Favorite Campsites

[Xlr8ting1]

  So we're thinking about another big trip across the states sometime in the near future.  We have nothing definite as far as destination or places along the way. On previous trips we encountered some phenomenal campsites that stood far above the norm. Places that you would just spend a couple nights and make day trips from. What comes to mind are places like the KOA in Petoskey in Michigan or Pacific Shores in Newport Oregon.  Our coach is not a good boon docker, and craves 50 amps and fresh water like an addict, so seriously off the beaten path places won't work without resources.  I'm looking for suggestions from the group on campsites from your travels that really stood out in your mind. Thanks in advance.

[Guest Ray Davis]

 In 2018 we made our way from Tx up to Michigan to Detroit.  Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, I love that nostalgic stuff.  At that time camp sites were hard to come by so we stayed at  Wayne County Fairgrounds which is just a parking lot with hook ups.  It was fine, all fenced and it was just a base for us.

 We then went to NY City, talk about crazy but I'm glad we went then and not now.  There we stayed at Home - Liberty Harbor RV Park which is across the harbor in Jersey.   I didn't like this place, the elect was virtually non existent I ended up running my generator but you deal with things and it was right on the docks with a view of the Statue of Liberty.

Washington DC was next , Cherry Hill Park | Cherry Hill Park - The Closest Campground to Washington, DC is where we stayed, it is actually in Maryland.  This place is great, bus pick up right there and plenty of tour info.

 Of course we stayed at other places along the way.

 RV sites at or near destination points were really hard to find reservations even months ahead, today may be different, but don't wait too long at the popular places.

 I forgot about Niagara Falls in NY and Biltmore Estate in No Carolina, both must see places for us.

Edited December 31, 2020 by Ray Davis

[miacasa_2000]

Theo  I've made two 3 month trips coast to coast opposite of yours mine starts on east coast anyway if you were to give it a straight line my winter trip went out I-10 and back I-40 . The summer trip went out I-90 and I-94 and back I-70. But of course it was hardly a straight line more like a ECG. We stayed at full hook up full power campgrounds the majority of the time as base camp and used the toad for excursions. Some were truly fantastic finds some average some just ok for a base camp. I'd be happy to share my findings if you gave me a idea of a route you plan to take and what you want to see.

Roy  03 Dynasty  

[Xlr8ting1]

We've made the trip across a few times as well. In 10 years I may have put 50,000 miles on her, but have not stayed away from home more than a month at a time. That usually means mostly taking the freeways. We really don't have any destination in mind and it doesn't necessarily mean coast to coast, however this time it might be fun to take some roads less traveled. Just looking for some ideas on great campgrounds that all you have experienced. There is a lot of beautiful country out there to explore. 

[Steven P]

Recently we stayed met up with @Scotty Hutto and stayed a few nights at Pine Mountain RV resort in GA.  Neat small town, Callaway Gardens (known for golf, flowers, and butterflies) is nearby along w a great drive thru zoo.   We have also stayed at Camp Gulf in Destin, FL and recommend there.   For passing through and needing a place to stay overnight, I like the Tallahassee RV park which is right off the interstate. It's a small, quiet, quaint park we have used several times.  

[ERNIEMA]

Hi... well I accept your query... but it puzzles me.  Where we stay is usually the least important item of our trips. The exception is certain places.  For instance, Wash. DC... we prefer the Fairfax County campground vs Cherry Hill... we have been to both.  F.C. gives you a better approach to DC and fewer sites.  Re NYC, we have stayed at L.H. but actually prefer Croton Point Park and its campground.

Imho, the toughest place is Yellowstone. Fishing Bridge is the only full hookup cg in the park.  If Yellowstone is on your agenda that reservation needs to be made already.  Otherwise you have a long trip each day into and out of the park.

Oddly  St.Louis is an easy one. Right downtown. Only one so easy to find  and safe.

Same with Chicago. Stay right downtown at the Marshalling Yard for McCormick Place for about $40/night.  Complete boon docking. No services.  Safe.  With any Class A you ought to be able to boondock 4 nights.

With locations on your agenda more specifics can be offered. 

