Campground Of The Week podcast

#Sports #Society #Travel #Kids And Families #Outdoor #State Parks #RVFTA Podcast Network

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Let’s talk about the three things women are told not to do: negotiate, network unapologetically, and say no like we mean it. Most of us have been programmed to default to yes—to the point that we feel guilty saying no, even when it’s the most obvious answer. And when we do say no? We often soften it, explain it away, and sugarcoat it so much that it barely sounds like a no at all. Kathryn Valentine—CEO of Worthmore Strategies and corporate badass helping companies retain and promote female talent—is here to flip that script. With experience advising Fortune 100s and dropping knowledge in places like HBR and Fast Company, Kathryn knows exactly how women can claim their worth, own their voice, and not feel bad about it. From salary talks to schedule shifts, from asking for more to turning down what doesn’t serve you, this episode is your reminder: your power doesn't come from being liked. It comes from knowing what matters and having the guts to go after it. Kathryn even drops her epic list of 76 things you can negotiate (yes, SEVENTY-SIX). So if you've ever softened your no or stayed silent in a meeting, this one’s for you. Connect with Kathryn: Website: www.worthmorestrategies.com 76 Things You Can Negotiate: www.76things.com Related Podcast Episodes: The Hard Truths Of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon | 313 Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254 Be A Likeable Badass with Alison Fragale | 230 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Campground of the Week

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This podcast is devoted purely to recommending fantastic destinations in the United States and reviewing the campgrounds in those locations. Hosts Jeremy and Stephanie interview campground correspondents from all over the country to help RVers answer that perennial question: Where to next?

102 episodes

Campground of the Week

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updated il y a environ 2 jours

maison des série•Feed

102 episodes

#Sports #Society #Travel #Kids And Families #Outdoor #State Parks #RVFTA Podcast Network

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Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Cherry Creek State Park in Denver CO, with Gretchen Holcombe 42:45

il y a environ 2 jours42:45

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Chatfield State Park in Denver, CO with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy 47:32

il y a environ 8 jours47:32

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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 .…

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8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon (Pt. 2): with Camp West BBQ 51:20

il y a environ 19 jours51:20

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1) 44:00

il y a environ 21 jours44:00

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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 e levated obstacle/ropes course designed for kids. A bonus highlight here was that you could take a t rain 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 R iverfront City Park, which has a c arousel 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 bea utiful, 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 .…

Campground of the Week

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An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz 1:00:14

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado 47:04

il y a 5 weeks47:04

47:04

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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi with Casita Dean May 56:25

il y a 6 weeks56:25

56:25

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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in New York 48:54

il y a 10 weeks48:54

48:54

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 .…

Campground of the Week

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12 Tips for RV Trips to Assateague State Park in Maryland 51:52

il y a 11 weeks51:52

51:52

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 .…

Campground of the Week

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9 Great Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri 50:12

il y a 22 weeks50:12

50:12

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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Ocean Lakes Family Campground Review + Our 14 Favorite Things to Do in Myrtle Beach 1:06:55

il y a 24 weeks1:06:55

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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9 Great Campgrounds and RV Resorts in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 31:51

il y a 37 weeks31:51

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the top RV destinations in the country, offering beachfront campgrounds, resort-style amenities, and easy access to fantastic attractions. Whether you prefer a state park setting, a massive family-friendly resort, or a luxurious retreat, there’s a Myrtle Beach campground for every type of RVer. Below, we’ve updated the information from our original 2018 Myrtle Beach Campground and RV Resort podcast episode to reflect the latest campground information, amenities, and pricing as of early 2025. Myrtle Beach is an oceanfront city in South Carolina that happens to be one of the premier RV destinations in the country. It’s often pictured as a touristy wasteland of boardwalk rides and t-shirt shops. But in our many visits we’ve discovered the other sides of Myrtle Beach. The state parks offer an abundance of opportunities for nature exploration and activities. The renown Brookgreen Gardens is a world-class botanical experience. The food scene has exploded with places like Johnny D’s Waffles and legendary Road Food joints like the Early Bird Diner. And of course, there’s the kitchty and ridiculously fun music productions. Myrtle Beach is truly a place like no other. In Myrtle Beach there are activities for every type of visitor, and there are campgrounds for every type of camper. Gorgeous state parks, huge family resorts, or wooded retreats in the heart of the Grand Strand…here’s the best of the best. Listen to our latest podcast episode with more recommendations for our favorite things to do while camping in Myrtle Beach. State Parks Myrtle Beach State Park Beachfront location? Yes Location perks: Located on the south end of Myrtle Beach, this campground is quiet but still close to Grand Strand attractions. Hookups: 278 campsites total; 138 offer full hookups (electric, water, and sewer). Amenities: Camp store, one mile of beach, fishing pier, playground, picnic area, and nature center. Activities: Scheduled programs year-round, with daily activities during the high season. General vibe: Peaceful and scenic—a great middle ground between resort-style camping and a more remote setting. Website: southcarolinaparks.com Huntington Beach State Park Beachfront Location? Yes Location perks: This state park campground is extremely peaceful, and a world away from the Myrtle Beach boardwalk scene. Murrels Inlet and Pawleys Island are known as a quieter, more residential area of Myrtle Beach. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and shopping. It’s practically across the street from Brookgreen Gardens. The downside? Its a bit of a drive to the Grand Strand. Hook ups: Huntington Beach State Park has a total of 173 campsites. The campground has 107 standard campsites with water and electric, plus 66 full-hookup sites with water, sewer and electric. Amenities: This simple campground is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the state park. There’s easy access to the beach. Activities: Campers have access to all the state park activities. There’s lots of kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. This is a birding sanctuary, with plenty of alligator viewing and extensive nature programs for children and adults. There’s also the onsite National Historic Landmark of Atalaya which offers a great self guided tour. General vibe: This is an amazing state park campground. Visitors will experience a quiet, peaceful camping experience with a host of natural experiences right on site. Private Parks Myrtle Beach KOA Is it beachfront? No. The Myrtle Beach KOA is a few blocks inland from the beach. A beach shuttle runs during the day. Location perks: This is a wooded retreat right in the heart of the action. The campground is located just a short walk to the boardwalk, mini golf, zip lining, and the Skywheel. Hook ups: Full hook ups are available. Amenities: This KOA has a pool, splash pad, heated pool, playground, jump pad, golf cart rentals, camp store, game room, and snack stand. Activities: The Myrtle Beach KOA offers weekly scheduled activities including capture the flag, skit performances, and campground karaoke. General vibe: This campground has a unique blend of family campers and snowbirds. It offers a community vibe close to downtown Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach Travel Park Is it beachfront? Yes Location perks: This is one of the most popular campgrounds in North Myrtle Beach. It provides easy access to the Grand Strand and Broadway at the Beach. If you are interested in many music shows and boat tours, this will be a convenient location. Hook ups: Mostly full hook up campsites, with a few water and electric only sites. Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool with sun deck, splash pad , h eated indoor pool, l azy river, b asketball court, b each volleyball court, h orseshoe pits, p layground, f reshwater lake for fishing, o pen air shelter and picnic pavilion. Activities: Year-round pool parties, live concerts, fishing tournaments, and family olympics. General vibe: Myrtle Beach Travel Park offers resort amenities, but folks often comment that it’s a little less overwhelming than some of the other resort options featured in this roundup. There are a significant number of seasonal sites and mobile home sites with permanent or year long residents. People return to this campground year after year because it’s generally affordable for the resort amenities offered. Ocean Lakes Family Campground Is it beachfront? Yes Location perks: This campground is just south of the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. It’s a quick drive to many popular activities. Hook ups: Full hook ups are offered at Ocean Lakes Family Campground . Amenities: 2-acre family fun center with pools, waterslides, sun deck, cafe, lazy river, and splash zone. The camp center features a restaurant, a fluff-n-fold, and even an RV center and supplies store. Activities: recreational activities like basketball, volleyball, bike rentals, mini golf, and nature center. There’s a full lineup of activities for adults and children on a daily basis. General vibe: This is more of a camping city than a campground. With 859 campsites and 2,566 annual lease sites, it’s the largest campground on the east coast and one of the largest in the country. If you want a beach vacation at a campground with every possible on-site amenity, this is your spot. Find a detailed review of Ocean Lakes Family Campground here. Pirateland Family Camping Resort Is it beachfront? Yes Location perks: Pirateland is located directly south of Myrtle Beach State Park, so you can enjoy the amenities of a resort, plus the activities and natural beauty at the State Park. Hook ups: Full hook ups Amenities: Themed waterpark, indoor pool, 18-hole mini golf, paddle boat and kayak rentals, playgrounds, and recreation room. Activities: full calendar of scheduled family-friendly events General vibe: Pirateland is a family resort camping with an emphasis on kid-friendly fun. Check out our complete review of the campground here. Lakewood Camping Resort Is it beachfront? Yes Location perks: Lakewood is a short drive south of Myrtle Beach boardwalk, nestled between Ocean Lakes and Pirateland. Hook ups: Full hook up campsites are offered. Amenities: Pool, waterslides, lazy river, mini golf, golf cart rentals, indoor pool, and beach-front amphitheater. Activities: faith-based activities make Lakewood stand out in the crowd of camping resorts in Myrtle Beach. They offer daily VBS for kids during the peak season and weekly gospel concerts in the beachfront amphitheater. General vibe: This campground feels a bit like a youth group spring break event. There is fun to be had from sun up to lights-out, and preteens and teens will particularly love the vibe. SunOutdoors Myrtle Beach Beachfront? No, but it has shuttle service to the beach. Location perks: Located in Conway, offering a quieter retreat away from the bustle of downtown Myrtle Beach. Hookups: Full hookups at all sites. Amenities: Carolina Splash Water Park, indoor pool, family pool, lazy river, arcade, mini-golf, yoga studio, on-site bistro, and adults-only pool and hot tub. Activities: Themed weekends, full activity schedule, holiday celebrations, and kid-friendly programming. General vibe: A luxury RV resort with hotel-style amenities. North Myrtle Beach RV Resort & Dry Dock Marina Beachfront? No, but located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Location perks: Offers boat slips and waterfront views, ideal for RVers who love boating. Hookups: Full hookups available. Amenities: Marina, boat rentals, fishing pier, pool, lazy river, and cabanas. Activities: Fishing tournaments, live music, and water activities. General vibe: A great blend of RV resort luxury and marina access. Website: northmyrtlebeachrvresort.com Which Myrtle Beach Campground is Right for You? Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of camping experiences, from quiet state parks to mega-resorts with waterparks and golf cart parades. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach retreat or a fun-filled family vacation, there’s a perfect campground for your next Myrtle Beach RV trip. Still not sure which campground you should choose? Join the conversation in the RV Atlas Facebook Group and ask for some advice! And don’t forget to check out our latest podcast episode for even more details about Myrtle Beach. See you at the campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post 9 Great Campgrounds and RV Resorts in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Assateague State Park in Maryland 35:06

il y a 43 weeks35:06

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Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only oceanfront State Park, located south of Ocean City and north of Chincoteague Island. It’s also one of our very favorite campgrounds in the country. Our attachment to Assateague State Park is rooted in sentimentality. We’ve been camping there for decades independently and together as a couple. But we finally returned with our kids just this past September, and confirmed that it is just as magical as ever. In fact, we can’t believe it took us so long to bring the boys to one of best campgrounds on the east coast that’s just a few hours from our home. Campground Details: Assateague State Park Assateague State Park is on an island that’s basically a spit of sand running north to south just below Ocean City, Maryland. It’s north of Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague. The state park offers beach-front camping with no water or sewer hook ups. Electric hookups are available in the G and I loops only. This campground is really very large. It’s organized in a number of horseshoe shaped lettered loops that run north to south along the island. I and J are not horseshoe shaped. They are more of an oval. All of the loops have both interior and exterior sites. This is the sort of campground where you will want to pay a lot of attention to your site selection. Check out the campground map to reference all the sites we talk about on this podcast episode, and also to make sense of all those campsite selection tips we give… This is simply beach camping at its best. Many of the campsites are nestled right up against the dunes. You can walk 30 feet over the dune and watch sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s rugged and wild looking, with lots of shrubbery, brush, and bushes. Plus, wild horses. Yes, wild horses roam freely within Assateague State Park and it is one of life’s great pleasures to wake up in the morning and see them grazing on your campsite. Just make sure you pack away ALL the food and keep it locked up tight. These horses live for lazy campers’ cheese doodles. Campsite Details: Assateague State Park Campsites are $27.50 dollars for non electric spots and $38.50 for electric spots. If you want 30-amp electric hookups at Assateague State Park, you will have to take your chances 12 months in advance the very second the online booking window opens. It’s fierce competition, and honestly this is what kept us from visiting for so long. Now that we have solar power, we were happy to nab a beachfront non-electric site. All the campsites have a concrete pad with a picnic table and a fire pit. The sites are all different sizes, but many are huge, especially the beachfront ones that we prefer. Campground Amenities: Assateague State Park We consider the horses an amenities because they are so much fun to watch. But in addition, the park also offers very clean, updated bathhouses with never ending hot water. Since there isn’t any water or sewer at the campsites, this is a very important amenity for our family. There’s also swimming beaches that run along the entire stretch of the campground. A paved bike path runs parallel to the main road which is a great feature for kids. You’ll also find a playground and somewhat dated basketball court located near the nature center. The ranger station sells fire wood and ice and a few other essentials. Our Verizon c ell service worked fine all weekend on the island, but note that there is no WiFi available. A quick point that shouldn’t be left unsaid. Mosquitos are notoriously bad in this location, and seem to be the worst in late spring and early summer. Be prepared. Or just go in September like we do when they are just a minor and occasional inconvenience. Things to See and Do near Assateague State Park You know we love our activities when visiting a great destination, but mostly we love to sit around on the beach every day on Assateague Island. It’s that kind of place. We ride bikes, fish, and crab if we get bored. But if you get antsy for something to do, the Assateague Island National Seashore is right next door. The visitor’s center has educational programs and exhibits. There’s hiking trails and a ton of bird watching. We actually spotted two bald eagles during our visit. And nearby you will find Ocean City, which has a boardwalk full of rides, games, and food. Since we live in a town with a beach boardwalk, we don’t really visit ourselves. But plenty of people do…and love it! Assateague State Park holds a very special place in our hearts, and we hope you enjoy it just as much if you decide to visit. Looking for some great beach camping tips? We grew up with sand between our toes and have our beach camping game down to a science. You can find our best tips and gear here. See you at the campground! Stephanie + Jeremy The post Campground Review: Assateague State Park in Maryland appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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RVing in Quebec Part 2 (Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday) 43:03

il y a 46 weeks43:03

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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 .…

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RVing in Quebec Part 1 (Montreal and The Montreal South KOA Journey) 44:48

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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. This is part one of a two part series about RVing in Quebec with Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road . To listen to part two about Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday please click here or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows The post RVing in Quebec Part 1 (Montreal and The Montreal South KOA Journey) appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

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Campground Review! Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan 43:02

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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 .…

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RV Resort Review: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, FL 44:07

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review! Jellystone Park Binghamton, NY 41:12

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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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Schodack Island State Park Campground in NY 57:10

