Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
To return to Lake Powell after fourteen years is to walk into a place both remembered and transformed. This article is a look at what endures, what has shifted, and what it means to revisit a landscape shaped by time.
Two visits, fourteen years apart, tell a powerful story of shifting water, rising canyon walls, and the enduring draw of this remarkable place.
Revisiting a place after more than a decade is like opening an old photo album—you see what has changed, what has endured, and what now speaks with a different voice. Our first RV trip to Lake Powell in March 2011 based at Wahweap Campground & RV Park offered the classic experience: broad blue water, lively marinas shaking off winter, and the feeling that the lake stretched on forever.
Returning in November 2025, this time staying at Antelope Point RV Park, revealed a landscape transformed. The shoreline has stepped back uncovering raw sandstone, hidden alcoves, and long-buried contours of Glen Canyon. The lake feels quieter, the canyons feel older, and the silence feels deeper. What was once a water-centered world has become a place where stone, sky, and time share the stage in equal measure.
Both trips offered their own kind of magic. In 2011, Lake Powell felt vibrant and energetic—a springtime launch into red-rock country with full campsites, easy water access, and a sense of abundance at every turn. In 2025, the mood is quieter and more contemplative. The exposed canyon walls tell stories that water once concealed and the region feels more like a rediscovered wilderness than a bustling reservoir. Standing in both moments—then and now—reveals how the landscape has shifted and how our way of experiencing it has evolved right along with it.
The first visit — March 2011 (Wahweap Campground & RV Park)
Where our Lake Powell story began
Back in 2011, we made Wahweap Campground & RV Park our home base—a classic choice perched above the open blue expanse with postcard views in every direction. The campground buzzed with early-season energy: RVs coming out of hibernation, boat trailers clattering down to the ramp, and the hum of people soaking up the first warm days of spring.
From our site, we could watch dawn turn the cliffs rose-gold and listen to wind ripple across a lake that felt full and limitless. With water levels still high, boat tours ran deep into the canyons, Rainbow Bridge was easily reached by water, and shoreline walks hugged the lake’s edge. It was a season—and a campground—defined by abundance: full hookups, full lake, full days of exploration.
As Powell once wrote of these canyons, “The limestone of this canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble.” Even then, the colors of the cliffs—white, gray, pink, and purple, with saffron hints—stood out against the spring sky.
The return — November 2025 (Antelope Point RV Park)
The landscape unchanged, yet everything different
Fourteen years later, the landscape—and our basecamp—felt dramatically different. This time, we settled into Antelope Point RV Park, a newer, quieter, more intimate campground set near the reimagined marina. It’s a place where the sunsets seem closer, the cliffs tower higher, and the silence feels almost sacred.
From Antelope Point, the changes were easy to see. The marinas sat lower. Newly exposed benches, alcoves, and sandstone terraces stretched far beyond what the water once covered. Morning light didn’t bounce off a vast sheet of water—it revealed textures, layers, and canyons long drowned beneath the reservoir.
The RV park itself offered modern amenities and calmer surroundings than Wahweap giving the trip a slower, more reflective rhythm. November’s crisp air and flawless skies made every overlook feel like a window into deep time. As Edward Abbey once captured the spirit of canyon solitude, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” Here, that truth felt palpable.
Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and a shared story of change
Two lakes, one evolving narrative
Earlier this year, in August, I wrote about Lake Mead in “Lake Mead: The National Park Facing a Deadly Drought.” The themes explored there echo loudly here at Lake Powell. Together, Lakes Mead and Powell form the backbone of the Colorado River storage system and both are barometers of a watershed under immense pressure. What I witnessed at Lake Mead—shrinking shorelines, exposed bathtub rings, and the sobering reality of a once-mighty reservoir retreating into its original canyons—mirrors the transformation now unfolding at Lake Powell. These aren’t isolated changes; they’re chapter headings in the same ongoing story of drought, climate stress, and shifting water management priorities.
Walking the exposed benches and sandstone terraces around Antelope Point this November felt like stepping into Mead’s future—and its past. The two reservoirs separated by hundreds of miles of river and canyon now feel deeply connected through their shared state of vulnerability.
And yet, as with Lake Mead, there is a stark beauty in the uncovering: new landforms revealed, hidden histories brought back into the light, landscapes reclaiming themselves. Seeing Powell in 2025 through the lens of what I learned at Mead adds a deeper understanding to this revisit—reminding us that the Colorado River Basin is changing not in isolated pockets but as a living, interdependent whole.
Seen side by side, our 2011 and 2025 visits reveal just how dramatically Lake Powell has evolved. What once felt like a thriving reservoir now feels like a rediscovered canyon landscape slowly returning to its natural form.
2011 — Wahweap
High water levels
Busy marina and bustling campground
Boat-first exploration
Short walks to the water from many sites
2025 — Antelope Point
Lower water, higher canyon walls revealed
More solitude and a serene campground atmosphere
Expanded hiking, beach-walking, and photography opportunities
A longer, evolving shoreline shaped by retreating water
The contrast between these two visits goes beyond lake levels—it’s a shift in experience. Wahweap in 2011 felt wide, energetic, and full of possibilities with every morning bringing the hum of boats and the shimmer of water. Antelope Point in 2025 feels quieter and more contemplative; the canyon walls now take center stage and the shoreline invites slow exploration, photography, and reflection.
Centuries ago, Heraclitus offered this wisdom: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” That thought perfectly captures the experience of revisiting Lake Powell. The lake itself has changed—its waters receding, revealing new shorelines and hidden canyon alcoves—but we, too, have changed. Each visit offers a different perspective shaped by years of experience, reflection, and the passage of time. Standing on the same cliffs where we once camped, we realize that neither the river nor we are the same and that is precisely what makes the journey so compelling.
One campground framed the lake as a playground.
The other frames it as a reborn canyon country.
Both experiences hold truths worth keeping: the magic of discovery, the draw of the open water, and the grounding stillness of timeless sandstone cliffs. Returning now also offers a chance to notice small details overlooked in 2011—the textures of exposed sandstone, the subtle changes in shoreline vegetation, and the way light plays differently across retreating water. It’s a reminder that revisiting a place allows not just memories to resurface but new perspectives to emerge. As John Muir reminded us “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Here, that insight rings especially true.
Optional tours and excursions for your 2025 RV trip
Add-on adventures for your 2025 RV journey
For RV travelers, not every day needs a strict itinerary—Lake Powell and Glen Canyon offer a wealth of experiences you can mix and match. From scenic drives to exposed shorelines and quiet overlooks, these optional tours and excursions let you choose your own pace and adventure.
Returning after fourteen years, it’s clear that Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are landscapes of both change and continuity. Wahweap in 2011 offered water, energy, and bustling activity; Antelope Point in 2025 offers space, silence, and rediscovered rock.
Both experiences invite RV travelers to witness the story of a landscape in motion—its retreating waters, rising cliffs, and enduring beauty. No matter the season or water level, the canyons remain patient teachers, waiting to show those who return the full sweep of time, space, and quiet wonder.
As Major John Wesley Powell observed, “The limestone of this canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble. Sometimes the rocks are of many colors—white, gray, pink and purple, with saffron hints.”
Standing amid these cliffs today, it’s easy to see why Powell’s words still resonate. The layers of color, texture, and light—enhanced by low water and quiet solitude—remind us that revisiting a place allows us not only to witness its natural beauty, but to experience it anew through reflection, memory, and discovery.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in October camping across America
Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.
Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.
I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.
Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in October: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!
RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in September. Also check out my recommendations from October 2024 and November 2024.
Orange Groove RV Park is a unique full service RV park and resort. It’s a 40-acre orchard on the eastern edge of Bakersfield where you park your RV between row after row of beautiful orange trees. Easy-on, easy-off (SR-58 at Exit 119), the 177 pull-through sites are 65-feet and 90-feet long plus extra wide which makes coming and going a breeze. You just pull right in, pick an orange and enjoy.
All utilities including 30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located. Our Wi-Fi was super fast (Site #160). We’ve previously stayed in the following sites: 135, 136, 154, 158, and 162. This park is a popular overnight stop for snowbirds with many arriving after dark.
The nearby California Fruit Depot offers free samples, good quality, and excellent prices for Medjool dates, oranges, grapefruit, pistachios, and more.
2. Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Located a half mile off I-75 (Exit 1), Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga offers 170 campsites with water, sewer, 30/50 amp electric, and cable TV connections. Most sites are pull-through, graveled, and level with some sites up to 70 feet for big rigs.
Amenities include a newly renovated pool, fast speed Internet, playground, bath house, laundry room, facility, meeting room, outdoor pavilion, and dog park. Our pull-through site was in the 65-foot range with 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and Cable TV centrally located.
Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga is located on a Civil War battlefield which served as a skirmish site in 1863 preceding the Battle of Chickamauga.
Fuel up the rig and pop Louisiana into the GPS because it’s time to visit Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge. Formerly Cajun Palms RV Resort, the park transitioned to Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge in May 2023. It’s located 15 miles east of Lafayette in Henderson and offers 452 RV sites and 25 new luxury cabins.
