- Home
- Travel
- RV Life
Jennifer Magid is a staff writer at Cheapism covering shopping, deals, and pets. She has written for Walmart and Neiman Marcus as well as numerous other websites and publications. She's based in Connecticut with her family and her beloved standard poodle, Moby.
©TripAdvisor
Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Park and Relax
Traveling in an RV means a homey and budget-friendly vacation. Many campgrounds charge no more than $50 a night, and many offer resort-like amenities. We combed through TripAdvisor, RV park reviews, and campgrounds' own review pages to find under-the-radar destinations in every state for spring and summer travel. Discounts for seniors, military, and Good Sam RV Club members are common, as are extra fees for more than two adults and children. It's a good idea to call ahead or make a reservation and confirm that open sites suit your RV.
Related: Bucket List RV Trips
Alabama: Anchors Aweigh RV Resort
Stop by Anchors Aweigh RV Resortin South Foley for a retreat on the Gulf Coast. The compound features a pool, hot tub, grill pits, hot showers, restrooms, and onsite laundry. Rates run $50 a night for basic back-in parking. All sites include electric, water, sewer, Wi-Fi, and cable. Campers say the resort is ideally located near beaches, shopping, and restaurants.
Savings Tip:Joining an RV membership club can save you on camping fees, RV accessories, and even gas. Check out Good Sam Club to receive discounts on your next RV-related purchase.
Alaska: Haines Hitch-Up RV Park
Haines Hitch-Up RV Parkin Haines draws high marks from guests, who report that the campground is spotless and convenient to downtown restaurants. Amenities include laundry, showers, restroom, and free Wi-Fi; cable is available at some sites. There's also a gift shop and plenty of green grass for relaxing. A basic back-in site with full hookup costs $44. Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot.
Related: Little-Known Facts About RVs
Arizona: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
The Grand Canyon Railway RV Parkin Williams is a little less than an hour's drive from the Grand Canyon. That distance is what makes this campground more accessible without reservations months in advance. The park charges $60 for a back-in spot and provides showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, a pet area, and volleyball and basketball courts. The rate drops to $48 for visitors staying seven nights or more.
Related: 32 Bucket-List Experiences in America's National Parks
Arkansas: Catherine's Landing
Catherine's Landingin Hot Springs is an outdoor destination that offers more than just RV parking for the night. Family-friendly activities include hiking, boat rentals, a playground, a pool, and a fire pit. Plenty of attractions are nearby, as well. The rates for a back-in site with water, electric, sewer, cable, and Wi-Fi range from around $70 a night to $120 for pull-through sites and waterfront perches.
California: Jackson Rancheria RV Park
Jackson Rancheria RV Parkin Jackson garners a nearly perfect score from reviewers. Guests are happy with the free shuttle to nearby casinos and the well-maintained grassy spaces, as well as a free year-round heated pool, and seasonal activities such as movie nights. Expect to pay $87 a night during the week for full hookup, and $10 more on weekends.
Savings Tip:If you're looking to rent an RV, check out RV Share for a wide selection of drivable, towable, and pet-friendly RVs.
Colorado: Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Parkin Aurora features biking, boating, and bird-watching among many outdoor pursuits. There's also a beach, picnic area, and off-leash dog park. One reviewer was thrilled to have snagged a last-minute booking. Basic sites can be had for just $28 and full hookups for $41.
Related: Choosing the Right RV Park: What Newbies Need to Know
Trending on Cheapism
Connecticut: Countryside RV Park
Countryside RV Parkin Griswold offers a retreat for RV campers seeking peace and quiet. Reviewers say the individual sites are spacious and the vibe geared more toward older adultsthan high-energy kids. One camper was pleasantly surprised to find the park so quiet, and without many campers, over a past Labor Day weekend. The cost is $65 a day for full hookups. Amenities include a swimming pond and another for fishing, as well as hiking and biking trails and a horseshoe court.
