Chickery's Travels

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  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities
      • Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • California
      • Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
      • Complete Guide to Redwood National and State Parks
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Florida National Parks Road Trip Guide
      • Best Beaches in Florida’s Panhandle
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Why We Love Tampa
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Explore Las Vegas – It’s More Than Just Gambling
    • New Hampshire
      • Experience the Magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Oregon
      • Navigating Oregon’s Natural Gems
    • Pennsylvania
      • The Best Things To Do In Lancaster Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
      • Top 10 Activities in the Dallas – Fort Worth
    • Utah
      • Discover the Best of Zion National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Earn Passive Income from Your RV (Without Doing Any Work)
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
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3:46 pm by Julie Chickery

Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)

The Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA is my favorite KOA in the state! Located just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities.

Watch the short video review below or continue reading for more details.

Sites

As you know, one of our favorite thing about KOA campgrounds is that they offer a range of campsites to allow everyone to pick the best one for their budget or preference. In addition to having several different site types, we loved how all the campsites in this campground were grouped together, away from the activity area. There was also plenty of space and trees between the sites.

  • Deluxe Patio Sites – These are full hook up pull through sites with a dining table, extra seating area with lounge chairs, patio swing, and fire ring. If these had not of been fully booked on our stay, we would have selected one.
  • Standard and Premium Sized Pull Thru Sites – We had a standard full hook-up pull thru sites that come with a picnic table and fire ring. As you can see, they were very spacious.
Large RV campsites at the Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
  • Back-In Sites – We really loved the back in sites that were around the outer edges of the campground. They all backed up to trees and made for a cozy area around the campfire. 
  • No RV? No problem! They have tent sites and cabins to enjoy. The tents sites had power and water and were located down by the catch and release fishing pond. The cabins came in three types: Deluxe with a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and a sleeping loft for the kids. It also has a full bathroom with shower and a kitchenette with mini-fridge, stovetop, and microwave. The Studio Deluxe Cabin has a queen bed, bunk beds, full bathroom with shower, and a mini kitchenette. Finally, the rustic camping cabins have a full-sized bed, bunk beds, but no bathroom or kitchen. They do have fire pits with a grill and are located close to a bath house.
KOA has several different types of camping cabins.

Amenities 

This campground has a lot of amenities to keep the whole family happy during your stay. They had a playground, foos ball and ping pong tables, basketball courts, and a jumping pad all located near a large open area for the kids to run around. There was also a swimming pool and a fair sized camp store. Located on one end of the campground was a dog park large enough for our dog to run around off leash.

Another great amenity was the huge catch & release fishing pond and several interconnected nature trails. It felt like a state park campground, but with KOA amenities!

Local Area 

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as America’s Drive is managed by the National Park Service. The Parkway’s 469 miles spans the southern and central Appalachians through Virginia and North Carolina. An access point near mile 60 of the Parkway is located only a mile from the campground. I went hiking to a fabulous waterfall at Apple Orchard Falls.

Blue Ridge Parkway overlook and hiking trails

Another nearby destination is the Lynchburg Riverwalk and Percival’s Island. The RiverWalk first travels through historic downtown Lynchburg. This section of downtown has become a truly unique area with a children’s museum, shops, bicycle rentals, and restaurants. The multi-use trail crosses onto Percival’s Island, a beautiful natural area with waterfront views.

The village of Appomattox Courthouse is only a 40-minute drive away. Managed by the National Park Service, this is the historic site of the surrender of General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. There are several historic buildings and a ranger-led tour of the McLean House where the actual surrender took place.

Book Your Stay

Whether you are looking for a quick get away or family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA campground! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love the rewards program because you also earn points to use towards discounts on future stays. We were able to get $50 off our weekend here using accumulated rewards points.

Interested in learning more about what KOAs have to offer? Click here to listen to Sean & Kenny’s interview with the President and CEO of the company.

Learn About Other Great Campgrounds in Virginia

Virginia has a lot of great campgrounds for every type of camping style. From state and national parks to luxury RV resorts and everything in between, Virginia has got you covered. Here are a few that we have personally enjoyed:

  • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp – If you’re fortunate enough to have access to military bases, this campground is situated along the Potomac River. It is also close enough to Washington DC to serve as a base for your visit to the nation’s capitol.
  • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA – We love this quiet, wooded campground with easy access to Shenandoah National Park.
  • Luray KOA – This immaculate KOA campground is nestled between the Massanutten range and Shenandoah National Park. It’s also a close to the renowned Luray Caverns.
  • Shenandoah River State Park – Fabulous state park with 5 miles of riverfront access. The river is only a 2-minute walk from the campground which boasts huge sites and water / power hook ups.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway KOA near Lynchburg, Virginia is the perfect campground for your family's next RV trip! With large sites, plenty of trees, and tons of amenities, everyone will be a happy camper.