The resort invites guests to pull up and unplug. They can hang by one of the resort’s three pools—each comes with private cabanas. (One even has a swim-up bar.) Plus there’s an adults-only hot tub for guests 21 years old and older.
It’s also ideal for a family getaway as it has a water park for little ones, cornhole, minigolf, and a playground. There are also arts and crafts sessions—think sand art, tie-dye, and ceramics.
Dakota Campground is a pleasant-enough park with 41 mostly shaded sites. Back-in and pull-through sites (maximum length 50 feet) are available. Basic amenities include a pool, games room, playground, Laundromat, and convenience. The park is located one-half mile off I-90 at Exit 330, 2 miles west of Cabela’s.
Conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson, Mississippi, Roosevelt State Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting. A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Roosevelt State Park including a visitor center, game room, performing arts and media center, picnic area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, disc golf, softball field, swimming pool and water slide, tennis courts, and nature trails. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are available on Shadow Lake, a 150 acre fresh water lake.
The park offers 109 RV campsites, primitive tent sites, 15 vacation cabins, motel, and a group camp facility. These facilities are located in wooded areas with views of Shadow Lake. The RV sites feature a picnic table and grill. 27 campsites include electricity and water hook-ups. 82 sites have electricity, water, and sewer hook-ups. Many campsites feature views of Shadow Lake and some feature water front access.
Campground roads and RV pads are paved. All of the RV pads are within easy access of a dump station and a bathhouse with hot showers.
Easy-on, easy-off (Interstate 77, Exit 306) in Historic Adairsville, Harvest Moon RV Park is big-rig friendly with newer sites at the front of the park added in 2005. Our pull-through site was in the 85-90 foot range. 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located; a second sewer connection towards the rear of the site. Interior roads and individual sites are gravel. For overnighters, no need to disconnect the toad/tow here. Wi-Fi works well and no problem locating satellite.
Whispering Hills RV Park is nestled in the heart of horse country in Georgetown, north of Lexington. The park is located approximately 2.5 miles off I-75 at Exit 129.
Whispering Hills offers 230 full-service sites including nine new premium pull-through sites in the 70-90 foot range. Amenities include swimming pool, basketball court, laundry facility, book exchange, fishing pond, bath houses, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites.
Our pull-through site was in the 60-foot range. Most back-in sites tend to be considerably shorter and slope downward. Interior roads and sites are gravel.
Centrally located at Wahweap Marina, the campsites are about one-quarter mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys.
You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort. This RV park/campground is a great place to enjoy the off-season solitude of Lake Powell. The campground offers 139 sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Sites accommodate up to 45 feet.
The season is an ideal time to visit nearby attractions including Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend.
Eagles Landing RV Park is located near Auburn University; a mile from campus and just under 2 miles from Jordan-Hare stadium. This puts the park close enough to the action to enjoy the city but just far enough to be able to enjoy a comfortable and quiet country setting.
RV site offerings include everything from large concrete pull-through to gravel back-in. Shady sites are also available and you also have a wide selection of hookup options ranging from basic to full service with 50-amp power source.
Barnyard RV Park offers 129 level and grassy sites with paved interior roads. All sites include water, sewer, electric (30 and 50 amp), and cable TV. Most sites are pull-through and can accommodate large units including a tow car. Amenities include bath and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi available at site, and a dog park.
Barnyard RV Park is located 8 miles from downtown Columbia. From Interstate 20, take Exit 111 west on US-1 to the park. On weekends, experience Southern hospitality at the huge Barnyard Flea Market. The RV Park is located behind the Flea Market.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
Get a dose of summertime tranquility or find a dockside party out on the lake
It’s no secret that I love to travel (in my motorhome)—in fact, it’s pretty much what I do. And with every new adventure I always learn something new. That’s why I enjoy writing about each road trip and sharing my experiences to help you plan your next RV adventure.
Nothing announces summer quite like a trip to “The Lake.” Whether you live in a landlocked state or overlook the ocean, chances are there’s a lake within a two-hour drive that you and everyone you know never refer to by name. It’s just “The Lake” and those two words evoke images of dockside cannonballs, twilight barbecues, and general relaxation in nature.
Which lake you’re going to never matters, really! It’s a mindset, a stress-melting escape near the water that has you glancing at prices as you pass the town’s Main Street real estate office. Every part of America has a place like this and while each have their charms, some stand tall above the rest. These American lake towns are ideal summer destinations whether your idea of vacation involves tranquil time in the wilderness or raging ‘til sunrise.
Turns out water and deserts go together in Lake Powell
Why visit for RV travelers
Lake Powell offers breathtaking views combining a vast blue reservoir with striking desert red rock formations. RV campers can enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets that create unforgettable backdrops for their stay.
If you think the deserts of Utah are trippy, wait till you see all that colossal red and orange rock emerging from a blue body of water. And if you thought “lake town” and didn’t think desert, prepare to be wonderfully wrong. Lake Powell is Utah’s kayaking, boating, swimming, and all-around-incredible-cliff-views playground.
With all the nearby national parks and out-of-this-world hikes, you’ll probably want to be in Utah for your next vacation anyway. But given the heat waves, you’ll likely be looking for an escape from the state’s dry-out-your-nostrils heat. Enter the splashy, wondrous Lake Powell. Zion and Arches are pretty nice and all but those in the know keep the mind-blowing adventures going by driving south across sandy cliffs towards the epic lake.
Wahweap is the town with the most boating options which spans the Utah and Arizona border. Lake Powell also dips briefly in the neighboring southern sate. But, since the majority of the lake—and the most wild images—sits on the northern side, I’m picking Utah as the destination. Though, when you do want to post up, the town of Page in Arizona will have the most options. From there you can also check out Horseshoe Bend and try your luck at getting a lottery ticket for Antelope Canyon.
But you came here for the water and that’s where you want to spend most of your time, made even better by renting a jeep here in 4WD country and trying out the camping thing to get to the most stunningly remote views. Just pack a lot of water.
Lake Powell’s RV camping scene offers diverse accommodations from luxury glamping to rustic lakeside boondocking with excellent access to water sports, hiking, and iconic nearby attractions, making it an ideal destination for RV travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.
Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro is waspy and totally worth it
Why visit for RV travelers
Wolfeboro is an excellent destination for RV travelers seeking a peaceful, natural setting combined with easy access to outdoor recreation and charming small-town amenities.
The oldest resort town in America happens to sit on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Families return to this (frankly, WASP-y) New England community year after year to escape the heat. And such famous lake lovers as Kurt Vonnegut, Paul Newman, Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, and Dustin Hoffman have also been known to rent and own homes here.
Thanks to a crop of young summer renters, the scene here has lately felt like a less-stuffy country club. The chefs at La Boca are bringing back their famed wild blueberry soup and Lone Wolfe Brewing Company is becoming a fixture. While the lake is the main attraction, Wolfeboro also sees its share of festivals, farmers markets, and free concerts.
The best day of the summer? Lobster Day at Hunter’s IGA Foodstore (in the process of getting rebuilt after a devastating fire). A massive truck pulls up filled with lobsters and stays until it is empty. The price per pound can’t be beat—it’s pretty much a local holiday.
This historic “Oldest Summer Resort” offers a serene lakeside escape with a small-town vibe, perfect for RVers seeking charm and water-based fun.
Wolfeboro Campground is a short drive from downtown, offering full hookups, a pool, and pet-friendly sites. It’s ideal for exploring the lake and nearby museums. Lake Forest RV Resort (nearby in Wakefield) provides spacious sites with full hookups and lake access, perfect for longer stays.
A quintessential lighthouse is the perfect place to watch sunset over Mount Dora
Why visit for RV travelers
The area offers peaceful lakes such as Lake Dora and Lake Saunders with opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking in lush forests and springs nearby. Trimble Park, just minutes from downtown, provides lakefront RV sites with boat slips and walking trails, giving campers a classic “Old Florida” experience.
Sure, the idea of a Mount Anything in Florida seems a little far fetched but in this state a whopping 184 feet of elevation rates you mountain status. So pack some extra oxygen and head to this lake town about 45 minutes north of Orlando which began as a vacation getaway decades before Flagler brought tourism to Florida.
Mount Dora’s original hotel is still standing at the Lakeside Inn where it’s been welcoming guests since 1883. You can still grab a drink and sit out on its long covered porch enjoying the sunset over the relatively-undisturbed slice of Florida nature. Cypress trees dripping in Spanish moss line the shoreline and the evenings give you a sense of what the state was like before all the world moved in.
The food in Mt. Dora has fortunately advanced past 1883 and its location near Central Florida’s abundant farms means the food is delightfully fresh. Dine among modern art and open spaces at 1921, a converted house that does spectacular nightly vegetable specials. Or eat in a library at Goblin Market, a local favorite that’s been around nearly 30 years. For drinks, head a story above the main drag to One Flight Up whose wordplay is only outdone by its wine selection and views out to the lake.