Delaware: Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Parkin Rehoboth Beach is ideal for RV campers itching for a beachy getaway. One reviewer notes that it's possible to park as close as 150 yards from the water. The sites are more sand than grass, but there are picnic tables. According to the most recent posted rates, full-hookup sites go for $32 to $57 during the fall and spring and $56 to $65 during the summer peak (hardy souls who camp beachside during the winter pay $37 to $43). Fees are lower on weekdays, for state residents, and for sites without utilities. Bathrooms, showers, and drinking water are available.
District of Columbia: Greenbelt Park
You may not be able to park your RV next to the Washington Monument, but you'll be close (10 miles away) if you choose to stay in Greenbelt Park. A quiet, forested getaway from the urban hustle-and-bustle, the park has 172 campsites, nine miles of trails, three picnic sites, and a cheap price tag. Up to six people can stay for $20 total.
Florida: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Parkin White Springs has enough going on to keep multiday visitors busy, reviewers say. The park offers plenty of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and canoeing, but there are also events throughout the year featuring folk art, antiques, and the like. Rates start at $0 a night, including electric and water hookups. Resident senior citizens receive a 50% discount.
Georgia: Grassy Pond FamCamp
Grassy Pond FamCampin Lake Park is a former military camp now open to the public for tent and RV camping and cabin stays. The spot offers a variety of outdoor activities, with standouts including fishing and a children's water-play area. Reviews say the area is quiet, and one visitor enjoyed the opportunity to choose from among several open sites. Rates start at $30 a night.
Hawaii: Malaekahana State Recreation Area
There are very few RV parks in Hawaii — after all, how would anyone but a local or those renting an RVdrive there? But visitors who decide to rent an RV while staying on one of the islandswill find options.Malaekahana State Recreation Areaon Oahu's North Shore,famed for its beauty and great surf, offers access to outdoor beach shower and toilet facilities,picnic tables, water spouts, and fire pits for $9.41 nightly for each person. There are also boat rentals and a camp store.
Idaho: Farragut State Park
Farragut State Parkin Athol offers a touch of history with a camping experience. The grounds are a former naval training base that was active during World War II. Today visitors can explore a (free) museum onsite and pursue the usual outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and boating. Full-hookup sites start at $32.
Related: The 40 Best Places in America to Travel Back in Time
Illinois: Kamper Kompanion RV Park
Campers in need of a basic stopover while cruising Interstate 55will find respite at Kamper Kompanion RV Park, just north of Litchfield. The park is right off the highway, but reviewers report it's quiet and forgoes the fuss that's sometimes part of the RV camping experience. The nightly rate is $44 for a full hookup; most sites are pull-through.
Indiana: White River Campground
White River Campgroundin Cicero offers fishing, boating, and hiking and full bath and shower facilities — plus a river view. The park gets good reviews from one guest who made a last-minute reservation and was provided with a full-hookup site. Non-county residents pay $37 a night, or $32 for just electric and water or $21 for no utilities at all.
Iowa: West Lake Park
West Lake Parkin Davenport is a small, restful retreat with four lakes open to swimming, fishing, and boating — normally, that is;its beach and boathouse are closed until 2021 for a lake restoration project, which still leaves the campgrounds, shelters, cabins, disc golf course, and trails to use. Visitors report the park is very clean but the pull-in spots are on the smaller side. A $33 fee includes electric, water, and sewer; electric-only is a few dollars less.
Kansas: Deer Creek Valley RV Park
Deer Creek Valley RV Parkin Topeka provides first-class facilities that garner praise from visitors, with some saying it's the best RV park they've ever seen. The site features a pool, dog park, laundry, and shower. A barbecue restaurant is outside the gates. The daily rate for a full hookup, Wi-Fi, and cable is $45.
Kentucky: Cave Country RV Campground
Cave Country RV Campgroundin Cave City is a winner with visitors, owing to what online comments describe as beautifully maintained grounds and facilities. Nearby attractions include Mammoth Cave National Park. A full-hookup site with 50 amps is $49 a night.
