Campground of the Week

Ponderosa pines, Rocky Mountain peaks, gorgeous campsites…Colorado’s Mueller State Park just might be one of the nation’s prettiest campgrounds. It is classic camping at its best. Our longtime correspondent Kerri Cox is with us to share a campground review of Mueller State Park, which has become a favorite home away from home for her over the years. And, she selected this familiar favorite for her very first solo van trip.

Here’s a guest post from Kerri. To hear our full conversation, including Kerri’s top campsite picks, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast app.

Though I don’t live in Colorado, it’s become my favorite place to visit due to the easy drive to the mountains from my home in Missouri. You might have heard me talk about it again and again and again on the podcast over the years. I first fell in love with Mueller State Park nearly 10 years ago and have returned five or six times as a place to enjoy nature and relaxation. I consider it my annual “reset” before the school year begins.

Since Russell and I didn’t have a good chance for a getaway together this summer, when he was heading off to a game convention in Indianapolis, I decided it would be the perfect time for my first solo van trip in my beloved Class B van, AKA “Birdy.” It was a familiar place to practice the unfamiliar experience of a big solo drive and full setup. Since I booked late, I ended up with a different campsite for each night, giving me even more of an opportunity to explore the park.

First, here are 5 things make Mueller State Park especially special: 

Some campgrounds work best as basecamps you use to explore other destinations, but Mueller State Park is a campground I go to just to stay in the campground. It encompasses all of the mountain vibes without requiring driving on mountainous roadway (when coming in from Colorado Springs).

Mueller State Park is located approximately 45 minutes west of Colorado Springs, making it close enough for a day trip but a little too far away to drive in and grab a meal. The drive “up” Highway 24 from Colorado Springs is pretty interesting, passing by some of the city’s iconic red rocks and a few small mountain towns.

The main reason I go to Mueller State Park has less to do with its geographic location and more to do with its elevation. The park is located at app. 9,500 feet in elevation (pro tip: it’s not advisable to go directly to the park from the flatlands if you aren’t used to elevation; consider a stay in Colorado Springs for a night before continuing on).

Because of the elevation, the weather is much cooler in the summer, with highs in the 70s and low 80s. Monsoon rains hit daily in July and August but rarely wash out an entire day. Mueller is a great spot to experience Colorado’s golden aspens in the fall (with trees changing in September), and it offers camping and activities even in the snowy winter.

If you want to hear the full campground review of Mueller State Park, including some favorite campsites and some to avoid, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas on your podcast app.

While you can totally stay inside Mueller and relax and cook your own food, I enjoy driving around and doing some simple exploration.

I hope this campground review of Mueller State Park helped inspire you to visit…although, I may regret sharing this special under-the-radar campground. Ultimately, I consider Mueller State Park “old reliable.” I know what to expect, and I love what I know! It was the perfect spot for my first solo van trip.

The post A Solo Campervan Trip to Mueller State Park in Colorado with Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy appeared first on The RV Atlas.

There are some state parks that feel almost too grand to be state parks. They have the scenery, recreation, history, and sheer scale that we usually associate with our national parks.

Letchworth State Park in Western New York is one of those places.

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth stretches for roughly 17 miles along the Genesee River, where three major waterfalls tumble through a dramatic gorge surrounded by forested cliffs. There are miles and miles of hiking trails, historic sites, overlooks, a swimming pool, rafting, kayaking, interpretive programs, and enough attractions to fill several days without ever leaving the park.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, our longtime correspondent Casita Dean May returns with an incredibly detailed review of Letchworth State Park. Dean and his wife Laura spent six nights camping here as the final stop on a 21-day summer road trip that also included Geneva State Park in Ohio and Watkins Glen State Park in New York. After nearly 600 nights of camping in 18 states—primarily at state parks—Dean ranks Letchworth among his top three state parks and says it might even take the number-one spot.

That is high praise from someone who has done a whole lot of state park camping.

To listen to our interview with Casita Dean May about Letchworth State Park please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!

Letchworth State Park is located in rural Western New York, about 45 miles south of Rochester and roughly 60 miles southeast of Buffalo.

Dean and Laura arrived after spending a week at Watkins Glen State Park, which is only about 80 to 90 miles away. That makes these two legendary New York state parks an excellent pairing for a longer RV trip.

One of the first things that surprised Dean and Laura was just how rural this part of New York is.

We remember having exactly the same reaction when we traveled through Western New York with our boys years ago. Once you get away from the major population centers, you’ll find rolling hills, farms, cornfields, forests, and beautiful little villages. It can feel worlds away from the image many travelers have of New York.

And Letchworth itself is enormous.

The park is approximately 17 miles long, so don’t expect to park the truck at the campground and walk everywhere. Depending on where you’re headed, you may drive 20 or 25 minutes from the campground to reach a trailhead, overlook, or attraction.

Dean and Laura spent three fairly committed days just exploring the park.

That’s an important planning note. Letchworth isn’t a place where we’d recommend booking two nights and assuming you’ve seen it.

Letchworth has a large, classic state park campground divided into eight loops. Dean describes the camping area as beautiful, wooded, and somewhat nostalgic.

The campground has 257 campsites, along with an unusually large selection of cabins and other lodging options. Sites offer either 30-amp or 50-amp electric service, but there are no water hookups at individual campsites. Instead, each loop has several shared water spigots.

Each loop also has restroom and shower facilities.

Most campsites are gravel, and you’ll find everything from partial shade to deeply wooded sites.

This is an older campground, so RVers should research individual sites before booking. Some sites can be uneven, and site lengths vary.

Dean and Laura travel with a 17-foot Casita and had no trouble finding a suitable campsite. They also saw more large fifth wheels and motorhomes than they expected, so Letchworth certainly isn’t off-limits to big rigs.

However, if you’re traveling with a larger RV, Dean recommends booking early and researching the individual site carefully.

This is one of those campgrounds where experienced repeat visitors probably know exactly which sites work for their rigs.

One of Dean’s few criticisms of Letchworth involved the age of some campground facilities.

This is something we’ve noticed at other New York state park campgrounds as well. The parks themselves are spectacular, and the campgrounds often occupy incredible locations, but some of the older bathhouses and infrastructure can feel dated.

There is almost a charming nostalgia to it.

Almost.

We love campground nostalgia as much as anyone, but we’d also like a nice shower.

The good news is that Letchworth is in the midst of significant bathhouse improvements. The park is replacing several campground shower buildings, and construction is affecting campsite availability during the 2026 season, with work extending into spring 2027.

So if you’re planning an upcoming stay, pay particularly close attention to which loops are open when you make your reservation.

Pet owners also need to be careful when selecting a loop.

When Dean booked his trip, he specifically chose a pet-friendly loop because their beloved dog Gibbs was still traveling with them at the time. Sadly, Gibbs passed away before this trip.

Not every camping loop at Letchworth allows pets, so don’t assume that simply selecting an available campsite means your dog can join you there.

The park currently allows pets in designated camping loops and limits campers to two pets, with additional leash and vaccination requirements.

This is definitely something to verify before clicking that reservation button.

One of the best things about Letchworth is the price.

Dean found the campsites remarkably affordable considering the quality of the destination.

Current campsite rates are $30 to $32 per night, with an additional $5-per-night fee for out-of-state residents.

That’s a tremendous value for a campground inside one of the most spectacular state parks in the country.

During the episode, we couldn’t help noticing the tension between those incredibly low prices and the need for infrastructure improvements.

We’re certainly not advocating for unnecessarily expensive state park camping. Affordable public campgrounds are incredibly important. But we’d also gladly pay a few more dollars per night if that money were dedicated to preserving and improving these extraordinary parks for future generations.

Letchworth also stands out for the sheer variety of accommodations available to non-RVers.

The park has 81 cabins, ranging from rustic options to more developed accommodations, along with two impressive cottages: Maplewood Lodge and Parker’s Hideaway.

Then there is an entirely different collection of accommodations associated with the historic Glen Iris Inn, including rooms at the inn itself as well as Pinewood Lodge, Pinewood Lofts, Caroline’s Cottage, the Stone House, and Chalet House.

The Glen Iris Inn is particularly special because it overlooks Middle Falls.