The water will be calling you and if you didn’t bring your own boat take a two-hour Cat Boat tour with CatBoat Adventures. The speedy little two seaters take you across the lake to the Dora Canal, a stunning waterway that takes you deep into old natural Florida, one of the most unexpectedly scenic spots in the state.
For a full-service, upscale RV resort experience near Mount Dora, Fisherman’s Cove Golf & RV Resort stands out with its extensive amenities and spacious lots. If you prefer staying right in Mount Dora with easy access to town, Woods-N-Water Trails RV Community offers a peaceful, community-oriented option. For lake lovers and those 55+, Lake Saunders RV Resort provides a quiet lakeside retreat. For a more rustic, nature-focused stay with lakefront views, Trimble Park is a top pick. Each location is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, catering to a variety of RV camping preferences around Mount Dora.
Lake George claims to be the Queen of American Lakes
Why visit for RV travelers
Lake George is a top-tier destination for RV travelers seeking a blend of family-friendly amenities, scenic Adirondack wilderness, and easy access to outdoor activities and local attractions.
New Yorkers love an upstate moment, especially the Adirondacks. The entire region is studded with blissfully chill lake towns—and while Lake Placid reigns as the most iconic, I’m going to set it aside for the summer and come back in autumn when you can take in the blazing foliage along Mirror Lake or hit the ski slopes on Whiteface Mountain in winter.
For classic Griswold summer vacation vibes, I like Lake George. If you’ve ever wanted to camp on a secluded island, Lake George has 44 state-owned ones where you’ll find nearly 400 campsites, some of which you can reserve for as little as $28/night.
There are lake cruises, parasailing, waterfall hikes, boat rentals, beer at Adirondack Pub and Brewery, and a great lakeside winery. One of the state’s largest amusement parks is also nearby, if you’re in that kind of mood. And if you get tired of the crowds, there’s always the 29-mile secluded shoreline of Great Sacandaga Lake just an hour south.
If you want a full-featured, resort-style RV camping experience with extensive amenities and family activities, Lake George RV Park is unmatched. For a more nature-focused yet still comfortable stay, Lake George Escape and Lake George Riverview Campground offer excellent riverfront and wooded settings. If convenience to Lake George Village and local attractions is your priority, King Phillip’s Campground and Lake George Camping Village provide easy access with solid amenities.
Whether you seek outdoor adventure or solitude in nature, Lake Mead National Recreational Area is a bucket list location
Why visit for RV travelers
Lake Mead is ideal for RV travelers seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and convenience with modern amenities, spectacular scenery, and proximity to iconic landmarks like Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. Whether you want a full-service campground or a rustic boondocking experience, Lake Mead offers a memorable and versatile RV destination.
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by water capacity, is a sprawling desert oasis formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, straddling the Nevada-Arizona border. Spanning over 1.5 million acres within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, it’s a haven for RV travelers seeking a mix of water sports, desert adventures, and proximity to cultural and historic landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas (30 miles away).
At full capacity, Lake Mead stretches about 112 miles long with a surface area of 247 square miles and a maximum depth of 532 feet. The reservoir holds over 28 million acre-feet of water when full, though water levels have been significantly lower in recent years due to drought and increased demand, currently about 174 feet below full pool as of July 2025.
Popular activities include boating, fishing (with species like rainbow trout, catfish, and bass), swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and tubing. There are multiple marinas for boat rentals and houseboat accommodations as well as numerous lakeside camping sites for tents and RVs.
Hiking trails such as the Historic Railroad Trail and River Mountains Loop Trail provide scenic views of the desert landscape and the lake. The area is also known for unique desert wildlife and plants with the park located at the intersection of the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran deserts.
There are six campgrounds and four RV village parks around Lake Mead managed by the National Park Service and concessionaires. Popular campgrounds include Boulder Beach, Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Las Vegas Bay, and Temple Bar. Campgrounds provide basic facilities including restrooms, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some shaded areas. RV hook-ups (electric, water, sewage) are available at certain concession-managed parks like Lake Mead RV Village, Callville Bay, and Echo Bay.
These lake towns are celebrated for their unique local culture, outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, and welcoming atmospheres that make them ideal summer escapes for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you seek desert oasis fun, alpine lake adventures, historic resort charm, or vibrant arts and dining scenes, America’s greatest lake towns offer diverse experiences to enjoy a refreshing, memorable summer by the water.
Worth Pondering…
The still waters of a lake reflect the beauty around it. When the mind is still, the beauty of the Self is seen reflected in it.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in July camping across America
Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.
Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.
I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.
Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in July: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!
RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in June. Also check out my recommendations from July 2024 and July 2024.
This park is easy-on, easy off and on our route east on I-84 (Exit 14); also convenient for RVers continuing north on I-5 to Seattle and beyond. Although our pull-through site is just shy of 50 feet (requiring unhooking at the site) there are about 10 pull-through sites 60+ feet where unhooking is not required. 30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located but some distance apart.
Oh! Kentucky Campground & RV Park, Berea, Kentucky
Oh! Kentucky Campground & RV Park is easy-on, easy-off I-75 at Exit 76. Our pull-through site was in the 75-foot range and level with utilities centrally located. The park offers 71 sites (all pull-through) with 50 and 30 amp electric service, water, and sewer.
The Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, Berea is ranked among the top art communities in the U. S. Nestled between the Bluegrass region and the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, Berea offers visitors over 40 arts and crafts shops featuring everything from handmade dulcimers and homemade chocolate to jewelry stores, art galleries, quilt-makers, and even glassblowing studios.
Sculptures of mythical beasts, vibrantly painted open hands, and historic architecture are a few of the delights as one wanders the town and college.
Smokiam RV Resort has undergone a full renovation with new premium big rig friendly RV sites, remodeled restrooms/shower facilities, renovated playground area, new cabin rentals, Tepee rentals, a sandy beach with a new dock and watercraft rentals, a renovated clubhouse for groups/events/adults and families, new café and espresso bar, a new miniature golf course, and 900 feet of sandy beach.
Our site, D-3, is one of the ten new premium pull-through sites facing Soap Lake. These sites are extra long and extra wide designed for RVs up to 45 feet in length. 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located.
Soap Lake is a unique mineral lake, world-renowned as “nature’s spa”. One of only two similar lakes in the world, its waters have the most diverse mineral content of any body of water on earth and have long been believed to have healing properties.
Easy-on, easy-off (Interstate 77, Exit 306) in Historic Adairsville, Harvest Moon RV Park is big-rig friendly with newer sites at the front of the park added in 2005. Our pull-through site was in the 85-90 foot range. 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located; a second sewer connection towards the rear of the site.
Interior roads and individual sites are gravel. For overnighters, no need to disconnect the toad/tow here. Wi-Fi works well and no problem locating satellite.
Downtown Fort Langley is only a short walk across the Fraser River Bridge from Fort Camping which is part of Pathfinder Camp Resorts. With over 155 short term RV sites as well as tent cabins, Fort Camping is located in the heart of a fast growing and popular tourist town which offers endless activities onsite as well as fine dining and shopping experiences nearby. Pathfinder Camp Resorts operate Fort Camping under license granted by Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Las Vegas RV Resort is a 378 site RV park restricted to guests 18 years of age or older with a great location a short distance from the action of ‘The Strip’. The resort offers full hook-ups with back-in and pull-through sites available. Amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, pool and spa, fitness center, laundry facilities, pet area, picnic tables at every site, and 24-hour patrol.
Katy Lake RV Resort is situated on 18 acres surrounding a 6 acre lake nestled in the heart of west Houston. Katy Lake offers lake-view drive-in and back-in sites 45 feet in length. Other site types include pull-through (65 feet), premium pull-through (85 feet), and covered.
Amenities include 30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, cable TV, Wi-Fi, activity center, exercise room, dog park/dog washing station, walking/jogging trail, walk-in pool with hot tub, concrete streets, sites, and patios.
Wahweep RV Park and Campground, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona
Centrally located at Wahweap Marina, the campsites are about one-quarter mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort.
This RV park/campground is a great place to enjoy the off-season solitude of Lake Powell. The campground offers 139 sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Sites accommodate up to 45 feet. The season is an ideal time to visit nearby attractions including Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend.
Ambassador RV Resort is a 5-star resort that is easy-on, easy off (I-84 at Exit 29) with 188 full-service sites, pool, spa, sauna, and 5,000 square foot recreation hall. Features 30-foot x 85-foot short term pull-through sites, 35-foot x 75-foot long term pull through sites, 45-foot x 60-foot back-in sites and wide-paved streets. Pets are welcome if friendly and owner is well trained.
Located near Idaho’s wine country and convenient to the Boise metro area, the Ambassador is the perfect home base for all your activities.