Ernie Maier

[willbo777]

We have traveled about 10,000 miles a year in our 16 years of full timing.  It is harder and harder to find campgrounds that are desirable and not full.  We are now having to make reservations almost a year in advance.  I should say we travel, we don't just go somewhere and park for a few months.  And to the previous poster, Fishing Bridge is not open until fall of 2021, it was delayed a year for Covid.  The OP's post is so generalized it is almost impossible to answer.  We have favorite destinations and favorite campgrounds around the whole country.  We'd be happy to help and offer a few suggestions, but try to narrow it down a bit if you can.

[Dave Pumphrey]

On 12/31/2020 at 11:39 AM, Xlr8ting1 said:

Our coach is not a good boon docker, and craves 50 amps and fresh water like an addict, so seriously off the beaten path places won't work without resources.

Usually not the coach that is not good at boondocking, usually daily habits that need adjusting.

Think Water conservation, power conservation. Plan trip when you won't need A/C, etc...

Just my $.02, ymmv...

[ERNIEMA]

agree boondocking a function of lifestyle....

Oddly, except for likely a dozen or so campgrounds in ley areas we just try a couple of days ahead and have had no issues really in 20+ years.

High fuel prices 10 or 12 years ago.... so we decided to go to California.... the higher the prices the easier to get campgrounds in Malibu and similar...and easy entry to Getty Estate type places --- the grandkids won't miss the money

[Guest Ray Davis]

33 minutes ago, ERNIEMA said:

 

High fuel prices 10 or 12 years ago.... so we decided to go to California.... the higher the prices the easier to get campgrounds in Malibu and similar...and easy entry to Getty Estate type places --- the grandkids won't miss the money

 Now that's a novel idea I haven't thought of..  So lets see, the higher the price of diesel is actually better.   Hmm, I had it all  wrong.   When this "Green new deal"  kicks in I'll really be able to go.   Will I be the only RV out there?  Is this the new math I've heard about?  I'm not sure I understand   how this is working.

 Just playing with you Ernie   Happy New Year

Edited January 2, 2021 by Ray Davis

[ERNIEMA]

Right.  About 63 years ago a wonderful, beautiful, young, brilliant, female college professor, who maintained our attention, explained the never passed law, but still in force, The Law of Unintended Consequences.

I never forgot it.  Basically, actual laws and events often have unexpected and unintended consequences, as the 1965 era social legislation, like ADC. 

So, yes, for those with adequate resources, (trying to be P.C..)... higher prices create opportunities.  A year ago we sat in the 2nd row to see Hamilton in Naples.

That was a great year in CA. Walk up to Hearst Castle. Many Highway 1 camp grounds to choose from, etc.

Even now here in Naples with Covid there are fewer snowbirds, especially from Canada and England. I can get out of my rv park easier and our go to restaurant for New Years eve was full but not packed with people standing within sight waiting for our table.

We had a great 2 hour dinner with two young adult grandsons.  Life is good.

[Guest Ray Davis]

 Yes sir Ernie,  the law of unintended consequences shows it's self often.  Sometimes it's good, sometimes not so good, but never forget it is always   lurking around the   corner.    I mention it to my grandkids often.

 We really enjoyed Hearst Castle, but as I recall it would be a long walk if that's what you meant.  I think we rode a bus from the hiway to the castle.     That was many yrs ago,  I would love to see it again.

 Life is good

Edited January 2, 2021 by Ray Davis

[Xlr8ting1]

Thanks to all who shared their favorite campgrounds. I'll build a small database to use in future planning. I do plenty of research on campgrounds long before we set out. When reviewing on line, people tend to give a campgrounds poor ratings because they're wi-fi didn't work or the trees were blocking the satellite signal or whatever's on their whine list. (Can't see the forest for the trees.) Those are kind of things that don't carry a lot of weight in my opinion.  I'd rather see a campground that has a few rules, but enforces them, and has roomy spots and maybe nice view.  Now back to the boon docking. The only appliance that utilizes propane is the cooktop. We use it plenty, but after 10 years its barely less than a half tank. It had three quarters when we purchased it. Thats not an issue. The residential fridge does take a fair amount of power, no propane option there. Then there's the macerating toilet. Water use is only controllable with light or heavy flush. Sure I could be conservative and wait till the bowl is full before I flush it, but I don't want to live like that. Two days of normal living and the black tank needs unloading. Even with all the lights off it all night, the generator can barely start in the morning. That's with the heat set at sixty degrees, and rarely comes on. It has only one solar panel on the roof and could use more. But that wont solve the water issue. Therefore I do as little boon docking as possible. 