Dean joked that if someone told him he had to pick one place to live for the rest of his life—as long as he could escape during the harshest part of winter—the Glen Iris Inn overlooking Middle Falls wouldn’t be a bad choice.

We can’t really argue with that.

These lodging options also make Letchworth an excellent choice for a multigenerational camping trip or a vacation with friends who don’t own RVs.

If you need to work from the campground, plan ahead.

Dean and Laura found no campground Wi-Fi and struggled with cell service, frequently getting only one or two bars.

Their solution was simple: embrace it.

Dean is retired, so as he reminded us during the episode, “work” is a four-letter word.

They downloaded entertainment to an iPad ahead of time and enjoyed being disconnected.

We have to admit that when we pull into a campground and discover the Wi-Fi isn’t very good, there is sometimes a small sense of relief. It removes the temptation to check email and gives us permission to actually disconnect.

But if you truly need connectivity during your stay, don’t assume you’ll be able to rely on your phone.

The Genesee River runs through the heart of Letchworth, cutting a dramatic gorge through the landscape.

Cliffs rise as high as 600 feet, and the river passes over three major waterfalls: Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls.

Surrounding everything is dense forest.

The park offers approximately 66 miles of hiking trails, plus opportunities for biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, swimming, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and other recreation. There are also nature programs, guided walks, historical interpretation, and even hot-air ballooning.

This is why Letchworth feels more like a national park than a typical state park.

There is simply an enormous amount to do.

If you only have time for one hiking experience, Dean recommends focusing on the Gorge Trail.

The trail runs roughly seven miles along the western side of the gorge and provides access to many of the park’s most famous views, including all three major waterfalls.

You don’t have to hike the entire thing.

In fact, most visitors probably shouldn’t.

Because Letchworth is long and narrow, hiking the whole trail out and back would turn it into roughly a 14-mile day.

Instead, Park Road parallels much of the gorge and provides numerous parking areas and access points.

That allows you to create your own hiking itinerary.

Drive to a parking area, hike a section of the Gorge Trail, return to your vehicle, continue down Park Road, and then access another section.

For most visitors, that’s probably the best way to experience Letchworth.

If seven miles doesn’t sound like nearly enough hiking, Letchworth has you covered.

The Finger Lakes Trail travels along the more rugged eastern side of the park.

Dean describes this side as considerably less developed, making it appealing to hikers looking for a more substantial backcountry experience.

The trail through Letchworth also connects to the much larger Finger Lakes Trail system, opening up enormous possibilities for serious hikers.

You could easily use Letchworth as a hiking base camp and never come close to running out of trail.

One of the most unique recreational resources at Letchworth is the Autism Nature Trail, commonly called the ANT.

Located near the Humphrey Nature Center, this approximately one-mile accessible trail was specifically designed to provide an inclusive nature experience for visitors with autism and other developmental disabilities.

It features eight sensory stations that encourage visitors to experience and interact with nature in different ways.

Dean and Laura walked the trail while exploring the nature center area and came away impressed.

This is the kind of thoughtful park resource that makes us fall in love with the New York State Park system all over again.

The northern end of Letchworth offers an attraction that surprised Dean: the Mount Morris Dam.

At first glance, he couldn’t figure out where the reservoir was.

That’s because this isn’t a traditional dam creating a permanent lake.

It is a dry dam designed for flood control.

The Genesee River normally flows through it, while the area behind the dam can temporarily hold floodwater during periods of excessive rain or snowmelt.

Dean was fascinated by the engineering and particularly enjoyed the interpretive signage explaining how the system works.

There is also a visitor center in this area.

For travelers who enjoy engineering, history, or simply learning how the places they visit actually work, it’s well worth heading to the northern end of the park instead of spending your entire trip around the waterfalls.

For such a large park, Letchworth does a good job of providing places to grab a snack, drink, or meal while you’re exploring.

The campground has a well-stocked camp store, along with another area selling local products such as honey, baked goods, and other treats.

Elsewhere in the park you’ll find additional concessions.

Near the dam, for example, Dean found the Dam Overlook Cafe and Gifts.

The southern section has still more options, including concessions near the waterfalls.

That matters more than you might expect.

When you’re spending an entire day driving, hiking, and sightseeing through a 17-mile-long park, being able to grab a cold drink or lunch without leaving the park is incredibly convenient.

Letchworth also has a large swimming complex, which Dean describes as essentially an Olympic-sized pool accompanied by another substantial pool.

Swimming is a great option for families who need a break from hiking and sightseeing.

It’s also a reminder that these New York state parks aren’t just tourist attractions. They serve as important recreational spaces for surrounding communities.

You could easily imagine local families spending summer days at Letchworth just to swim, picnic, and enjoy the park.

On the southern end of the park, make time for the Humphrey Nature Center.

Unlike some of the campground facilities that show their age, Dean found the nature center modern, contemporary, and packed with information.

Interactive exhibits explore the park’s geology, wildlife, plants, and river ecology, and trails from the nature center lead to destinations including Trout Pond and Inspiration Point.

For families, we’d put this fairly high on the itinerary.

It’s a great place to give kids some context for everything they’re seeing outside—and it works especially well if the weather isn’t cooperating with your hiking plans.

The southern portion of Letchworth also contains some of the park’s most interesting historical attractions.

Dean recommends stopping at Inspiration Point, as well as exploring the Council Grounds and park museum.

The history of this landscape extends far beyond its creation as a state park, and Dean was particularly interested in learning more about the Seneca people who lived here.

The park preserves and interprets several sites connected to that history, including the story of Mary Jemison, who became closely connected with the Seneca community after being captured as a child and later played an important role in the history of the Genesee Valley.

That history adds an entirely different layer to a Letchworth visit.

You can come here for waterfalls.

But you shouldn’t leave without learning something about the people who lived on this land long before it became a recreational destination.

Another important chapter of Letchworth’s history came during the Great Depression.

Between 1933 and 1941, four Civilian Conservation Corps camps operated at Letchworth, with approximately 3,000 men helping develop the park’s infrastructure.

Dean has joined us on The RV Atlas before for an entire episode about the Civilian Conservation Corps, and his enthusiasm for the CCC came roaring back at Letchworth.

The work these young men performed during the Depression helped create the parks Americans continue enjoying generations later.

It’s also worth remembering when we look at aging infrastructure in our public parks.

These places were created through enormous investments by previous generations.

Maintaining them requires investment from ours.

Of course, for many visitors, Letchworth is ultimately about the waterfalls.

Start with Lower Falls, which Dean describes as approximately 70 feet tall.

Reaching the best views requires descending more than 100 stairs from the Gorge Trail.

One of the highlights here is the beautiful stone footbridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Walk onto the bridge, turn toward the river, and Lower Falls appears upstream.

It’s one of those classic Letchworth views that demonstrates how beautifully the park’s historic infrastructure works with the surrounding landscape.

Middle Falls is the largest of Letchworth’s three major waterfalls.

Dean describes it as approximately 107 feet tall and 285 feet wide.

It’s also the waterfall most closely associated with the Glen Iris Inn.

Walk outside the inn, take a few steps, and there it is.

Once you see the view, it becomes pretty easy to understand why William Pryor Letchworth chose this particular spot for his home.

Middle Falls is also a good reminder to keep your phone handy.

Dean joked that he would take what seemed like the perfect waterfall photo, walk another 20 or 30 feet, discover an even better view, and immediately take another.

We remember doing exactly the same thing.

Upper Falls is approximately 70 feet tall and has a distinctive horseshoe shape.

But the waterfall is only part of the scene.

Towering above it is the Genesee Arch Bridge, creating one of Letchworth’s most recognizable views.

The combination of waterfall, gorge, forest, and massive railroad bridge is spectacular.

Even though it has been more than a decade since our own visit, we can still remember standing in these spots.

That’s the kind of impression Letchworth makes.

The park bears the name of William Pryor Letchworth, a Buffalo businessman, Quaker, and social reformer who became captivated by this landscape.

He eventually purchased approximately 1,000 acres surrounding the Upper and Middle Falls and established his home at Glen Iris.

Before his death in 1910, he arranged for his estate to be given to New York State so the landscape could be preserved.

What began with Letchworth’s property eventually grew into today’s massive state park.

Dean, a retired social work professor, was particularly interested in Letchworth’s commitment to social reform and preservation.

