Tour the USA

10 Outstanding RV Parks to Visit

Gulf Water RV Resort - Ft. Myers Beach, Florida

A full-service luxury RV resort that has 318 well-developed sites situated in a quiet neighborhood only 10 minutes from Ft. Myers Beach. Most of the sites are privately owned that the park rents to transient RVers when the owners are not present. The sites are occasionally for sale and start in the $150,000.00 price range. Each site is attractively landscaped with pavers and palm trees and most have furniture that stays.

A favorite part of Gulf Waters is the outdoor recreation and pool and tiki bar area. Many mornings there are challenging games of pickleball or tennis. Afternoons turn recreation to cornhole and a mini driving range. Most days many of the residents can be caught in the afternoon swimming or lounging by the pool with drinks and snacks in hand. As always with RVers, they are friendly people in a friendly environment.

Nearby attractions are numerous and plentiful. Eating, beach activities, fishing and so much more. Make sure you include fabulous seafood at Doc. Fords Rum Bar and Grill or more traditional family seafood at Pinchers. Docs is a classic restaurant with excellent service and the food, well, let’s just say we went back for a second visit and it was so busy there was over an hour wait. They also have live music at times. Pinchers is where you can take your family and all will have a good time. Prices are reasonable, food is good with a family atmosphere.

Sun N Fun - Sarasota, Florida

If an RV Resort has it all it is this one. Big is the word that comes to mind when thinking of this place. It has something like 1500 RV sites along with park models to rent and tent sites to camp. That being said, the people and help at this place keep the small park feeling as almost everyone will say “Hi” or stop to visit if so enticed.

Recreation abounds with 20 shuffleboard courts, basketball courts, pickleball, and lawn bowling. Lawn bowling? Honestly? Pickleball is a highly organized thing here with daily leagues. If walking is your thing you can walk for miles on the property and never wander down the same street twice.

I have never seen a pool this big? I don’t know how many people it will accommodate but suffice to say it was never very full due to its size. Don’t like to swim? Try Boondocks Bar and restaurant at the pool. Cold beer and killer giant hot dogs and fries. What’s not to like? Any way you slice it, the days go by quickly at this giant poolside setting.

To finish up there is a plethora of things to do and see outside the campground:
- Detwiler’s Farm Market to stock your shelves. This place is one unique market for the best in farm-fresh food.
- Anna Marie Island for a step back in time and the best Mexican food at the Wicked Cantina at Bradenton Beach. Modern, laid-back food with killer margaritas.
- Feeling naughty? Wayback Burgers for an avocado burger to keep you healthy.
- St. Armand’s Key for some high-end eclectic shopping and then over to the Mandeville Beer
- Garden for a cold brew to cool down while watching your favorite sports on the big screen in an upbeat semi-outdoor setting.

Fiesta Key RV Resort - Layton, Florida

Fiesta Key is 28 acres that are its own island. Great Gulf of Mexico views are available from approximately 30 premium sites of the 324 sites available. Large stones underfoot dominate the fairly tight campsites with some offering a small concrete pad. Management and security are friendly but be aware if you bring a trailer and do not get a premium site there is a $20.00 per day charge for storage of your trailer on a grassy spot. Sunsets are a well-attended nightly event at the campgrounds point and Tiki area. Once a week champagne is offered to guests as a means of thank you and celebration. Nice touch!

The facilities on site are well stocked and personally managed. The pool is of a nice size to allow adult swimming and the beach next to it is kept clean and has a good feel to it with plenty of chairs to sit and read or just catch some rays. If you need some quick supplies whether it’s ice or food or personal items the general store will most likely have what you need. This saves a 10–15-minute jaunt to town for unplanned essentials. I hear they have a nice little restaurant but much to the chagrin of campers it was closed. If you have a boat, you can rent a spot at the marina for an extra fee.

If you are a fisherman there is abundant bridge fishing. If you brought your boat or decide on a charter either way the fishing is fabulous. Almost daily there are stories of fish caught by fellow RVers, stories of the big one that got away along with numerous fish being cleaned on the resort-provided fish cleaning stands.

A favorite local place is the Florida Keys Brewing Company. Conveniently located about 15 minutes from Fiesta Key in Islamorada, Florida this micro-brewery has some of the best beers in Florida. From blondes to IPA’s to stouts they are all scrumptious. The best place to sip these libations is in the cozy beer garden just a step out the back door of the brewery. Enjoy!