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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: I n 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: A s 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 .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: North-South Lake in the NY Catskills 1:04:55

il y a 2 years1:04:55

1:04:55

An Overview of North-South Lake Campground Most campers that visit North-South Lake for the first time fall in love with its fragrant wildflowers and pristine waters. The campground here i s the most popular in New York State’s Catskill Forest Preserve and it is easy to see why. The campground is beautiful and it is surrounded by lush forests filled with great hiking for a variety of skill levels. You can depart for many of those hikes, including the popular hike to Kaaterskill Falls, directly from your campsite–so there is no need to battle for parking at overcrowded trailheads. This direct access to several of the area’s best trails is one of the campground’s best features. North-South Lake is not a state park, but it is run by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. This DEC site includes a campground with seven loops and over 200 sites for tents and RV’s. It is also included a popular day use area that encompasses both lakes and both swimming areas. Both campers and day trippers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking in both of these tranquil and peaceful mountain lakes. We have long believed that New York State is one of the most underrated states in the country for camping–and North-South Lake is just one of the many reasons why. The Best Loops and Sites at North-South Lake Loops one through six at the campground wrap around North Lake. Loops five and six have a series of sites that are right on the water. Most would consider them to be the best sites at the campground–but they are also the hardest to reserve. Some of these sites have panoramic views of North Lake while others are more deeply wooded and offer partial views of the water. All of these sites are large and quite desirable. Grab one of them if you can. Loop seven sits alone above South Lake–but not directly above it. It would take a short walk to get to the water. This loop almost serves as an overflow loop for the campground and it looks like it was added at a later point to increase capacity. That being said it is still pretty and the sites are still big–but it is a further walk away from most of the activities and amenities. Some may prefer this loop for that reason–because it could, hypothetically, be quieter here on busy summer weekends. But it would be our last choice when booking sites at North-South Lake. If you can’t get a waterfront site then do what we did and get one of the sites on either side of the meandering stream that cuts through loops one, two, and three. Almost every single one of these stream side sites are excellent and we liked them almost as much as the sites that are directly on North Lake. Children can play in the stream and spend hours wandering around and enjoying nature. When we were in early June the stream was a bit low and a little bit buggy. But we used bug spray and were totally comfortable. When the water is running a bit higher in early spring these sites must be absolutely dreamy. We look forward to visiting again earlier in the season. Amenities at North-South Lake Campground The amenities at North-South Lake are fairly standard for a public campground in the Northeast. There are no hookups at any of the sites, but there is a dump station, and there are clean restrooms and showers. Some of the restrooms are dated and could use an upgrade–but they are kept clean and most are conveniently located within each loop. The campground also offers canoe and kayak rentals in season, guarded swimming beaches in season, a fishing pier, and horseshoe and volleyball courts. The Hike to Kaaterskill Falls (and others nearby) The trailhead to Kaaterskill Falls can be accessed on the far side of South Lake. Get up early and go if you want peace and quiet. This iconic hike gets crowded–especially on summer weekends. The entire hike is lovely and the waterfall is astonishingly beautiful. Believe it or not, at 260 feet, this is New York State’s tallest waterfall. It is 90 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The entire hike is less than two miles round trip. There is a viewing platform above the falls, and you can also hike right down to the falls. The hike down to the falls would be challenging for those with mobility issues, We loved hiking down to the falls and spend a good hour lingering there and dipping our feet into the water. This would be a nice place to bring a picnic lunch and stay awhile. But if you do this please pack out all of your trash. We were disappointed to see a lot of garbage left on the trail and in the woods on either side of it. There are many other good hikes nearby. The second most popular hike is really more of a short mountain ramble up to the former home of the Catskill Mountain House. This is an easy walk up to a spectacular view that can be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels. We also love that you can take off for this hike right from your campsite. The trailhead can be accessed right near the volleyball courts on North Lake. Food and Supplies Near North-South Lake There are two really cool places for food and supplies near North-South Lake. Circle W Market (pictured above) s just a short drive away from the campground and it offers a cute little general store for glampers and fancy campers with organic soaps, local sodas and snacks, and even camping lanterns and supplies from hip companies like Barebones Living. The coffee is good here and so are the sandwiches. Twilight General Store is right outside of the campground and offers a more down-to-earth old fashioned camp store experience. This store is privately owned, but it basically functions as the camp store for North-South Lake. The have all of the basic camping supplies you could need and they even have replacement parts for classic Coleman lanterns! We loved the old-school vibe here and the ice cream. But you could also pick up study tent stakes, a six pack of beer, and a wide variety of souvenirs that range from corny to classic. The Overall Vibe at North-South Lake The Overall vibe at North-South Lake was awesome. There were campers of all different kinds at North-South Lake–and even from all over the world. It was so nice to see such a diverse group of people enjoying the great outdoors together. Things didn’t quiet down too early at North-South Lake–but the sites are big enough and private enough that that didn’t matter to us one bit. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air until almost midnight–but they blended in with the sounds of nature in a way that charming and far from annoying. A large group showed up after midnight and blew up a series of air mattresses for about 15 minutes. This woke us up–but we drifted right back to sleep when they were done. The mountain air was cool and refreshing and a light breeze was blowing through the campground all weekend long. We had perfect sleeping weather on both nights of our visit. If you want to go somewhere where quiet hours are strictly reinforced then North-South Lake might not be for you. But if you enjoy sharing the great outdoors with others and don’t mind a little ambient camping noise at night–then this might be your new favorite campground. We loved every inch of it. The post Campground Review: North-South Lake in the NY Catskills appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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8 Great Jellystone Parks to Consider for Your Next Epic Family Adventure 16:46

il y a 3 years16:46

16:46

There are over 75 Jellystone Parks across the country, and each one of them is very different. Some of them are quaint and rustic, with lots of activities for kids that harken back to summer camps of old, and others have off-the-hook water zones, gigantic water slides, laser tag courses–and much more. All of them are worth taking a look at for your next family vacation. But don’t assume that they all offer the same level of amenities and activities. Know before you go and do your research so you can pick a Jellystone that is right for your family . Here is a list of eight amazing Jellystone Parks across the country that represent the best the brand has to offer. There are so many other great Jellystone Parks across the country. So after you check out the eight parks below, head over to their website to find one near you. Jellystone Park Golden Valley (North Carolina) This gorgeous campground is located along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Asheville and Charlotte. The property is situated around a beautiful lake that is great for stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, fishing, and more. The RV sites here are very good, but those without an RV should not despair. This Jellystone’s cabins and glamping accommodations are award winning and have appeared in travel magazines and blogs across the country. The Mountain View Treetop Cabins look particularly cozy and charming. At the time of this writing the campground is building a Lookout Tower at the top of Cove Mountain that should make for a great family hike right on the property. Activities like zip-lining across the lake, and laser tag (to name just a few) will keep your kids occupied all week long. Jellystone Park Estes Park (Colorado) This Jellystone Park’s location near Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely stunning. The RV sites here climb up the side of the mountain, and many have sweeping views–so choose wisely based on the size of your rig. There are good hiking trails that are accessible right from the campground, so bring a comfy pair of hiking boots. The heated swimming pool is great for kicking back and relaxing after spending a day in the National Park. Don’t feel like cooking? The onsite Pic-a-Nic Basket offers up quick meals at reasonable prices. Combining a great Jellystone Park vacation with a national park adventure is always an epic option for making family memories. Jellystone Park Lakes Region (New Hampshire) The location of this Jellystone in New Hampshire’s Lake Region looks absolutely epic. They have two sandy beaches right on Northeast Pond and the swimming is heavenly during the summer months. If the lake water is chilly then try the brand new activity pool with warming tubs. Contrary to popular belief, many Jellystone Parks are actually excellent for teenagers, and this is one of them. The basketball and GaGa ball courts, baseball field, laser tag course, and outdoor ping pong table will keep them occupied for hours. Want a hot tub delivered right to your waterfront RV site or cabin during your stay? Jellystone Park Lakes Region can make that happen. Just make sure you call ahead. The hot tubs (and the waterfront sites) are incredibly popular and sell out on most summer weekends. Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) This is the best camping option near Mammoth Cave National Park–especially for families. Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave has an awesome Wibit on Karst Beach, their own private lake. What is a Wibit? It’s an inflatable obstacle course and a wet and wild playground all wrapped into one. No matter how you describe it–it is a whole lot fun. Kentucky can get hot in the summertime, thankfully there are plenty of ways to stay cool at this popular Jellystone Park–playing on the Wibit is just one of them. Campers that love to fish will enjoy the stocked fishing pond with Bass, Bluegill, and Catfish galore. So bring your fishing poles and get ready to wet a line after a morning of exploring Mammoth Cave National Park. Check out our video with 8 tips for visiting Jellystone Parks across the country. Or keep reading to find out about four more great locations. Jellystone Park Guadalupe River (Texas) The water zone at this Jellystone looks off-the-hook with two waterslides and water cannons so you can have an epic family water war. In addition to the water zone, there are three outdoor swimming pools that make it easy to beat the Texas heat–even in the middle of the summer. This Jellystone Park is very pretty and the Guadalupe River is picture perfect for tubing and fishing, Visiting on a Halloween themed weekend? The Haunted Trail looks mighty spooky. Volleyball, Basketball, and GaGa Ball courts make this another Jellystone Park that is great for teens. Need a break from the hustle and bustle of this campground’s non-stop action? Their nature trails are lovely and feel like they belong in a state park. Jellystone Park South Jersey (New Jersey) Yogi Bear is back in New Jersey! Thankfully he has found a terrific place to set up camp and steal some pic-a-nic baskets. Jellystone Park South Jersey is located in Williamstown, New Jersey, less than an hour away from Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. The central hub of Jellystone Park South Jersey is situated along Crane Lake. Here you will find a super fun Wibit (an inflatable obstacle course) and areas for picnicking, swimming, renting boats, and plenty of room to fish. This is clearly a resort-styled campground, but the area around the lake has the look and feel of a state park. The Wibit (which has multiple slides, a trampoline area, and more) is the star of the show for kids and teenagers, but there is also a nice swimming spot right next to it where adults can do laps, or just relax and keep an eye on their kids. Jellystone Park South Jersey also has two pools. The more relaxing adult-centric pool is located right alongside the lake.The second pool is great for kids and has fun obstacles and splash pad features. Jellystone Park Mill Run (Pennsylvania) Jellystone Mill Run is located in Western Pennsylvania, about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It’s surrounded by beautiful Laurel Highlands scenery. Although you can easily spend days without leaving the campground property the area is full of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors rave about nearby Ohiopyle State Park with whitewater rafting, tubing, hiking, and zip lining. The Great Alleghany Passage bike trail passes right through the area as well. And of course, you can’t miss a visit to iconic Fallingwater, which you can learn more about from our review here . If we were to list all the activities and amenities offered at Jellystone Mill Run, our review would read more like a phone book. One of the highlights were the waterslides from the 1970’s that are apparently the longest waterslides currently in Pennsylvania. Let’s just say they don’t make them like they used to. Our whole family raced down these two slides probably over a hundred times during our long weekend stay. The prices here are also quite reasonable. Jellystone Park Whispering Hills (Ohio) Jellystone Park Whispering Hills is a beautiful campground retreat located about an hour and a half southwest of Cleveland, in Big Prairie, Ohio. This campground manages to offer all the greatest aspects of a Jellystone Park (family-friendly activities and amenities galore) while still feeling peaceful and relaxing. We highly suggest reserving in advance if you are visiting on a summer weekend. Weekdays are much quieter, even during the summer peak season. Pull thrus and back in sites are available here, but you will want to look at a campground map to see what section would suit your family best. This is the type of Jellystone that appeals to all guests no matter what their age. The very youngest children, teens, and adults will find plenty to appreciate at Whispering Hills. Guests love the emphasis on recreation with two Gaga ball pits, mini golf, and a beautiful frisbee golf course. To learn even more about Jellystone Parks and to find a location close to you check out their website right here. The post 8 Great Jellystone Parks to Consider for Your Next Epic Family Adventure appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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12 Amazing Campgrounds Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park 27:50