Learning his story at the park museum helps explain how this extraordinary place became public land rather than disappearing behind private gates.

Dean and Laura camped at Letchworth for six nights, giving them five full days once travel days were factored in.

They spent three of those days primarily exploring the park.

That feels about right to us.

You could certainly see the biggest attractions during a shorter visit, but Letchworth rewards time.

For a first trip, we’d recommend at least three full days, especially if you want to hike, explore both ends of the park, visit the historical attractions, and spend time around all three waterfalls.

With five days, you can slow down and also explore some of the delightful small communities surrounding the park.

And those communities turned out to be one of Dean and Laura’s biggest surprises.

The village of Perry makes an excellent excursion from Letchworth.

Dean describes it as a quaint small town with a charming downtown, but his biggest recommendation sits just outside town.

The Charcoal Corral is a glorious throwback.

It has not one but two drive-in movie screens.

It has pizza.

It has ice cream.

It has miniature golf.

It has an arcade.

It has inflatables for kids.

And depending on when you visit, there may be classic car cruise nights, line dancing, trivia, concerts, or other events.

Dean initially wondered how good the pizza could possibly be at a place that felt this touristy.

He was wrong to worry.

He and Laura loved it.

The whole place has a nostalgic 1960s-and-1970s family-fun vibe that fits perfectly with a summer camping trip.

Dean is also one of our most reliable traveling bookstore correspondents.

His recommendation in Perry is Act 4 Books.

This isn’t simply a bookstore. It also incorporates coffee, games, toys, and community events.

What impressed Dean most was the personal connection. The staff could actually talk books, make recommendations, and clearly cared about being part of the community.

If your ideal small-town afternoon involves browsing bookstores, grabbing coffee, and wandering through antique and thrift shops, Perry deserves some time on your itinerary.

Near Perry you’ll also find Silver Lake.

Silver Lake State Park is a day-use destination, and there are other public access points around the lake.

Dean doesn’t suggest making it the centerpiece of your trip—Letchworth certainly provides enough to do—but it makes a pleasant hour-or-two excursion.

It’s also sometimes casually described as the westernmost Finger Lake, although Dean notes that geologically it isn’t officially considered part of the Finger Lakes.

At the northern end of Letchworth, the village of Mount Morris is another easy side trip.

Dean and Laura enjoyed simply parking and walking through town, something they routinely do when they discover communities with interesting historic architecture.

Their memorable food stop here was Susie’s Gluten Free Bakery.

Dean didn’t seek it out because he eats gluten-free.

He went for the coffee.

He ended up having what he called the best Americano he’d ever tasted—and liked the first one enough to immediately order a second.

The breakfast sandwiches and pastries were also excellent.

But the real attraction may have been Susie herself.

Dean describes her as intense, opinionated, funny, and extremely concerned about making sure her customers make the right choices.

She even managed to talk him out of putting his preferred sweetener into his coffee.

Rather than being annoyed, Dean kept finding reasons to talk to her because she reminded him of his Aunt Betty from Phoenicia, New York.

Sometimes the people you meet while traveling become as memorable as the places.

Castile is smaller than Perry or Mount Morris, but its location makes it particularly convenient for exploring the southern section of Letchworth.

Dean and Laura stopped at the Parkside Diner for breakfast before heading back into the park for a full sightseeing day.

It’s a straightforward local diner serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, burgers, and other classics.

Sometimes that’s exactly what you need before several hours of hiking waterfalls.

Dean also recommends Wolf Creek Deli in Castile.

He loves burgers but tries not to order them constantly, so he tends to save his burger calories for one that seems especially promising.

This one passed the test.

Beyond burgers, Wolf Creek Deli serves wings, pizza, pressed sandwiches, and other casual fare.

These Castile restaurants work especially well because you can leave the park, grab a meal, and quickly get back to sightseeing.

A little farther north is Geneseo, and Dean thinks it’s absolutely worth the extra drive.

This was the most developed of the surrounding villages they explored.

The presence of SUNY Geneseo gives the town a college-town energy, while the historic district provides plenty to explore on foot.

Dean and Laura originally landed here because they needed groceries.

And then Dean discovered Wegmans.

Those of us who already know Wegmans understand.

Dean now understands too.

Dean recommends Crickets Coffee Kitchen and Cocktails for coffee and brunch.

One detail particularly charmed him: the shop offered an honor-system option for grab-and-go coffee.

Put the money in, pour yourself a cup, and head out.

It was a small detail, but exactly the sort of thing that made him enjoy Geneseo.

Laura particularly enjoyed The Not Dot Shop, which brings together work and merchandise from numerous individual vendors and makers under one roof.

Dean and Laura enjoy thrifting and browsing even when they aren’t necessarily looking to buy something, and Geneseo turned out to be an excellent place for that kind of wandering.

Dean recommends giving the town an afternoon rather than treating it as nothing more than a grocery stop.

One of our favorite stories from this episode wasn’t planned at all.

Dean and Laura were driving along the eastern side of Letchworth, got a little turned around, and eventually found themselves in Nunda.

There they discovered the Kishwaukee Creamery and Coffee House.

Laura ordered ice cream.

Dean ordered coffee.

So far, perfectly on brand.

The shop also had an antique-parlor-style seating area where they could relax.

While sitting there, they struck up a conversation with a 14-year-old employee who was taking his lunch break.

He was a military kid whose retired father had eventually brought the family to Nunda, and he spent his break happily chatting with Dean and Laura about his life.

It was a simple interaction.

But it became one of those little travel memories that sticks.

You can’t put it on an itinerary.

You can’t reserve it online.

You just have to leave enough space in a trip for unexpected things to happen.

Dean’s 21-day trip included three state parks, and when we put him on the spot about his favorite, he chose Letchworth.

But there is some nuance.

The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, with 19 waterfalls packed into roughly a mile and a half, remains one of the most spectacular individual hikes Dean has experienced.

And Watkins Glen’s location in the heart of the Finger Lakes puts you close to wineries, breweries, lakes, and an enormous range of day trips.

So here’s how we’d frame the choice:

Letchworth is the grander state park. Watkins Glen is surrounded by more tourist attractions.

Thankfully, you don’t really have to choose.

They are close enough to combine into one outstanding Western New York RV trip.

Absolutely.

Dean and Laura have camped nearly 600 nights in 18 states, and they overwhelmingly prefer public parks.

Letchworth still landed in their top three state parks—and potentially at number one.

That tells you something.

The campground itself isn’t luxurious. Some of the infrastructure is old. Cell service isn’t great. Larger RVs need to choose sites carefully.

But none of those things define the experience.

What defines Letchworth is waking up in a deeply wooded campground and having an entire day ahead of you filled with waterfalls, gorge overlooks, hiking trails, history, museums, rafting, swimming, nature programs, and scenic drives.

It’s looking at Middle Falls and understanding instantly why William Pryor Letchworth wanted to protect this land.

It’s walking another 30 feet after taking what you thought was the perfect picture—and realizing the view just got even better.

And it’s discovering that one of the most magnificent outdoor destinations in the Northeast is surrounded by little villages where you can find a great burger, an old-school drive-in, an independent bookstore, a memorable cup of coffee, or an unexpected conversation with a stranger.

Dean said that sometimes Letchworth was so beautiful he couldn’t walk 10 or 20 feet without pulling out his phone for another photograph.

We know exactly what he means.

New York State is one of the most underrated camping destinations in the country, and Letchworth State Park is one of the very best reasons why.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post Letchworth State Park: A Guide to “the Grand Canyon of the East” with Casita Dean May appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, our longtime correspondent Casita Dean May is back with a campground review that he calls an absolute grand slam: Noccalula Falls Park and Campground in Gadsden, Alabama. Dean and his wife Laura found this city-run campground while searching for their first camping trip of the year, and it turned into one of those discoveries that reminds us why we love RVing in the first place. A 90-foot waterfall, a 500-acre park, full hookup sites for under $60 a night, and a small city that is working hard to become the quintessential Southern town. This one has it all.

