you from beautiful beachside resorts to rustic riverfront campgrounds – and yes of, course, there is Disney!

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Yes, you can camp at Disney, watch fireworks from the Fort’s beach, and enjoy evening with s’mores and a sing along with Chip and Dale.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is my absolute favorite campground in Florida, and if money were no object I’d probably live there half the year! But don’t take just my word for it.

campground is filled with activities for all ages to enjoy. There are jogging trails, playgrounds, bike rentals, boat and canoe/kayak rentals, two pools with a waterslide and hot tubs, horseback riding, golf cart rentals, volleyball and basketball courts, and even an archery experience. — Photo credit: DQ Family Travel

Margie of DQ Family Travel said, “We love the Fort Wilderness Campground in Walt Disney World Florida! The campground is filled with activities for all ages to enjoy. There are jogging trails, playgrounds, bike rentals, boat and canoe/kayak rentals, two pools with a waterslide and hot tubs, horseback riding, golf cart rentals, volleyball and basketball courts, and even an archery experience.

The campground has so many conveniences like two stores, an arcade, laundry facilities, and the cleanest bathrooms/showers of any campground I’ve ever stayed at. There are five dining options on site ranging from food trucks, quick service meals, casual restaurants, buffet options, a bar, and a musical dinner show.

At night, there is even a campfire sing-a-long with Chip and Dale where s’mores are available. If you’re considering doing Disney on a budget, then you may want to check out Fort Wilderness, and add a little bit of outdoor fun to your vacation.”

Watch our short video review of the campground below to see the layout of the resort.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Need to save a little money after your say at Fort Wilderness? Consider one of Florida’s 59 State Park campgrounds. One of our favorites is in Southeast Florida near the Atlantic Coast is Jonathan Dickinson State Park. There are actually two campgrounds here: one with full hook-ups and a smaller one near the river with partial hook-ups.

There are so many activities at this state park that you will never have to leave to go sight seeing. One of the highlights is the Loxahatchee River. The campground has a designated swimming area, marina, and even ranger led boat tour. In addition to 3 nature trails there are also paved multi-use trails, as well as the Camp Murphy Off-road Bicycle Trail System which is a nine-mile network of mountain bike trails.

Miami Everglades RV Resort

If you’re looking for a destination that will allow you to visit both Miami, as well as Everglades National Park, this resort has got you covered!

Alison of Our National Adventure and her family enjoyed this Thousand Trails / Encore park. “At only $20 per night with our Thousand Trails Membership the Miami Everglades RV Resort is a great deal for south Florida.

park, and swimming pool. This is a great place to stop and relax while you explore two of the three National parks in south Florida (Everglades and Biscayne) or drive out to explore Miami for the day.” — Photo credit: Our National Adventure

This park is big rig friendly with many pull throughs, huge green lawn, kids’ park, and swimming pool. This is a great place to stop and relax while you explore two of the three National parks in south Florida (Everglades and Biscayne) or drive out to explore Miami for the day.”

Dry Tortugas National Park

Speaking of national parks, have you heard about Dry Tortugas? An island around 70 miles southwest of Key West, it is considered one of the most remote National Parks in the United States.

The Round the World Guys recommend Dry Tortugas for its isolated, pristine location where visitors can find solitude and an unforgettable experience.

Dry Tortugas National Park is an island around 70 miles southwest of Key West, it is considered one of the most remote National Parks in the United States. — Photo credit: The Round The World Guys

You can even camp at Dry Tortugas National Park (without your RV of course), but you’ll have to bring in everything you need: tent, fresh water, food, and other supplies. The campground fee is $15 per individual campsite and $30 for the group site, but don’t forget you have to pay for the ferry. It only transports 10 campers per day.

To see what the island is like watch the video below:

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

A visit to the Florida Keys has been on my bucket list for a while now. When I saw that our friends at 1^stClass RV Adventures recently visited, I had to ask for their feedback.

Sandra said, “We loved staying at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina in Big Pine Key, Florida so much that we ended up extending our stay. It was magical every time we looked out the windows or walked out our front door. The ocean surrounds the entire park and its location is perfect.

There is so much to do right in the park that it was hard to leave we hung out there almost every day. For all the fishermen out there this is the place to stay and fish.

We also loved the convenience of taking the bus right in front of the resort for only $4 per person into Key West instead of driving our truck. The location was perfect to say the least!”

We loved staying at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina in Big Pine Key, Florida so much that we ended up extending our stay. It was magical every time we looked out the windows or walked out our front door. The ocean surrounds the entire park and its location is perfect. — Photo credit: 1st Class RV Adventures

Gulf Coast Campgrounds

I suppose if you’re a traveler, you’ll want to leave the Keys at some point. Let’s look at some campgrounds you’ll encounter making your way up the Gulf Coast, beginning with this review of Gulf Air Resort in Ft Meyers, Florida.