il y a 3 years27:50

27:50

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the entire country and one of the most popular places to camp. The park is spread out over 500,000 acres with dozens and dozens of campground options, it can be overwhelming to choose from all of the amazing campgrounds in the area. In fact, one of the most frequently questions asked in the RV Atlas private Facebook group is, “What’s the best campground in the Smokies?” There’s no single answer to that question. Where decision of where to stay should be based on the geographical area you wish to be in, the type of environment you wish to experience, and the amenities you are looking for in a campground. There are resort campgrounds smack dab in the middle of Pigeon Forge and dry campgrounds tucked away in the national park. And yes, it’s hard to pick just one out of all the amazing options. Perhaps that’s why we often end up staying at a few different campgrounds during our visits. Just call us campground hoppers. Whether you choose one campground or three, here’s a roundup of 12 of the most amazing campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region. All of these campgrounds come highly recommended from experienced campers in the the RV Atlas community. Good luck finding your perfect place. Here’s a Google Maps list of the 12 campgrounds we are featuring in this roundup, and we’ve personally visited each one. The campgrounds are organized into loose geographical areas. However, close is a relative term in the Smokies, and you should map your campground choice to calculate the distance between your basecamp and chosen attractions, hikes, and drives. For example, we stayed at Imagination Mountain to be near Gatlinburg, but it’s still a 25 minute drive. That’s mountain life for you. Campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg is arguably the most popular tourist hub in the Smokies. It’s known as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the main visitor’s center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, is just 10 minutes from downtown. Some of the most famous park hikes and drives are near the main drag as well, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Chimney’s Picnic Area . Some campers love to be right in the middle of the action, and others will cringe at the streets full of tacky t-shirt and fudge shops. If you want a quiet getaway, Gatlinburg is not your best option in the Smokies. However, if you love to mix your hikes with amusement park rides and aquarium visits, check out these fabulous campgrounds near Smoky Mountains National Park. Greenbrier Campground The Little Pigeon River runs around the Greenbrier Campground , offering guests a swimming hole, private beach, and onsite trout fishing. There are full hook up sites–some with direct river access–and some wooded options, plus tent sites and cabins. Campers rave about the pet-friendly policies and cleanliness. Greenbrier offers plenty of recreation for families including volleyball, gaga ball, badminton, bocce ball, and corn hole. The campground is less than a half mile from the Greenbrier entrance to GSMNP. Imagination Mountain Imagination Mountain (previously known as Great Smoky Mountain Jellystone Camp Resort), is a short 20-minute drive to Gatlinburg but feels like a million miles away. Almost all of the sites are creekside, and the friendly camp hosts will get your RV situated perfectly in a snap. There is a pool, arcade, ice cream parlor, and well-stocked camp store. Organized activities are available on a daily basis for the kids during the summer season. The combination of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities has made this campground a favorite for a lot of campers. Campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Pigeon Forge People seem to either love or hate staying in the Pigeon Forge area of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you want to be surrounded by nonstop action, this is the place for you. Parents of preteens and teenagers often give this area a two thumbs up. They particularly enjoy the trolley that allows everyone to get around independently. Plus, Dollywood is right there. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday This family-owned KOA opened in 1966 and is legendary among area campgrounds. Located right off the main drag in Pigeon Forge, a trolley is available to take you into town and a few minutes up the road to Dollywood. They have all the amenities you would expect in a KOA: pool, hot tub, snack bar, and dog park. Plus they have. some extras like a waterslide, outdoor cinema, and fun train. Some visitors are not big fans of the tight sites and general hustle and bustle, but this is not a campground for anyone looking for peace and quiet. Reserve a spot here if you want to be in the heart of all the glorious touristy action the Smokies has to offer. Riveredge RV Park and Log Cabin Rentals Riveredge RV Park & Log Cabin Rentals has beautifully manicured sites and landscaping just 1.5 miles from Dollywood. The RV sites are all full hook up with fire rings, cooking grates, and picnic tables. There’s a pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, and splash pad to enjoy after a day of site seeing. Even the people who love this campground note the smaller site size. But staying here is about location, location, location, combined with an impeccable clean campground. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge Camp Margaritaville is a new player on the RV resort scene and they are already winning positive reviews from RV owners that like to fancy camp. Their pool and recreation area are extensive and will please parents who want to chill out in the sun while their kids race down the water slide. Options for on-site dining are diverse and delicious, so if you don’t feel like busting out the two-burner camp stove you don’t have to. There are plenty of indoor activities like billiards, shuffleboard, and arcade for evenings or rainy days. We also love the Lodge building here for anyone who doesn’t want to bring their own camper but still enjoy a campground vibe. Campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Townsend Townsend is located in “the quiet side of the Smokies”. People who loathe the touristy commercialism of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge often choose this area when camping near Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But don’t let the nickname fool you. Even though Townsend is quiet, there are so many outdoor activities–and tons of seasonal festivals–in the area. Townsend is close to the Cades Cove entrance to the park, a favorite area for many visitors. Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday This classic Great Smoky Mountains campground is one of the most beloved and recommended campground in the Smokies, likely because it combines the best features of many different types of campgrounds. The Townsend KOA is right on the river and offers on-site tubing and fishing. Plus, it has all the amenities KOAs are known for, such as a pool, playground, wagon rides, and scheduled activities. The managers create a warm and cozy family-friendly atmosphere, and people return year after year. This is a great campground choice if you are looking for proximity to Cades Cove but can’t get a reservation in the Cades Cove national park campground. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort The Little Arrow Outdoor Resort changed owners some years ago and set about developing that hipster glamping vibe that is so popular right now. Well, they nailed it. Framed as a ‘wilderness retreat’, they offer RV sites, tiny homes, cabins, tents, and even an Airstream. There is a swimming pool, river access, and organized activities. Clean bathhouses get rave reviews from visitors. Campgrounds in Smoky Mountains National Park You can definitely camp within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountain National Park , but you have to realize two things. One: these campsites are as highly competitive as tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. Two: you’ll have to be up for dry camping since there are no hookups offered in the park. So if you’re up for it, be prepared for a magical camping experience. Elkmont Campground This beautiful campground is located about twenty minutes from the gateway town of Gatlinburg and is a family favorite on account of the size and riverfront location. The Little River and Jakes Creek run right through the campground, and visitors love fishing and swimming in the crisp mountain water. Most of the 200 sites will accommodate RVs, but read descriptions carefully to note any size limitations. Some campsites have a steep grade which grade, which makes it challenging to level a larger RV. the sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase on site. The bathhouses have flush toilets, but no showers. Cades Cove Campground While Elkmont is the perfect place to have the Smokies mountain river experience, Cades Cove Campground puts you in the middle of the most iconic wildlife and scenic loop and just about 15 miles from the charming gateway town of Townsend. Bears, deer, turkeys, and coyote are regularly spotted in the valley, especially during the early morning and evening hours. The campground has a well-stocked store with supplies, souvenirs, and ice cream. You can also rent bikes right on site, which will help visitors more easily navigate the traffic along the popular 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. The campground is open year-round and has flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station for guests. Cosby Campground A smaller, more secluded and peaceful campground, visitors may have a better chance at nabbing a site at Cosby Campground than the more popular national park campgrounds listed above. There are a handful of RV sites with an additional tent pad and a handful of sites for van campers with a tent pad. You’ll have to drive a bit to get to the most popular park attractions, so if you are looking for a quiet Smokies retreat, this may be the perfect campground. Campgrounds near Smoky Mountains National Park in Dandridge Anchor Down RV Resort Located about 45 minutes north of Gatlinburg, this RV resort opened about a decade ago and the word spread quickly. The campground is on the shores of Douglas Lake, and the most popular campsites are legendarily Instagrammable, with large, stone fireplaces and water and mountain views. Anchor Down RV resort also has all the resort amenities you could want including a pool and lake beach with swimming, inflatables, and watercraft rentals. There are pickle ball courts and a basketball court. The sparkling clean bathrooms get rave reviews. Campgrounds near Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina Although the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountain National Park gets a lot less press, there’s a ton to see and do over there as well. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is packed with educational opportunities, and family-friendly hiking is around every corner. Explore Native American history in Cherokee. And you’ll also want to go tubing at the Deep Creek Picnic Area near Bryson City. The cell phone service in this area is notoriously bad, so be prepared. Here are our favorite campgrounds near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA Holiday The Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA Holiday is open year round and offers a true camping resort experience. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, jump pillow, go cart rentals, snack bar, community fire pit, and tons more. You’ll also find a packed recreation schedule during the peak travel season. Some of the best RV sites back up right to the river, and guests can enjoy tubing and fishing right onsite. Yogi Bear in the Smokies Right up the road from the KOA, this Jellystone Park focuses on the family camping experience. Many of the RV sites and cabins are located right on the river. There’s a pool, playground, activity center, and well-stocked camp store. When planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ll have so many amazing campground options to pick from. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming. If you are still overwhelmed with all your campground options and not sure where to stay, here are some additional planning tips. First choose what region of the Smokies you want to explore, and try to find a campground in that area. No matter what, a trip to GSMNP will involve driving, but you can limit time in the car by picking the right campground. Decide what kind of camping experience you want. Do you like resorts with tons of amenities and activities? Do you want a peaceful camping escape? The Smokies has something for everyone, but it’s up to you to choose the right fit for your personal taste. Think about staying at more than one campground. If you are visiting the park for more than a few days, we highly recommend breaking camp and staying in at least two areas of the park. We have moved between Townsend, Pigeon Forge, and the North Carolina side on multiple visits and love this strategy. There’s a reason Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the country. If you haven’t experienced the magic of the Smokies, what are you waiting for? We’ll see you at the campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post 12 Amazing Campgrounds Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Snowbirding at Camping on the Gulf near Destin, Florida 31:22

il y a 3 years31:22

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Are you looking to become a snowbird and spend the winter months enjoying the gorgeous white sugar sand beaches and sparkling waters of Florida’s Emerald Coast? Or are you just looking for a great place to spend spring break in your RV, or in a cabin or glamping tent? Either way, you should consider Camping on the Gulf (formerly known as Camp Gulf.) It is an excellent choice that is beloved by RVers of all ages. The waterfront location of Camping on the Gulf in Miramar Beach is excellent. Downtown Destin and Henderson Beach State Park are a short drive to the west, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a short drive to the east. Whether you want to stroll along quiet beaches, or eat terrific seafood in Destin’s bustling downtown, the location of Camping on the Gulf has much to offer. Let’s zoom in and take a closer look at this popular resort-style campground, just minutes from Destin. We think it makes a great choice for most RVer’s who want to visit the area. However, those camping on a strict budget should take a look at the state park campgrounds nearby. They cost significantly less. To listen to our interview with Erik and Jeanne Anderson about their four month stay at Camping on the Gulf, click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks to Erik and Jeanne for providing the photos for this post and for their extensive notes about Camping on the Gulf! RV Sites at Camping on the Gulf Camping on the Gulf has 217 sites, 16 of which are directly on the beach. These beachfront sites are a bit narrow, but they are still popular because of the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Water and electric sites are available at these sites, but they do not have sewer hookups. It is also important to note that pets are not allowed on these sites, and they are not allowed on the beach in Walton County without a permit. So If you are camping with a pup, you will need to look for another site at Camping on the Gulf. Thankfully, the other sites are also very nice, and the rest of them have full hook ups. Some of the sites here have shade, and others get direct sunlight. So depending on the time of year that you visit, you should choose wisely between shade and sun. Most sites are level and paved, with nice picnic tables. Also please note–you will need to bring your own above-ground fire pit if you would like to have a campfire at night. Cabins and glamping tents are also available for those without RV’s. Always check and see what is included with a cabin or glamping tent rental so you don’t show up without essential items for your trip. Amenities at Camping on the Gulf The amenities at Camping on the Gulf are excellent. Guests love the outdoor pool, and their kids love the large waterslide. During the winter months the domed indoor pool is also very popular–especially on chillier days. The indoor activity center is also a hub of activity when the weather does not cooperate. It has pool tables, foosball, board games, and plenty of room to spread out and relax. If you are are feeling cooped up in your RV, then this is a great place to get some work done or read a book. Other Facilities at Camping on the Gulf Camping on the Gulf has many other more practical amenities. Many of them are much appreciated by the snowbirding residents in the park. The bathhouses and laundry room are clean and well maintained, and they even have a nice dog washing station. Erik and Jeanne Anderson travel with their beloved Hershey Pup and he definitely loved getting a nice bath during their stay last winter (see above). You can also have your mail delivered right to the campground during your stay–which saves snowbirds like Erik and Jeanne from having to go to the post office over and over again. Is Camping on the Gulf Good for Snowbirds? The residential amenities and the great location near Destin make Camping on the Gulf an incredibly popular spot with snowbirds like Erik and Jeanne. But the park is loved equally by those that stay for months, and those that just come for the weekend. One major thing to consider before snowboarding in an area like Destin is that it can get chilly in the winter. Temps can drop into the 40’s and even into the upper 30’s. So if you want to still have a sense of the seasons, then this area might be for you. But if you want warmth, warmth, warmth, then you may want to head further south. This winter Erik and Jeanne or spending some time at Camping on the Gulf again. But they are also heading further south for part of the winter. When you are snowbirds, you really can have it all! Thanks so much to Erik and Jeanne Anderson for reviewing Camping on the Gulf on the RV Atlas podcast. And many thanks to them for sharing their awesome pictures as well! The post Snowbirding at Camping on the Gulf near Destin, Florida appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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An Epic Adventure to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio 57:55

il y a 3 years57:55

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Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio will have you wondering if you are still in the Midwest. With its waterfalls and unique geological features, it feels more like an exotic location in New Zealand. Yet, it’s only 50 miles from Columbus, Ohio, and only 30 miles from Athens, home of Ohio University. The Hocking Hills People have been coming to the Hocking Hills for generations to hike through the cliffs, gorges, and rock shelters. It’s surrounded by rolling hills, cornfields, and the small towns of Logan and Lancaster. The Hocking Hills are made up of the state park by that name, plus a state forest, and a state preserve. Most of it is in Hocking County. All in all, there are 2,300 acres of protected land to explore. You can walk from some places to others, but you will need to drive if you want to explore all of the areas. The hiking isn’t mountain top hiking. You won’t be climbing to the summit of a mountain and looking at a vast vista. Instead, it’s all about geological features in a lush setting, where you hike into and out of gorges that were carved out by streams that left behind wonders of geology that look like modern sculptures. During the hikes, there are moments of incline and decline but nothing anyone in moderately good shape can’t handle with some huffing and puffing. A few boulders need to be maneuvered and some roots and ruts must be navigated, but there are no vertical scrambles. We asked Ellen Dominus Broude to come on The RV Atlas podcast to share her adventures in Hocking Hills. She has a gorgeous Airstream named Frida. To listen to our interview with Ellen, click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite podcasts. And huge thanks to Ellen for providing the pictures for this post! Places to Stay in the Hocking Hills Region The Hocking Hills area, during the high season, has enough to do and see to make most people want to explore for a week or more, and there are plenty of accommodations for your stay. You’ll find the state park, a KOA , and many private campgrounds. There are also cabins, villas, inns, spas, and lodges. There are over 800 cabins available for rent in the area. Hocking Hills State Park Campground Built in the 50s, Hocking Hills State Park doesn’t offer a lot of frills other than the pool. The cell service is middling, although with a booster you will probably be able to get enough connectivity to text and make calls. The parking pads are concrete next to grassy areas. Many pads are level side to side but not front to back so don’t forget the levelers. The camping area has 165 camping sites that range from full hookup to non-electric. There are also three very clean cabins that have a/c, heat, and front porches with Adirondack chairs. (Another section of the park has all cabins.) The park provides vault toilets, showers houses with flush toilets, a pool, and a laundry. An amphitheater hosts excellent ranger talks. A dump station at the entrance and another in the campground provide convenience. From the campground entrance you drive up a long windy hill to one of 2 main branches, one to the left, the other to the right. The left branch (sites 94 and higher) are older with a bit more privacy but some sites felt quite crowded. The right branch (sites 1-93) is more open, but there are some nice more private sites tucked away in the mid 50s thru 62. Sites 28 – 33 are near the water treatment plant. The smell is not bad, but there’s a constant noise 24/7. Major Geological Features and Trails of Hocking Hills Old Man’s Cave is just one of many fascinating geological features that make Hocking Hills special. A 1.5 mile loop thru Old Man’s Cave and Lower Falls is a moderate hike, due to worn stone stairs and ducking under cliffs. It has super cool features like Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, and some tunnels. This is where you will find the visitors center. The super helpful rangers can give advice on hikes and other things to do in the area. There’s an immersive exhibit on the various features of the park itself that gives an overview of the geology and history of the area. If walking and hiking is difficult, Spur Trail to Broken Rock Falls has a mobility-accessible ½ mile trail that runs from the park office past the visitor center along Lodge Road and it gets you to an observation deck above Upper Falls. The Cedar Falls trail will take you thru a chasm lined by steep rock walls, with grottos and waterfalls. Cedar Falls is also the way to hike into the Whispering Cave. The waterfall and grotto on this section of the hike are lovely! Ash Cave is 90 feet tall and the rear wall is 100 feet deep. It’s truly amazing. Also, the path here is only a quarter of a mile long and easy to walk. If you have kids, spend a few hours here so they can play and explore. More Geological Features in Hocking Hills Conkles Hollow is worth noting if you want take your dog for a walk. It’s the only place in the park where you can bring a dog. Gorge Trail is easy and mobility accessible along the first mile but the very end bit to the waterfall isn’t accessible. The Rim Trail is only 2.5 miles long and moderate and the State Forest Rappelling Area is across the road. Rock House has an extraordinary cave that’s halfway up a 150 foot cliff. It has a 25 foot ceiling, 200 foot corridor, and arches at each end. The Cantwell Cliffs can be reached by two routes, either the Rim Trail or the Gorge Trail or a combination of both. It’s a two mile hike to the cliffs. This is not a great one for young children due to the steep, worn stairs, and the cliffs at the end. John Glenn Astronomy Park Just five minutes from the campground entrance is a great place for stargazing. This area is intentionally recognized for having dark skies, thanks to the circular wall around it to block out ambient light from the parking area. Guided astronomy tours are held on clear Friday and Saturday nights from March through November. On other clear nights people set up telescopes. Other Things to Do in the Hocking Hills Area When you aren’t hiking the trails, there are plenty of other forms of entertainment in the area. If you want to go for a scenic drive in your car or motorcycle, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway offers 26 miles of rolling hills and ridges. If you want to have fun on two wheels, another option is the Hocking Adena Bikeway. During the peak tourist season, there are many activities available for families. Of course they have zip lines and mini golf like most places that attract tourists, but there is also a petting zoo and a butterfly sanctuary for kids who like critters. There are also many ways to relax nearby. Spas, breweries, art galleries, wineries, and boutiques provide less strenuous activities. To stay more active, you could visit a local golf course, go on a guided rappelling and rock climbing excursion, do some horse back riding, or turn it up a notch by doing an ATV trip. If a day on the water is how you relax, visit Lake Logan. It has a beach, marina, fishing, and low speed boats for rent. Definitely check out explorehockinghills.com for tons of information about the area! We truly want to thank Ellen for sharing this detailed profile of the Hocking Hills region with us! It sounds incredible. Remember to click play on the media player if you want to hear all about it! You won’t be disappointed. Make sure to follow all of Ellen’s adventures @fridatheairstream on Instagram. The post An Epic Adventure to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Does Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Live Up to the Hype? 39:24