Aspen Groove RV Resort, Tremonton, Utah
Aspen Groove is a 5-star park, looks relatively new. Sites are large, concrete, mostly level, and well maintained with green space between sites. No overhead trees to damage the roof. Very clean laundry area. Full hook up utilities are conveniently located. It’s a great spot to overnight or spend more time to explore the area.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers more than 1.2 million acres of unparalleled opportunities for land- and water-based recreation
There are roughly a million postcard-worthy places to discover in Utah and Arizona. The canyoneering is among the best in the world and there are numerous places to go. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of America’s lesser known National Park Service (NPS) sites although it is incredibly magnificent.
A must-see attraction in southern Utah and northern Arizona, it spans 1.25 million acres and offers countless activities. Even if travelers have never heard of Glen Canyon, they have likely seen images. This location not only serves as the ideal rest area in between national parks but it also includes a variety of internationally renowned attractions on its own. Here is an overview of the marvelous Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and some information on how best to tour it.
Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1964, taming the waters of the Colorado River and creating massive Lake Powell, a popular recreation area along the Utah-Arizona border. Lake Powell is about 186 miles long and attracts almost 3 million visitors a year. The Carl Hayden Visitor center is located at the dam. The dam is located at Page, Arizona—just a few miles south of the Utah border. It was constructed to allow electrical power generation, store water for the arid southwestern United States, and provide recreation opportunities.
It is a concrete arch dam with a crest length of 1,560 feet. It contains 4,901,000 cubic yards of concrete. The dam is 25 feet wide at the crest and 300 feet wide at the maximum base.
Construction started in 1956 and was completed in 1964. The dam was dedicated in 1966. Lake Powell took 17 years to fill to full pool. The lake has a storage capacity of 27,000,000 acre-feet making it the second-largest man-made reservoir in the US.
Carl Hayden Visitor Center
The main visitor center for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument offers exhibits and videos about recreation and historic water use and a relief map of the entire Glen Canyon area. There are restrooms and a bookstore. At time of writing tours of Glen Canyon Dam were closed.
Location: US Highway 89 at Glen Canyon Dam, Page, AZ 86040
Directions: On US Highway 89 two miles north of Page, AZ, across the Glen Canyon Bridge. Building is attached to Glen Canyon Dam.
Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm; hours may vary from summer to winter
Bullfrog Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at Bullfrog is open intermittently beginning in May. Call ahead for exact times (435-684-7420). Exhibits relate to geology and the human and natural history of Glen Canyon including a life-size model of a slot canyon. Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) and pioneer artifacts are displayed. There is a bookstore and restrooms and medical clinic (The medical clinic is open May through early October only).
Location: Utah State Route 276-North Bullfrog, Lake Powell, UT 84533
Directions: Located approximately 100 miles south of Interstate 70, just north of the launch ramp on Utah Route 276
Bookstore, outdoor exhibits, and self guided walks across the historic Navajo Bridge. The interpretive center is located on the west side of the bridge. This is a popular spot to look for California Condors.
Location: Highway 89A on west side of Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Directions: US Highway 89A in Marble Canyon, AZ.
Discover the splendor of Glen Canyon
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which stretches from the Grand Canyon at Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs in southern Utah is blessed with unusual geology, picturesque views, and evidence of 10,000 years of human history. It is also the hub of Lake Powell which is the second-largest man-made lake in the United States and one of the top boating attractions in the world.
The Grand Circle of Southwest National Park’s epicenter, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unique and rejuvenating experiences. They may stay for an hour and visit Glen Canyon Dam or they can extend their stay for a week and rent a houseboat or camp on the banks of Lake Powell. They can easily find themselves frequently returning since there are more than a million acres of lush hanging gardens, golden cliffs, astonishingly small slot canyons, and the brilliant blue enigma of Lake Powell to explore.
Get on the water
Lake Powell is uncommonly good looking from the land, a vast expanse of water in an otherworldly landscape of red rock formations. But the best way to experience the area’s scenic beauty is aboard a watercraft. The lake has miles of surface area for visitors to enjoy full-throttle waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and skimming the lake on a houseboat. With so much room to stretch out, the remote area features small, sandy beaches and secret coves to explore. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent boats from area outfitters.
Create epic fish stories
Anglers head to Lake Powell to cast a line at one of Arizona’s most popular fishing destinations. Take a boat to find secret coves where game fish are prolific including walleye, bass, and catfish. Below the Glen Canyon Dam—the second-largest concrete arch dam in the US after the Hoover Dam—anglers try their luck landing local trout. Reel in these cold-water creatures while surrounded by red sandstone cliffs that jut up hundreds of feet above the water.
Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; annual pass $55
Permit to operate a motorized vessel: $20-800 per vessel (based on vessel length), valid for 7 days
Ways to explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Cruise the magnificent Lake Powell
Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the premier boating destinations in the world. The turquoise waters and numerous side canyons make Lake Powell a must-see spot for serious and recreational boaters alike.
A wide variety of watercraft enjoys the waters of Lake Powell. All kinds of power boats can be found on the water taking advantage of the endless opportunities for camping on the shoreline of Lake Powell as well as fishing, water skiing, and tubing in the lake. Houseboating is very popular allowing for multi-day excursions with a hint of luxury. Personal watercraft (PWC) are also popular but remember children ages 12–17 who wish to operate a PWC in Utah must take a certification course in order to do so.
But it’s not only the powerboats that have access to Lake Powell—sailboats and kayaks are popular as well especially from the Bullfrog Marina which is the closest way to the water from Salt Lake City.
Another option is to sign up for a boat tour. Regardless of your circumstance, a boating vacation on Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will supply memories to last a lifetime.
Lake Powell Marinas
The NPS has boat launches and ranger offices at most of the marinas on Lake Powell. It’s always a good idea to check with the rangers on current lake levels, camping options, and to get advice and information on your boating plans.
Wahweap Bay is the most dynamic center for boat adventures on Lake Powell including the popular trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Wahweap Marina is located 5.5 miles from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center along Lakeshore Drive (about 7 miles northwest of Page, Arizona).
Lodging, food services, gift shops, two campgrounds (one with hook-ups), laundry, showers, and a service station are all found at Wahweap. Full marina services include slips, buoys, boat rentals, tours, repairs, dry storage, and fueling.
Contact: Wahweap Marina is operated by the park concessionaire ARAMARK (928-645-2433 at Wahweap or 800-528-6154 for advance reservations; or visit the ARAMARK website. The National Park Service phone number at Wahweap is (928) 608-6200.
Reached via UT 276 from the north and located on the western side of the lake, Bullfrog Marina offers the second-most variety of services on Lake Powell after Wahweap. Bullfrog is also the closest marina to Salt Lake City. The NPS provides a launch ramp, portable toilet dump station, free boat pump-out station, picnic area, fish cleaning station, and paved landing strip for aircraft.
The concessionaire, ARAMARK, provides a full range of visitor services including a lodge, housekeeping units, restaurant, gift shop, grocery store, two campgrounds (one with hook-ups), laundry, showers, service station, boat rental, and boat repair. Boat tours are also available. There is also a post office in Bullfrog. The State of Utah maintains a regularly scheduled vehicle ferry between Halls Crossing and Bullfrog but it may be out of service due to low water.
Contact: Bullfrog Marina is operated by the park concessionaire ARAMARK (435-684-3000 at Bullfrog, including ferry information; or 800-528-6154 for advance reservations); or visit the ARAMARK website. The NPS phone number at Bullfrog is 435-684-7400.
Located about 5 miles uplake from Glen Canyon Dam on the main lake channel is Antelope Point Marina. The marina is accessed on land from AZ 98 if coming from the south or by U.S. 89 if coming from the north. Antelope Point has a public launch ramp, day use area, and dump station. Antelope Point Holdings, one of the park’s concessionaires, provides boat rental, valet launching, slip rental, boat repair, boat pump-out, a restaurant, snack bar, and a small convenience store.
At time of writing Dangling Rope was closed indefinitely due to wind damage.
Dangling Rope Marina is accessible only by water. There is no boat launching facility at Dangling Rope. The NPS provides a ranger station, restrooms, free boat pump-out station, and emergency communications. During the summer season, interpretive rangers are stationed at nearby Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Services at Dangling Rope include boat fuel, minor boat repair, and a supply store that also has groceries.
Note: Dangling Rope is the only place to get boat fuel between Wahweap and the Halls Crossing/Bullfrog area.
Contact: Dangling Rope Marina is operated by the park concessionaire ARAMARK (928-645-2433 at Dangling Rope; or 800-528-6154); or visit the ARAMARK website
Halls Crossing is about 95 miles upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and directly across the lake from Bullfrog Marina. The NPS maintains a Boater Contact Station at Halls Crossing that is staffed intermittently during the summer. It also provides a launch ramp and free boat pump-out station.
Visitor services include housekeeping units, grocery store, two campgrounds (one with hook-ups), laundry, showers, service station, and boat repair. The State of Utah maintains a regularly scheduled vehicle ferry between Halls Crossing and Bullfrog but may be out of service due to low water.