Filed Under: Campground Reviews, Virginia

8:33 pm by Julie Chickery

Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)

Are you planning a visit to Virginia and looking for an unforgettable outdoor getaway? Look no further than Shenandoah River State Park, where you can experience nature at its finest with breathtaking views, entertaining outdoor activities, and excellent campground amenities. Whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced outdoorsman, Shenandoah River State Park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should pack your bags and head to this beautiful spot for your ultimate camping experience.

Watch the video review below or read on for more information:

Discover the Comfort of Campsites and Cabins

Shenandoah River State Park is open year-round and is only minutes from Shenandoah National Park. Whether you are camping in an RV, tent, or cabin, there is something for everyone. The best part about this campground is that it is situated only a few minutes walk from the beautiful Shenandoah River. However, it is important to note that you won’t have a river view from the campsites as there are trees between the campground and the river. 

Shenandoah River State Park is open year round and has 32 RV sites with water and electric.
  • RV Sites: The campground has 32 back-in sites with water and power, as well as plenty of room for your RV, tow vehicle, and even a tent or canopy. 
  • Cabins: The campground has nine 2-bedroom cabins with a bathroom, heating, and air conditioning. They also have four primitive camp cabins that don’t have a bathroom, heating, and air conditioning.
  • Yurts: The campground also has three yurts that have one queen bed and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. The yurts do not have electricity or water, but water is available at the bathhouse. There is no heat or air conditioning. Each yurt has a dining table, a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
  • Tent Sites: There is a separate tent-only, hike in campground with primitive sites.

Enjoy the Array of Campground Amenities 

This is a typical state park campground, which means there aren’t as many amenities as you’d find in a private RV resort. However, the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it. Shenandoah River State Park’s campground features restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station. 

Explore the Wonders of Shenandoah River State Park

With over 1,600 acres of pristine wilderness, Shenandoah River State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park has 24 miles of well-maintained trails catering to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk along the tranquil riverbanks, or take on the challenge of exploring the park’s higher-elevation trails, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley below.

The park also offers a wide range of fun-filled activities, such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking allowing you to enjoy the river’s waters.

The visitor’s center has a great display on local wildlife including a station where you can listen to the call of the region’s birds.

Enjoy all the Local Area has to Offer

There are over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park and several lead to waterfalls.
Dark Hollow Falls at Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is the highlight of this region and is only a ten-minute drive away. It has a multitude of activities and is open year-round. Scenic Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If it’s closed due to inclement weather, you may still enter the Park on foot at one of the entrance stations or from a boundary access point. The national park also has over 500 miles of trails with several waterfalls.

Let your adventure extend beyond the park’s boundaries by discovering the rich history and culture of the surrounding region. The area is home to many historic sites, such as the nearby Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive, which offer a glimpse into Virginia’s fascinating past. Local wineries and breweries add to the charm of the area, and make for perfect stops to unwind after a day of exploring the park.

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing state park campground! 

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The Shenandoah River State Park campground is the perfect base for your next RV vacation. With 5 miles of riverfront access 24 miles of multi-use trails it is the perfect location to enjoy the great outdoors. It is also located only 10 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, providing the perfect RV camping destination for your family.

Filed Under: Campground Reviews

3:02 pm by Julie Chickery

Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries

Camping in a National Park is often the highlight of any vacation, but when those coveted campgrounds inside the parks fill up, worry not! There are still plenty of options for camping near National Parks that offer similar experiences while giving you room to breathe. In this blog post, we will explore five alternatives to camping inside National Parks: Boondocking, Private Landowners, National Forests, State Parks, and Nearby Full Hook-Up Campgrounds. There is a world of adventure waiting for you just outside the park gates, so let’s dive in and find your perfect camping spot! 

Watch the video below or read on for recommended alternatives to national park campgrounds. 

Boondocking: Embrace the Freedom of Off-Grid Camping 

Boondocking or dry camping is plentiful at many national parks and national forests.

Boondocking, also known as dispersed or dry camping, refers to camping in the wilderness without the amenities of a developed campsite or designated campground. This can offer a far more secluded and immersive experience in nature, allowing you to enjoy peace and solitude without the hustle and bustle of a busy campground. While it may sound a little intimidating at first, we found that there are many strategies to help make your boondocking experience a success.

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest Service offer numerous opportunities for boondocking, with many of these lands located in close proximity to National Parks. A fantastic example of this is the area surrounding Canyonlands National Park in Utah, where campers can freely boondock on BLM land while being minutes away from the park’s stunning landscape. At Big Bend National Park, you can get a 10-day permit for dispersed camping within the park. While visiting Joshua Tree National Park, we dry camped at the plentiful Bureau of Land Management (BLM) boondocking land right outside the south entrance. 