il y a 3 years39:24

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Does Little Arrow RV Resort live up to the hype that it has been receiving these past few years? Sorry to spoil the ending, but we think that it does. This is a beautiful campground in Townsend, Tennessee that is just minutes away from Cades Cove. It is located right next to the Townsend KOA right off of TN-73 in the heart of “the peaceful side of the Smokies.” The entire property is beautiful, and all of the accommodations (from tent sites to tiny homes) are excellent in almost every way. And we think they are fairly priced across the board. We loved almost everything about our stay at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. To learn more about Little Arrow keep reading, or listen to our complete review on The RV Atlas podcast by clicking on the media player above, or subscribing wherever you get your favorite shows. RV and Tent Sites RV Sites at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Back in sites along the river at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort The RV and tent sites at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort range in price from about $50 dollars to $200 dollars and there is truly a site for everyone, depending on your budget and the requirements of your rig. We loved the luxury RV sites with covered bar/seating area, a sink with running water, and plenty of counter space for eating and entertaining. This sites are around $180-200 dollars per night, but we think they are a delightful splurge. You can also share these sites with a second RV buddy for a small, additional fee, and then split the cost in half. Doing so would make these sites a bargain. There are also a variety of back in sites along the Little River that are excellent and fairly priced at just under $100 per night. Overall, it is hard to find a bad RV site at Little Arrow. Tent campers may struggle to find a site with adequate privacy. But for RV owners–this is a little slice of heaven in the smokies. Cabins, Tiny Homes, and Glamping Tents Glamping Tent at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Little Arrow does not call itself a campground. They call themselves an “outdoor resort.” When you see the charming selection of cabins, tiny homes, and glamping tents, you can clearly see why. Much like the RV sites, all of these unique accommodations are lovely, and very reasonably priced for what you get. We stayed in the Magnolia Tiny Home (pictured above the glamping tent) for approximately $250 per night. It was clean, charming, and comfortable. The highlight for our kids was the double loft areas with plenty of space for them to spread out. The highlights for mom and dad were the comfortable master bedroom, spacious kitchen, and washer and dryer! It was wonderful being able to do laundry while on vacation. We create huge piles of dirty clothes when we are exploring a national park–and we used the washer/dryer every single day. Pool and Hot Tub Area The Hot Tub at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort The highlight for most guests at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is the luxurious outdoor pool and hot tub area. Every inch of this area is comfortable and thoughtfully designed. The zero entry pool (with grottos!) was nicely heated, and the hot tub was an absolute delight. You take a short flight of steps up to the private hot tub area, so it feels like it is in a little hidden world away from the pool area. The sign on the hot tub gate says that kids are not allowed. But there was no one there to enforce this rule during our stay, and there were many, many kids in and out of the hot tub during our stay–including our own. The Camp Store and Coffee Lounge During our stay the camp store at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort was only open from 9am to 5pm. We were in the park from early morning to after 5pm during our first few days there, so we could not get into the camp store for a few things we needed. We actually had to go to the camp store at the Townsend KOA during our stay to get stuff for S’mores. The coffee lounge at Little Arrow is open for guests to use 24/7. There is a machine there for coffee and tea. This room is very cozy and has board games, comfortable seating, and book exchange. There is also a kid’s play area. Overall, this is a terrific spot for relaxing in the evening, or keeping the kids occupied on a rainy day. When we did finally get into the camp store we were quite charmed. They had lots of cute branded Little Arrow merch, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We do wish they would extend their hours into the evening when so many of us campers are returning from the park and may need odds and ends or camp store ice cream! We were also hoping to get pickle ball gear one evening after dinner, but couldn’t because the camp store was closed. The Playground and Other Amenities at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort There are many other great amenities at Little River, including a cute playground with Tipi. They also have basketball, pickleball, and Gaga ball courts, that all look brand new. Little Arrow would also be a great place to hold a rally. They have a rentable club house and pavilion that are both very well-equipped to entertain or educate a crowd. We also really enjoyed the food truck that was there during our stay. The quesadillas were excellent and we ordered many of them!! The Little River The Little River runs along the left side (when facing the campground) and along the front of Little Arrow. There are several access points that take you right down to the river, and you can go tubing right from the campground. Or you can just grab an early morning cup of coffee and relax down there. It is absolutely beautiful–and so is every inch of this lovely campground. Go ahead and believe the hype about this one. We found it to be spot on! The post Does Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Live Up to the Hype? appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Fins Up! Our Visit to Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge 42:28

il y a 3 years42:28

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is surrounded by a wide variety of camping options for RV owners . But none of them are quite like Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge in Pigeon Forge . This exciting new property seamlessly combines the best aspects of a luxury RV Resort with the best aspects of a cozy and comfortable lodge. The RV resort and lodge truly operate as one cohesive unit. Guests staying in the RV Resort have access to everything that the lodge offers, and vice versa. This is resort-style camping at its absolute best. Too many places call themselves RV Resorts without delivering the goods, but Camp Margaritaville delivers the goods in spades. Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge is our new favorite camping option outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you like parking your rig in the lap of luxury–then we think this will be your new favorite option too. RV owners that want to share a vacation with friends and family that don’t own RVs should also rejoice–because a shared vacation with non campers doesn’t get any better than this. It’s 5 o’ Clock somewhere! Grab a cold drink and let’s take a look around. Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge offered us a complimentary stay at this property. The opinions expressed here are completely our own. The Pool, Hot Tub, Kid’s Zone, and Lazy River Hot Tub and Pool at Camp Margaritaville, Pigeon Forge Pool and Splash Ground at Camp Margaritaville, Pigeon Forge If you love swimming, hot tubbing, or being lazy on a lazy river, then this is your place. The pool, kid’s zone, waterslide, and hot tub are located directly next to the lodge. There is plenty of seating and lots of room to kick back and relax here while your kids play. There is also a bar with food options located directly next to the pool. But more on food and drink later. This whole pool complex (especially the hot tub!) is a terrific spot to return to after a morning of hiking in the park. The thoughtful layout manages to be fun for both kids and adults. The lazy river is in a separate section of the property, located just behind the lodge. At first you might think that it is odd to have them separated. But we think that the design is very intentional. The lazy river was calm and peaceful. There were no kids splashing around and ruining the relaxed vibe. Kids are allowed here, but this area really seems to be catering to adults who want to earn their license to chill. Both of these areas are really terrific, with views of mountains ringing the property. You would be hard pressed to find better swimming options at a campground in the Pigeon Forge area. Please let us know if you do. RV Sites at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge RV Sites at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge The RV resort at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge is shiny new and super clean. We also found the sites to be very good. The concrete pads were level and the grass and landscaping were lovely. There is not much shade now, but that will improve as the newly planted trees take shape. We also found the sites to be generously sized, though none of them were gigantic. There are sites that are a short walk away from the lodge, for those that want peace and quiet. There are also sites just steps away from the lodge if you want to be close to the pool and other amenities. Some of the sites have steep drop offs behind them. These sites are pleasantly situated, but those camping with small kids should avoid them. The roads throughout the resort are easy to navigate and backing into your site should be easy–even for a big rig. Outdoor Activities and Recreation Pickleball at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge Overall, the recreational options at this property are excellent. We loved the brand new pickleball courts and appreciated being able to play under the lights. These courts are located at the front of the lodge, just a few steps away from where the RV sites begin. There is also a corn hole game set up right outside of Fins Bar & Chill in the front of the building near the pickleball courts. Your kids can burn some time here while waiting for dinner to be served . You can keep an eye on them while they play because Fins has huge garage doors that get opened up during operating hours. Behind the lodge near the lazy river there is an activities lawn that is also filled with fun options for recreation. We loved playing ping pong here before and after dinner. This area also has a communal outdoor fire pit and games like volleyball and Ga Ga Ball. Live music is also offered in this area on the weekends. Check at the front desk of the lodge for more information and show times. Fins Breakfast Buffet and Fins Bar & Chill The food and drink at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge were also excellent. We loved having breakfast at Fins Breakfast Buffet every morning before heading into the nearby national park. The pancake bar and French toast were very good, and there were lots of other hot and cold options and plenty of fresh fruit. So you can indulge, or eat a healthy breakfast. It’s up to you. We are picky about coffee, and we are please to announce that the coffee was very good. Lunch and dinner were even better than breakfast. The nachos were world class, and we had the best fish and chips we’ve ever had anywhere. Seriously, they were that good. The service at Fins Bar & Chill was also warm and friendly–as was the service throughout the property. The hiring manager should be applauded. Everyone working here was kind and the bartenders were quick witted and entertaining. The margaritas and loaded Landsharks were superb–but this is to be expected at Camp Margaritaville, no? In a general sense, we felt that the Camp Margaritaville ethos caters to adults, but is still a blast for kids. Quite frankly, we found this very refreshing as so many campgrounds cater to kids and don’t think much about the adult experience at all. As parents, we felt that the experience here was a well earned respite from the cares and concerns of every day life. We felt comfortable, relaxed, and catered to in every way imaginable. A Look Inside the Lodge The Lobby at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge Fin City Entertainment Center, Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge In some ways the lodge itself is the highlight of the property. And please remember–those staying in the RV resort can walk in and enjoy the great food and all of the amenities. You can even just bring a book and relax in a comfortable chair for a while. The coolest part about the lodge may be the Fin City Entertainment Center located just downstairs from the main lobby. There is another bar down here, and more options for food–collectively know as the Feeding Frenzy Snack Shack and Bar. They also have Duckpin Bowling, tabletop shuffle board, and an entire separate room filled with pool tables. There is so much to do in the lodge and so many areas for fun indoor recreation. This makes Camp Margaritaville a great place to be on a rainy day. We don’t like rainy days on vacation–but spending one here would be just fine. Rooms in the lodge are also comfortable, spacious, and reasonably priced. They even have rooms with double queen beds and a separate mini room with two twin beds. Those suites are perfect for families with kids. There is no need to book two hotel rooms here. One of these rooms will do just fine for a family of five or six. Whether you are camping in an RV, or staying in the lodge, we found the accommodations at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge to be outstanding. Will We Return to Margaritaville? We did not want to leave Camp Margaritaville. Admittedly, we were a little bit sad driving home. It was one of those special vacations that sets the bar high for future trips. Having a resort vacation like this just a few minutes away from a magnificent national park is truly a unique experience. We spent our mornings in the park, and our afternoons back on property–and we loved every second of our time in both places. We have been talking a lot about a return trip since we got back home. We’ve got our eyes on the upcoming Camp Margaritaville in the Poconos f or a family vacation in 2024. But we may end up visiting the properties in Florida or Georgia first. It gets awfully cold where we live in the winter—and heading south to another Camp Margaritaville in the winter months may be just what the good doctor ordered. Especially if they serve up those strong Margaritas (and put extra cherries in the Shirley Temples) like they do in Pigeon Forge. There’s really only one way to find out, isn’t there? The post Fins Up! Our Visit to Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Jellystone Park South Jersey 34:32

il y a 3 years34:32

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Yogi Bear is back in New Jersey! Thankfully he has found a terrific place to set up camp and steal some pic-a-nic baskets. Jellystone Park South Jersey is located in Williamstown, New Jersey, less than an hour away from Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. The park was recently converted to a Jellystone, and there are many great things to come. But we think it is well worth visiting right now. There are so many things for kids to do already, especially if they love swimming. The setting is also surprisingly beautiful. We are thrilled to see a Jellystone Park franchise back in New Jersey, and to see that it is a truly excellent campground that families will return to again and again. Let’s take a look around and see what Jellystone Park South Jersey has to offer its campers! Living the Lake Life The Wibit at Jellystone Park South Jersey The Picnic Area at Jellystone Park South Jersey The central hub of Jellystone Park South Jersey is situated along Crane Lake. Here you will find a super fun Wibit (an inflatable obstacle course) and areas for picnicking, swimming, renting boats, and plenty of room to fish. This is clearly a resort-styled campground, but the area around the lake has the look and feel of a state park. There are plenty of picnic tables and families often set up camp for the day and even grill there while their kids are swimming. The Wibit (which has multiple slides, a trampoline area, and more) is the star of the show for kids and teenagers, but there is also a nice swimming spot right next to it where adults can do laps, or just relax and keep an eye on their kids. There are two lifeguards in this area making sure that the kids behave, but it is also advisable to keep an eye on your kids while they play here. The Wibit at Jellystone Park South Jersey is clearly a big hit and a real differentiator. We can’t think of any other campgrounds in New Jersey that have one. There is no additional charge for using the Wibit at this campground. Fishing is also a popular activity at this Jellystone, and kids and families were set up around the lake casting their lines. The entire atmosphere around the lake was chill and relaxing and filled with great summer vibes. There is also plenty of room to spread out and the overarching design seems to handle a crowd really well. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is a sponsor of The RV Atlas podcast. To listen to our complete review of Jellystone Park South Jersey, please click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Camp Store and Snack Stand The well stocked camp store and snack stand (with walk up window) are right near the Wibit area. Families that are not grilling or eating their own prepared food can get burgers, dogs, chicken fingers, and more. The food is good and fairly priced. The service was also fast and friendly. Hand scooped ice cream is available here, and they dish up a variety of flavors with generous portion sizes. It is a perfect set up for a day of fun in and around the water. Once you set up camp for the day in this spot by the lake there is really no reason to leave. You can easily spend the better part of a day right there. A wide variety of Jellystone merch is available in the camp store. So are essentials like milk, eggs, and butter–just in case you forget something. They also stock a small selection of RV parts and things like band-aids, neosperene, and aspirin. Overall, it is a very cute little camp store. Make sure you grab a fun family souvenir before you leave. Two Pools are Better Than One The Swimming Pools at Jellystone Park South Jersey Jellystone Park South Jersey also has two pools. The more relaxing adult-centric pool is located right alongside the lake. This area tends to get a nice breeze, even on the hottest of days. Kids are allowed in this pool, but it definitely serves as a nice spot for adults to hang out and talk or just cool off and read a book. At the time of this writing, this pool does not have pool chairs of any kind. You have to bring your own. We have mixed feelings about this policy, but suspect that it will change as the park fully integrates the Jellystone brand. The second pool is great for kids. There are fun obstacles and splash pad features, and there is even a whirlpool area where you have to make the whirlpool yourself by swimming around in a circle. Kids (and even whole families) were having loads of fun spinning around in a vortex of their own creation! This is also a “bring your own chair” pool. So don’t forget if you plan on spending some time here. Between the lake and the two pools this is a really terrific campground for swimming. it is possibly the best campground for swimming in all of New Jersey. So bring a towel, a lawn chair, and some suntan lotion and plan on staying for a while! Exceptional RV Sites Lakefront Sites at Jellystone Park South Jersey The vast majority of the RV sites are at Jellystone Park South Jersey are very good. The lakefront sites are awesome–if you can get one. There are not that many of them, and they are in high demand. The lakefront sites, and the sites throughout the campground, are spacious and shady. When choosing a site, consider how close, or how far, you want to be away from the fun and activity around the lake. Pricing for RV sites is dynamic, and changes based on supply and demand. The prices are definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. But there is much included with your site fee. As mentioned, the Wibit is available to all campers at no additional cost. Factor in the extra “free” entertainment when evaluating the campsite fees. Organized Activities and Recreation The pools and the lake may be the stars of the show at Jellystone Park South Jersey. But the campground offers up much more. There is a separate field with a playground and games like Ga Ga Ball in a totally separate part of the park. This area is tucked away from the busy lake area, but is also a nice spot for campers with young kids. If your kids still spend time on the playground, or if they love Ga Ga Ball, then consider booking a site in this area. The sites that ring the field are also spacious and shady. There is a nice arcade for rainy days, and there is a robust list of activities that you will receive upon checking in. Your kids will certainly not get bored at Jellystone Park South Jersey–or at any Jellystone for that matter. This system of campgrounds is well-known for providing great attractions and amenities for families at locations across the country. What’s Coming Next? Jellystone Park South Jersey is already a great option for a family camping trip. And the owners are planning on making lots of exciting additions for 2023. There are more cabins on the way, and they are adding laser tag and other family-friendly attractions. We can’t wait to see what is in store for this campground. Hopefully we can make a return trip next summer! For additional tips for visiting Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, Please Watch the Short Video Below! The post Campground Review: Jellystone Park South Jersey appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campspot’s 10 Best Fall Camping Destinations 34:10