Continuing up the coast, be sure to stop and enjoy Sarasota, Florida and nearby Myakka River State Park.

Lazy Days RV Resort

We love everything about Tampa Bay! Whether you are looking for theme parks or some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay has something for you. When visiting Tampa, we love the Lazy Days RV Resort in Seffner, Florida.

This terrific campground has 300 full hook-up RV sites with beautiful landscaping, an amazing pool area, restaurant, Wi-Fi, cable TV, newspaper delivery, and trash pick-up.

Watch our short video below to see more of what we love about this amazing RV resort!

Sanlan RV Resort

If you’d prefer a nice, quiet location a bit farther inland consider Lakeland, Florida. As the name implies, there are several lakes with wonderful nature trails all around the city. When in Lakeland, our friend Mary Ottenwess recommends the Sanlan RV Resort.

She said, “It’s a large, mainly 55+, park with both full time residents and RVers. There is an exercise equipment room and several recreational buildings for activities such as exercise classes, card games, and darts as well as courts for pickle ball, horse shoes, shuffleboard, and other games. They also have two heated pools and many small lakes with fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing abounds as the park has several trails for walking/biking/golf carts that meander through the woods past the lakes, streams and ponds. If you prefer to ride you can rent golf carts at the office during your stay.

Sanlan RV & Golf Resort is a large, mainly 55+, park with both full time residents and RVers. There is an exercise equipment room and several recreational buildings for activities such as exercise classes, card games, and darts as well as courts for pickle ball, horse shoes, shuffleboard, and other games. They also have two heated pools and many small lakes with fishing opportunities.

There is also a 27 hole golf course for those that enjoy golfing and the clubhouse provides lessons during the season. The park in close to Lakeland with shopping, sports stadiums, universities/colleges and other amenities. A short bike or car ride away is Circle B Nature reserve which also provides several trails for wildlife viewing and where you can see some of the largest alligators found in Florida. You can stay for a night, a month, a season or longer. It’s a very nice RV community and we’ve definitely built some lifelong friendships.”

Camping on Florida’s Spring-Fed Rivers

No discussion of Florida would be complete without highlighting the crystal clear spring-fed rivers found near the Nature Coast.

My personal favorite is Rainbow Springs State Park. This state park campground has huge sites with full hook-ups and access to the crystal clear river. The water is so clear, it looks like a swimming pool.

Watch this short video to see all the Rainbow Springs has to offer including a sneak peek at the campground.

If a private RV resort is more your style, consider Belle Parc RV Resort in Brooksville, Florida. Our friends Nick & Julie said, “Belle Parc RV Resort was great! It’s in a beautiful country setting with newly renovated level sites. It has a heated pool & hot tub along with a café serving terrific home cooked food.”

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While there be sure to pay a visit to both Homosassa Springs and Weeki Wachee Sprngs. Both have their own unique attractions including a wildlife center, manatees, kayaking, mermaids, and more! Read about our visit and suggested activities here.

Bayside Campground, Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area

Many RVers who travel to the sunshine state are concerned that it will be too expensive. I hope this article has provided several options that can appeal to any budget. If you’re still not sure, consider some dry camping. There are several locations throughout the state that offer low cost and even free camping.

Family RV Travelers Exploring the Local Life shared this suggestion. Bayside Campground (also known as Grassy Point) is a free no hook-up campground located in the wilderness to the west of Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. It has just 12 campsites and a whole lot of wilderness.

ayside Campground (also known as Grassy Point) is a free no hook-up campground located in the wilderness to the west of Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. It has just 12 campsites and a whole lot of wilderness.

Jessica said, “Out of all the places we have RV camped in Florida, the Bayside Campground is our absolute favorite. It is off-the-beaten-path, free, and beautiful. You can park your RV right there on the water and watch the sunset right over Blackwater bay. You can swim, fish, hike, or just relax on the shore.”

Read their full review here.

Military Campgrounds in Florida

A final option we’d like to share for those who have access to military bases, are their campgrounds. There are several options throughout the state managed by various branches of the service. Some of our favorites include:

Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area – Pensacola, Florida

MacDill Air Force Base – Tampa, Florida

Patrick Air Force Base – Cocoa Beach, Florida

If you’re interested in learning more about military campgrounds and eligibility, be sure to read our Guide to Using Military Campgrounds.

What Did We Miss?

Florida is a large, diverse state so even though we tried, we know we couldn’t capture it all.

Please share your recommendations with us in the comments below.

