When you embark on an RV trip, where you choose to park your home-on-wheels each night can make or break your vacation experience. The right RV park or resort can provide a comfortable and enjoyable home base, serving as a launchpad for your adventures and a welcoming retreat at the end of each fun-filled day.
But with so many RV parks and resorts across the United States, how do you find the ones that truly stand out? What separates a mediocre campground from a destination that will create cherished memories for years to come?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of RV parks and resorts, exploring the different types of campgrounds available and highlighting some of the best options in each category. Whether you’re seeking a luxury RV resort with upscale amenities, a scenic state park campground immersed in nature, a conveniently located spot near a national park, or a family-friendly park packed with activities, we’ve got you covered.
But before we explore specific campgrounds, let’s take a moment to understand what makes a great RV park and the different types of experiences available. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and inspiration to plan unforgettable RV camping adventures across the beautiful United States.
The Anatomy of an Exceptional RV Park
What separates an average RV park from one that leaves you eagerly planning your next visit? While every RVer’s preferences may differ slightly, there are several key factors that contribute to an exceptional camping experience:
Location, Location, Location
A campground’s setting plays a huge role in the overall experience. The best RV parks take advantage of their natural surroundings, offering scenic views, easy access to outdoor recreation, or prime locations near popular attractions.
For example, a beachfront RV resort along the Florida coast delivers the sights, sounds, and salty breezes of the ocean right to your doorstep. A campground nestled in the mountains of Colorado immerses you in alpine beauty, with hiking trails and ski slopes just minutes away. Or an RV park perched on the shores of a glassy lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and serene waterfront living.
When evaluating RV parks, consider how the location will enhance your experience. Do you want to be close to certain attractions or activities? Do you prefer a quiet, secluded setting or a spot in the heart of the action? The right location can make all the difference in your camping adventure.
Clean, Well-Maintained Facilities
No matter how beautiful the setting, an RV park can quickly lose its luster if the facilities are run-down or poorly maintained. The best campgrounds take pride in offering clean, modern amenities that provide comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
This starts with the RV sites themselves. Look for parks with spacious, level sites that offer full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), reliable Wi-Fi and cable, and enough room to spread out and enjoy your camping experience. Well-maintained sites will also have clean, smooth concrete or gravel pads, adequate lighting, and landscaping that balances privacy and a sense of community.
Beyond the individual sites, exceptional RV parks will offer clean, well-stocked bathhouses with plenty of hot water and water pressure. Laundry facilities should be clean and functional, with enough machines to handle demand. Common areas like pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses should be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Variety of Amenities and Activities
While some RVers are content with a simple place to park and hook up, others seek out parks with a wide range of amenities and activities to enhance their stay. The best RV resorts offer something for everyone, from basic conveniences to luxurious extras.
At a minimum, most RVers appreciate amenities like a swimming pool, playground, dog park, and picnic areas. But many parks go above and beyond with offerings like:
- Fitness centers and yoga studios
- Sports courts (tennis, pickleball, basketball)
- Game rooms and arcades
- Movie theaters and amphitheaters
- On-site restaurants, bars, and food trucks
- Spas and massage services
- Planned activities and events
When comparing RV parks, consider which amenities are most important to you and your traveling companions. A family with young children may prioritize a great pool and playground, while a fitness enthusiast may seek out a park with top-notch workout facilities. The right mix of amenities can greatly enhance your camping experience.
Friendly, Helpful Staff
An RV park can have a gorgeous location and top-notch facilities, but if the staff is unpleasant or unhelpful, it can put a damper on your entire stay. The best campgrounds are known for their friendly, attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for every guest.
This starts with the reservation process, where staff should be knowledgeable, efficient, and accommodating. Upon arrival, you should be greeted warmly and guided to your site by helpful staff members who can answer any questions you may have.
Throughout your stay, exceptional park staff will be visible and available, proactively addressing any issues that arise and ensuring that the park is running smoothly. They’ll also be happy to provide recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities, helping you make the most of your time in the area.