To hear Dean’s full conversation with Jeremy, click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Before diving into the campground review, we want to mention that Dean dedicated this episode to Mr. Gibbs, his and Laura’s Mississippi Maltese who passed away in April at the age of 15. Gibbs camped in 15 states over his 10 years on the road with Dean and Laura, logging an estimated 50,000 miles in his car seat. As it turned out, this trip to Noccalula Falls in mid-March was Gibbs’s final camping trip. He had his last birthday just after they returned home. It is a bittersweet note to carry into this review, and one we know a lot of our fellow RV families with senior pets will understand.

Noccalula Falls Park and Campground sits in Gadsden, Alabama, a city of about 33,000 people located right on Interstate 59, roughly five to six miles off the highway. Dean laid out the geography well: Gadsden sits about 75 miles southwest of Huntsville, about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham, and about 90 miles southwest of Chattanooga. For a bigger reference point, imagine Atlanta and travel 120 miles west.

Dean initially assumed this was a state park, but it is actually a city park, and one of those hidden gems that most people never think to search for. Municipal campgrounds do not get the same attention as national parks, KOAs, or Jellystone locations, but plenty of cities run excellent campgrounds like this one. The park dates back to the early 1960s, and it underwent a complete renovation in 2025, so everything still feels brand new.

The campground has 73 sites, and every single one offers a full hookup with a concrete pad. Because of the recent renovation, shade is limited across the property, so this is worth keeping in mind if camping in the heat of summer. Each site includes a fire pit, grill, and picnic table, and Dean reported no trouble parking his Casita and midsize truck with room to spare.

Two cabins are also available for anyone traveling with friends or family who do not have an RV. Each cabin includes two bedrooms with queen beds, a bathroom, a fireplace, a screened porch, and a full kitchen. The cabins sit at the far end of the campground for extra privacy.

Campground amenities include a new pool with a small fountain feature, a playground, new bath houses, a laundry facility, a new camp store, and pavilions for larger group gatherings. One of Dean’s favorite features was direct access to the park’s hiking trail system, somewhere between 15 and 22 miles of trails that radiate outward from the campground loop. His site backed up almost directly onto the paved trail leading down into the gorge, and several of those trails are also mountain biking friendly.

Full hookup sites run $52 to $60 a night during non-peak season and $65 to $75 a night during peak season, with no additional fees beyond tax. Dean noted that this compares favorably to some state parks, which often tack on multiple separate fees that push the nightly rate above $50 even before hitting peak season.

The cabins run $150 a night, plus a one-time $125 cleaning fee. Since that fee applies once per stay rather than per night, booking a longer weekend helps bring the effective nightly rate down considerably.

Wifi worked well throughout the stay, and cell service was strong too, since the campground sits right on the edge of Gadsden (Dean’s experience reflects AT&T service specifically). Staff in the campground store were consistently friendly and happy to point campers toward local recommendations for food and coffee, which Dean says almost always beats a generic online search.

This is a towable and motorized RV only campground. Because every site is paved as part of the 2025 renovation, tent camping is not permitted. If a group is mixing tents and RVs, this is not the spot.

The other honest note is the lack of shade mentioned above. The renovated sites are open and manicured rather than tucked under trees, so campers looking for a shaded, secluded site surrounded by forest should look elsewhere. Dean pointed out that this would be a tough campground in the peak heat of an Alabama summer, even with air conditioning running.

The campground backs up to Black Creek Ravine, home to Noccalula Falls itself, a 90-foot waterfall. On the other side of the ravine sits the 500-acre city park that gives the campground its name. Walking access between the two is easy, and day-use visitors can also park directly at the park.

Admission to the park runs $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and kids, and it includes access to a scenic train ride around the park’s perimeter (pets are not permitted on the train), a miniature golf course, an animal habitat and petting zoo, an old-time pioneer village, and a small botanical garden. Visitors can also hike behind the waterfall itself, something Dean got to experience firsthand. A second visitor center and gift shop sit on the park side of the gorge, and it is actually larger than the campground’s own camp store.

The park also hosts a full calendar of special events throughout the year, including a Spring Lantern Festival (which Dean and Laura happened to catch during their stay, with hundreds of lanterns lit up across the park at night), a Smoke on the Falls Barbecue Festival, a Barbarian Challenge obstacle race, a stop on the World’s Longest Yard Sale route, and a Christmas at the Falls celebration.

Gadsden itself is a small city on the rise. Dean described it as a place that is not yet the quintessential Southern small city, but is clearly working toward it, with new tourism development, a growing downtown, and a brewery housed in a converted warehouse right on the edge of downtown. The city’s sports complex recently expanded to include eight pickleball courts, so paddle-loving RVers will have no trouble finding a game.

For campers looking to extend a northern Alabama trip, Monte Sano State Park near Huntsville is about 75 miles away, and DeSoto State Park near Fort Payne is roughly 40 miles in the other direction. Stringing together stops at Noccalula Falls, Monte Sano, and DeSoto could easily fill a full week of exploring this corner of the state.

Back 40 Beer Company earned the biggest recommendation of the trip. Dean called it home to some of the best brewery pizza he and Laura have ever had, and the dining room opens up to an outdoor area with cornhole and space to relax. He specifically called out the peanut butter porter as a standout, good enough that he brought home a six-pack of it instead of the brewery’s IPAs.

Blackstone Pizza Kitchen sits directly across the road from the campground, making it an easy grab-and-go option for a first night in camp after a long drive.

The Shack Bar and Grill sits out on 11th Street on the edge of Gadsden’s rural side. It draws a biker crowd for events but still feels family friendly, with a large patio that opens onto a meadow, plus wings and beer for anyone wanting to get away from the downtown bustle.

For coffee, Dean recommends Hubcap Coffee for a clean, polished cafe experience, or The Coffee Bar downtown for a quirkier hangout filled with old furniture and board games.

Cothran’s Bakery, open in some form since 1962, is the spot for donuts, and it is a full bakery rather than a simple donut shop.

For breakfast, Union Jack Cafe, located just a few miles away toward Rainbow City, serves excellent breakfast burritos and sandwiches alongside a British-inspired menu that includes options like fish and chips.

Dean’s answer is an easy yes. Despite an unusually cold start to the trip, with overnight temperatures in the upper 20s and snow showers on the first day, he called it an A+ experience overall and said he would happily return with family. Spring and fall look like the sweet spot for a visit here, since the lack of shade would make peak summer a challenge.

For a campground that Dean and Laura stumbled onto while simply searching for somewhere warmer to head in March, Noccalula Falls Park and Campground turned into a true gem, and a fitting setting for Gibbs’s final trip on the road.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post Noccalula Falls Park and Campground: A Hidden Gem in Gadsden, Alabama appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we review Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres in Carver, Massachusetts—a campground that impressed us even after two out of our three vacation days were filled with steady rain.

Located just outside Plymouth and within easy driving distance of Cape Cod and Boston, Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres combines the resort-style amenities families love with an ideal location for exploring some of New England’s most iconic destinations. During our stay, we discovered outstanding pools and water attractions, one of the best campground mini golf courses we’ve played, excellent food, a beautiful central pond, and plenty of activities that kept everyone smiling—even in the rain.

If you’re looking for a campground that works equally well as a destination resort and as a basecamp for exploring southeastern Massachusetts, this one deserves a spot on your list.

To listen to our full review of Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!

One of the conversations we had during this episode centered around what Jeremy called the “Jellystone secret sauce.”

When our boys were younger, we often heard debates about what constituted “real camping.” But with three energetic kids who were constantly looking for their next adventure, we appreciated campgrounds that offered pools, playgrounds, crafts, sports, and organized activities. Those amenities didn’t take away from our camping experience—they actually made it more relaxing.

The beauty of a Jellystone vacation is that there are so many things for kids to do that parents actually get a chance to slow down. Kids stay entertained, families make memories together, and everyone finishes the vacation feeling like they actually had one.

That philosophy was on full display at Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres.

We have to start with one surprising highlight.

Two of our three days were rainy, including one day where it seemed to rain from morning until bedtime. After years of remarkably good camping weather, it was a reminder that sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

What impressed us most wasn’t the weather—it was how the campground handled it.

Rather than shutting everything down, the recreation staff kept activities running throughout the day. The recreation tent stayed busy with games and crafts, the organized activities continued, and because there wasn’t any lightning, the heated pool remained open.

In fact, one of our favorite memories from the trip was jumping into the pool during the pouring rain after hearing kids laughing and splashing while everyone else was hiding under awnings. It turned an otherwise dreary afternoon into one of the most memorable parts of the vacation.