[ERNIEMA]

Right re the other comments. Ok...I will disclose my best kept secret campground: Themeworld RV Park in Davenport, FL.  Yes.... 25 minutes from Disney parks.  

They accept Passport America for 10 months, March thru December, no restrictions, for $27/night. Yes. $27/night. Full hookups, 50 amps mostly, some 30 amps, water and sewer on mostly level paved sites. Paved roads. Several decent restaurants within 3 miles.

[Mike H]

On 12/31/2020 at 11:39 AM, Xlr8ting1 said:

  So we're thinking about another big trip across the states sometime in the near future.  We have nothing definite as far as destination or places along the way. On previous trips we encountered some phenomenal campsites that stood far above the norm. Places that you would just spend a couple nights and make day trips from. What comes to mind are places like the KOA in Petoskey in Michigan or Pacific Shores in Newport Oregon.  Our coach is not a good boon docker, and craves 50 amps and fresh water like an addict, so seriously off the beaten path places won't work without resources.  I'm looking for suggestions from the group on campsites from your travels that really stood out in your mind. Thanks in advance.

Theo,  We travel the same way although I really need to make use of the Harvest Host membership we have had for 3 years now (need to replace all 8 of our house batteries first).  Here is a list of 20 of the nicest campgrounds we have stayed at.  They all have nice paved and landscaped sites.  We have stayed at many other campgrounds with level FHU sites that were very nice, mostly KOA's.  I think 5 nights is the most we have ever stayed at any campsite as we have been mostly on the move traveling to see as many magnificent sights our wonderful country has to offer.  In the 2-1/2 years we have been traveling we have yet to make use of ANY of the campground amenities.

Here is a list of some of my favorite campgrounds we have visited over the years (not in any particular order):

1.       Dakotah Meadows RV Park, Prior Lake, MN.

2.       Oasis RV Resort, Amarillo, TX.

3.       Wanderlust Crossing RV Park, Weatherford, OK.

4.       Coastal Georgia RV Resort, Brunswick, GA.

5.       Belle Parc RV Resort, Brooksville, FL.

6.       Two Rivers Landing RV Resort, Sevierville, TN.

7.       Tanglewood Park Campground, Clemmons, NC.

8.       Compass RV Park, St. Augustine, FL.

9.       Bluewater Key RV Resort, Key west, FL.

10.   Denver West/Central City KOA, Central City, CO.

11.   Portal RV Resort and Campground, Moab, UT.

12.   WillowWind RV Park, Hurricane, UT.

13.   Wahweap RV and Campground, Page, AZ.

14.   Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, Williams, AZ.

15.   Casino del Sol, Tucson, AZ.

16.   Alsatian Resort & Golf Club, Castroville, TX.  (my #1 favorite)

17.   Elite Resorts at Citrus Valley, Clermont, FL.

18.   River Ranch RV Resort, Lake Wales, FL.

19.   Manchester KOA, Manchester, TN.

20.   Rockahock Campground, Lanexa, VA.

[amphi_sc]

On 1/2/2021 at 10:55 AM, Xlr8ting1 said:

...Now back to the boon docking. The only appliance that utilizes propane is the cooktop. We use it plenty, but after 10 years its barely less than a half tank. It had three quarters when we purchased it. Thats not an issue. The residential fridge does take a fair amount of power, no propane option there. Then there's the macerating toilet. Water use is only controllable with light or heavy flush. Sure I could be conservative and wait till the bowl is full before I flush it, but I don't want to live like that. Two days of normal living and the black tank needs unloading....Therefore I do as little boon docking as possible. 

With the exception of 2020, we use about 1/2 tank of propane each year, but also use it for the BBQ and fire pit.  Also a res fridge and basement freezer and watch/record daily tv, use led lights, etc; 600 watts on roof...run Genny once a day in the AM.  If unplug basement freezer and gone all day(s) sight seeing so Sat+TV off, can go Thurs night to Sunday before starting Genny (if ☀️). Also macerating toilet but if only P one can flush with no additional water by using both buttons simultaneously, so we can go about a week, but black tank is indeed limiting compared to fresh and gray. The boondocks can be a great experience.