il y a 3 years34:10

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Where are the best fall camping destinations in the country? We asked our friends at Campspot to come on The RV Atlas podcast this week and share their top picks. They came up with an eclectic list of the 10 best fall camping destinations in the country. To listen to our interview with Erin Stender from Campspot, click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Summer and fall are often cited as the two best seasons for camping. In many parts of the country, campgrounds shut down in early winter. RV’s also get winterized for the season. And while winter has its passionate devotees, few would claim it as the best season for camping. Spring can be lovely in many parts of the country. But sometimes winter hangs on for too long. Pools are not always open, and swimming in a lake or the ocean is only possible in the warmest locales. For many RV owners, spring camping is exciting–but because of what comes next! For most campers in most locations summer and fall camping are clearly the best. We have had many lively debates around the campfire about which season offers the most magnificent camping experience. Summer may be better for long family vacations and endless opportunities for swimming, but fall is more temperate, with warm days and cool nights in many locations across the country. Fall is the perfect time for hiking, camp cooking, and for crackling campfires shared with family and friends. Here at The RV Atlas, we have always argued that when it comes to camping–fall is the best! Are you looking for great places to camp this fall? Then check out Campspot’s 10 best fall camping destinations by clicking right here . Their list includes campgrounds and locations across the country that are often overlooked as great fall camping spots. Places like Santa Claus, Indiana, San Dimas, California, and Jekyll Island, Georgia. Jellystone Park, Luray Virginia For many people fall camping means chasing foliage in New England or bust. But Campspot’s list will inspire you to look at campgrounds near Big Bend National Park, and Shenandoah National Park, and so many more. We hope that you find at least one great campground to add to your bucket list for this fall. We know that you may be hanging on to every last second of summer just like we are. But maybe it is time to embrace the fall, and to embrace fall camping. Maverick Ranch RV Park, Texas We know that we will be embracing fall camping in 2022, just like we have for the past decade. But we might try to squeeze in one more summer camping trip first. Because we know that summer will end in the blink of an eye. Just like it always does. The post Campspot’s 10 Best Fall Camping Destinations appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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5 of the Best Campgrounds in Maine 36:18

il y a 3 years36:18

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Maine is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places to camp in the U.S. RVers have so many magnificent choices that it can be hard to decide where to go. Hopefully, this roundup of 5 of the best campgrounds in Maine can help you develop your bucket list. Whether you want to camp in the White Mountains, near Acadia National Park, or along the Atlantic Coast, we have a recommendation for you! Plus, you are in for a visual treat. To hear Kendra and Tyler from One Y One tell us more about each campground, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas on your preferred podcast app. Thank you to Kendra and Tyler for providing the amazing photographs in this roundup! You really get a taste of Maine thanks to these great photos. On the Saco Family Campground in Brownfield, ME If you want a fun, small family campground experience in Maine, check out On the Saco Family Campground in Brownfield. This park is located near the White Mountain National Forest, just an hour from Mt. Washington, and features 1,700 feet of frontage along the Saco River. On the Saco Family Campground offers: 28 full-hookup sites, 5 riverfront tent sites, and 11 general tent sites Large shared lawn in the RV sites with a sandpit and playground (a great feature for parents who can keep an eye on the kids from their site) Swim area on the river River rental company, offering kayaks, canoes, and tubing (transportation is available if you want to go up river and float back to the park) A Welcoming environment, thanks to owners Tori and Jason Online reservations bookable through Campspot While the amenities are all great, the homey environment is what truly makes On the Saco Family Campground one of the best campgrounds in Maine! Bass Harbor Campground in Bass Harbor, Maine You can’t go to Maine without getting an iconic lighthouse photo, and Bass Harbor Campground in Bass Harbor is a perfect spot. This is right across the street from the Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia National Park. Being able to walk over from the campground is such a bonus since the parking lot fills quickly. Be sure to go for a sunset! Bass Harbor Campground features: 120 sites, including tent and RV sites, yurts, and cabins. You’ll find full hookup and water/electric options. Easy access to Acadia National Park (just a couple of miles from Seawall, which is the quiet side of the park) Great location for exploring Bar Harbor. Make sure to EAT while you are in town—you’ll find so many great restaurants! Don’t miss the lobster rolls and crab chowder. Perfect for getting in all of the “quintessential” Maine experiences, like visiting lobster piers and harbors Here’s one more gorgeous photo of Bass Harbor Campground! Wild Fox Cabins & Campground in Lakeville, Maine “Downeast” Maine is the area close to the border with New Brunswick, Canada, and Wildfox Cabins & Campground in Lakeville gives you a great taste of the Downeast region. The campground is located on Junior Lake, which has 11 other interconnected lakes in a chain. This place is amazingly beautiful in fall. It is especially remote and offers a good chance for spotting wildlife, including moose. Here are just a few of the features that make Wild Fox one of the best campgrounds in Maine: 10 campsites for tents or RVs (4 with water and electric, with more being added, possibly). There is no campground shower, though it does offer a bathroom, so go prepared! 8 modern, lakeside log cabins with heat, electric, hot water, and sleeping space for up to seven people. Some have AC. Private and remote Open year-round! Onsite ebike and boat rentals Guided fishing trips available for purchase (in fact, the campground has the only boat dock on Junior Lake, a premier spot for anglers!) Ice shack rentals for winter fishing Great owners Online reservations bookable through Campspot If you want to give boondocking a try without going too far off the beaten path, this is a great place to try it out! Moose Creek RV Resort in Greenville, ME Moose Creek RV Resort in Greenville is brand-new campground that opened in July of 2022. It is located one mile from Moosehead Lake in Maine’s highlands in the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike many of the other selections in this roundup of the best campgrounds in Maine, this one is a little more of a resort. While the campground is more manicured, you’ll find many magnificent views, hikes, and wilderness to explore in the area. Moose Creek RV Resort offers: Over 100 RV sites with full hookups, pull-thrus, and back-ins Premium tent campsites with electricity Great proximity to some of Maine’s most beautiful lakes (like Moosehead Lake) for fishing, swimming, and whitewater rafting Close to Baxter State Park, which is home to Mount Katahdin and some great trails (including some notable for moose watching) Stocked trout pond (for fishing in the park) Playground, dog run, camp store, bathhouse, reliable wifi, pool, scheduled activities, rentable pavilion, and more (we told you it was a resort!) Easy access to nearby ATV trails Bookable through Campspot Boothbay Craft Brewery, Taphouse & RV in Boothbay, ME Boothbay Craft Brewery, Taphouse & RV is such a fun, unique option, as you can tell by the name! The brewery and taphouse came first, and the owners noticed a ton of RVers were visting, so they added some RV sites. Located by one of inlets along the Gulf of Maine, this campground is just about an hour up the coast from Portland. It’s close to Freeport, which is a great place for shopping (don’t miss the LL Bean–this place is huge!). Boothbay Craft Brewery, Taphouse & RV offers: 13 RV sites (11 with full hookups and two that are water/electric); a mix of pull-thru and back-in sites Close to Boothbay Harbor. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful region. Onsite brewery and taphouse with a farm-to-table menu featuring brick-oven pizza, fresh vegetables, barbecue, and more (both the food and the beer earn rave reviews!) You can even take a brewery tour! Bocce ball courts More great owners Reservations bookable online through Campspot Doesn’t this food look amazing?! Can you even imagine how fun it would be to camp here? It goes to show that thinking outside of the box can offer a really memorable experience. A Few Bonus Picks! We can’t talk about the best campgrounds in Maine without mentioning a few more favorites: Schoodic Woods Campground in Acadia National Park, Maine Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport, Maine Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA in Bar Harbor, Maine Thanks for taking this tour of the great state of Maine with us! We hope you feel inspired to get out and explore all that this state offers. Right now, a lot of well-known travel destinations can be a little crowded, so don’t be afraid to look beyond the obvious locales. Just pick a state and begin exploring! Even in the off-the-beaten-path state of Maine, you can find so many amazing campgrounds and diverse experiences! Click play on the media player to hear the full details about each park and to find out which region Tyler and Kendra love most in Maine! And, be sure to check out One y One . Look for @HistoricalCamping on Instagram, too, to see some curated photos of campsites from yesteryear! The post 5 of the Best Campgrounds in Maine appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday 44:26

il y a 3 years44:26

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The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is a solid basecamp option for exploring the east coast of northern Florida. We truly love this campground’s location. This region of Florida can often get overlooked by points further south. But the beaches here are beautiful. The area is also rich with history and culture. So plan on spending a week here if you can. A single weekend just won’t suffice to really soak in all that the area has to offer. The KOA is located on St. Augustine Beach at the intersection of the A1A and Pope Road. It is on the southern edge of St. Augustine, and is only about ¾ of a mile from the beach. So make sure you bring your sandals and beach towels! Understanding KOA’s Journey, Holiday, and Resort Designations KOA’s are all designated as Journeys, Holidays, or Resorts. Journeys are intended to service as a comfortable spot for a quick overnight stay on your way to other destinations. “Holidays” are meant to service as basecamps for a region. Resorts are supposed to offer an all-in-one camping experience and be a destination in their own right. The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is appropriately designated as a KOA Holiday. Our correspondent Casita Dean May and his wife Laura stayed here last winter and used it as a basecamp to explore the area. They found the Holiday designation to be fitting. To listen to our interview with Casita Dean May about the St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday and things to do and see in the surrounding area, click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts. The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is a medium sized campground. It has approximately 90 RV sites, 20 tent sites, and 25 cabins. The campground is in a convenient location for exploring St. Augustine, but the area around it is not very scenic. It is bordered by roads on three sides with the A1A side of the campground backing up to stores that face the A1A. However, the KOA property itself is attractive. Particularly along Turtle Lake. So you shouldn’t choose the St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday if you want to be surrounded by natural beauty, but you should choose it if you want a safe and comfortable basecamp for exploring the region. Pricing at the St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday Florida’s gorgeous state park campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book. But getting reservations at this KOA should be doable if you call in advance. Prices for RV sites range from about $70-$100 dollars a night depending on the type of site, and the time of year. We always recommend getting a KOA Rewards Card so you get 10% discount on your site fees. Basic cabins with no bathrooms can be reserved for as little as $100 to $115 per night depending on the time of the year. Deluxe cabins with all amenities can be booked for $165 to $250 per night. Again, this depends on when you book. Tent sites are also available at a reasonable price. We highly recommend the premium pull through sties along Turtle Lake. They are the nicest sites in the entire campground. If you are camping with friends who do not own an RV then have them check out the deluxe cabins. We have found that KOA’s deluxe cabins are (more often than not) comfortable, well-stocked, and reasonably priced. If you rent a cabin just check to see what is included, and what you are expected to bring with you. Showing up without linens or coffee filters is heartbreaking if the cabin does not provide them. Amenities at The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday has many of the amenities that you will find at KOA’s across the country. They have a nice pool, a Kamp K9 dog park, a playground, paddle boats, banana bikes, a clean laundry room, private full bathrooms, and a camp store that is stocked with all of the basics and souvenirs and gifts. If you are traveling with kids, they will have plenty to do here in the afternoon when you come back from the beach or downtown St. Augustine. The pool will be a welcome treat if you are visiting in the summer heat. It’s also really nice to come back from the beach and take another swim to cool off at the end of the day. Overall, we find this campground to be an excellent choice for exploring all that the area has to offer. And this area offers quite a lot. From beautiful beaches to National Monuments like Fort Matanzas and Castillo De San Marcos, there is so much to do and see. Downtown St. Augustine is also packed with great food and great shopping. We think this area has something for everyone. We also think that St. Augustine KOA Beach Holiday will please most RV owners that are traveling through the area. Make sure to listen to our interview with Casita Dean May on The RV Atlas podcast to find out even more about this KOA, and about the surrounding area! The post Campground Review: The St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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The Brattleboro North KOA and Fun Things to do in Southern Vermont 39:12

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The Brattleboro North KOA has been an RV Atlas favorite for over a decade. We made our first visit back in our pop up camper days. Then we returned with friends a few years later and had a blast enjoying southern Vermont. We really love this cute little campground, and everything that this awesome section of the Green Mountain State has to offer its visitors. Brattleboro and its environs are packed with options for great hiking, kayaking, and swimming. We also love the quirky “shop local” vibe in downtown Brattleboro, and the local farm to table food scene is also excellent. Jeremy recently returned to the Brattleboro North KOA to film an episode of his new Go RVing show, Let’s Go Camping With Go RVing . The show highlights 8 different types of camping experiences. One of the episodes gives tips for visting KOA campgrounds. Once he decided to feature a KOA in one of the episodes he knew that he would ask to film on site at the Brattleboro North KOA. Why pick this cute little campground in southern Vermont out of all the KOA’s within driving distance in the Northeast? Because Jeremy LOVED it here last time he visited, and because he wanted to meet the dynamic new owners that took over the place in 2019. Kat and Alan Berta are the amazing young couple that purchased the Brattleboro North KOA back in 2019. As crazy as it sounds, they bought their first campground before buying their first home. Kat was still in her twenties at the time. Little did they know that a global pandemic was looming in the near future. The arrival of Covid-19 would initially close their campground down in the spring of 2020, and then lead to a nationwide camping boom and the best two years in their campground’s history. To us here at The RV Atlas, Kat and Alan represent the future of the campground industry. They are young, ambitious, and tech and marketing savvy. For example, their instagram account is fun and polished, and their campground wifi is also lightening fast! These are things that many older campground owners still struggle with quite a bit. Kat and Alan are also passionate campers themselves. They have also owned RVs. At the moment, they are shopping for their next rig so that they can travel the country in the winter months, when their adorable campground is closed for the winter. Kat and Alan were even recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. You can read that interview here. We have reviewed hundreds of campgrounds on The RV Atlas and on our Campground of the Week podcast. But for the latest episode of the RV Atlas Jeremy decided to interview Kat and let her talk about her own campground and the wild ride they have been on over the past three years. Kat is an absolute blast to talk camping with, and she also has a deep knowledge of the Brattleboro region. At the end of the interview she shares great recommendations for things to do and places to eat. So make sure to stay tuned until the very end! To listen to Jeremy interview Kat about the Brattleboro North KOA, click on the media player above. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows! Jeremy’s return visit to the Brattleboro North KOA to film for Go RVing was an absolute blast! It was awesome to see all of the improvements that Kat and Alan have made to the campground. His visit was short, but he really enjoyed getting to meet Kat and Alan in person and learn more about their ownership journey. And the campground is even more charming than it was when he first visited all of those years ago. They have added new sites, and improved on existing sites as well. Jeremy also thinks that they have one of the most adorable camp stores in the country. They sell great branded merchandise there, alongside of locally crafted gifts and foods. They also sell Maple Creemees there. And they are absolutely amazing. Jeremy had two of them during his brief stay! Though the Brattleboro North KOA is small, it is an absolute delight. We actually think that a huge part of its charm is its small and accessible size, If you find yourself RVing through New England, make sure you stop by for a few nights. They can accommodate all sizes of RV’s and we know that they would be thrilled to see you! They also have cozy cabin rentals and a vintage RV rental! Tell them Jeremy and Stephanie sent you, and ask Kat and Alan for recommendations for things to do and see in the area. They are local experts! The post The Brattleboro North KOA and Fun Things to do in Southern Vermont appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Lakewood Camping Resort Review (Spring Break Pt. 2) 32:01