For families with younger children, having that many indoor and weather-friendly activities available makes a huge difference.

Location is one of Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres’ biggest strengths.

The campground sits in Carver, Massachusetts, about:

That makes it incredibly flexible.

You can spend one day exploring Plymouth, another day visiting Cape Cod, another day relaxing at the campground, and still have enough nearby attractions to easily fill a week-long vacation.

Unlike some destination campgrounds where you’re committed to staying on property, Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres gives families the best of both worlds.

As you drive into the campground, you’re immediately reminded why it’s called Cranberry Acres.

A working cranberry bog sits just outside the entrance, and the surrounding countryside has a distinctly rural New England feel despite being relatively close to Boston.

The roads leading to the campground wind through forests, cranberry country, and quiet back roads before opening into a thoughtfully designed resort.

The campground itself is divided into several distinct areas, giving it a spacious feel while still making everything easily walkable.

Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres offers both full-hookup RV sites and a large collection of cabins.

RV guests can choose between two primary camping areas.

One section offers a slightly quieter experience a short walk from the main attractions, while another puts families right next to the pools, recreation area, sports courts, and activity center.

If you have younger children who want to bounce between activities all day, the sites closest to the activity area may be your best choice.

The cabins occupy their own hillside village overlooking much of the campground, with several offering views of the pond below.

They provide an excellent option for families who don’t own an RV—or for groups traveling together with both campers and cabin guests.

One of our favorite features of the campground is Ben’s Pond, which sits near the center of the property.

This isn’t just a decorative pond.

Guests can:

Combined with the tall New England pine trees surrounding the campground, Ben’s Pond gives Cranberry Acres a slightly more rustic, traditional summer camp atmosphere than other Jellystone locations we’ve visited.

It’s one of the details that gives this campground its own personality.

If your kids love swimming, they’ll be thrilled here.

The pool complex includes:

Jeremy and Wes spent hours playing pool basketball, while younger campers enjoyed character visits, sidewalk chalk activities, and splash time throughout the day.

One thing we especially appreciated was the abundance of seating around the pool. Even during busy times, there was plenty of room for families to spread out and relax.

One of the first things you’ll notice after checking in is the campground’s miniature golf course.

Better yet—it’s included with your stay.

This isn’t a simple putting green with a few decorations. It’s a full 18-hole mini golf course that was genuinely fun to play.

Naturally, the ice cream shop sits right next door.

It’s hard to imagine playing a round of mini golf without stopping for ice cream afterward, and we happily tested that theory more than once.

Jeremy may not have won the mini golf competition, but a Cindy Bear Sundae certainly helped soften the defeat.

Like many of the best Jellystone Parks, the activity schedule is packed from morning until evening.

Families can enjoy:

One thing we especially appreciated was that not every activity was high-energy. Some of our favorite memories from earlier Jellystone trips involved simple crafts, coloring, or spending a few quiet moments with the characters, and Cranberry Acres still offers plenty of those opportunities.

The campground’s Campfire Canteen deserves a mention.

In addition to the expected campground favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and pizza, the menu offers a wider variety than we anticipated.

Jeremy declared it one of the best campground burgers he’s ever had.

Another nice touch? Fountain drinks come with free refills throughout the day, making it easy for families to grab lunch without constantly running back to the RV.

The friendly young staff also left a great impression throughout our stay.

This may sound like an unusual compliment, but after spending more than 24 hours camping in heavy rain, it deserves mentioning.

Despite the constant downpour, the campground never became muddy or unpleasant.

The roads, campsites, and common areas drained remarkably well, allowing everyone to enjoy the campground almost immediately once the rain stopped.

Anyone who’s experienced a muddy campground after heavy rain knows how unusual—and valuable—that can be.

Historic Plymouth makes an easy day trip from the campground.

We visited Plymouth Rock, explored the waterfront, and enjoyed walking around one of New England’s most charming harbor towns.

If you’re planning your own visit, we’d recommend allowing enough time to experience the living history attractions and museums, not just Plymouth Rock itself. Those interactive experiences bring the area’s history to life in a much more meaningful way.

Rainy weather led us to enjoy more restaurants than usual, and we discovered several we’d happily recommend.

Tavern on the Wharf offered excellent seafood and beautiful harbor views while we watched the U.S. World Cup match.

Dylan’s Local served outstanding seafood in a relaxed neighborhood bar atmosphere.

And thanks to Wes’s craving for buttered noodles after two seafood dinners, we also discovered Mamma Mia’s, a cozy Italian restaurant that turned out to be a surprisingly great family meal.

One of our favorite discoveries near the campground was Pinehills Village Green.

This attractive shopping area includes locally owned shops, an excellent independent bookstore called Book Love, and a wonderful neighborhood market that’s perfect for picking up food to bring back to your campsite.

It’s exactly the kind of local stop we love discovering during RV trips.

Coffee lovers should make one additional stop before leaving the area.

Speedwell Coffee, located about ten minutes from the campground, is one of Jeremy’s favorite New England coffee roasters.

While it’s primarily a roasting facility rather than a traditional café, visitors can purchase freshly roasted beans and sample their exceptional coffee before heading back to camp.

It’s a perfect stop for anyone who enjoys starting their camping mornings with a truly great cup of coffee.

Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres exceeded our expectations.

Even with two rainy days, we left impressed by the campground’s thoughtful design, excellent recreation program, beautiful setting, and ideal location between Plymouth and Cape Cod.

Whether you’re looking for a destination campground where your kids can stay busy all day or a comfortable basecamp for exploring southeastern Massachusetts, this campground delivers both experiences exceptionally well.

It’s easy to understand why so many members of the RV Atlas community recommended it—and after our visit, we’re happy to add our names to that list.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres: A Family-Friendly Camping Resort Near Cape Cod, Mass. appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we’re reviewing one of the newest destinations in the Jellystone Park family—and it might just be one of the most exciting additions yet. Jellystone Park Cincinnati is a grand slam in our book–and we hope you add it to your midwest bucket list for a future RV trip!

Jeremy recently spent several days at Jellystone Park Cincinnati, and what impressed him most wasn’t just the campground itself. It was the combination of an outstanding family campground, immediate access to Kings Island, and one of the Midwest’s most underrated cities.

Many campgrounds make great basecamps. Others are destinations all on their own.

Jellystone Park Cincinnati manages to be both.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation packed with swimming and character appearances, a roller coaster getaway, or an RV trip that includes exploring Cincinnati’s vibrant neighborhoods, this campground offers an experience that goes far beyond a typical campground stay.

To listen to our review of Jellystone Park Cincinnati click on the media player above–or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!  

There are three things that immediately make this campground unique.

First, it’s an outstanding Jellystone Park on its own. Families could easily spend several days enjoying the campground without ever leaving the property.

Second, it’s located less than a mile from Kings Island, one of the Midwest’s premier amusement parks. Better yet, the campground operates a complimentary shuttle that runs approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day, making visits to the park incredibly convenient.

Third, you’re only about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, giving families the opportunity to combine a classic camping vacation with one of the country’s most enjoyable urban destinations.

That combination is surprisingly rare.

One of the biggest advantages of Jellystone Park Cincinnati is its location.

The campground sits close to:

Normally, proximity to so many attractions comes with compromises.

But despite being located in a busy corridor, the campground still feels surprisingly comfortable and relaxed once you’re settled into your campsite.

Jeremy noted that while one section near the highway experiences a bit more road noise, the interior loops feel much quieter and provide a traditional campground atmosphere.

For most visitors, the convenience far outweighs the occasional sounds of nearby traffic.

Jellystone Park Cincinnati accommodates virtually every type of RV.

Visitors will find:

Jeremy especially appreciated that many sites include dedicated parking areas separate from the RV pad, making setups feel more spacious and organized.

The campground is thoughtfully divided into several loops, allowing guests to choose sites closer to the activity center or farther back for a quieter experience.

Families with younger children may prefer being near the pools and activities, while those looking for a little more relaxation may appreciate sites deeper within the campground.

One feature that really stood out was the variety of accommodations.

In addition to traditional RV sites, the campground offers:

Jeremy was especially impressed with the Jayco rental trailers.