Private Landowners: Connect with Locals and Enjoy a Unique Experience

Private landowners sometimes open their properties to campers, offering a unique and authentic way to experience the local environment. Platforms such as Hipcamp and Tentrr provide a marketplace for landowners to list their camping spots, allowing campers to browse, book, and connect with locals. This could be anything from a quiet spot on a farm to camping by a beautiful private pond. While many are dry camping spots, some of them offer power or water.

Another option to stay on private land near a national park is through the Boondockers Welcome program. This is a membership program with a flat annual rate that allows stays on private owner’s land. Each owner establishes their rules for things like the length of stay or generator usage. Many of the Boondockers Welcome hosts are avid RVers themselves and are happy to welcome travelers.

Membership Campgrounds: Experience the Power of Community 

Some membership campgrounds are located near national parks. For example, if you wanted to visit Yosemite National Park and were an Escapees member, you could stay at their SKP Park of the Sierras. Thousand Trails members can stay at Yosemite Lakes RV campground five miles from Yosemite National Park. This is a situation where being a member has its benefits! 

National Forests: Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Playground

If you really have your heart set on using your National Parks pass (especially if you can use the 50% senior or access pass discount), look for nearby national forests. Many National Parks are surrounded by scenic National Forests that offer campgrounds and dispersed camping options at a more budget-friendly price than park campgrounds. Camping in a National Forest allows you to enjoy a wide array of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. Examples include the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, located right next to Mount Rainier National Park, and Kaibab National Forest’s Ten X Campground situated near the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 

State Parks: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Local Regions 

State Parks often provide similar experiences as National Parks in terms of natural beauty but with fewer crowds. Located near popular National Parks, you’ll be able to enjoy a more peaceful camping experience while still having access to incredible sights. For instance, consider reserving a campsite at Dead Horse Point State Park, which showcases breathtaking views reminiscent of the nearby Canyonlands National Park in Utah.

Adjacent to Big Bend National Park is Big Bend Ranch State Park. Jonathan Stewart State Park is only a 30-minute drive from Crater Lake National Park. We really enjoyed Shenandoah River State Park, which is only a 10-minute drive from the north entrance of Shenandoah National Park. 

Nearby Campgrounds: Enjoy the Comfort of Modern Amenities 

Last but not least, if you are still looking for a traditional campground with full hook-ups, toilets, and showers, consider exploring nearby RV parks and private campgrounds. Look for campgrounds within close proximity to your desired National Park that accommodate tents, as well as vans and RVs.

We have stayed at some of the most wonderful campgrounds right outside of national parks. One of our favorites was the Redwoods KOA in Crescent City, California near Redwoods National Park. Another fabulous option is the Tucson LazyDays KOA near Saguaro National Park. The bonus here is that you get to visit stunning natural areas while enjoying all the amenities of a private RV resort when you are back at your site. 

Given Zion National Park's incredible popularity, scoring a campsite inside the park can be extremely tough, and if you park your RV far away, you may get stuck in a long line of traffic waiting to get in at the front gate. One solution is to book a site at Zion Canyon Campground. While, admittedly, the campground is busy and its sites are close together, it offers unparalleled access to Zion. In fact, you can leave your car parked at the campground and simply walk into the park (and then hop on one of the park's shuttles to get around inside the park.) It is an ideal campground to use as a base for exploring this gorgeous national park.
Photo credit: Chapter 3 Travels

Given that Zion National Park is on everyone’s Utah bucket list, scoring a campsite inside the park can be extremely tough, and if you park your RV far away, you may get stuck in a long line of traffic waiting to get in at the front gate. One solution is to book a site at Zion Canyon Campground. While, admittedly, the campground is busy and its sites are close together, it offers unparalleled access to Zion. In fact, you can leave your car parked at the campground and simply walk into the park (and then hop on one of the park’s shuttles to get around inside the park.) It is an ideal campground to use as a base for exploring this gorgeous national park. 

As you can see, there are many options for you if the national park campground is full or simply isn’t the right fit for you.

Related post: Are you thinking of going to Acadia National Park? Here are my tips on what not to miss in Acadia.

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Learn where to stay when the national parks campgrounds are full or simply aren't the right fit for your RV travel style. Given our national parks popularity, scoring a campsite inside the parks can be extremely tough, and if you park your RV far away, you may get stuck in a long line of traffic waiting to get in at the front gate. Follow these tips to the best alternatives to national park camping.

Filed Under: Campground Reviews

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