Related: Spectacular Caves You Can Rent
Louisiana: Shreveport/Bossier City KOA
Shreveport/Bossier City KOAoffers a pool for swimming, a pond for viewing, a structure for kids' play, and two off-leash dog parks that maintain the peace by directing large dogs to one and small dogs to another. There's Wi-Fi and cable, as well as a general store. Expect to pay about $53 for a pull-through site with full hookup.
Maine: Beaver Dam Campground
Beaver Dam Campgroundin Berwick sits astride a 20-acre spring-fed pond, making it ideal for campers keen on boating and fishing. The pet-friendly resort (there's a dog park on-site) also offers family-friendly activities around theme weekends, from fire rings to movie screenings. Daily rates start at $46 for off-waterfront, off-peak, primitive sites and rise to $70 for a full-hookup waterfront site during peak season.
Maryland: Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park, on a peninsula bounded by Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River, features marshlands, forest, white clay cliffs, and beaches. Visitors rave about the various outdoorsy options, including swimming, hiking, boating, and hunting. Expect rates to start around $37 for sites with electric, water and sewer hookups.
Massachusetts: Normandy Farms
Head to Normandy Farmsin Foxboro for one of the country's most luxe camping destinationsless than an hour from Boston. One reviewer describes the compound as its own little village, with activities for campers including yoga classes, arts and crafts, movies, and theme weekends. There are even a few campground rarities such as a bike park, recreation lodge with pool and wellness center, and soccer and baseball fields. Rates range from $58 to $126 depending on season and day of week for sites with water and electric.
Michigan: Harbortown RV Resort
Harbortown RV Resortin Monroe has all the fixings for a family-friendly vacation, including a large pool, mini golf, pond and creek, and, next door, an 18-hole golf course. Water and electric sites rent for $57 a day and include free Wi-Fi and cable. Pull-through sites cost an additional $5.
Related: 10 Unique Mini-Golf Courses Around the Country
Minnesota: Dakotah Meadows RV Park
Located in Prior Lake, Dakotah Meadows RV Parkoffers the essential picnic and playground features, as well as a self-serve RV wash and fuel station, and even a storm shelter. There's a pond onsite and a free shuttle ferries visitors to nearby casinos and a sports and fitness center. In-season rates start at $40 a night.
Mississippi: North Abutment Campground
North Abutment Campgroundalong Grenada Lake provides access to fishing and boating and a peek into Civil War history. The facility earns 5-star reviews for spacious sites, clean restrooms, friendly staff, and the view. Electric and water hookups are available at all sites, and a few also have sewer hookups. The rate is $24 a day.
Missouri: America's Best Campground
America's Best CampgroundinBranson wins over reviewers with its cleanliness, service, and amenities, including free satellite TV and Wi-Fi, a pool and spa, game room, and RV wash. The rate for a campsite with full hookup is $61 for two people; youngsters ages 13 to 18 cost $5 a night. RVs 24 feet or smaller cost less.
Montana: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins
Perched on the western side of an American national treasure, Yellowstone Grizzly RV Parkalso offers easy access to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, and its services and attractions such as the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and an IMAX theater, as well as the bucket-list destination of Yellowstone National Park. Back-in sites with cable, Wi-Fi, and full hookups start at $111.
Nebraska: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Areain Papillion is a mixed-use destination. There's fishing and boating, hiking and biking, playgrounds, and a leash-free domain for dogs (with a swimming area for pups). Even with a no-reservation policy, one frequent guest reports never having trouble getting a spot "day of." The nightly fee of $16 includes electric hookup.
Nevada: Nevada Treasure RV Resort
Visit Nevada Treasure RV Resortin Pahrump to enjoy spa-like amenities. Special features include a waterfall pool, massages and a steam room, a fitness center, and an onsite bar and grill. A basic lot with full hookup starts at $55 daily.