And don’t forget to save this image to Pinterest for future reference!

No matter what your camping style, Florida has something for you. From Disney World to Florida State Parks, there are a wide range of campgrounds, RV Resorts, and dry camping options for every RV traveler.

May 21, 2019 by Julie 6 Comments

Best Campgrounds in Texas

When it comes to natural beauty and ecological diversity, Texas may just take the cake as the ultimate camping destination. From mountains and limestone cliffs to rivers and the Gulf Coast seashore, the Lone Star State offers a wide range of experiences for every type of RV traveler.

We’ve spent our fair share of traveling around Texas, and still haven’t seen it all. So we asked some of our friends to chime in with their favorite camping destinations as well. In this article we’ll share some national and state park destinations, as well as private campgrounds. We include both rustic and deluxe options in hopes that you will find the perfect campground for your next trip!

Jamaica Beach RV Resort

When I heard about this campground on Galveston Island that has a lazy river, I put it on the top of my bucket list!

Looking for a campground that has two swimming pools, splash pad, pirate-themed miniature golf, outdoor movie theater, a multi-use trail to the bay, and public beach access across the street. — Photo credit: Jamaica Beach RV Resort

Galveston Island’s tropical climate and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico is a great getaway for families. Now add in a campground that has two swimming pools, splash pad, pirate-themed miniature golf, outdoor movie theater, a multi-use trail to the bay, and public beach access across the street. How can you possibly go wrong! Don’t take my word for it—this location is rated Excellent on TripAdvisor and 10/10/10 on Good Sam.

Check out this video from RV Texas Y’all, the authority on great camping in Texas.

Learn more at https://www.jbrv.net or call 409-632-0200.

And while you’re there, be sure to enjoy a day deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Leander / NW Austin KOA Holiday

We love KOAs and often stay at them when we’re on the road. Our friends Tony & Melissa Flammia, Hippie & The Tech, recommended this one just outside of Austin.

“The Leander KOA was not only a clean park with many amenities but the location location location! It is nestled in the country right off of highway 183 which can take you to downtown Austin within 20 minutes. You’re also a few miles from a Whole Foods, Starbucks, Target, and more.”

The Leander KOA Holiday is nestled in the country right off of highway 183 which can take you to downtown Austin within 20 minutes. With large sites and all the usual amenities, it is a great location for your RV travels. — Photo credit: Hippie & The Tech

The park also includes a massive dog park, pool, spa, paved sites with grass yards, tons of pull through sites, and the friendliest staff.

Texas Wine Country Jellystone

We loved our stay at this Jellystone RV Resort in Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas Wine Country.

There are plenty of activities right there at the campground if you don’t want to leave. The water area has a pool, hot tub, and fountain splash area. Nearby are the basketball and volleyball courts, as well as the playground and jumping pad. Inside are pool and ping pong tables, and a small fitness room.

However, in addition to the vineyards, the area is known as the Hill Country and natural beauty abounds! Pay a visit to Enchanted Rock State Park to see a unique geological feature in the area.

Read our full review here.

Alsatian RV Resort

Located just outside of San Antonio, Texas, the Alsatian RV Resort in Castroville, Texas was a perfect spot to stay while we visited our sons. The RV resort has 60 level, paved full hook-up (water, sewer, electric) RV sites. They also have every amenity you can want including propane delivery, trash pick-up, a fitness room, and beautiful outdoor area with a huge covered pavilion and a heated pool & hot tub.

If you have a motorhome, you can even stay on what I call ‘Casita Row.’ This is a section where motorhomes can rent both RV sites and casitas overlooking a fishing pond and the 18-hole golf course.

Click here to read our full review.

Maverick Ranch RV Park

The best part of this campground its location in Lajitas, Texas on Highway FM 170 between Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park making it the perfect launching point for your adventures.

Maverick Ranch RV Park offers 100 full hook-up sites, including 60 pull-through sites, as well as a swimming pool, community center, and laundry room. On the main road in front of the resort is a General Store. Guests of the Maverick Ranch RV Park also have access to all of the Lajitas Golf Resort amenities and activities including a fitness room, small shopping area, restaurant, and golf course.

Read our full review and tips on the state & national park here.

Big Bend National Park

If you don’t mind camping without hook ups (water, power, sewer) at your site, consider a stay at one of the park’s three campgrounds.

The Rio Grande Village Campground is the largest and has 100 campsites that range in size from small tent sites to large pull-through sites that can fit RVs up to 40′. While most of the sites don’t have any hook-ups, there are some that do run by the concessionaire. Call ahead to find out more.