A few years ago camping in a non sewer site, and Fri night a Southwind pulls in next door.  Guess it was a "girls only" weekend expedition.  Three of them and tanks overflowing Sat night so they left even tho their reservation showed thru Sunday.

YMMV

[Xlr8ting1]

That's an extensive list Mike, Thank-you, I appreciate that.

[Mike H]

27 minutes ago, Xlr8ting1 said:

That's an extensive list Mike, Thank-you, I appreciate that.

There's a book you can buy called Big Rig Best Bets that lists the really nice campgrounds/resorts around the US.

https://www.big-rigs-rv.com/Home.html

I've found our campsites using RV Trip Wizard.  It lets you filter out what you want for a campsite and you can even pull up photos and reviews for them.  It's web based and costs like #39/yr but in my opinion well worth every penny, and then some.

[granvillebarker]

I used to run campgroundreviews.com, you can search the site for big-rig friendly, or whatever amenities you want.   They also have an app RVLife that will show you the reviews as well.

I would say it’s really hard for one persons list of favorite campgrounds to satisfy another.   We usually travel with kids, so a playground and full hookups are important to me, but probably not others.   
 

Anyway the website is a good resource to help find a campground to meet your individual needs.   You can click on a reviewer to see all his reviews and find his favorite campgrounds.  
 

—

Granville Barker

05 Dynasty 

[ERNIEMA]

So true... we each have our own ideas as to what we need and prefer.  We typically just want peace and quiet and hookups.  Our time on site is minimum. We are either passing thru or seeing sites and the area.  We don't do campfires and prefer clean air to the smoke of fires. Being level or level enough for our levelers to work is important. We do not use showers or laundromats or walk a dog. Often, I only hookup my electric as we carry water new and used🤭

[Mike H]

4 hours ago, granvillebarker said:

I used to run campgroundreviews.com, you can search the site for big-rig friendly, or whatever amenities you want.   They also have an app RVLife that will show you the reviews as well.

I would say it’s really hard for one persons list of favorite campgrounds to satisfy another.   We usually travel with kids, so a playground and full hookups are important to me, but probably not others.   
 

Anyway the website is a good resource to help find a campground to meet your individual needs.   You can click on a reviewer to see all his reviews and find his favorite campgrounds.  
 

—

Granville Barker

05 Dynasty 

RV Trip Wizard is now part of RV Life and you can get it all bundled together.  I take photos of every campsite we've stayed at, annotate them with the name and date, and upload them to a digital photo frame we have in our coach just for that and also upload them to Campground Reviews.  Seeing some of those old photos brings up memories of the places we've been ................... sometimes I even get surprised 🙂 .

[Ivylog]

Late to the party and realize we are often the only big rig in our favorite CGs ...USFS that do not take reservations out West. We do 2+ months with FHUs only on weekends when we move and resupply, often only for one night. Boondocking for 5 days is easy without cutting back by running the generator 1.5 hours/day. If it’s a holiday weekend we may stay put for more than a week so water conservation is necessary...no macerater toilet.

So some of our favorite USFS CGs are:

Bakers Hole just N of West Yellowstone

Hatchet east of Moran Junction Tetons

Sunset Point, Grand Lake for RMNP

Lakeview at Taylor Park, CO

Junction Creek, Durango, CO

Red Canyon for Bryce and Zion

Jacob Lake for the N Rim

With the old farts pass most are $8-10 although some have expensive elect ($20/night) but with elevation and tree you do not need AC.

Not going to tell you about the free dispersed sites all over the West.

Headed West in a 5 weeks and only reservation is for the Monaco Pre Rally in Gillette, WY end of June.

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by Ivylog

[6Wheels]

If you have a macerator, then I assume you have bath-1/2 floor plan?  You could restrict your use the the facilities over the black tank, right?

Just curious, as that's what I have seen in the coaches I have looked at.

[frederic_54000]

Lake George RV Park, in upstate NY, is certainly the nicest campground I have been in 12+ years. I go there 2 times a year (before pandemic).

Another nice campground is Normandy Farm (close to Boston), and Bayley's in Maine is not bad too.