Since the resort is at mile marker 70 it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Key West. It is well worth the trip. An overnight stay may also be on the agenda so that the evening can be well celebrated with refreshment stops at Sloppy Joes and the classic Old Town Tavern. A later evening stroll down Duval should always end with a stop to watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Breathtaking! For dinner restaurants abound. Pick your feasts that can range from a clam meal takeout at DJ’s Clam Shack or a high-end dinner at the Hot Tin Roof. Both are excellent in service and food quality. Don’t forget the Key Lime Pie!

Emerald Coast RV Resort - Panama City Beach, Florida

This gated park RV resort is a member of the Sun RV Resort group. It lies within the city but still maintains its anonymity. The front desk people are extra nice and helpful. Within a few miles, there are homes of all sizes, new shopping centers, and about anything else you would want as far as services. On-site many normal amenities are available but in some ways, they are less noticeable. For example, there are two pools, but they are both fairly small. Two pickleball or tennis courts and one basketball court. If staying try to grab a lakefront site as they appear to be the largest, have the best layout (grills and furniture), and of course the best views.

If you like seafood a local restaurant to check out while in town is Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant. While outside appearing small and somewhat old school once inside the food and atmosphere sets it apart. It will be busy at almost all times of the day. Remember once you arrive to send one person from your party inside to reserve a table grab a couple of brews and wait outside for your name to be called. Once inside be ready for a tightly spaced old-fashioned ambiance where everyone seems to be talking at once and if you’re lucky your waiter may offer you his homemade hot sauce for your baked three-cheese Cajun oysters with jalapenos. Yum!

Local attractions are numerous as this is a very touristy summer beach town. Zoo World next door and within walking distance from the RV park. Numerous waterparks and marine parks are in town. For our interests, a walk on the beach is only a mile away and as everyone knows - Panhandle seashores are the best!

Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort - Custer, South Dakota

As soon as you pull in the front parking lot you know you’re out west. Teepees on the left. A huge general store on the right. Multicolored buffalo statues and prairie dogs. You have arrived! This unique camp resort wants you to believe they are old-fashioned western but they offer so many nice amenities that they are in truth most modern.

Hopefully, sightseeing is why you are here? Whether on a motorcycle or four wheels the roads in this part of South Dakota provide breathtaking scenery around every turn. North of Crazy Horse, try and catch the Needles Hwy. Rt. 87 as it is one of the most scenic highways anywhere.

National monuments like Mount Rushmore stun the senses. The Crazy Horse monument and museum provide insight into the past and what it was like years ago. Take time to see the museum, it is well worth it. Also, if you have the time and energy there are special days when you can hike up to the top of Crazy Horse. What a view! Head north to Deadwood to drop some bills on the gaming tables at the local gambling hall. Then north again to visit the storied town of Sturgis SD. Sturgis is the home to the world’s largest motorcycle rally. It is suggested not to stop during those two weeks. When visiting any other time, it reverts to a sleepy western town with cool landmarks like Knuckleheads and the Iron Horse Saloon. Both have good western atmospheres, great food, and the coldest beer in town. Another iconic retail landmark is the Harley Davidson dealer of Sturgis. Even if you are not a cycle person it’s still fun to browse. Pick a different route and head back to Custer for a stop to clear the dust from your throat at the Mount Rushmore Brewing Company. The food and brew selection is outstanding.

Ouray Riverside Resort and RV Park - Ouray, Colorado

Scenery? Did I mention the scenery? Voted one of the most scenic campgrounds in America. Just sit and enjoy the killer views or hit the Million Dollar Highway for a ride on one of the most scenic highways anywhere. Owners Jason and Amber Perkins have owned the park since 2013 and have worked some serious magic to make this special location of 13 acres along the Uncompahgre River an RVers paradise.

After a day of spectacular hiking or jeeping in the mountains, you return to the campground a bit worse for the wear. After a quick shower and a refreshment, you sit beside the RV and bask in the late afternoon sun as it is quickly heading for a spectacular sunset over the nearby mountain peaks. Should we head downtown to the local gathering spot at The Red Mountain Brewing Company or just relax and pop a steak on the barbie? Tough decisions. The downtown area offers a quaint mountain gold mining town feel. No chain restaurants here. Local cuisine provided by local entrepreneurs such as The Chili or Campbells Cajun Cuisine reflects the regional culinary craftsmanship of the area.

You hate to say goodbye to the sun as it slips over the colorful mountain tops, but you rest assured in the knowledge that it will be back tomorrow.

Goldings Monument RV and Campgrounds - Monument Valley, Utah

The setting of this park is a little overwhelming upon the first arrival. The park is clean and orderly with a feeling of sparseness. Towering red rocks soar above you as you pull your RV into the park. The air is dry, and sounds are tranquil as you step out of your RV onto the very dry earth. The Golding name is on everything within walking distance. A well-stocked convenience store, an amphitheater, the airport, and The Stagecoach Restaurant all appear well run and orderly.