Related: Spectacular Destination Spas in Every State
New Hampshire: Ames Brook Campground
Ames Brook Campgroundin Ashland is a small campground in the White Mountains with big spaces for RVs, according to one review. Standout amenities include a babbling brook running along the site, complimentary Wi-Fi, a pool and playground, and free hot showers. Choose a wooded or sunny site with water and electric starting at $62 nightly.
New Jersey: Turkey Swamp Park
Turkey Swamp Parkin Freehold, run by the county's parks and recreation department, encompasses a deep forest and a scenic lake that offers boat rentals (for a fee) and fishing. One unusual feature is an archery range on the grounds. A portion of the 64 sites are first-come, first-served at$42 a night.
New Mexico: Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort
Elephant Butte Lake RV Resortis a quarter-mile from Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which boasts the largest lake in New Mexico. Among the amenities are an indoor pool, fitness room, dog wash, and conference space — and free morning coffee. Full hookups, including cable, range from around $52 to $71 a night.
New York: Lake George RV Park
The Lake George RV Parkin Lake George is pricey — fall and spring rates start at $99 a night for full hookups and cable, and go up to about $179 in the peak of summer — but reviewers say the hotel-like setting and amenities easily justify the cost. There are free nightly movies, an arcade, and a playhouse that schedules entertainment events such as magic shows and wildlife lectures featuring live animals.
North Carolina: Greystone RV Park
Greystone RV Parkin Pinnacle offers 10 sites and attractive common areas, such as stone-tile showers, a catch-and-release fish pond, and grounds that often are used for weddings. Rates are $72 a night for a full hookup and Wi-Fi, with a discount for stays of five nights or more.
North Dakota: Downstream Campground
Downstream Campgroundin Riverdale sits alongside the Missouri River. There are playgrounds and volleyball courts onsite and boating, fishing, and hunting in the surrounding area. Past visitors report that it's fairly easy to get a space during the week. Standard sites with electricity are $26 daily.
Related: The Most Beautiful River in Every State
Ohio: Cross Creek Camping Resort
Head to Cross Creek Camping Resortin Delaware for family-friendly accommodations, including a swimming pool, weekly wagon rides and candy bingo, a playground, themed weekend activities, basketball and volleyball courts, and hiking. Although there's a zoo and waterpark about 30 minutes away, one reviewer says the campground itself is reason enough to pull in. Full-hookup sites start at around $60; pull-through rates are slightly higher.
Oklahoma: Water's Edge RV & Cabin Resort
As its name suggests, Water's Edge RV & Cabin Resortin Grand Lake Towne offers water views for scenic camping. Some RV sites even feature private decks overlooking the lake. There's an onsite laundry and clubhouse, as well as docks for boating and fishing. A waterfront site starts at $46 nightly depending on the season. All stays longer than seven days incur charges for electric use.
Oregon: Armitage Park
Armitage Parkin Eugene offers boating, hiking, volleyball, and an off-leash dog park. Reviewers like the large spaces and scenic atmosphere. Sites rent for $30 a night ($3 more for pull-through spots) and include full hookup plus Wi-Fi and cable. Reservations are required at least three days in advance.
Pennsylvania: Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resortin Waymart abuts a privately owned lake. Guests are welcome to fish, swim, and boat and partake in onsite activities including a mystery weekend for kids, matchbox car races, and more. Daily rates vary by season; water, electric and sewer hookup in "value season" — costs from $71 to $81.
Rhode Island: Ashaway RV Resort
Ashaway RV Resortin Bradford is close to beaches, casinos, golf courses, and the Mystic, Connecticut, seaport. The campground is relatively new, a plus for reviewers, who also appreciate the site layouts and range of activities, from bocce and billiards to a wading pool for the kids and a heated whirlpool for adults. Prices for a full hookup start at $110 weekdays and $120 on weekends April through October.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach KOA
Myrtle Beach KOAis an ideal place to bring children, reviewers say, thanks to the many family-friendly happenings that make the vacation a true value. The campground is close to the beach, mini golf, and water parks, and onsite activities include crafts, movies, and wagon rides. The daily rate for full hookups, plus cable, at back-in sites start at around $65.