Contact: Halls Crossing Marina is operated by the park concessionaire ARAMARK (435-684-7000 at Halls Crossing, including ferry information; or 800-528-6154 for advance reservations); or visit the ARAMARK website. The National Park Service phone number at Halls Crossing is 435-684-7460.
There are no marina services available at Hite but there are primitive boat launches and other visitor services. Boat launching is at your own risk and 4WD is recommended. The Hite Ranger Station has emergency services, visitor information, public restrooms, a fresh drinking water spigot, and RV dump station. Most visitor services at Hite are currently suspended until a new concessionaire is selected.
Contact: Contact the Hite Ranger Station for current conditions at Hite (435-684-2457).
Wahweap Bay is the most active center for boat excursions on Lake Powell including the popular trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The stone arc of Rainbow Bridge is composed of Navajo sandstone on a base of Kayenta sandstone. Rainbow Bridge spans 275 feet reaching a height of 290 feet above Bridge Creek and ranging from 33 to 42 feet thick.
Whether you take your own boat or sign up for a boat tour, a memorable excursion to Rainbow Bridge National Monument is at least a half-day adventure and it includes a mile-long hike to get a good view of the natural bridge.
A shorter boat trip with awesome scenery is to Gunsight Bay. Expect this excursion to take a couple hours at least and make sure you have your camera ready to capture the amazing views of Gunsight Butte.
Antelope Canyon is another popular boating destination in the southern reaches of Lake Powell, accessible from Wahweap. At 10 miles long, this narrow canyon showcases some of the most amazing Navajo Sandstone architecture ever produced by Mother Nature. Nearby Navajo Canyon with its 600-foot high walls is another amazing spot to check out.
In the northern reaches of Lake Powell, destinations accessible from Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing include Moqui Canyon, Good Hope Bay, and the Escalante Arm as well as many others.
If you don’t have a boat but want to check out some of the premier boating destinations mentioned above, one option is to sign up for a boat tour. Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas provide boat tours on southern Lake Powell out of Wahweap Marina. Contact them at 1-800-528-6154 or at lakepowell.com. In the upper Lake Powell area, Lake Powell Northlake Special Charters provides boat tours. Contact them at 435-684-3062.
No boat of your own? No problem! Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has two concessionaires who rent boats on Lake Powell. Antelope Point Marina rents houseboats, cruisers, water toy, and kayaks. Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas rent boats and toys of many shapes and sizes out of Wahweap and Bullfrog Marinas. For complete contact information see the Marinas section above.
Kayaking on Lake Powell
There is no more intimate way to experience a body of water than from the cockpit of a sea kayak or on a stand up paddleboard. Kayaking is a popular activity on Lake Powell. Whether you want to do a two-hour tour near a marina or head out on a multiday kayak-camping trip, the options are incredible.
Out of Wahweap some popular day-trip destinations for kayakers include Lone Rock, Warm Creek Bay, and Padre Bay. Out of Bullfrog some popular excursions are to Moqui Canyon, Lost Eden Canyon, and the Escalante Arm.
Fees and permits
In addition to regular entrance fees to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, separate permits are required for boating in Lake Powell. A motorized vessel (16 feet and less) costs $20 for a 7-day permit. Weekly fees are based on vessel length; a vessel over 100 feet is $800 for a week. Annual fees are also available. There are no fees for launching a kayak.
A detailed map of Lake Powell including launch ramps, marinas, and other water-based infrastructure (e.g. floating restrooms and pump out stations) is crucial to any boating adventure. Printed maps can be ordered online or purchased in local marinas.
Boating safety
Remember, when boating on Lake Powell, stay safe! Carry plenty of water and a good map. Boating at night is not recommended. Always keep an eye out for approaching storms. Keep in mind that lake levels fluctuate and can sometimes be a lot higher in the summer than in the winter. This means the shoreline can be quite different at one time of the year than another, an important point to remember when navigating. Unmarked underwater hazards exist so be aware and keep an eye out.
It is important to know and understand federal and state boating regulations when recreating on Lake Powell. The United States Coast Guard website is a helpful resource as is the Utah State Parks website boating page.
Hike the splendid trails
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers a vast number of paths to explore because of its vastness. Before starting their hike, visitors have to let others know where they are hiking and when they expect to return.
Recommendation: It is recommended to have more water than projected especially during the heat.
Enjoy the walk to Horseshoe Bend
This roundtrip hike follows the edge of a horseshoe-shaped canyon carved out by the Colorado River which still runs below.
Best time: Late in the afternoon to see the sunset or early in the day to escape the anticipated throng.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Hike the Hanging Gardens Trail
The roundtrip Hanging Gardens Trail is a popular hiking route that is close to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. It is easy enough for anybody to do.
Visitors may reach Birthday Arch via the out-and-back Bucktank Draw and Birthday Arch Trail which also includes brief side trips to Mini Arch and a slot canyon. The path also lies close north of the Arizona-Utah border.
Distance: 4.2 miles
Enjoy Lonely Dell Ranch Trek
This unsteady route near Lees Ferry is more of a self-guided tour than a trek and passes ranch buildings, a picnic spot, and an orchard where hikers may like picking ripe fruit.
Stroll Devil’s Garden Trail
The Devil’s Garden Trail off of Hole-in-the-Rock Road in Utah offers a somewhat simple trek across rocky and sandy terrain.
Distance: 1 mile
Scenic drives
US Highways 89A and 89 provide breathtaking panoramas of the canyon. However, as soon as visitors leave the blacktop behind, the scenery starts to get truly stunning. Travelers can choose to take Burr Trail or Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
What was originally developed as a cattle trail blazed by stockman John Atlantic Burr, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is now one of the most picturesque drives in Utah. A paved and graded, gravel and dirt road, it extends from Boulder to Bullfrog Marina passing through the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Burr Trail may require four-wheel drive, especially when it is wet.
Distance: 67 miles
Hole-in-the-Rock Road
This 62 mile drive (one way) runs from Escalante, Utah to the actual Hole-in-the-Rock on the western shore of Lake Powell following the general route of of the original Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition. Most of the road is in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument however the last approximately 5 miles are within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Most of the road is passable to high-clearance, two-wheel drive vehicles in dry weather. The last few miles within Glen Canyon are best traveled by foot, bicycle, or four-wheel drive vehicle. There are numerous side-roads that leave this main road. Nearly all of these are only recommended for four-wheel drive.
Distance: 62 miles
Camping
Campgrounds operated by NPS
These campgrounds do not take reservations and do not have phone numbers.
Lees Ferry Campground
No reservations
$26 per night
54 designated sites
No hookups
RV dump station
Grills provided, no open fires
Modern bathroom/comfort station, potable water available, launch ramp 2 miles
Gas and supply store at Marble Canyon, about 5 miles away
Beehives Campground
No reservations
$14 per night
21 designated sites
Across the highway from Wahweap South Entrance
Picnic table at each site
No hookups or dump stations
Pack it in, pack it out
No campfires or glass containers
Three-night camping limit
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area
No reservations
$14 per night
Primitive camping is on a sandy beach or in dunes
No designated campsites
4 micro flush toilets, 6 vault toilets, 1 comfort station/wheelchair accessible, outdoor cold shower, Off Road Vehicle area, dump station, potable water (seasonal), and day use area
Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area
Designated primitive camping areas that are accessible by vehicle and sometimes by vessel as well
No reservations
No designated sites
No potable water
When pit toilets are unavailable, campers must bring portable toilets for use and proper disposal into the sewer system
Dirty Devil Primitive Camping
Designated primitive camping area
No reservations
No designated sites
No potable water
When vault toilets are unavailable, campers must bring portable toilets for use and proper disposal into the sewer system
Farley Canyon primitive camping
Designated primitive camping area
No reservations
No designated sites
No potable water
When pit toilets are unavailable, campers must bring portable toilets for use and proper disposal into the sewer system
Facilities include restrooms, laundry, showers, store, phones, dump station, and potable water
The amphitheater, picnic area, and swim beach are nearby
To make reservations for full hook-ups, group, or dry camping please visit lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154. The Wahweap camping store is 928-645-1059. Fees vary.
Bullfrog RV & Campground
78 sites, restroom, phones, dump station, potable water station, ½ mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp
No reservations
This campground is located in the Bullfrog developed area and is operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
The concessioner also operates a separate RV park with 24 sites, full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, and 1/2 mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp. For reservations visit www.lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154. Fees apply.
Halls Crossing RV & Campground
31 pull-through spaces for RVs
RV spaces offer full hook-ups and can accommodate up to 60-foot long RVs
Charcoal grills and picnic tables provided at each site
Laundry
Showers
Pets must be on leash at all times
Dog Park
Children’s play area
Antelope Point RV Park
While the Antelope Point RV Park is not physically within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it is adjacent to the Antelope Point Marina. This is an RV site only.
104 full hook-up spaces, 15 pull-through spaces
30 and 50 amp service
Free Wi-fi
70-foot lot space
2 RV dump stations
Worth Pondering…
It’s breathtaking. You can’t believe it. It’s very photogenic; it has a kind of mythic feeling of age, of legend…You’ve seen it in the movies, but when you see it in life, it’s so epic in its proportions that it almost stands for the whole of the West.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in September camping across America
Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.
Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.
I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.
Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in September: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!
RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in August. Also check out my recommendations from September 2023 and October 2023.
Located in the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park protects 71,000 acres of terrain and a herd of some 1,300 bison—one of the largest publicly owned herds on the planet and known to stop traffic along the park’s Wildlife Loop Road from time to time. The park has nine campgrounds to choose from, including the popular Sylvan Lake Campground. Many sites include electric hookups and dump stations.
Eagles Landing RV Park, Auburn, Alabama
Eagles Landing RV Park is located near Auburn University; a mile from campus and just under 2 miles from Jordan-Hare stadium. This puts the park close enough to the action to enjoy the city but just far enough to be able to enjoy a comfortable and quiet country setting.
RV site offerings include everything from large concrete pull-through to gravel back-in. Shady sites are also available and you also have a wide selection of hookup options ranging from basic to full service with 50-amp power source.
The endless river traffic of the Mississippi is the main attraction at Tom Sawyer RV Park and most of the sites are 100 feet or more. The atmosphere is relaxed, laid back, and peaceful. The interior roads and sites are mostly gravel. Tom Sawyer’s is located so close to the Mississippi River, sometimes the park is in it! The Mississippi River can cause the park to close periodically anytime from December into early June but most often April or May. The Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service provides river stage forecasts which gives the park 10 to 14 days advance notice as to when the Mississippi River will force the park to temporarily shut down.
Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Tennessee
Formally known as River Plantation, Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge is located along the Little Pigeon River in eastern Tennessee. The park is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the popular attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Big rig friendly, guests can choose from a selection of modern and spacious, full hookup RV sites that include concrete pads, a fire ring, and picnic table. Our back-in site was in the 75-foot range with 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and Cable TV centrally located. Amenities include a swimming pool with hot tub, basketball court, game room, fitness center, outdoor pavilion, fenced-in Bark Park, and dog washing station.
Big rig friendly, Columbia River RV Park offers over 170 full service sites. Utilities including 50/30/20-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are located near the rear of the site. At the time of our visit, the Wi-Fi signal was too weak to connect from our site or most anywhere in the park. The system is old and ownership was unwilling to update.
The park has two animal areas and a section for off leash. Interior roads are paved; sites are concrete. The park is located in close proximity to downtown Portland and is in the flight path of Portland International Airport.
Whispering Hills RV Park is nestled in the heart of horse country in Georgetown, north of Lexington. The park is located approximately 2.5 miles off I-75 at Exit 129. Whispering Hills offers 230 full-service sites including nine new premium pull-through sites in the 70-90 foot range.
Amenities include swimming pool, basketball court, laundry facility, book exchange, fishing pond, bath houses, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites. Our pull-through site was in the 60-foot range. Most back-in sites tend to be considerably shorter and slope downward. Interior roads and sites are gravel.
Easy-on, easy-off (Interstate 77, Exit 306) in Historic Adairsville, Harvest Moon RV Park is big-rig friendly with newer sites at the front of the park added in 2005. Our pull-through site was in the 85-90 foot range. 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located; a second sewer connection towards the rear of the site. Interior roads and individual sites are gravel. For overnighters, no need to disconnect the toad/tow here. Wi-Fi works well and no problem locating satellite.
Countryside RV Park is a great place to stay for a night or a week. It’s a well-maintained park with long strips of green grass in-between sites. The park is easy to navigate with lots of room between sites. Pull through and back in sites for easy access and is big rig friendly. The hook ups were well maintained and right where they should be for easy connections. The owner was very welcoming and told us they had just purchased the park in June (2023) and had cleaned up the park and removed all the fulltime residents. I can’t say enough about the owner.
Dillon is a cute little town and worthy of a visit. Plenty of fishing locally and a beautiful scenic drive to the mountains on Highway 278 close to the park entrance.
Terre Haute Campground
Terre Haute Campground, Terre Haute, Indiana
Previously known as Terre Haute KOA, Terre Haute Campground has a variety of RV site options including 30 and 50 amp electric service, water and sewer, cable TV with over 20 channels, Wi-Fi, concrete and gravel sites, and concrete or brick patios. Amenities include swimming pool, camp store, laundry, outdoor kitchen, pedal track, playground, jump pad, dog park, gem mining, miniature donkeys, horseshoes, and the Terre Haute Express.
A new RV park, 12 Tribes Casino opened in 2018 with 21 pull-through full-service sites 72 feet long and 42 feet wide. Interior roads are asphalt and sites are concrete. Amenities include paved patio and picnic table, individual garbage container, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and pet area. Guests of the RV Park are welcome to enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, and workout facility located in the hotel. The casino also offers gaming, fine dining, and café.
Barbecue! The state legislature designated the city of Lockhart as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” in 1999. Three miles southeast of Lockhart, Lockhart State Park offers 10 sites with water and electricity in the Clear Fork Camping Area and 10 full-hookup sites that will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in the Fairway View Camping Area. Play golf at the nine-hole golf course built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago.
Wahweep RV Park and Campground, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona
Centrally located at Wahweap Marina, the campsites are about one-quarter mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort.
This RV park/campground is a great place to enjoy the off-season solitude of Lake Powell. The campground offers 139 sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Sites accommodate up to 45 feet. The season is an ideal time to visit nearby attractions including Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in June camping across America
Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.
Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.
I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.
Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in June: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!
RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in May. Also check out my recommendations from June 2023 and July 2023.
This park is easy on, easy off and on our route east on I-84 (Exit 14); also convenient for RVers continuing north on I-5 to Seattle and beyond. Although our pull-through site is just shy of 50 feet (requiring unhooking at the site) there are about 10 pull-through sites 60+ feet where unhooking is not required. 30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located but some distance apart.
The Lakes RV and Golf Resort, Chowchilla, California
Big-rig friendly, The Lakes RV and Golf Resort is a well-maintained facility with 87 sites including 18 pull-though and 19 lakeside (drive-in), paved streets, and concrete sites and patios. Our pull-through site (#46) approaches 80 feet with ample room to park the toad/tow vehicle at either the front or rear of the site. 50/30/20-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located with the electric/water/cable back of center and sewer front of center. This 5-star resort is an ownership park that is part of a larger complex that includes a Par 72 Championship Pheasant Run Golf Club. Other amenities include clubhouse, heated pool, spa, pet area, and 24/7 security gates.
Established in 2006, Frog City RV Park is located just off I-10 in Duson (Exit 92), a little town just 10 miles west of Lafayette and deep in the beautiful Cajun countryside. With 62 spacious pull-through sites, Frog City offers paved interior roads, 50/30 amp electric service, water, sewer, Wi-Fi, cable TV, swimming pool, dog walk areas, coin-operated laundry, and private hot showers.
The RV park offers convenient adjacent facilities such as Roady’s Lucky Deuces Travel Plaza, with Maw’s Café located inside, and Lucky Deuces Casino. The park has a friendly and welcoming feel.
Helena North KOA, Helena, Montana
A short distance off I-15 and easy to find, Helena North KOA is a great location to explore Helena and surrounding areas or to overnight on the way to your destination. We previously stayed here when it was Lincoln Road RV Park. Staff is friendly, sites are wide and level, big-rig friendly, washrooms and laundry are clean, and Wi-Fi worked well. A large and clean dog park and interior roads are well maintained.
Big-rig friendly, Columbia Sun RV Resort is a new 5-star resort that opened in 2013. Spacious sites, manicured grass on both sides, wide paved streets, and a perfect 10/10*/10 Good Sam rating. Washington’s Tri-Cities area—Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland—is a great area to visit to explore the outdoors while still being close to shopping, dining, and wineries. The Columbia Sun Resort has a heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, game room, dog runs, sports court, and a playground.
Whispering Hills RV Park is nestled in the heart of horse country in Georgetown, north of Lexington. The park is located approximately 2.5 miles off I-75 at Exit 129. Whispering Hills offers 230 full-service sites including nine new premium pull-through sites in the 70-90 foot range.
Amenities include swimming pool, basketball court, laundry facility, book exchange, fishing pond, bath houses, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites. Our pull-through site was in the 60-foot range. Most back-in sites tend to be considerably shorter and slope downward. Interior roads and sites are gravel.
iRVin’s RV Park & Campground, Valemont, British Columbia
Big-rig friendly with pull-through sites in the 70-foot range, iRVin’s RV Park & Campground is a 5-star park with full-service sites including water, sewer, and electric power (choice of 30 or 50 amps). The park is nestled in the Robson Valley with a 360-degree mountain view, a quiet place where deer wander by occasionally. Wi-Fi worked well from our site (#27). No problem locating satellite.
iRVin’s is conveniently located one mile north of Valemont on Highway 5 en route to Alaska and an hour from Mount Robson and Jasper National Park.