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Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the biggest RV campgrounds in the country. We are excited to bring you a campground review since it is in Myrtle Beach, the camping capital of the East Coast (in our opinion!). This resort is more like a small town for campers. With a lazy river, waterslides, sports courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and so much more. It’s nonstop fun. Lakewood Camping Resort is located at the southern end of the Grand Strand near Myrtle Beach State Park and the pier, but not too far from town. This is a destination RV resort, so many people check in and don’t leave. We stayed for five nights and really wanted a place where we could relax and play on the sand and in the pool. We wanted the total RV resort package, and this resort truly delivered! To hear Jeremy and Stephanie’s full campground review of Lakewood Camping Resort, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite shows! Beachfront Camping at Myrtle Beach Lakewood Camping Resort is true beachfront camping. Like we said above, it’s like a camping city–everything you need is right there. It’s more of a planned community, with campsites for the RVs and tents, cabins, condos, and more. It’s one of those destinations you can visit with non-RVing family and friends for a true group destination. You can nab an oceanside site here for less than $100, which we felt was very reasonable for the beachfront location. The only disadvantage to having an oceanside camping spot is that it’s very busy on the promenade that goes right by those spots. However, we chose this space because it was near the basketball courts, where the boys could play nearby. If you want quiet, you might not want to be beachfront. Another thing to note is that they have some great trees and shade, which you don’t always find at beachfront campgrounds. Things to Do at Lakewood Camping Resort Lakewood Camping Resort is full of stuff to do! The lazy river is relaxing, and the waterslides are fast and fun! The pool is also large and spacious. They have a large arcade, an information center, a big pool, and of course, the beach. The campground also offers bike, paddle board, and kayak rentals at the trading post. If you like to play sports, there are volleyball, basketball, and shuffle board courts. The camp store is well stocked. Plus, they have a huge laundromat. When you get hungry, visit the food truck area. We especially loved the Italian ice! Making Family Memories at Lakewood Camping Resort Our family made great memories at Lakewood. Stephanie enjoyed sitting on the beach watching the kids surf, as well as having a shuffle board tournament with the boys. Jeremy will always remember cooking big meals for the whole crew on the Blackstone griddle. Check out this previous post for things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. All of Myrtle Beach is full of adventures, but Lakewood Camping Resort is truly the type of destination you can spend an entire week and not feel compelled to leave the campground. We will probably be back to make more memories in the future. See you at the campground! Jeremy + Stephanie The post Lakewood Camping Resort Review (Spring Break Pt. 2) appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Lighthouse Point Campground at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio 39:20

il y a 3 years39:20

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If you are looking for an ultimate family-friendly campground destination, you have to check out Lighthouse Point. Lighthouse Point is a campground located next to Cedar Point , an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point covers an entire peninsula in Lake Erie, and it is home to roller coasters, a water park, hotels, campgrounds, and all kinds of family fun. A Place for the Whole Family Bill Sferrazza visited the Midwestern campground and park with his wife and daughters. I talked to Bill about the family-friendly RV vacation they recently took to Lighthouse Point and found out why this is a fun spot for adults and teens. Like many teenagers, Bill’s daughters don’t always want to go camping, but Cedar Point was a big hit. Plus, Lighthouse Point is a premium RV park where adults will enjoy the many amenities such as the pool, hot tubs, and restaurants. To listen to Jeremy interview Bill about Lighthouse Point, click on the media player above, or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts! Thanks to Bill Sferrazza for graciously providing all of the photos in this post! Camping at Lighthouse Point At Lighthouse Point there are RV sites and cottages that are in different sections that are well laid out. There are 145 full hook up RV sites and 156 cottages and cabins. Most sites for campers have manicured grass and are landscaped. These sites are somewhat close together. On the other hand, there are about 50 “ultimate patio” sites right on Lake Erie. They are some of the nicest, most well-furnished sites you will probably ever see. These sites are only slightly more expensive than the regular sites and well worth the extra cost. Prices are usually part of a package rate that includes tickets to the amusement park and water park. The Amusement Parks Near Lighthouse Point The Lighthouse Point campground is right in the middle of the action. The water park is a short walk from the sites and one of the roller coasters goes through part of the RV park. In fact, Cedar Point is known for its roller coasters. They have some of the biggest and fastest coasters in the world. This is the place every coaster connoisseur has on their bucket list. Lighthouse Point campground is fun and exciting, but it definitely is not made for a quiet getaway! Being right next to Lake Erie is like being at the ocean in many ways. There is not a dedicated beach for the campground, but you can walk to a nice beach at the hotel nearby. One minor drawback to being on the lake is the mayflies that live in and near the water. They are harmless and they don’t bite, but they get all over everything during parts of spring and summer. They are only present in the sites by the water. Day Trips from Lighthouse Point Lighthouse Point is also a great home base for day trips to Cleveland. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is at the top of the list of places to visit. The Hall of Fame is good for a whole days worth of entertainment. Also, right next door is a science museum that kids will enjoy. Cleveland also has professional sports teams so you may catch a game. Rock and Roll of Hall of Fame If you are looking for a place that teenagers and adults can go for an action-packed vacation, you will enjoy Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point in Ohio. The fun parks, convenient amenities, lake views, and local sights provide something for anybody looking for an exciting RV destination in the Midwest. See you at the campground, Jeremy + Stephanie The post Lighthouse Point Campground at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Most Popular RV Atlas Podcast Episodes of 2021 43:52

il y a 4 years43:52

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Let’s take a look at our most popular RV Atlas episodes from 2021! When we look at a year’s worth of podcasting data, it reveals some interesting things about us, our podcast, and the state of camping and RVing. Last year we noticed that our campground reviews (by us and our correspondents) were becoming more popular. Eleven of our fourteen top episodes in 2020 were campground reviews. That trend continued this year. Our RV Atlas campground reviews are more popular than ever–several years after we shut down The Campground of the Week podcast! Here is the list of our most downloaded episodes, and it’s full of campground reviews! To hear more about the most popular RV Atlas podcast episodes of 2021, click PLAY on the podcast player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite podcasts. #14 Return to Moose Hillock We had fun at Moose Hillock even though the weather was not very good. We’ve struggled with the weather before, but camping is still fun if you are flexible. We were able to go for a hike between rain showers, and we also took a boat tour. (Listen to the Episode Here) #13 Northern California Beach Camping This was part of a two part series with Lauren Eber from A Fam with a Van . We talked with her about great campgrounds up and down the California coast. Lauren is a native Californian with lots of great tips for food, fun, and outdoor adventure. (Listen to the Episode Here) #12 Ten Must See Spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with DJ Odom Initially, we wanted him to do “Ten Great Spots for Photography” because he is a great photographer . Then, we thought, why not just make it ten favorite spots for anyone. GSMNP is the most popular national park in the country, so there is no surprise here! (Listen to the Episode Here) #11 Jellystone Delaware Beaches This is a campground in transition. It was a very fun Jellystone with very nice RV sites, but it is being turned into more of a full-on RV resort. We think this one is on its way to being great! (Listen to this Episode Here) #10 Jellystone Guadaloupe River with Shellie Bailey Shah Shellie loved this Jellystone in Texas, and I think that having two Jellystone campground reviews in the top 14 list speaks to the popularity of the brand and to the fact that we still have a core listenership of family campers that are weekend warriors. Jellystone has a stronghold in Texas, and this is one of the best ones in the state. (Listen to this Episode Here) #9 Five Amazing Georgia State Park Campgrounds with Gretchen Holcombe Gretchen from Boxy Colonial on the Road brought us three of the top episodes this year. Gretchen is a Georgia native, and she knows her Georgia state parks. We love this roundup style of podcast so much. (Listen to this Episode Here) #8 The Newburg KOA with Phil Travaglia Phil always brings lots of camping love and camping joy to his appearances! He loves this place and his enthusiasm bursts through. Phil has confessed to listening to his own episodes three or four hundred times. That may be why it showed up in the top ten. It could also be the fact that this campground is not very far from New York City. (Listen to this Episode Here) #7 Camping Hacks from the RV Atlas Group This episode breaks the trend! It is not a campground review. It’s a whole episode about RVing hacks, especially packing and food hacks. This is Jeremy’s favorite episode of the year. We asked the members of our Facebook group for their hacks, and boy did they deliver! (Listen to this Episode Here) To hear more about the most popular RV Atlas podcast episodes of 2021, click PLAY on the podcast player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite podcasts. #6 RV Hacks with Marc and Julie Bennett These are the types of podcasts that would have topped the chart before travel and campground reviews took over. I interviewed Marc and Julie from RV Love . We discussed their wonderful book, RV Hacks , and they gave us some great ideas for making camping in an RV easier, and more fun. (Listen to this Episode Here) #5 Robert Treman State Park with Ellen Dominus Broude Our friend Ellen from Frida the Airstream shared her love for this park near Ithaca, NY. It’s a beautiful place where you can experience Enfield Gorge which has twelve waterfalls. I first met Ellen on my Go RVing show, “ 6 Things I Love About My RV” and I knew that I had to have her on the show! (Listen to this Episode Here) #4 North Beach Campground in Burlington, Vermont New England, and particularly Vermont, is where our love of RVing began. This campground is right in Burlington and offers a cool urban experience for those that want great food, great beer, and great shopping. This is another one of Gretchen Holcombe’s episodes–a podcasting hat trick if there ever was one!! (Listen to the Episode Here) #3 Four Amazing Campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest with Tyler and Kendra Tyler and Kendra are amazing content creators, writers, photographers, and cooks. They do it all, and they were so good on this podcast. They give five great campground reviews for anyone visiting the Pacific Northwest. Each one of these campgrounds sounds amazing! (Listen to this Episode Here) #2 The Townsend KOA with Casita Dean May Dean and Lauren have been having some amazing adventures. We need to get them back on the show, really, really soon!. This is another episode for those who want to visit America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Listen to this Episode Here) #1 Four Mile Creek, Niagara Falls with Gretchen Holcombe It’s Gretchen again with another big episode! We need to give her a prize. Also, a lot of people must be visiting Niagara Falls. Four Mile Creek sounds like a winner to us! (Listen to the Number One Episode Here) It was so fun to take a look back at the most popular RV Atlas podcast episodes of 2021! This year we had a lot of travel and campground-related content in the top episodes. People must enjoy hearing about the joys of travel and camping. It’s nice to hear about beautiful places and adventures with family instead of always focusing on gear and expensive RVs. We hope these episodes will inspire you to get planning for your RV travels in 2022! See You at the Campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post Most Popular RV Atlas Podcast Episodes of 2021 appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Our First Time at the Rodeo! Two Nights at the Cody KOA 43:46

il y a 4 years43:46

43:46

Should you go to Cody, Wyoming, if you are short on time and debating how to spend it in the greater Yellowstone area? YES! Cody is a great place to take a break from hiking and exploring Yellowstone. Natural beauty is great, but sometimes we need a change of pace, especially our three boys. Cody did not disappoint. It’s full of entertainment opportunities for the whole family. This episode is part of a series about our adventures in Wyoming. Be sure to check out the episodes about our stay at Under Canvas Yellowstone and our three days in Yellowstone National Park with kids. To hear about our stay at the Cody KOA, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Lamar Valley and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway The drive through Lamar Valley and out of the park past Silver Gate, and Cook City, and onto Chief Joseph Scenic Byway was astounding for a few reasons. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is astonishingly beautiful and an easy drive. I think it is just as beautiful as anything in the park. Taking that drive into Cody is a pretty impressive part of the trip! The drive was amazing for another reason entirely–and this gets into a core recommendation that we have been making on The RV Atlas for years. We both really believe that reading books about places, before or during a trip–and maybe less so after a trip—is an amazing way to enrich the journey. Jeremy bought American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee at a gift shop in Yellowstone and started reading it during the trip. The book is largely set in Lamar Valley, Silver Gate, Cook City, Crandall, and a bit in Cody. American Wolf is about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. It documents the decades-long controversy that followed. Some of the people are pro wolf because the wolves balance the ecosystem. Others are against wolves and want carte blanch to hunt them because they can kill cattle and for a variety of other reasons. It’s a controversial topic in the region. As we drove through Lamar Valley and out of the park on Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, the entire region leaped to life as we drove past places that are in the book. The Cody KOA Holiday Campground We stayed in a deluxe cabin at the Cody KOA Holiday . It wasn’t the kind of cabin you might have at a resort, but it was fine. The fridge was noisy and the linens were shrink wrapped and not on the beds. That doesn’t seem right at the price that is charged. Showing up after a long drive and having to unwrap your linens is a bit disappointing. However, we were comfortable and close to everything we wanted to do. The pool and hot tub were awesome. We needed those after all the hiking at Yellowstone. Max really liked the hot tub and we made some g reat memories relaxing in the warm water before bed each night. We took a look at the RV sites. There were some good ones and some that were pretty tight. Maybe that doesn’t matter too much if this is just a base camp and a place to stay–which it was for us! The camp store was well stocked. There was a free pancake breakfast. It was good and you only paid for the extras like juice and coffee. If you want full hook ups in a convenient location, we think this is a very good choice. If you want to stay somewhere drop-dead gorgeous and have a more natural experience without full hook-ups then try Buffalo Bill State Park . There’s also Lake Shore Campground which has 37 RV and tent sites and North Fork Campground which has 60 RV and tent sites. The KOA is near the airport but there is not a problem with noise. There is actually a very cool independent coffee shop called Cody Coffee Roasters at the airport, and you do not need to go inside the airport building to get coffee. They also have a coffee shop in an old gas station in town. Cody, Wyoming, Attractions We had a great couple of days to explore Cody. Stephanie reserved a chuck wagon dinner at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . The food was excellent at Cowboy Rich’s Chuckwagon Dinner! We had steak, biscuits, beans, salad, and dutch oven cobbler with ice cream. You don’t go on a wagon ride, but you do get close interaction with the cook. We learned about cast iron cooking. It was social and fun. The next day we went in Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is gigantic and amazing. You could spend the whole day here or do two half days here. We only covered about half of the museum at most and we could return. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is actually five museums in one. The Buffalo Bill Museum is the part of the center that showcases the extraordinary life of Buffalo Bill. It’s amazing. Basically, we knew nothing about Buffalo BIll’s life as an entertainer and trailblazer in the West, but we learned a great deal about this larger-than-life American legend. There were exhibits about the Wild West Show, Annie Oakley, and the Buffalo Bill’s time period. Then, we explored the Cody Firearms Museum, and the boys loved it. There are hands-on shooting games. If you are into guns and the history of guns, this place is packed with stuff you will enjoy. There’s also the Draper Natural History Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum. The art museum has is a small-to-medium sized museum with and impressive collection of art from the American West. Food, Coffee, and Books Near the Cody KOA While in Cody, we had a good lunch at Fat Racks BBQ. Jeremy found another great spot to drink coffee and read a book. It’s called Rawhide. Right next to the coffee shop is an independent sporting goods store called Sunlight Sports. It was like a family-owned REI. They had outdoor gear and outdoor magazines I had never seen before. Downtown Cody also has an independent book seller called Legends Bookstore. There were also a lot of shops that sold local arts. Cody Rodeo This was our first rodeo, and Cody is famous for its big rodeo. It was a bit of culture shock for our East Coast family. We didn’t realize how dangerous a rodeo is for the cowboys. One participant was thrown to the ground and carried out of the arena. He spent at least 20 minutes moaning while he recovered on the ground. We were a bit overwhelmed by the violence of the whole thing–but to the participants, it seemed pretty normal and unremarkable. It was truly a traveling experience! We felt like we had entered a different world. At the end of the night, we went back to the Cody KOA to relax in the hot tub before heading off to Grand Teton National Park the next day. All in all, we had a great stay in Cody. We got to enjoy this slice of the American West, and we know it’s something our boys will always remember. See you at the campground, Jeremy + Stephanie The post Our First Time at the Rodeo! Two Nights at the Cody KOA appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Glamping at Under Canvas Yellowstone 38:38