When evaluating RV parks, read reviews from past guests to get a sense of the staff’s level of service and attentiveness. A park with consistently glowing reviews for its friendly, helpful staff is likely to provide a positive experience from start to finish.
Now that we’ve explored the key factors that set exceptional RV parks apart, let’s dive into some specific campgrounds across America that exemplify these qualities in different categories.
Luxury RV Resorts: The Best of the Best
For RVers seeking the ultimate in comfort and amenities, luxury RV resorts offer an upscale camping experience that rivals high-end hotels. These resorts spare no expense in delivering top-notch facilities, activities, and service, creating a truly pampered atmosphere. Let’s explore some of the most luxurious RV resorts across the country.
The Motorcoach Country Club – Indio, CA
Picture this: you’re soaking in your private hot tub, sipping a cool drink as you gaze out over a championship golf course backdropped by towering palm trees and the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains. This is everyday life at The Motorcoach Country Club, one of the most exclusive luxury RV resorts in the world.
Located in Southern California’s sun-drenched Coachella Valley, this resort caters to Class A motorcoach owners with expansive, beautifully landscaped lots that feature full hookups, private patios, and even casitas for additional living space. The resort’s centerpiece is its 27-hole golf course, but guests can also enjoy:
- 3 swimming pools and spas
- A fitness center with private trainers
- A full-service spa
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Gourmet dining at the clubhouse
- Concierge services
This five-star resort delivers a truly luxurious motorcoach experience, with a price tag to match. But for those seeking the very best in RV resort living, The Motorcoach Country Club is hard to beat.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, SC
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, then stepping out of your RV onto a pristine stretch of Atlantic beach. That’s the reality at Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a sprawling beachfront RV resort located in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
With over a mile of oceanfront and nearly 900 campsites, Ocean Lakes is one of the largest luxury RV resorts on the East Coast. But it’s not just the size that impresses – the park offers a truly staggering array of amenities, including:
- Multiple swimming pools and a water park
- An on-site mini golf course
- Beach volleyball courts
- A fitness center and sports facilities
- A full-service shop for RV maintenance and repairs
- Golf car rentals to explore the vast property
- Planned activities and entertainment for all ages
Despite its size, Ocean Lakes maintains a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, with staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. And with direct beach access and proximity to all the attractions of Myrtle Beach, it’s the perfect home base for a coastal Carolinas adventure.
Naples Motorcoach Resort & Boat Club – Naples, FL
For RVers who love spending time on the water, the Naples Motorcoach Resort offers a unique luxury experience that combines upscale amenities with boating access. Located on the shores of the picturesque Dollar Lake, this resort caters to Class A motorcoach owners with spacious lots that feature private docks and boat lifts.
In addition to its prime waterfront location, the Naples Motorcoach Resort offers a wealth of luxury amenities, including:
- A full-service spa and fitness center
- An infinity pool overlooking the lake
- A lakeside tiki bar and outdoor kitchen
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- A clubhouse with billiards and a movie theater
- Concierge services and planned activities
But the real draw for boating enthusiasts is the resort’s state-of-the-art boat club, which offers dry storage, a full-service marina, and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Faka Union Canal system. It’s a boater’s paradise, combined with all the luxuries of a top-tier RV resort.
BlueWater Key RV Resort – Key West, FL
For a tropical escape that combines luxury amenities with the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys, look no further than BlueWater Key RV Resort. This waterfront resort offers a unique “Conch-style” atmosphere, with lush landscaping, tiki huts, and pastel-colored cottages that serve as private vacation rentals.
The RV sites at BlueWater Key are some of the most spacious and well-appointed you’ll find, with full hookups, concrete pads, and private patios. Many sites also offer direct waterfront access, with docks for fishing and boat slips available for rent.
But the resort’s true appeal lies in its luxurious amenities, which include:
- A heated swimming pool and spa
- A fitness center and yoga studio
- A dog park and pet washing station
- A clubhouse with billiards and a media room
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- On-site massage services
- Sunset happy hours and live entertainment
And with its prime location just minutes from downtown Key West, BlueWater Key offers easy access to all the dining, shopping, and attractions of this colorful island city. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and Caribbean charm.
