If your family hasn’t been camping, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Camping, whether in a tent or RV, is a fantastic way to bond with your family and is the true family social network. There are thousands of great campgrounds across the US that come in all types and sizes to meet the needs of all campers. You can live in a tent or set up an RV with full hookups, cable TV, and free WiFi. Yes, I said Wi-Fi. Campgrounds are more like resorts these days with the same amenities as major hotels, like pools, courts, exercise rooms, games, and even sites with private hot tubs. Many family-oriented campgrounds offer weekend events like outdoor movies, tie-dye, fireworks, and s’mores parties. Some people come just for the camping experience and others are there for the destiny. My family has camped everywhere from the beaches of North Carolina, Hersey, Pennsylvania, the meteor crater in Arizona, Washington DC, and the San Francisco area. One of our most memorable experiences was when we stayed in Amish Country, outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The campground was right outside a working Amish farm. One morning we woke up to a knock on our door and an Amish family with their horse and carriage full of homemade cakes. The smell was incredible, so we decided to buy what turned out to be the most wonderful blueberry pie we’ve ever eaten. Just thinking about that cake makes me wish we were there again. Some of our most memorable life experiences occurred when we were camping in our RV.
Finding the right campgrounds is easier than ever. There are several resources like Woodalls and Trailer Life that provide directories that include campground reviews. My family has put together a great list of our Top 10 Family Campgrounds in the US We know there are a lot of great campgrounds out there, but these are the most memorable.
1. Walt Disney World Orlando – The Campgrounds at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney World is not only a great place to vacation, but also a great place to camp with your family. This is our favorite campground with 750 acres full of pine trees and lots of wildlife. The park is located within the grounds of Disney World with full access to Disney transportation, on-site dining, a pool, and other activities. Pets are also welcome inside the campsite.
2. Washington DC – Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park is located in College Park, Maryland, just north of Washington DC. This is the best park if you are looking to visit Washington DC. The park has a bus stop with access to the nearest Metro station. You can get from the park to Washington DC in about 30 minutes. The park also has a large family pool with other activities available.
3. Destin, Florida – Camping on the Gulf
If you want camping right on the beach, and I mean right on the beach, then you should try Camping On The Gulf in Destin, Florida. The park has several sites within feet of the crystal clear waters of Destin. The park also has 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, a game room, and an activity center. The campsites are a bit pricey, but it’s one of the only campsites we’ve seen right on the ocean.
4. South Padre Island, TX – Camp KOA
We are Texas supporters and we love South Padre Island. We have stayed several times at Camp KOA on South Padre Island. It’s located right on the bay with access to fishing, a great seafood restaurant called Pier 19, and the beach is just a short drive away. The park is clean and well managed with a true family atmosphere.
5. Yellowstone National Park – Grizzly RV Park
Yellowstone is our main National Park in the United States. The park is home to a number of wildlife, including the black bear we saw on our last visit. Grizzly RV Park is located in West Yellowstone, Montana. It is bordered on two sides by the Gallatin National Forest, making for a wonderful wilderness feel. The park also has a full arcade that is free for children.
6. Hershey, Pennsylvania – Hershey Highmeadow Camp
If you love chocolate, then you have to visit Hershey, Pennsylvania. We have also included this destination in our Family Vacations section. This top 10 list is for Camp Hershey Highmeadow. The campground is 55 acres of wilderness and is located down the street from Hershey Amusement Park. There are many activities including 2 pools, game room, playground and more.
7. Petoskey, Michigan – Camp Petoskey KOA
Being from the south, we had never heard of Petoskey, MI. This is a great little town right on Lake Michigan with easy driving access to Mackinac Island. The Petoskey KOA won the 2009 KOA President’s Award and Founders Award for their service. This is a great place to camp with your family.
8. Vicksburg, Mississippi – Askew Landing Camp
If you’re looking for a place that’s a bit rustic but packed with history, you need to check out Askew’s Landing Campground outside of Vicksburg, Mississippi. They have 40 full hookup sites with many located right in the middle of a beautiful green field. You really feel like you are camping while you park your RV on the grass with no city sounds for miles. The property used to be Bridgeport Plantation and the site of several Civil War battles. It is now listed as a Historical Monument.
9. Ronks, Pennsylvania – Flory’s Cabins and Camp
Ronks is in the heart of Amish Country, just outside of Bird in Hand. Yes, these are the names of the towns. There is even a sexual relationship, PA. Names aside, this is a beautiful country. The reason we chose Flory’s is that the campground is adjacent to an active Amish farm. One morning we were greeted by an Amish family selling the most wonderful homemade cakes from the back of their Amish buggy.
10. Shady Cove, Oregon – Rogue River RV Park
Shady Cove is located in southern Oregon about 52 miles from Crater Lake. We just came to this park looking for a place where we could easily drive to Crater Lake. Wow, we were pleasantly surprised. The Rogue River flows right next to the park with salmon and rainbow trout fishing on your doorstep. As a fisherman, this was one of the most exciting places for me.