These full-size travel trailers offer many of the comforts of a cabin while providing a more affordable option for families who don’t own an RV.

It’s also an excellent solution for multi-family vacations where some families camp in their own RV while others stay in cabins or rental trailers nearby.

Like every Jellystone Park, family recreation sits at the heart of the experience.

Jellystone Park Cincinnati offers:

One pool features a shallow, walk-in design that’s perfect for younger children, while the second offers a deeper swimming area for families of all ages.

Jeremy was especially impressed with the abundance of seating surrounding the pools, making it easy for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.

The campground also includes a pleasant walking trail leading to a quiet fishing pond where children can fish after picking up live bait from the camp store.

One area where Jellystone Park Cincinnati truly separates itself is food.

The campground features the Ironwood Grill & Tap, a full-service restaurant that has become a destination for both campers and local residents.

Connected to the restaurant is a walk-up poolside bar where guests can order:

Jeremy especially enjoyed the fish and chips, while Stephanie pointed out something many camping parents can appreciate: sometimes the best vacation is one where someone else prepares dinner.

Having quality food and beverage service right at the campground makes it easy to balance cooking favorite camping meals at your campsite with treating yourself to a relaxing meal out.

Nearby, the Urban Cow serves ice cream, coffee, and espresso—perfect for an afternoon treat or a morning caffeine stop before heading out to explore.

One of the campground’s biggest selling points is its relationship with Kings Island.

Rather than driving, parking, and navigating traffic, campground guests can simply board the complimentary shuttle that runs throughout the day.

Kings Island itself offers:

The shuttle makes it easy for families to spend a full day at the park before returning to the campground for an evening swim, campfire, or character activities.

It’s an outstanding combination of amusement park excitement and campground relaxation.

While Kings Island attracts plenty of attention, Jeremy came away equally impressed with Cincinnati itself.

The city exceeded expectations.

Stephanie, who spent years traveling regularly to Cincinnati for work, has long described it as one of America’s most underrated cities—and after this visit, Jeremy agreed.

Highlights include:

This beautifully revitalized historic neighborhood is filled with:

It’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring.

One of Cincinnati’s most beloved attractions, Findlay Market offers:

It’s a fantastic stop for picking up ingredients before heading back to the campground to cook dinner.

Sports fans have plenty of options as well.

Depending on the season, visitors can catch:

Each offers another great excuse to combine city attractions with a camping vacation.

Frequently ranked among the nation’s best zoos, the Cincinnati Zoo provides another excellent family day trip while staying at the campground.

One unexpected highlight of Jeremy’s visit was the Ohio Book Store, a sprawling multi-story used bookstore filled floor-to-ceiling with books.

Even lifelong bookstore lovers may find themselves overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the sheer size of the collection.

It’s exactly the kind of hidden local gem that makes exploring a city so rewarding.

Jellystone Park Cincinnati works well for several different kinds of travelers.

It’s perfect for:

Few destinations combine so many vacation styles in one place.

Jellystone Park Cincinnati succeeds because it offers much more than a campground.

It delivers:

Whether your family spends the day riding roller coasters, exploring Cincinnati’s vibrant neighborhoods, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying an evening around the campfire, you’ll find plenty of reasons to extend your stay.

For families looking to combine camping, amusement parks, and city exploration into one memorable RV vacation, Jellystone Park Cincinnati is one of the Midwest’s newest must-visit destinations.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post Jellystone Park Cincinnati (Near Kings Island): A Family RV Resort in the Heart of the Action appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Jeremy recently spent several days at Spacious Skies Minuteman, a wooded campground in Littleton, Massachusetts that serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Boston, Lexington, Concord, Walden Pond, and some of the most important sites in American history.

What began as a quick New England getaway quickly turned into a reminder of why we fell in love with RV travel in the first place. Beautiful campsites, towering trees, fascinating history, charming New England towns, and easy access to one of America’s greatest cities make this campground a standout destination for RVers looking to combine outdoor relaxation with cultural exploration.

To listen to our review of Spacious Skies Minuteman please click on the media player above–or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!

There’s something special about New England in the summer.

The forests feel different.

The small towns feel different.

The history feels alive.

For years, our family spent much of our summer RV time exploring destinations like Cape Cod, Acadia National Park, and coastal Maine. While recent years have taken us farther west to places like Yellowstone and beyond, this trip was a reminder of just how much we love the Northeast.

In fact, the experience left us wondering why we had stayed away for so long.

Spacious Skies Minuteman is located in Littleton, Massachusetts, northwest of Boston.

The location works on multiple levels.

Some campers use it as a convenient overnight stop while traveling through New England. Others use it as a dedicated Boston basecamp. But what really impressed us was how much there is to explore right outside the city.

Nearby attractions include:

Most of these destinations are within about 20 to 30 minutes of the campground.

That means you can spend your days exploring history, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions, then return each evening to a quiet wooded campsite.

One of the campground’s biggest strengths is its connection to Boston.

The staff have become experts at helping RVers navigate the city.

Every guest receives detailed instructions explaining:

Whether you’re traveling in a Class C motorhome, a truck camper, or a larger towable RV, they can help you figure out the easiest way to reach the city.

The general consensus?

Skip the downtown parking headaches and use public transportation whenever possible.

Many campers are able to reach Boston in about an hour without ever dealing with city traffic.

What impressed us most about Spacious Skies Minuteman was the atmosphere.

Technically, it’s a private campground.

But it feels more like a state park.

The campground is:

Many campsites feel tucked into the forest rather than lined up in rows.

The back-in sites near the rear of the campground are particularly impressive, offering large footprints and a tremendous amount of privacy.

Several sites felt twice the size of what you might expect at a typical private campground.

If you love full hookups but still want the feeling of camping in nature, this campground delivers that combination exceptionally well.

The campground accommodates a wide range of camping styles.

Options include:

While some larger RVs may require careful site selection, the campground regularly accommodates large fifth wheels and motorhomes of all sizes.

The staff do an excellent job matching campers with the right site for their rig.

Spacious Skies Minuteman is not trying to be a luxury RV resort.

And that’s part of its appeal.

Amenities include:

The heated pool was especially welcome during the cool New England weather.

Meanwhile, the game room provides a perfect rainy-day option for families.

The campground strikes a nice balance between having enough amenities to keep everyone happy without overwhelming the natural atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the trip was finally visiting Walden Pond.

As an English teacher for 25 years, Jeremy had wanted to visit Walden Pond for decades.

The experience exceeded expectations.

Visitors can:

The pond itself is surprisingly large, with crystal-clear water and a beautiful beach area.

What initially seemed like a quick stop quickly revealed itself as a destination that could easily fill an entire day.

For anyone interested in literature, history, philosophy, or simply beautiful outdoor spaces, Walden Pond is worth the visit.

Concord became another unexpected favorite.

The town offers:

The famous Concord Bookshop was a standout stop.

So was the Concord Cheese Shop, a beloved local institution.

Beyond the shopping and dining, Concord feels deeply connected to American history while still functioning as a vibrant modern town.

It’s exactly the kind of place where you can spend a full afternoon wandering without any specific agenda.

History lovers could easily spend multiple days exploring Minute Man National Historical Park.

The park preserves key locations connected to:

Visitors can:

Standing on the bridge where the “shot heard round the world” was fired creates one of those rare travel moments where history suddenly feels very real.

For families, guided tours can dramatically enhance the experience and help bring the events to life.

While Concord feels quaint and charming, Lexington offers a different experience.

This is where much of the Revolutionary War history comes alive.

Visitors can:

The area is filled with knowledgeable guides and historical interpreters who help tell the story of how the conflict began.

For anyone interested in the America 250 celebrations and Revolutionary War history, this entire region deserves a place on the bucket list.

A few nearby stops also stood out.

Just minutes from the campground, Kimball Farm offers:

It’s the perfect reward after a day of historical sightseeing.

This market became an unexpected highlight.

Visitors will find:

It’s an ideal stop for gathering ingredients before returning to the campground for dinner.

Spacious Skies Minuteman succeeds because it offers something increasingly difficult to find.

It combines:

Whether you want to:

This campground makes an outstanding home base.