The endless river traffic of the Mississippi is the main attraction at Tom Sawyer RV Park and most of the sites are 100 feet or more. The atmosphere is relaxed, laid back, and peaceful. The interior roads and sites are mostly gravel.
Tom Sawyer’s is located so close to the Mississippi River, sometimes the park is in it! The Mississippi River can cause the park to close periodically anytime from December into early June but most often April or May. The Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service provides river stage forecasts which gives the park 10 to 14 days advance notice as to when the Mississippi River will force the park to temporarily shut down.
Wahweep RV Park and Campground, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona
Centrally located at Wahweap Marina, the campsites are about one-quarter mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort. This RV park/campground is a great place to enjoy the off-season solitude of Lake Powell. The campground offers 139 sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Sites accommodate up to 45 feet. The season is an ideal time to visit nearby attractions including Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend.
Aspen Groove is a 5-star park, looks relatively new. Sites are large, concrete, mostly level, and well maintained with green space between sites. No overhead trees to damage the roof. Very clean laundry area. Full hook up utilities are conveniently located. It’s a great spot to overnight or spend more time to explore the area.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
Visitation to Utah’s Mighty 5 appears to be stabilizing after a rapid decline in 2020 and an uptick in 2021 tied to the pandemic. But one other park in the state bucked all the trends last year.
A little more than 10.6 million people visited Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks in 2023 representing an increase of nearly 1 percent from the previous year per recently updated National Park Service (NPS) visitation data. Last year’s total also finished slightly below the 10.7 million visitors recorded in 2019.
Three of the five national parks did experience year-over-year growth though none of the parks broke any visitation records like what happened at four of the five parks in 2021. A record 11.3 million visited the park during a revenge travel surge as pandemic-era restrictions were lifted, a 45 percent increase from figures posted in 2020.
Ultimately, Glen Canyon National Recreational Area located along the Utah-Arizona border led in visitation among all NPS entities in Utah last year bringing in a record 5.2 million visitors. Its visitation surged by a whopping 83 percent over 2022 visitation figures and it bested Zion National Park’s total by close to 600,000 visitors.
Some people say that Lake Powell offers some of the finest water recreation opportunities available. Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the United States and visitors can bring their watercraft or choose to rent houseboats, personal watercraft, powerboats, kayaks, and other water toys.
Glen Canyon which includes Lake Powell previously hit a record high of 4.5 million in 2017 but it failed to reach 4 million after 2019 between a mix of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lake Powell’s record-low water levels amid an ongoing drought.
Its popularity surge is likely a byproduct of record snowpack levels that helped the reservoir gain dozens of feet in elevation over the spring and summer last year. Its rise allowed more boat ramps to reopen.
Encompassing over 1.25 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based and backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established on October 27, 1972, to provide opportunities to explore and enjoy Lake Powell and surrounding lands stretching from Northern Arizona through Southern Utah.
Tucked among the red rocks canyon and mesas on the Colorado Plateau, Glen Canyon’s unique desert region is characterized by expansive areas of exposed and uplifted rocks. Their beauty is carved out by the Colorado River, its several tributaries, powerful wind, and time.
The park preserves a record of more than 10,000 years of human presence, adaptation, and exploration—a story that highlights the connections of people with the landscape.
Best camping sites at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You’re sure to find the perfect spot for your RV camping adventure.
Campgrounds Operated by NPS
These campgrounds do not take reservations and do not have phone numbers.
Lees Ferry Campground
Camping fee: $20 per site/per night
Designated sites: 54
Details: No hookups, RV dump station, grills provided, modern bathroom/comfort station, potable water available, launch ramp 2 miles, gas and supply store at Marble Canyon about 5 miles away
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area
Camping fee: $14 per vehicle/per night
Details: Primitive camping is on a sandy beach or in dunes, no designated campsites, open fires permitted (must be within four foot squared area), 4 micro flush toilets, 6 vault toilets, 1 comfort station/wheelchair accessible, outdoor cold shower, Off Road Vehicle area, dump station, potable water (seasonal), and day use area
Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area
Details: Designated primitive camping areas that are accessible by vehicle and sometimes by vessel as well, no designated sites, no potable water, when pit toilets are unavailable campers must bring portable toilets for use and proper disposal into the sewer system
Beehives Campground
Camping fee: $14 per night
Designated sites: 6
Location: Across the highway from Wahweap South Entrance
Details: Picnic table at each site, no hookups, no dump station, no restrooms, portable toilets required, no campfires or glass containers, 3 night camping limit
Designated sites: 112 dry campsites (no hook-ups), 90 full hook-ups, and 6 group camping sites Reservations: Visit www.lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154.
Details: Facilities include restrooms, laundry, showers, store, phones, dump station, and potable water; amphitheater, picnic area, and swim beach nearby
Bullfrog RV & Campground
Location: Bullfrog developed area
Operated by: Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
Camping fee: Fees vary
Designated sites: 78
Details: Facitities include restroom, phones, dump station, and potable water station; ½ mile to laundry, store, post office, and launch ramp.
Reservations: No reservations
Note: The concessioner also operates a separate RV park with 24 sites, full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, ½ mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp; for reservations visit www.lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154
Location: Ride the ferry located at Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing, stop at the Village Store to check-in – and don’t forget to pick up food and beverages while you are there
Details: With Halls Crossing RV Park & Campground, you’re just steps from food, fun, and the Village Store.
Antelope Point RV Park
Designated sites: 104 full hook-up spaces, 15 pull-through spaces
Note: While the Antelope Point RV Park is not physically within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it is adjacent to the Antelope Point Marina, restaurant, and gift shop
Details: This site is for RVs only, maximum length is 70 feet, 2 RV dump stations
So we have a curious ensemble of wonderful features—carved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds, and monuments. From which of these features shall we select a name? We decide to call it Glen Canyon.
—John Wesley Powell, 1869 Colorado River Exploration.
What are some of your favorite places to visit for lake camping?
Summer is prime camping season, but if you don’t pick the right destination, you may be sweltering in the heat instead of enjoying yourself. That’s why finding a great campground near the water is key!
Lake camping offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities in the sunshine. Days by the lake can include everything from kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to swimming and fishing while balmy evenings call for roasting marshmallows and playing board games. To prepare for a week at the lake, there are a few essentials to check off the list to make sure you have a great time while lake camping.
Lakes are wonderful for camping and most have some amazing campgrounds nearby to choose from. You can build wonderful memories with your family at a lake. So, pack up your swimsuits, fishing poles, kayaks, and inflatable toys and head to one of these fabulous lakeside campgrounds.
Enjoy this desert oasis in the Southwest. The Wahweap Marina RV Park and Campground are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which manages the lake as well as a large 1.3 million-acre swath of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made lakes in North America. It is 186 miles long with 1,960 miles of shoreline and over 96 major side canyons.
The campground is a quarter-mile from the lake but set on a tiered hillside to provide fabulous views. They provide a shuttle to help you get around and you can charter a boat or book tours on the lake as well.
Utah Lake is Utah’s largest freshwater lake at roughly 148 square miles. Recently named one of America’s 21st Century Parks, Utah Lake State Park provides many recreation opportunities for visitors. With an average water temperature of 75 degrees, Utah Lake provides an excellent outlet for swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. Anglers will find channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, and several species of panfish.
Facilities for picnicking, day-use, and overnight camping are also available. The RV campground consists of 31 sites complete with water and power hookups.
The park is west of Provo and 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Alamo Lake State Park is one of the best places to fish for bass in Arizona. The crystal clear lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain speckled with brush, wildflowers, and cacti making for a visually pleasing camping experience.
Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alamo Lake State Park offers outdoor fun, premier bass fishing, and rest. The lake environment attracts a variety of wildlife year round, including waterfowl, foxes, coyotes, mule deer, and wild burros. Stargazers are sure to enjoy the amazing views of the night sky, with the nearest city lights some 40 miles away.
Five campgrounds offer mixed amenity sites. Campground C offers 25 electric and water sites. Campground F has 15 full hookup sites. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available.
The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton. The centerpiece of the park, the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest. The 2.5-mile-long lake has more than 7.5 miles of shoreline. Canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming are popular recreation activities. There are three boat launches around the lake.
The campground is within walking distance of the lake and swimming pool and features forested sites with electric hook-ups and walk-in tent sites. Campground shower houses provide warm showers and flush toilets. Fox Run and Maple Lane loops allow pets at designated sites. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.
Nestled in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest parks and favorite destinations offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. The park’s 22-acre lake is open to non-motorized boats and during summer visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach. This park is rich in history with many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Hikers can choose from a variety of trails including the popular 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, an easy lake loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls, and the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail.
Cottages, campsites, and primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations. RV campers can choose from 90 campsites with electric and water hookups.
If you like camping, fishing, boating, or just being outdoors, Elephant Butte is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room at New Mexico’s largest State Park. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat safe and boat smart!
Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers restrooms, picnic area, playgrounds, and developed camping sites for RVs. Campground facilities include 173 developed sites: 144 water and electric and eight full hookup sites.
Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp, and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. Lake Mead was created by the construction of the Hoover Dam. With more than 750 miles of shoreline, you can enjoy a day at the beach, take a boat out and disappear for hours, or nestle into a cove to try to catch a big one. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes.
With over 900 camping and RV sites at 15 different locations, there is a variety of desert and lakeside landscapes. Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s campgrounds offer restrooms, running water, dump stations, grills, picnic tables, and shade. Concessioner campgrounds including recreational vehicle hook-ups are also available within the park.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden treasure. Patagonia Lake State Park is an ideal place to find whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. The park offers a campground, beach, picnic area with ramadas, tables and grills, a creek trail, boat ramps, and a marina.
The nearby Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and supplies. The campground overlooks the lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The park is popular for water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Hikers can stroll along the creek trail and see birds such as the canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds.
A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Roosevelt State Park. Facilities for use include a visitor center, banquet hall, meeting rooms, game room, performing arts and media center, picnic area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, disc golf, softball field, swimming pool and water slide, tennis courts, and nature trails. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are available on Shadow Lake, a 150 acre fresh water lake.
There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers RV campsites, primitive tent sites, 15 vacation cabins, motel, and a group camp facility. There are 109 campsites available for RV camping which features picnic tables and grills; 27 campsites include electricity and water hook-ups and 82 sites have electricity, water, and sewer hook-ups. Many campsites feature views of Shadow Lake and some feature water front access.
Located just 15 miles east of St. George, Sand Hollow State Park offers a wide range of recreation opportunities. With its warm, blue waters and red sandstone landscape, it is one of the most popular parks because it has so much to offer. Boat and fish on Sand Hollow Reservoir, explore and ride the dunes of Sand Mountain Recreation Area on an off-highway vehicle, RV, or tent camp in the modern campground.
Two campgrounds suit everyone from those who want only a basic campsite to those who want it all. Both campgrounds have restrooms with showers. The West Campground offers 50 spacious sites with full hookups, covered picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites have views of the reservoir. ATVs are not allowed in this campground except on a trailer.
One of the most scenic water recreation areas in the Valley of the Sun, this northwest Valley regional park is a recreationist’s dream. This 23,362-acre park offers many activities including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Lake Pleasant is a water reservoir and is part of the Central Arizona Project waterway system bringing water from the Lower Colorado River into central and southern Arizona.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers 145 sites for camping. Each “Developed Site” has water, electricity, a dump station, a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill, and fire ring. Each “Semi-developed Site” and tent site has a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill, and a fire ring.
Just minutes away from Sand Hollow, Quail Creek State Park offers another reservoir for swimming but in a completely different landscape. The picturesque mountain background with rocky landscape and blue water gives this reservoir a breathtaking view. Quail Lake, a sprawling 600-acre lake in the Quail Creek State Park, fills a valley northeast of St. George. This park has some of the warmest waters in the state and is a popular area for fishing as well.
After a fun day, settle into the park’s campground on the western shore. It offers 23 campsites with shaded tables, modern restrooms, tent sites, and pull-through and back-in sites for RVs up to 35 feet in length.
Can’t wait to go back to and enjoy these campgrounds and RV parks and resorts
2020 was a wash for the travel world. Entire segments of the industry were temporarily shut down. Airlines faltered. Hotels and restaurants closed their doors for months at a time (many shuttered permanently). It was, in a word, bleak.
While the travel industry will be fundamentally different in the future, there is hope on the horizon. We’re not totally out of the woods but it feels good to start eyeing that “where I want to travel next” list as we move into the summer of 2021.
One of the key aspects of any adventure—whether on a road trip, closer to home, or at a far-flung locale—is where to stay. Campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts often reveal something about the place, thereby becoming integral to the trip itself. A good RV park is a nice place to park your RV; a great RV resort is an experience that sticks with you.
Following are ten of my favorite campgrounds and RV parks and resorts around the US that I can’t wait to get back to when we make plans to travel again. Let’s get to it!
Usery Mountain Regional Park is set at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. Along with the most popular feature of the park, the Wind Cave Trail, water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support the hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. The Wind Cave is formed at the boundary between the volcanic tuff and granite on Pass Mountain. Breathtaking views from this 2,840-foot elevation are offered to all visitors. The park offers a campground with 73 individual sites. Each site has a large parking area to accommodate up to a 45-foot RV and is a developed site with water and electric service, a dump station, a picnic table, a barbecue grill, and a fire ring. The park provides restrooms with flush toilets and hot water showers.
New in 2009 with paved streets, Cajun Palms offers long pull-through sites that range in length from 55 to 75 feet. Not to be ignored are the back-ins to the lake in the 55-60 foot range. Pull through and back-in sites have 20 feet of space between each concrete pad. A full-service resort, Cajun Palms features numerous traditional as well as high-tech amenities. Accommodations consist of over 300 deluxe RV sites and 25 cabins. RV sites have full hookups, 30- and 50-amp, 70+ channels of digital cable, and on-site water and sewer. Easy-on, easy-off Interstate 10 (Exit 115) at Henderson (near Breaux Bridge).
A new facility, Pala Casino RV Resort offers 100 full-service sites with grass lawns and picnic tables. Site selection includes 30 feet x 55 feet back-in sites, 30 feet x 60 feet luxury sites with barbecue grills, and 30 feet x 70 feet pull-through sites. Amenities include 20/30/50 amp power, water, and sewer hook-ups, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, restrooms and showers, heated swimming pool, two spas, fenced dog park, and 24-hour security patrol. Pala Casino RV Resort received top marks from Good Sam in every category including facilities, restrooms and showers, and visual appearance. The resort is located on SR-76, 6 miles east of I-15.
About 20 minutes west of Historic Savannah, Creek Fire is a new RV resort conveniently located ½ mile west of Interstate 95 at Exit 94. The park offers 105 RV sites, all suitable for big rigs. Site options include back-in and pull-through, gravel, and concrete. Interior roads are asphalt. Each site offers 50/30/20-amp electric service, water, and sewer centrally located. The park is adding 100+ new sites, two new pool features, a rally building, a pool bar, and restaurant, a market, and a gym. Resort amenities include canoe, kayak, and boat rentals; 1-mile nature trail around the lake, tennis/pickleball court, bocce ball, and full shower and laundry facilities.
Jamaica Beach RV Resort is across the street from the beach on Galveston Island with wide-open views of the Gulf. The park offers 181 pull-through sites with full hookups, concrete pads, a picnic table at every site, and all-inclusive amenities like a 700-foot-long lazy river. Other park amenities include a relaxing beach pool, family pool, indoor infinity hot tub, outdoor hot tub, splash pad, three laundry facilities, three shower houses, and pickleball courts.
Hollywood Casino RV Park, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Hollywood Casino RV Park offers tranquil beauty of the outdoors with waterfront views and on-site shuttle service to the casino with three restaurants. The park is big-rig friendly featuring 80 back-in sites and 14 back-to-back pull-through sites. Our site backs to a treed area on a bayou and is in the 55-60 foot range with 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV. All interior roads and sites are concrete. Site amenities include metal picnic table and BBQ grill on concrete slab and garbage canister.
Wind Creek at Atmore RV Park is a new RV park conveniently located on the casino property. All 28 sites are 75-foot pull-through RV stations with 30 and 50 amp power, water, and sewer. Wi-Fi service is available at the site. Clubhouse amenities include restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Shuttle service is provided to and from the casino resort with access to gaming floor, bowling alley, movie theater, arcade, pool/hot tub, spa, fitness center, and six dining options. The casino and RV park are conveniently located off I-65 at Exit 21.
Big rig friendly with 100 foot long pull-through sites and utilities centrally located. This 5-star park is easy-on, easy-off, a pleasant place to stop for a night, a week, or longer. It’s a great place to stop while traveling east or west on I-10 (Exit 45) or visiting northwestern Florida.
Barnyard RV Park offers 129 level and grassy sites with paved interior roads. All sites include water, sewer, electric (30 and 50 amp), and cable TV. Most sites are pull-through and can accommodate large units including a tow car. Amenities include bath and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi available at the site, and a dog park. Barnyard RV Park is located 8 miles from downtown Columbia. From Interstate 20, take Exit 111 west on US-1 to the park. On weekends, experience Southern hospitality at the huge Barnyard Flea Market. The RV Park is located behind the Flea Market.
Wahweep RV Park and Campground, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona
Centrally located at Wahweap Marina, the campsites are about one-quarter mile from the shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap offers plenty of fun with a wide variety of powerboats and water toys. You can also enjoy the restaurant, lounge, and gift shop at the Lake Powell Resort. This RV park/campground is a great place to enjoy the off-season solitude of Lake Powell. The campground offers 139 sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Sites accommodate up to 45 feet. The season is an ideal time to visit nearby attractions including Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend.
Worth Pondering…
For all of us have our loved places; all of us have laid claim to parts of the earth; and all of us, whether we know it or not, are in some measure the products of our sense of place.