State Park Campgrounds: Natural Beauty on a Budget
For RVers who prioritize scenic beauty and outdoor adventure over upscale amenities, state park campgrounds offer some of the most affordable and rewarding camping experiences in the country. These parks combine the natural splendor of their settings with well-maintained (if often basic) camping facilities, creating a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere that immerses you in the great outdoors.
While state park campgrounds may not offer the plush amenities of luxury RV resorts, they often provide easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor recreation opportunities that are the true heart of the RV lifestyle. And with nightly rates that are often a fraction of what you’d pay at a private resort, they’re a budget-friendly option for cost-conscious campers.
Let’s explore some state park campgrounds that showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of America’s natural landscapes.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Moab, UT
Located high above the Colorado River in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Dead Horse Point State Park offers jaw-dropping views that rival those of the nearby national parks. The park’s campground features spacious RV sites with electric hookups, many of which offer stunning vistas of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
From your campsite, you can easily access the park’s hiking trails, which wind along the rim of the canyon and offer endless photo opportunities. The Intrepid Trail System also offers world-class mountain biking, with challenging slickrock terrain that will test even the most skilled riders.
And when the sun goes down, the dark skies over Dead Horse Point come alive with countless stars, making it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The park even offers ranger-led astronomy programs to help you make the most of this incredible natural display.
Hunting Island State Park – Beaufort, SC
If your ideal camping trip involves falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic, then Hunting Island State Park is the place for you. Located on a pristine barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, this park offers beachfront RV camping that immerses you in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
The park’s campground features spacious sites with electric and water hookups, many of which are just steps from the beach. From your site, you can easily access the park’s five miles of sandy shoreline, which are perfect for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing.
But Hunting Island is more than just a pretty beach. The park also features:
- A historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the coast
- Miles of hiking and biking trails through maritime forest and marshland
- A nature center with exhibits on the island’s ecology and wildlife
- Fishing piers and boat ramps for anglers
- Ranger-led programs and activities
It’s a true coastal paradise that combines the natural beauty of the sea islands with the convenience and comfort of a well-maintained state park campground.
Custer State Park – Custer, SD
Located in the heart of South Dakota’s famed Black Hills, Custer State Park offers a camping experience that combines stunning scenery with unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to one of the world’s largest free-roaming bison herds, as well as elk, bighorn sheep, and a variety of other iconic Western species.
The park’s campgrounds offer a range of options for RVers, from basic sites with electric hookups to more developed campgrounds with full hookups and modern amenities. No matter which you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Black Hills, with towering pines, crystal-clear streams, and granite spires creating a truly awe-inspiring backdrop.
But Custer State Park is more than just a pretty place to park your RV. The park offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions, including:
- Scenic drives like the famous Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway
- Miles of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels
- Fishing in the park’s four lakes and numerous streams
- Horseback riding and jeep tours through the backcountry
- Educational programs at the visitor center and wildlife stations
With its combination of stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Custer State Park is a true gem of the American West.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville, GA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, Vogel State Park offers a camping experience that combines stunning natural beauty with a touch of human history. The park is centered around Lake Trahlyta, a 22-acre mountain reservoir that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The park’s campground offers both RV and tent sites, many of which offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. From your site, you can easily access the park’s hiking trails, which range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging backcountry treks.
But Vogel State Park is more than just a pretty place to hike. The park also offers:
- Fishing and boating on Lake Trahlyta
- A sandy swimming beach with a bathhouse
- A miniature golf course and playground for families
- Interpretive programs on the park’s history and ecology
- Access to the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center, a historic site dedicated to the life and work of the famed Appalachian poet
With its stunning mountain scenery, rich history, and variety of activities, Vogel State Park is a perfect destination for RVers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge.
National Park Campgrounds: America’s Crown Jewels
For many RVers, the ultimate goal is to explore the incredible landscapes and ecosystems of America’s national parks. And while these parks are often more crowded and expensive than state parks or private resorts, the experience of camping in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas is truly unparalleled.
Leave a Reply