For RVers looking to experience one of America’s most historic regions without sacrificing the camping experience, Spacious Skies Minuteman deserves a spot on your list.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post Spacious Skies Minuteman: A Perfect Basecamp for Boston, Concord, Lexington, and Walden Pond appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we are reviewing one of the best state park campgrounds in the country. Our friend Allie Kreuz returns to the show to break down her family’s spring break RV trip to Gulf State Park in Alabama—and it truly sounds like the ideal combination of destination camping, resort-like amenities, and unforgettable family fun.

This isn’t just a campground review—it’s a full trip-planning guide. Allie shares everything from site selection and amenities to restaurants, activities, and insider tips to help you plan your own incredible visit.

If you’ve been looking for that “perfect” RV destination for a week-long trip, this episode is packed with inspiration.

To listen to our interview with Allie please subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows! To check out her last appearance on the RV Atlas (about New River Gorge in WV) podcast please click here.

Gulf State Park is located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, just about nine miles from the Florida state line. It’s a long haul for many RVers—especially those coming from the Midwest—but as Allie made clear, the destination is absolutely worth the drive.

What makes this park so unique is the balance it strikes. You’re in the middle of a vibrant beach vacation destination, with easy access to restaurants, attractions, and tourist hotspots—but when you return to your campsite, it feels peaceful, quiet, and surrounded by nature.

That combination is hard to find—and it’s one of the reasons this park stands out.

This is not your typical state park campground.

Gulf State Park features:

The campground is extremely big-rig friendly, with long paved pads, spacious layouts, and easy navigation throughout.

Ali emphasized that there truly isn’t a bad site in the campground. Whether you want:

—you can find a site that fits your style.

All sites include:

One notable difference: there are no built-in fire rings, so you’ll need to bring a raised fire pit if you want a campfire.

The campground is laid out in a way that gives you options:

Ali’s site—#29—was right on the water and exceptionally large, offering plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying the view.

The heart of Gulf State Park is what they call the Hospitality Hub—and this is where things really start to feel more like a high-end RV resort than a traditional state park.

Here you’ll find:

The pool alone is one of the most impressive features. It’s large enough to accommodate both energetic kids and adults looking to relax—without ever feeling crowded.

One of the standout features of Gulf State Park is its extensive bike trail system.

There are over 28 miles of paved paths and boardwalk trails that wind through:

The park even includes bike overpasses so riders can safely cross busy roads.

Allie emphasized that bringing bikes is essential—her kids spent hours riding every day, and even learned to ride on this trip.

There are also free bike rentals (for adults) and additional rental options nearby, including e-bikes.

The beaches at Gulf State Park are exactly what you hope for on a Gulf Coast trip:

You can reach the beach in just minutes by bike or by using the park’s shuttle service.

Even better, your campground stay includes free parking access at multiple beach areas.

The Gulf State Park Pier is another highlight—and a major draw for visitors.

Allie’s daughter spent time fishing there, and the experience became a highlight of the trip. The pier also creates a sense of community, with people helping each other land fish and sharing tips.

One of the most surprising aspects of this park is the number of dining options.

Within the park itself, there are multiple restaurants, including:

The Woodside Restaurant stood out as a favorite, with a fun outdoor atmosphere and plenty of activities for kids while parents relax.

Outside the park, Gulf Shores offers everything you’d expect from a major beach destination:

This is where the trip can flex depending on your style—you can stay immersed in nature or lean into the full vacation energy of the area.

Allie shared several standout dining experiences:

A must-visit for families:

A legendary beach bar right on the Florida-Alabama line:

A quirky, fun restaurant where guests decorate the space with duct tape messages—plus great seafood and waterfront views.

A must-stop for oversized, flaky, croissant-style donuts with creative toppings.

Gulf State Park is one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype—and then exceeds it.

It combines:

It’s not just a campground—it’s a full vacation experience.

And as Allie made clear, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

We’ll see you at the campground.

The post An Epic Family RV Trip to Gulf State Park in Alabama with Allie Kreuz appeared first on The RV Atlas.

On this week’s special Halloween episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we’re taking you on another leg of our Haunted RV Road Trip series with our resident “Camping Librarian,” Shannon Minner. In previous years, Shannon guided us through haunted campgrounds and spooky destinations from coast to coast. This time, she’s serving up something a little different: haunted bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and soak up some eerie atmosphere before retreating to the comfort of your RV for the night at a nearby campground.

From the haunted speakeasies of New Hampshire to the witchy taverns of Salem, the ghostly pubs of Charleston, and the haunted saloons of the Wild West, these are some of the best destinations for a spooky (and delicious) RV road trip.

The Omni Mount Washington Hotel

Perched at the base of Mount Washington, this grand white hotel looks like it was designed to star in a ghost story—and in many ways, it has. Built in 1902 by wealthy coal magnate Joseph Stickney, the Omni Mount Washington became a playground for the elite. When Stickney died soon after the hotel’s completion, his wife Carolyn inherited it. She later remarried a French prince but reportedly continued to visit the property—and some say she never left.

Guests and staff often report sightings of Carolyn, especially in Room 314, which still contains her original bed. The hotel features three restaurants and three bars, including the prohibition-era speakeasy known as “The Cave.” It’s a cozy, candlelit lounge beneath the hotel where staff have reported unexplained activity—most famously, a set of teacups that mysteriously flew from behind the bar before shattering on the floor.

The Omni is a spectacular stop for travelers exploring the White Mountains, even if you just drop in for dinner or a drink. The 1902 Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a grand dining room, while Stickney’s Pub and Steakhouse offers upscale comfort food and mountain views.

Nearby Camping:

Bonus excursion: Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway for panoramic views—and maybe a few ghostly chills on the mountain’s summit.

Turner’s Seafood and Rockafellas

You can’t talk about haunted America without mentioning Salem, the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692–1693. The town draws visitors year-round, but it truly comes alive (and perhaps a little undead) in October. If you’re planning to visit, make reservations early—many attractions and restaurants are open only on select days of the week, even during peak season.

Turner’s Seafood sits on the site of Bridget Bishop’s former apple orchard. Bridget was the first woman executed during the witch trials, and many believe her spirit lingers near the restaurant. Patrons have reported seeing a woman in a flowing white gown at the top of the staircase and catching whiffs of phantom apple scents. For a signature drink, order the Campfire Espresso Martini—a fitting toast for Halloween campers.

A few blocks away, Rockafellas occupies a striking old bank building that once stood on the site of Salem’s first church. Its resident ghost, Sarah “The Blue Lady,” was supposedly murdered by a jealous sea captain and is still spotted in the alley and on the restaurant’s security cameras. Rockafellas leans into the legend with themed cocktails like the Blue Lady Martini, and if you’re lucky, you can reserve a private table inside the restaurant’s bank vault—an eerie and unforgettable experience.

Nearby Camping:

The Blind Tiger Pub and Poogan’s Porch

Charleston may be known as the “Holy City,” but it’s also one of the most haunted cities in America. Its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings hide stories of scandal, heartbreak, and restless spirits.

At the Blind Tiger Pub, housed in a 200-year-old building once used as a speakeasy, patrons have reported a ghostly woman in a black dress who tugs on the hair of female guests. Despite its spooky reputation, this Charleston classic is renowned for its lively patio and award-winning menu—especially the Infamous Bowl, a comfort food concoction of mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken nuggets, and cheese.

Just down the street, Poogan’s Porch offers a slightly gentler haunting. The restaurant occupies a restored Victorian home once inhabited by two sisters, Zoe and Elizabeth, and a loyal dog named Poogan. After their deaths, guests have spotted Zoe wandering the halls in her long black dress and the ghostly pup darting across the porch. Whether you come for the Southern fare or the spooky ambiance, Poogan’s Porch remains one of Charleston’s most beloved dining spots.

Nearby Camping:

The Prospector Restaurant and The Gold Pan Saloon

In the mining town of Breckenridge, the ghosts of the Gold Rush still linger. At the Prospector Restaurant, once a 19th-century boarding house for miners, staff and guests have reported encounters with a ghost named Sylvia, a hostile female spirit said to dislike women. The restaurant’s old-fashioned charm and hearty fall menu—complete with housemade pumpkin pie—make it a must-visit, even if you’re keeping an eye on your surroundings.