il y a 4 years38:38

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Under Canvas Yellowstone provides a full-on glamping experience right outside of Yellowstone National Park, but how does it compare to the RV camping our family loves? Though we originally weren’t sure about “glamping” as a trend, this ended up being one of the most magical camping experiences we have ever had. We have lots of great details to share after our three-day stay in August. Should We RV or Tent Camp? Now, we are aware there are some purists listening that NEVER do any kind of travel without their RV and many who stay in only ONE kind of campground, whether it’s resorts or state and national parks. But, we know that the majority of our listeners actually do other types of trips in addition to RVing. For our family, the rule has loosely become that if we have to drive more than 14 hours, we are flying. With three school-aged kids, sports, and jobs, we want to minimize time spent in travel mode. In chapter three of See You at the Campground, we go into more detail about when we use our own RV, when we rent an RV , and when we reserve cabins or alternate accommodations . Check it out if you are interested in other forms of camping! Let’s dive in to our experience at Under Canvas Yellowstone . To hear more about Under Canvas Yellowstone, click play on the media player above or download this episode of The RV Atlas wherever you find your favorite podcasts. What’s Under Canvas? Under Canvas is a chain of twelve (at this time) luxury glamping locations that were founded in 2021 with the one in West Yellowstone, Montana. Since then, they have expanded to locations that include Glacier in Montana; Moab, Zion and Lake Powell-Grand Staircase in Utah; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee; Grand Canyon in Arizona; and Acadia in Maine. There are several other campgrounds with a similar glamping setup. Collective Retreats and Autocamps are two of the most popular. However, Under Canvas has built a reputation for building a special type of place that balances the promise of luxury with the rustic vibe of camping, so we were excited to try it. Is Glamping for Us? Jeremy was 100% committed to spending time (and money) at an Under Canvas. Stephanie had a bit of sticker shock. The price tag was around $550 a night, and while we’ve spent that much for Airbnb locations on the beach, it was hard to imagine spending that and then wishing we were in an RV or a hotel the whole time. We worried it would be one of those experiences that people liked to take pictures of more than they actually enjoyed. Jeremy won. We booked three nights–and paid around $1600. What’s Included in the Under Canvas Experience? Under Canvas Yellowstone Glamping Tents The safari-style canvas tents at Under Canvas Yellowstone accommodate any group size ranging from couples to large families. All Under Canvas locations offer the standard luxury canvas tents which include the Suite, Deluxe, Stargazer, and Safari. There is also the option to include the Kids Tent for up to two children. The Suite, Stargazer, and Deluxe have private bathrooms, while the Safari has a shared bathhouse. In our experience, the bathhouse was amazingly clean all the time. We didn’t have to use it much since our cabin had a regular flushing toilet and hot water shower (you have to hold the chain for the water, so we were roughing it a wee bit). We stayed in a Deluxe that is only supposed to accommodate two people, but it was paired with the Kids Tent, which also sleeps two. The plan was to have a cot in the main tent for Wes. Max and Theo would sleep in their own digs. It ended up being really chilly with temperatures below freezing, so we all piled in one tent. Our king bed was amazingly comfortable, and they brought in cots for the boys. Our Deluxe Under Canvas tent also had a wood stove that Jeremy loved building fires in. They give you a tutorial on how to light this when you check in. Plus, they restock your wood everyday. The temperature went down to 27 degrees when we were there, so Jeremy was frequently up in the middle of the night relighting the stove. Now, one important thing to know is that the tents don’t have electricity. Under Canvas gives you battery packs, and you can swap them out for fresh ones and rechargeable lanterns. It really ended up not being a big problem. Finally, no food can be kept or cooked in tents due to fire safety and wildlife safety. After all, this is a wilderness area that shares a habitat with bears, raccoons, and a lot of other wildlife. Under Canvas Yellowstone Communal Areas The indoor gathering areas at Under Canvas Yellowstone provide a nice place to play boardgames, meet other travelers, and grab some food to go. A nice big communal tent offers complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot cider, and s’mores. An onsite restaurant serves b reakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything we had was delicious! Outdoor communal areas include propane powered fire pits, as well as places to enjoy a round of corn hole or badminton. There’s also a beer truck and live music at certain times. Other Highlights of Under Canvas Yellowstone We were very impressed with the customer service at Under Canvas Yellowstone. The staff was really lovely. They were prompt, friendly, and helpful. They were glad to bring us the little things we needed. Even with all the amenities and good food, the most special part for us and our boys was the stargazing at night. The sky in this part of the West has very little light pollution. We were able to see the Milky Way and meteor showers all night. The location of Under Canvas Yellowstone is also wonderful. It is just 15 minutes to downtown West Yellowstone and the park entrance. What’s our bottom line on Under Canvas Yellowstone? We could stay exclusively in Under Canvas locations around the country for the next 10 years of vacations and probably be happy! Truly, this was a uniquely exceptional experience. We made memories we will forever cherish. See you at the campground, Jeremy + Stephanie The post Glamping at Under Canvas Yellowstone appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review! Four Mile Creek Near Niagara Falls, NY 31:55

il y a 4 years31:55

31:55

Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial On The Road is back on The RV Atlas podcast this week and she is our guest blogger here as well! Check out her recent post and interview on the podcast to hear about her stop in Burlington, Vermont. And to hear about her awesome stop at Four Mile Creek State Park and Niagara Falls click on the media player above, or read here guest post below! Guest Post by Gretchen Holcombe **All photos by Gretchen Holcombe Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular sights…and it’s also one of its most crowded. Niagara Falls State Park welcomes more than 8 million visitors a year, and on a busy summer day it can feel like they’re all there at the same time. My husband and I had seen the falls before, but we were excited to make our first trip there with our kids this summer and more than willing to brave the crowds and to shell out money for quintessential tourist experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Four Mile Creek State Park But we were also eager to get a break from the nonstop action in the evenings, and we found the under appreciated Four Mile Creek State Park, just 20 minutes down the road from Niagara Falls, to be an excellent retreat. Four Mile Creek offers up 250 spacious tent and RV sites on the shores of Lake Ontario, about half primitive sites and half with electric hookups (potable water and dump stations are available). In addition to the big sites and quiet setting, we appreciated the bargain pricing: sites are just $24/night for electric, and $18 for dry camping. There are a lot of excellent sites to choose from here, but the ones in the 200 loop that overlook Lake Ontario are the pick of the campground, with enormous “backyards” and great views; look for the even numbered sites between 222 and 240. If you don’t have an RV with you, the park is popular with tent campers and also has six yurts available for rent. Niagara Falls State Park It’s an easy drive from Four Mile Creek to Niagara Falls State Park, and we spent lots of time there checking out the falls from all different vantage points. We parked on Goat Island (we were able to save the $10 fee by showing our pass from Four Mile Creek) and walked all around the area; there are several great places to admire the view, including Terrapin Point and Luna Island. You can walk or take the trolley from Goat Island over to the visitor center and to all the shopping and restaurants in town. The Maid of the Mist leaves from this area and takes you on a very wet trip out to the bottom of the falls; it’s a splurge at around $25 per person for a 20 minute boat ride, but it’s worth it for a view and experience you can’t get any other way. Some of our Niagara Falls plans were derailed both by the fact that the Canadian border was still closed to Americans thanks to COVID and by the very wet weather we had while we were in the area. But the silver lining was that this led us to find some great off-the-beaten-path destinations that we likely wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We spent one rainy morning at Niagara Power Vista’s visitor center, an excellent museum all about the history of and science behind using the falls to produce power. There are lots of hands on activities, a movie, and one particularly charming exhibit where Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison debate the merits of AC vs. DC power. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is another excellent rainy day (or any day) stop. Niagara Falls’ proximity to Canada made it a natural Underground Railroad hub, and this small museum tells the stories of some of the enslaved people who passed through here on their way to freedom in engaging and creative ways. Our family never passes up a good fort, so we made a trip to Old Fort Niagara to dive deeper into the history of the Niagara Falls area. Old Fort Niagara is less than a ten minute drive from Four Mile Creek State Park, so it’s a must-see if you’re staying there. Its history goes back over 300 years and includes roles in assorted colonial wars, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. Watch the film in the visitor center, and then take the brief guided tour out to the fort for an overview of the history before setting off to explore the original buildings on your own. We opted to skip the usual tourist fare available in downtown Niagara Falls in favor of couple of restaurants in the nearby town of Lewiston. We ate one night at The Silo, a fun spot right on the water. The menu includes sandwiches and burgers and local specialties like beef on weck. After dinner you can order ice cream at the historic caboose right next to the restaurant. Another night we stopped in the cute downtown area and enjoyed the highly creative burger menu (“Hot Tempered Elvis” with caramelized bananas and jalapeños, anyone?) and great selection of local beers at Cask + Cow. Huge thanks to Gretchen for sharing both of these reviews from her epic 27 day RV trip! See You at the Campground! –Jeremy The post Campground Review! Four Mile Creek Near Niagara Falls, NY appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Four Mile Creek and Niagara Falls, New York 31:55

il y a 4 years31:55

31:55

Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial On The Road is back on The RV Atlas podcast this week and she is our guest blogger here as well! Check out her recent post and interview on the podcast to hear about her stop in Burlington, Vermont. And to hear about her awesome stop at Four Mile Creek State Park and Niagara Falls click on the media player above, or read here guest post below! Guest Post by Gretchen Holcombe **All photos by Gretchen Holcombe Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular sights…and it’s also one of its most crowded. Niagara Falls State Park welcomes more than 8 million visitors a year, and on a busy summer day it can feel like they’re all there at the same time. My husband and I had seen the falls before, but we were excited to make our first trip there with our kids this summer and more than willing to brave the crowds and to shell out money for quintessential tourist experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Four Mile Creek State Park But we were also eager to get a break from the nonstop action in the evenings, and we found the under appreciated Four Mile Creek State Park, just 20 minutes down the road from Niagara Falls, to be an excellent retreat. Four Mile Creek offers up 250 spacious tent and RV sites on the shores of Lake Ontario, about half primitive sites and half with electric hookups (potable water and dump stations are available). In addition to the big sites and quiet setting, we appreciated the bargain pricing: sites are just $24/night for electric, and $18 for dry camping. There are a lot of excellent sites to choose from here, but the ones in the 200 loop that overlook Lake Ontario are the pick of the campground, with enormous “backyards” and great views; look for the even numbered sites between 222 and 240. If you don’t have an RV with you, the park is popular with tent campers and also has six yurts available for rent. Niagara Falls State Park It’s an easy drive from Four Mile Creek to Niagara Falls State Park, and we spent lots of time there checking out the falls from all different vantage points. We parked on Goat Island (we were able to save the $10 fee by showing our pass from Four Mile Creek) and walked all around the area; there are several great places to admire the view, including Terrapin Point and Luna Island. You can walk or take the trolley from Goat Island over to the visitor center and to all the shopping and restaurants in town. The Maid of the Mist leaves from this area and takes you on a very wet trip out to the bottom of the falls; it’s a splurge at around $25 per person for a 20 minute boat ride, but it’s worth it for a view and experience you can’t get any other way. Some of our Niagara Falls plans were derailed both by the fact that the Canadian border was still closed to Americans thanks to COVID and by the very wet weather we had while we were in the area. But the silver lining was that this led us to find some great off-the-beaten-path destinations that we likely wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We spent one rainy morning at Niagara Power Vista’s visitor center, an excellent museum all about the history of and science behind using the falls to produce power. There are lots of hands on activities, a movie, and one particularly charming exhibit where Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison debate the merits of AC vs. DC power. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is another excellent rainy day (or any day) stop. Niagara Falls’ proximity to Canada made it a natural Underground Railroad hub, and this small museum tells the stories of some of the enslaved people who passed through here on their way to freedom in engaging and creative ways. Our family never passes up a good fort, so we made a trip to Old Fort Niagara to dive deeper into the history of the Niagara Falls area. Old Fort Niagara is less than a ten minute drive from Four Mile Creek State Park, so it’s a must-see if you’re staying there. Its history goes back over 300 years and includes roles in assorted colonial wars, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. Watch the film in the visitor center, and then take the brief guided tour out to the fort for an overview of the history before setting off to explore the original buildings on your own. We opted to skip the usual tourist fare available in downtown Niagara Falls in favor of couple of restaurants in the nearby town of Lewiston. We ate one night at The Silo, a fun spot right on the water. The menu includes sandwiches and burgers and local specialties like beef on weck. After dinner you can order ice cream at the historic caboose right next to the restaurant. Another night we stopped in the cute downtown area and enjoyed the highly creative burger menu (“Hot Tempered Elvis” with caramelized bananas and jalapeños, anyone?) and great selection of local beers at Cask + Cow. Huge thanks to Gretchen for sharing both of these reviews from her epic 27 day RV trip! See You at the Campground! –Jeremy The post Campground Review: Four Mile Creek and Niagara Falls, New York appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review! North Beach Campground: Burlington, VT 34:19

