Campground of the Week

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

“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. 

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).

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. 

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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 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. 

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, 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 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. 

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. 

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

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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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: In 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: As 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.

Most campers that visit North-South Lake for the first time fall in love with its fragrant wildflowers and pristine waters. The campground here is 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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 & 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are still overwhelmed with all your campground options and not sure where to stay, here are some additional planning tips.

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

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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