A few blocks away, the Gold Pan Saloon claims to be one of Colorado’s oldest continuously operating bars, dating back to 1861. It survived Prohibition and countless barroom brawls, and its upstairs apartments are rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former madam who gently touches tenants’ cheeks as they sleep. The bar now includes the Carboy Winery, where you can sample wine alongside the spirits of another kind.

Nearby Camping:

La Carafe and Dean’s Downtown

Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the hauntings. In Houston, two historic bars bring together good drinks and ghostly company.

La Carafe, housed in the city’s oldest commercial building (built in 1847), is a candlelit wine bar where visitors report flickering lights, moving shadows, and the eerie feeling of being watched. Some locals say the energy here is more mischievous than menacing—but it’s still enough to raise a few goosebumps.

A short walk away, Dean’s Downtown occupies a five-story building from 1893—the first steel-framed building in Houston and one of the first in the country to have an electric elevator. Originally a department store, it later became a bar where staff still encounter “trickster spirits” that move or hide objects. The craft cocktails are designed by a former wine sommelier, so even if the ghosts don’t appear, you’ll still have something special to sip on.

Nearby Camping:

Whether you’re sipping a martini in Salem, listening for whispers in a Charleston pub, or spotting shadows in a Houston bar, these haunted restaurants and campgrounds prove that Halloween doesn’t have to end on October 31st.

To hear all the spooky stories and travel tips from Shannon’s A Haunted RV Road Trip series, tune in to this week’s full episode of The RV Atlas Podcast. Then start planning your own ghostly getaway—with the comfort of knowing your RV is your safe, non-haunted home base.

The post A Haunted RV Road Trip Pt. 3: More Spooky Spots Near Campgrounds with Shannon Minner appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Discover Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. Learn where to camp, dine, and stay for the perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we dive into one of our favorite destinations in the East—Shenandoah National Park—and explore two equally incredible ways to stay there: Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge. Whether you love rustic camping or prefer the cozy comfort of a lodge, Big Meadows is a national park experience that delivers both serenity and convenience.

You can find more recommendations for exploring Shenandoah National Park in “Where Should We Camp Next?: National Parks.”

Shenandoah is unlike most national parks. Instead of being a single large expanse of land, it stretches along a narrow, 105-mile ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park follows Skyline Drive, a scenic highway that connects Front Royal in the north to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south. Along the way, you’ll find overlooks, trailheads, lodges, and campgrounds—all perched high above the Virginia countryside.

For travelers coming from the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, Shenandoah is a surprisingly accessible park. It’s roughly five hours from New Jersey, three from Washington D.C., and four from Philadelphia or Baltimore.

At about the halfway point on Skyline Drive, you’ll find the Big Meadows area, which serves as the park’s central hub. This area includes:

Everything in this area is walkable, making Big Meadows one of the most convenient and rewarding base camps for exploring Shenandoah.

Big Meadows Campground is a quintessential National Park Service camping experience—peaceful, wooded, and surrounded by trails. We think it’s one of the most beautiful and best-located campgrounds in the eastern U.S.

The campground typically operates from late March through late November, weather permitting, and reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Fall weekends fill quickly, so early booking is essential.

Big Meadows is a large, heavily wooded campground with several loops and a mix of sites for tents, pop-ups, small trailers, vans, and mid-size RVs. A few sites can handle larger rigs, but most are better suited for smaller setups due to tight turns, trees, and sloped terrain. When booking, it’s worth scrolling through the photos of each site on Recreation.gov to find one that fits your rig and camping style.

Sites are spacious and private, with thick tree cover that gives the campground a quiet, natural feel. It’s not unusual to see deer grazing right beside your site at dawn or dusk—and sometimes even in the middle of the day.

This is dry camping, so there are no hookups, but amenities are solid for a national park campground:

Big Meadows doesn’t have a playground, pool, or Wi-Fi, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s peaceful and timeless—perfect for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Shenandoah without distractions.

One of the best perks? You can walk from the campground to Big Meadows Lodge, where you can grab dinner, catch live music, or enjoy a sunset view from the great room before strolling back to your campsite under the stars. Few national park campgrounds offer that kind of convenience.

For travelers who prefer comfort—or those who want to add a little luxury to their park stay—Big Meadows Lodge is a perfect companion to the campground. It’s open seasonally from May 5 through November 9 and offers a mix of traditional rooms, suites, and pet-friendly accommodations. Prices vary depending on the day and room type, typically ranging from $175 to $450 per night.

Built in the 1930s, Big Meadows Lodge has the rustic architecture and warm, welcoming feel that define classic national park lodges. The building blends stone and timber construction with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests gather in the great room to play board games, sip coffee, or simply take in the panoramic sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Big Meadows Lodge feels like a step back in time. There are no televisions in the rooms, cell service is spotty, and yet you won’t miss any of it. The combination of natural beauty, history, and community makes this one of the best-kept hidden gems in the national park lodge system.

We especially love the idea of combining both experiences—camp a few nights at Big Meadows Campground, then move up to the lodge for a couple of nights of real beds, hot showers, and dining with a view. For tent campers or travelers in smaller RVs, this “hybrid stay” offers the best of both worlds.

Shenandoah National Park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience a classic national park setting without flying across the country. The Big Meadows area is the perfect basecamp—where you can hike to waterfalls, spot deer in the meadow, and end the day with dinner and live music at the lodge.

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Shenandoah—or to any of America’s incredible public lands—pick up our guidebook Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks. It’s packed with expert advice, campground reviews, and itinerary ideas to help you create your next unforgettable national park adventure.

The post Big Meadows Campground and Big Meadows Lodge in the Heart of Shenandoah National Park appeared first on The RV Atlas.

We recently headed down to South Jersey to spend a few days at Spacious Skies Country Oaks, a medium-sized campground in Dorothy, New Jersey. This property is part of the Spacious Skies Campgrounds collection, and it struck us as one of those rare campgrounds that hits a sweet spot: affordable rates, a relaxed vibe, and a solid list of amenities and activities.

If you’re looking for a base camp to explore the southern New Jersey coast—or if you just want a quiet escape to relax by the pool or sit around the campfire—Country Oaks is a great option.

One of the biggest draws of Country Oaks is its central location in southern New Jersey. From the campground, you can easily day trip to:

But you don’t have to hit the road. Country Oaks also makes a great weekend retreat if all you want to do is relax at the campground

Country Oaks has about 150 sites, a mix of pull-throughs and back-ins, nearly all with full hookups (30/50 amp).

There are also a handful of rustic cabins, vintage-style RV rentals, and some tent sites. If you’re camping with friends or family, there are good opportunities to group sites near each other, including options by the cabins.

One of the things we appreciated most about Country Oaks is the reasonable pricing. During September, a full-hookup site ran about $65 per night—a rate that felt like a “throwback” to pre-pandemic camping prices.

This places Country Oaks in a sweet spot between:

At $65, you get a clean, friendly campground with a full list of amenities and activities, without breaking the bank.

Amenities and Activities

Despite its affordable rates, Country Oaks offers a solid lineup of amenities:

On weekends, you’ll also find organized activities like wagon rides, tie-dye crafts, and live entertainment, especially during the summer season. Spacious Skies campgrounds are good about planning fun, family-friendly events, and Country Oaks fits right in with that tradition.

We loved the friendly, relaxed vibe at Country Oaks. Seasonal campers were decorating sites with lights and welcoming visitors, while weekenders gathered with friends across multiple sites. The campground feels like a place where families return year after year, and many campers were already booking their next trip before leaving.

The staff and managers were consistently warm and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both first-timers and long-time regulars.

Spacious Skies Country Oaks is a great fit for:

Spacious Skies Country Oaks: The Perfect Family Camping Retreat

Spacious Skies Country Oaks impressed us with its value, vibe, and location. It’s rare to find a campground that offers full hookups, family-friendly activities, and a relaxed atmosphere at such a reasonable nightly rate.

Whether you’re using it as a launching pad for South Jersey adventures or just as a place to kick back for a few quiet days, Country Oaks is a campground we’d happily return to.

To learn more or book your stay, visit the official Spacious Skies Country Oaks website.

And check out our other Spacious Skies reviews on Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in New York, Adirondack Peaks in New York, and Shenandoah Views in Virginia.

See you at the campground,

Stephanie + Jeremy

The post Campground Review: Spacious Skies Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey appeared first on The RV Atlas.