Another option for tent campers, trailers under 19′, or RVs under 24′ is the Chisos Basin Campground. It is located high in the rugged Chisos Mountains at an altitude of 5,400 ft. Please note: The road to the campground is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns. Trailers over 19 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended.

Big Bend National Park has a great option for tent campers, trailers under 19′, or RVs under 24′ is the Chisos Basin Campground. It is located high in the rugged Chisos Mountains at an altitude of 5,400 ft. Trailers over 19 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended.

The Cottonwood Campground is a quiet, shady desert oasis located between the Castolon Historic District and scenic Santa Elena Canyon. It has 24 sites for RVs under 24′.

Click here to read our friends, Dan & Lindsay of Follow Your Detour, rave about their stay in all three of the campgrounds.

Guadalupe National Park

Located in the state’s northwest corner, this national park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef and the four highest peaks in Texas. There are two primitive campgrounds available on a first come, first served basis.

Pine Springs Campground
This simple, desert camping area is situated at the base of the mountain just off U.S. Highway 62/180 near the Pine Springs Visitor Center. 20 RV sites are arranged in a paved parking lot that can accommodate up to 50 feet. There are no hook-ups and there is no dump station. However, there are flush-toilet restrooms (no showers) and an outside water faucet near the registration board. The campground also has 20 leveled, gravel tent sites.
Dog Canyon Campground
Dog Canyon is in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park. Due to a slightly higher elevation and protected location beneath steep cliff walls, it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer and sheltered from strong gusty winds in winter and spring. The campground has 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (maximum length 23 feet, no hookups, no dump station). Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets, but no showers.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

This state park in the Texas panhandle is a favorite of many, including our friends The Wordy Explorers. The canyon at Palo Duro Canyon is second in size in the United States only to Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

The park has has 97 reservable campsites with both water and electric spread over four loops (Hackberry, Juniper, Mesquite and Sagebrush).

This state park in the Texas panhandle is a favorite of many. The canyon at Palo Duro Canyon is second in size in the United States only to Arizona's Grand Canyon. — Photo credit: The Wordy Explorers

Click here to read their full review of the campsites and the park in general.

Bay Landing RV Resort

Our friend Sharee of LiveCampWork recommend this Thousand Trails campground in Bridgeport about an hour northwest of Fort Worth.

Bayport RV Resort, a Thousand Trails campground, is a great stopping point northwest of Fort Worth Texas. — Photo credit: LiveCampWork

“This Thousand Trails campground has some great features that made our stay super fun while passing through Texas on our way out west! For a no frills campground in the middle of nowhere, we enjoyed the site and amenities this Texas campground had to offer! From wifi to fire rings, trails, mini golf, great staff and sports equipment for the kids- they offered us a variety of ways to stay busy or just kick back and relax!!!!

Read her review here.

The Vineyards Campground and Cabins

This campground located on the shores of Grapevine Lake in Grapevine, Texas only 30 miles from Dallas. It is the perfect, peaceful stay near enough to visit the busy city, but far enough away to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Managed by the city of Grapevine, the campground has 93 RV Sites and 14 Cabins (no tent camping ) situated to give views of the lake. It is less than 2 miles from the shops and restaurants of historic Grapevine.

The Vineyard campground located on the shores of Grapevine Lake in Grapevine, Texas only 30 miles from Dallas. It is the perfect, peaceful stay near enough to visit the busy city, but far enough away to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

“This is, if not the best campground in Tx, the top 3. Immaculate grounds, wonderful staff and flawless large sites this will not disappoint. Bonus: Grapevine is a wonderful city and Main Street is very close will lots to do!”

Learn more at https://www.vineyardscampground.com or call 888-329-8993.

Atlanta State Park

Laura and Kevin of Chapter3Travels loved the serenity of this state park situated on the shores of Wright Patman Lake in the far northeast corner of Texas.

“We adored everything about this park. It was so spacious, beautiful, and quiet, we could have stayed here for weeks. The park is located on a gorgeous lake and there are tons of picnic tables and lovely places to walk. Our fellow campers were quiet and everyone was just enjoying the beautiful scenery. It was really an ideal campground. Throw in the fact that full hook-ups came at the bargain basement price of $16 per night, and we could not have been happier.”

Click here to read their full campground review.

Looking for more Texas Campground Reviews?

Don’t forget to visit RV Texas Y’all. They have traveled extensively around the state and have tons of reviews with numerous photos and videos.

What are your recommendations?

Leave us a comment below or send an email to julie@chickerystravels.com if you’d like to be included in our “Best Campgrounds in North America” series.

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Check out this list of the best campgrounds, RV resorts and parks in Texas. Whether you prefer camping at National Parks, State Parks, or RV Resorts with all the amenities, we've got you covered.