il y a 4 years34:19

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On today’s episode of the The RV Atlas podcast we are excited to have Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial On The Road back on the show to talk about part of her family’s epic summer road trip through New England! Gretchen loved her family’s stop in Burlington, Vermont and she really enjoyed using North Beach Campground as her basecamp! The campground itself was simple and rustic, but the location was FANTASTIC! To listen to Gretchen and Jeremy talk about North Beach Campground and some things to do in Burlington, Vermont, please click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts! To find out more about Burlington, Vermont and North Beach Campground click simply keep reading and check out Gretchen’s guest blog post right below!! All photos by Gretchen Holcombe! Guest Post By Gretchen Holcombe After a year of shorter trips close to home, our family of six was eager for a return to exploring farther afield. My in-laws 50th anniversary celebration on Cape Cod, Massachusetts gave us a great excuse to head for New England this summer, and we spent close to two months exploring Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and then farther west in New York and Michigan. Two parents, four boys, and three dogs in a 32 foot trailer has its challenges, but overall we had an amazing trip and are already planning next summer’s itinerary. Burlington, Vermont My oldest son loves to share geography trivia, so by the time we got to Burlington, Vermont this summer the whole family knew that it’s the “smallest biggest city in America.” In other words, it’s the smallest city in the United States that also has the largest population of any city in its state. And, indeed, Burlington feels like a quirky small town with the kinds of diverse offerings and resources that you’d expect in a much bigger city: museums, tons of restaurants and shopping, a university, and a beautiful lakefront setting. It’s a great combination, and Burlington quickly shot to the top of our favorite places in New England list. North Beach Campground It’s not often that you get the chance to combine urban camping and beach camping, but the city-run North Beach Campground offers exactly that. The campground is right in town and directly on the bike path that will take you the mile and a half or so to the downtown waterfront area, and right across that bike path is North Beach—a lovely spot on Lake Champlain where you can swim or kayak and then enjoy ice cream or dinner at the outdoor restaurant. The campground itself is fairly rustic, with grassy sites and bathhouses that could use some updating, but the sites are a bargain at $45/night for full hookups, $41 for water/electric, and $37 for tent sites. If you have a bigger rig, the full hook up sites are your best bet; the water/electric sites are jumbled together along narrow roads in the middle of the campground and looked pretty tough to get into. We had site 6, right along the main road through the campground, and found our site spacious and easily accessible. If you want a little more privacy, the other section of full-hookup sites, numbers 113–119 are on a quieter road. What to Do in Burlington, Vermont Echo Leahy Center :This is a kid friendly science museum by the water (a quick bike ride or a not as quick walk along the bike path from the campground) with the usual assortment of hands on activities, an adorable play area for younger kids, and a fascinating exhibit all about the science and history of Lake Champlain. Island Line Rail Trail : Burlington’s a great town for biking. If you didn’t bring your own bikes you can rent them downtown and then ride from there all the way to the causeway in Colchester that goes across the lake to Grand Isle. Ethan Allen Homestead : short but engaging tour of the home of this fascinating figure from early Vermont history Church Street Marketplace : pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining area in downtown Burlington; we especially enjoyed Phoenix Books and Lake Champlain Chocolates Vermont Lake Monsters: They love Champy, the legendary monster in Lake Champlain, so much in Burlington that they named their collegiate league baseball team after him. We had a great time cheering them on on our last night in Burlington, and our 8-year-old was star-struck getting Champy’s autograph. Shelburne Museum: we weren’t sure what to expect from the Shelburne Museum (about 20 minutes from Burlington), and it turns out that’s because you can expect a little bit of everything. The sprawling compound of historic buildings includes collections of everything from impressionist art to miniature circus figures to old printing presses. Make sure to ride the carousel and to tour the Ticonderoga steamboat (and watch the fascinating video about how they moved it from Lake Champlain to the museum grounds). There was so much to see here that we came back for a second day (admission is good for two consecutive days). Shelburne Farms : a lot of the regular programming here was canceled this summer because of Covid, but we were still able to meet the farm animals, hike on the beautiful grounds, and buy some delicious cheese at the farm market. Where To Eat in Burlington, Vermont Vermont Pub & Brewery: “Vermont’s Original Craft Brewpub” has a great downtown location and is the perfect spot to grab a beer after a bike ride. Splash at the Boathouse: tons of outside seating right on the lake and all the seafood dishes you’d expect. Creemees: if ice cream instead of beer is your post-bike-ride treat of choice, you can pick up some soft serve at this stand right on the bike path next to the lake. Thanks to Gretchen for being our guest on The RV Atlas podcast once again! See You at the Campground! –Jeremy The post Campground Review! North Beach Campground: Burlington, VT appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Ithaca is Gorges! Robert Treman State Park and More… 40:59

il y a 4 years40:59

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Today I am so excited to welcome a first time guest correspondent on to the show to give us a terrific campground review of Robert Treman State Park in Ithaca, New York! The RV Atlas crew visited Ithaca about 7 years ago during an amazing two week RV trip across New York State. We didn’t stay at Robert Treman State Park during that trip. But we have always wanted to camp there! On today’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast my friend Ellen Dominus Broude is going to take us to Robert Treman State Park. Ithaca is gorgeous! And Ellen brings this campground, the state park, and area to life for our listeners! I met Ellen on social media through The RV Atlas group. Like many of you, I sometimes complain about the role that social media plays in our lives. But then I stop and remember just how many awesome people I have met through the RV Atlas facebook group. Ellen is an amazing person–and I just knew that she would be so much fun to have on the show. Ellen and her husband own an adorable Airstream named Frida. I love following her account @fridatheairstream and I think you will too! 6 Things I Love About My RV Before I asked Ellen to come on the RV Atlas podcast, I also asked her to join me on my new GO RVing show–“6 Things I Love About My RV.” I am so glad she said yes! Check out her episode right below! To listen to Ellen and Jeremy talk about Robert Treman State Park and all of the best things to do in the Ithaca area–click on the media player at the top of the page. Or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts! See You at the Campground! –Jeremy The post Ithaca is Gorges! Robert Treman State Park and More… appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River 29:03

il y a 4 years29:03

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We are thrilled to have our friend Shellie Bailey-Shah back on the show this week for an awesome review of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas! This was a short stop for Shellie and her family (and extended family!) on a long trip. Her entire crew enjoyed this Jellystone immensely! To listen to Shellie’s review click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you listen to your favorite shows! This podcast interview was based on an article that Shellie wrote for Kid Tripster ! We will link to it after it has been posted! The post Campground Review: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review! Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches 27:59

il y a 4 years27:59

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Hey Boo Boo! Stephanie is back on The RV Atlas podcast this week for our review of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches ! On today’s episode of the podcast we give an overview of Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches, and talk about some fun things to do in this gorgeous section of coastal Delaware. This was a bit of a quick trip for us that we tacked on to a major baseball tournament for Max and Theo at the Cal Ripken experience in Aberdeen, Maryland. It was a tough tournament for the boys and we all really needed a break after the hot weekend of baseball. So the pools and waterslides at the Jellystone (and the nearby beaches) were a welcome respite for our boys–who were exhausted at the end of the tournament. This past spring a company named Blue Water bought this particular Jellystone and began to quickly make some new additions and improvements to the park. Stephanie and I have loved the Blue Water properties that we have visited over the years and we were both excited to take a look and see what they were up to here. We have visited Blue Water properties in the past (including Massey’s Landing and the Chesapeake Bay KOA ) and loved them! When we first pulled into the Jellystone and checked into our cabin the boys were thrilled to hear the happy sounds of an ice cream truck driving around the campground and selling its wares! The boys were pumped because it was sooooo hot out and it had been all weekend long at the baseball tournament in Aberdeen. Stephanie could not come to the baseball tournament that weekend because of work, but she showed up at the Jellystone a few minutes after we arrived and we were all thrilled to see her and catch her up on the happenings at the tournament. After we all got unpacked and set up in the cabin we immediately took off for the pool and the brand new waterslides that Blue Water recently installed. I am pleased to report that the waterslides were both FAST and both young Wesley and Max and Theo approved of their velocity! After cooling off and hitting the water slides about 30 times each everyone was hungry and ready for dinner. Stephanie had actually been in the region near Jellystone Delaware Beaches a few weeks earlier for a conference and she really wanted to take us up to the beach for dinner! So she drove us all to the Big Chill Beach Club which is located inside Delaware Seashore State Park. This place had stunning views of the bay bridge and of the ocean. It is located right smack on the beach and the food was really, really good. It was Sunday night and we got right in without waiting. It felt good to be back together as a family after the long weekend of baseball craziness. After a relaxing meal by the water we headed back to the cabin and crashed pretty early so we could be refreshed and ready to go for a day of swimming at the pool and the beach! The rest of our stay went by quick–but we enjoyed every second of our time at the campground and in coastal Delaware Location of Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches serves as a great basecamp for exploring Coastal Delaware. It is about 20 minutes to Lewes, which is a fantastic beach town with lots of charm, great food, and shopping. If you go to Lewes make sure to grab breakfast at Eggcellent, because it is excellent! The Jellystone is also about 40 minutes from Rehobeth Beach–which has a much more boisterous and partly-like atmosphere–especially in the summer. So this campground is not right by the beach–but it serves as pretty good jumping off point for a day trip to the beach. The entire Delaware coast is gorgeous. So why have we never camped here before? Partly because we felt like it was too much like our home at the Jersey Shore. Turns out it is very different, and very much worth a visit even for Jersey beach folks like us! Cabin Sites and RV Sites at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches This is a big campground with a long row of cabins and 8 long rows of RV sites. The cabins were good for families with bunks and had private bedrooms for mom and dad. We had a cabin with bathroom and kitchen, front porch, side fire pit and picnic table. It was close to the pool and short walk to the amenities. The manager, Bryan (who does a great job!) said they are adding new deluxe cabins next year. We think they will be a great new addition to the campground for those that don’t own RV’s. RV Sites were really nice here. They were fairly spacious with some shade and landscaping mixed in—they were all pretty even steven as well in terms of sizing. I liked the sites that backed up to the woods on the far side of the campground for some shade and more privacy. We enjoyed riding our golf cart up and down the rows and checking the RVs out. Some seasonal sites were mixed in and they looked nice and very well kept. Activities and Amenities There are a bunch of fun amenities at the front of the campground and a h uge activity field for football or whiffle ball–or a game of catch. This is a very nice section of the campground with something for just about everyone. T here is also a nice playground area with shaded seating nearby to hang out while the kids play. There are also basketball and volleyball courts that older kids will enjoy. The thing that Max and Theo loved the most was something I have never seen at a campground in over a decade of serious camping! The had a full size batting cage!!! MAX AND THEO LOVED IT!!!! We would all love to see this at more campgrounds in the future. We were lucky because we had all of our equipment with us from the weekend tournament. I am not sure if they provide equipment for those that come without. If they don’t, they should. There were lots of other activities and amenities here as well….. JELLYSTONE THEATRE FOR MOVIE NIGHTS HAY RIDES AN ACTIVITY CENTER GREAT FOR RAINY DAYS HORSHOES A NICE CAMPSTORE WITH REALLY FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE GOLF CART RENTALS Our time at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches was short, but we would love to come back with our own RV and stay in one of the many nice sites at this pretty campground. And we will make sure to bring our baseball bats, our bathing suits, and a bucket of baseballs. That’s about all we would need for another epic summer adventure! The post Campground Review! Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Casita Dean May Reviews the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA 49:16

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Casita Dean May is back on The RV Atlas podcast with a fresh review of the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Holiday . Dean and his wife Laura consider this to be one of the top three campgrounds they have ever visited. Dean and Laura have spent over 200 nights camping in there Casita and they have visited over 10 states. So this is high praise based on their wide experience. Our family also loved the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA when we visited about seven years ago on a 36 night RV trip that brought us to both sides of the Smokies for about two weeks. We were writing our first book at that time and we recorded the podcast in the bedroom of the RV after the kids went to bed at night. I loved the podcasts that we recorded during that trip because the activities and amazing hikes that we talking about were so fresh in mind! Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an abundance of options for camping both inside and outside of the park and we have covered the best of the best of these campgrounds here . The Townsend/Great Smokies KOA is definitely one of them! We also recently invited our friend DJ Odom on the podcast to talk about his absolute favorite places to visit in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and you can listen to that podcast or read about his favorites right here ! And don’t forget to listen to today’s episode of the RV Atlas with Casita Dean May by clicking on the media player above! Or by subscribing to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts! See You at the Campground! -Jeremy The post Casita Dean May Reviews the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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4 Amazing Campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest! 39:39

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On today’s episode of The RV Atlas we are heading west for a review of four amazing campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest that you are going to want to add to your bucket list! The Pacific Northwest is my favorite geographical region of our country and the entire RV Atlas crew cannot wait to get back some day soon. Four years ago our family took an epic camping trip to the Pacific Northwest and spend 26 days doing a huge loop from Seatlle to Olympic National Park , to Mount St Helens to Coastal Oregon to the Redwoods , back into Oregon for Crater Lake and Odell Lake and then back to Seattle—it was such an amazing trip–my favorite trip ever. I’ve been dying to get back ever since–my wanderlust for the Pacific NORTHWEST IS VERY VERY STRONG. Kendra and Tyler from Campspot So on today’s episode we are heading back to the Pacific Northwest with our terrific first time guests Kendra and Tyler from CAMPSPOT. Kendra and Tyler (and their two cats, Sunny and Luna) travel full time in their AIRSTREAM creating content for Campspot. They do photography, video, writing, camp cooking content and so much more and their visual style and killer photo and video chops can be seen all over Campspot’s website. Kendra and Tyler have travelled all over the country and we had a lot of cool options for podcast episodes–but of course I asked them to do an episode about campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest—during the interview I meant to say that I felt like a kid in a candy shop talking to them about podcast ideas–but instead I said I felt like a kid in a candybox. What the heck is a candy box? I don’t know–but it doesnt sound like it holds a lot of candy! So just so you know–I meant a CANDY SHOP! Because Kendra and Tyler have been everywhere! And I hope to have them back on the show to cover more great campgrounds in other parts of the country. So let’s dive in and get four great recommendations for campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest from Kendra and Tyler. And huge thanks to Tyler for the amazing photos in this blog post! To listen to today’s episode of The RV Atlas about campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest click on the media player above, or subscribe to the The RV Atlas wherever you get your podcasts! Or just check out Tyler’s amazing photos and and Tyler and Kendra’s highlights in the notes below each campground! Northern California Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground & RV Park in Crescent City, CA photo by Tyler D. Way photo by Tyler D. Way Redwood National and State Parks Favorite trails: Lady Bird Johnson old grove trail (easy access loop trail) Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail- Permit required trail— mildly difficult, but old growth and river Coastal trail — easy and great for sunset views Scenic drive on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway (off US-101) Klamath Beach – sea lions Crescent City: SeaQuake Brewing (great fries with an amazing parmesan dipping sauce) Battery Point Lighthouse — also great for sunset Oregon Craine Prairie RV Resort in the Cascade Lakes Region of Oregon photo by Tyler D. Way photo by Tyler D. Way Beautiful, remote campground in a wooded setting with full-hookups Just around the corner from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Lake access and lake-views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top mountains The campground offers boat, pontoon, SUP, and kayak rentals Short drives away from Odell and Crescent Lake which was one of the clearest lake I’ve seen Near some incredible waterfalls including Salt Creek Falls in the Willamette National Forest that featured an easy hike down to the base of the falls but what makes these falls so great is its accessibility with paved paths and the location being just off the highway 1.5 hours away from Crater Lake Side note – they do not have 50 amp service at the park so make sure to bring your converter if you need it Milo McIver State Park, Oregon photo by Tyler D. Way photo by Tyler D. Way (Milo K. McIver (1897-1962), member of the Oregon Highway Commission from 1950 to 1962 and strong supporter of state parks activities. ) From their website: Seasonal Camping Mid-March to October 31 44 electrical sites with water (one accessible Nine tent sites with water nearby Hot showers and flush toilets Three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets, and fire rings Three hiker/biker campsites with water, lockers, solar charging station and fire pit RV dump station What to do in the area: -Clackamas River- people go out on rafts, canoes, or kayaks. It’s got great fishing at Estacada Lake that has a boat ramp and an ADA fishing dock and again the Clackamas River- it has steelhead and Chinook salmon SUP and Kayak Rentals Tons of hiking and horse trails. We walked through the Clackamas Fish Hatchery that’s located at McIver Park and did the self-guided tour that takes you through the life-cycle of Chinook Salmon and steelhead Lastly, it has a “world-class” 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day=use area and discs are available at the park office to rent or buy. (Tell story of people playing disc golf and an eagle swooped by and we were super excited) Super close to Portland (only 33 minutes away from Portland with terrific views of Mt. Hood) Washington State Elkamp Eastcreek Campground in Mineral, Washington photo by Tyler D. Way photo by Tyler D. Way We were just there last week and we already miss it. located at the foot of Mt. Rainier and located just a 15 minute drive away from the Nisqually Gate of the National park, the only entrance of the park that’s open year-found 10 RV sites, 10 tent sites so it’s never super overcrowded – always quiet, wooded and private with each site being surrounded by beautiful, moss-covered trees the pacific northwest is known for Owners Tom and Brian make you feel so welcome and have an incredible campground store filled with your basic things but things like campfire cookbooks, coffee table books on camping for all the camping vibes when you return home, art supplies, and more. Located near Portland and Seattle. What makes this park unique are the miles of nature trails right on site through the meadow of wildflowers (depending on the time of year of course) and the old growth forests and the green woods of moss and ferns, the kinds of woods you’d expect from the evergreen state The post 4 Amazing Campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest! appeared first on The RV Atlas .…

Campground of the Week

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Campground Review! New York City North/ Newburgh KOA 34:26

il y a 4 years34:26