South Dakota: Horse Thief Campground & RV Resort
Horse Thief Campground & RV Resortin Hill City promotes itself as providing a bit of the Old West with modern amenities, such as a heated swimming pool, basketball court, and convenience store. The compound lies in the Black Hills and affords easy access to area attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. Full hookups in the off-season start at $50 a night.
Related: 20 Towns Where You Can Still Experience the Wild West
Tennessee: Rocky Top Campground & RV Park
Rocky Top Campground RV Parkin Blountville gets high marks from guests for cleanliness and the owners' friendliness. The park caters to adults, so families should look elsewhere. Full hookups cost $65 a night, including Wi-Fi and cable.
Texas: On The Beach RV Park
On The Beach RV Parkis just 100 yards from Gulf of Mexico beaches in Port Aransas. Guests enjoy the usual array of beachy activities, and a trolley that loops around town stops in front of the park. Off-season rates start at $53 a night.
Savings Tip:Don't get caught at the beach without your essentials. Walmart has a large selection of supplies for your next RV tripthat are convenient and affordable.
Utah: Goulding's Lodge and Campground
Goulding's Lodge and Campgroundin Monument Valley is 6 miles from Monument Valley Tribal Park, and central enough to be a stopping point when visiting sites such as Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges National Monument. Multiple reviews mention the amazing vistas. Full hookups, including Wi-Fi and cable, start at around $66 for larger RVs.
Vermont: Greenwood Lodge & Campsites
Greenwood Lodge & Campsitesin Bennington sits next to the Green Mountain National Forest. The 120-acre property contains three ponds for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as all the usual camping/RV necessities, such as fire pits, bathrooms and showers, and picnic areas. Reviewers like the authentic camping vibe. The nightly rate for water and electric hookup starts at around $42.
Virginia: Big Meadows Campground
Big Meadows Campgroundin Shenandoah National Park has no hookups for RVs but offers an authentic camping experience, according to reviews. Come here to enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife and hikes through the deep woods. Reservations are advised. Vehicle entry is $30; camping fees are $30 a night.
Washington: Elk Meadows RV Park
Elk Meadows RV Parkin Trout Lake is near the base of Mount Adams, making it an ideal destination for vacationers eager to hike or climb. Whitewater rafting, fishing, and hunting are nearby. The park is reserved for cabin lodgers and RV patrons; no tent campers share the grounds. Water and electric hookups are $40 daily; full hookups in a premium site cost $44.
West Virginia: Briar Point Campground
Stonewall Resort's Briar Point Campgroundin Roanoke draws solid reviews for its resort amenities, some of which are available to campers with purchase of an activity pass. Full hookups with high-speed Wi-Fi start at $63 a night during the high season.
Wisconsin: Stoney Creek RV Resort
Located in Osseo on the far western edge of the state, Stoney Creekhas earned the coveted 10-10-10 rating from Good Sam for its facilities, cleanliness of restrooms and showers, and its overall environment and appearance. The family-owned and operated campground keeps the emphasis on family-friendly fun with amenities that include basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf, and a skate park, as well as activities such as laser tag. There are also themed weeks throughout the summer such as Sweet ’70s and Ultimate ’80s. Full-hookup back-in rates for the off-season are $63 for weekdays and more on weekends.
Wyoming: Dubois Wind River KOA
If Yellowstone is booked, try Dubois Wind River KOA, 25 miles from the national park. The campground offers its own array of activities, including swimming and fishing. Reviewers assign good marks for sites that back up to the river and for family-friendly amenities such as a game room and indoor pool. Rates start around $88 a day during high season.
Related: 30 Stunning Photos of Iconic Landscapes in the American West
"; adSidebar.innerHTML = adUnit; adPlace.append(adSidebar) stickySidebar.append(adPlace) }) ()