Upon awakening the next morning, the sun burns brightly in the east and you can see Monument Valley from your campsite in Rock Door Canyon. Surreal! As you drive across the street an unexpected surprise is that Monument Valley is on Indian land and the visitor center was closed to visitors due to the pandemic. Indian-owned lands such in southern South Dakota and Four Corners in the Southwest were also closed. Check your route ahead of time during this pandemic. Continuing on the monuments are still one of the wonders of the world. Head north out of Monument Valley on Rt. 163 to view Mexican Hat. A natural stone wonder that if you don’t mind some red dust on your vehicle you can drive almost under the shade of the hat. From there go just a few miles further north and jump on RT. 261 to the Valley of the Gods. More red dust and solitude await you. If you brought your dual-purpose motorcycle or four-wheel drive vehicle you can climb the switchbacks on the gravel road to the top of the mesa. Once on top, you can gaze back across the Valley of the Gods for a view that is one of those rare moments in time.

Verde Ranch RV Resort - Cottonwood, Arizona

Verde Ranch has it all. At least that is what the advertisement would lead you to believe. 399 RV hookups-check, all amenities-check, friendly help-check, warm weather during winter months-nope. The pool area, clubhouse, and laundry are all very modern and well done. The pool could be larger as when there are 399 sites and many with kids so the pool can become crowded fast.

Staying here during the months of January and February can be a bit nippy. The best times to enjoy this fine park are the spring and fall when temperatures are phenomenal, and humidity is low. Pool time is still available, and you can sit outside without suffering in the heat.

Besides the fun things at the park, there are several nearby attractions that make the stay more interesting. Trek over to Strawberry and Pine Arizona. These two towns are small, but each offers something special on your high-country visits. The Strawberry name is not just a name. Arrive in town early as the pies sell out by afternoon most days. If it’s not just pie’s you’re after try the empanadas as they are delicious and reheat well. From Strawberry mosey on down to Pine for a local craft beer at the Pinewood Tavern. All good!

Spend a day and head north up to Prescott and Sedona. Each of these towns has something unique to offer. Prescott has the claim to the world’s oldest rodeo in 1888. The downtown square is clean and offers a glimpse back in history with many old buildings and storefronts. Stop into Prescott Brewing company while downtown at the Bashford Courts across from the historic courthouse. Continue to Sedona for a close look into a real tourist town. Once in town wander around but make sure to find the Sedona Brewing Company. This boutique brewery near the heart of downtown has good grub and of course flavorful brews. Remember to bring the credit card as they did not take cash a few months ago. Out of Sedona to the north on Arizona, SR 89 is maybe one the most breathtakingly scenic, narrow canyon roads in the American West? If it weren’t for the heavy traffic it would be great to drive or ride it every day!

Riverside RV Park and Resort - Sevierville, Tennessee

About as close as you can get to The Great Smokey Mountains in an RV park. Just off Winfield Dunn Parkway a few miles north of Sevierville. This is a large park that offers a decent variety of amenities. Some of the sites can be a bit tight so be discerning when selecting a site. Also, the back of the property is quieter with less traffic for sensitive ears. A highlight of this park is that the Little Pidgeon River runs along the park edge. If you can be so lucky as to procure a spot on the river it is possible to lower a kayak or small boat in directly behind your RV. Cool!

When the campground gets a bit stale or your just hungry it’s time to venture out into the world. Whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner you’re looking for there are so many within 5 miles it will be a hard choice. From chains to mom and pops, it’s all here. Within 10 miles there are a lot of options for outdoor activities. Hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking are all there. Head south past Dollywood and Gatlinburg and select from one of many excellent Smokey Mountain hikes. If mountain biking is more your thing head over about 30 minutes towards Knoxville and Baker Creek Preserve. This biker’s playland has both asphalt tracks and mountain biker dirt trails. Either way, the ride is worth the drive.

Remember during peak tourist seasons this area is jammed with cars and people. Pick your season wisely in relation to your traffic jam tolerance and as always-enjoy!

Lighthouse Point RV Park at Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

Ohio. Imagine that? A top flite luxury RV park combined with America’s premier rollercoaster park. Very cool! Especially for the kids or kid in all of us. 120 full-service hook-up sites with an outdoor water park and beach access on the shores of Lake Erie. Along with spacious sites, your stay entitles you to discount ticket packages, guaranteed park entry, and complimentary shuttle service on the Cedar Point peninsula.

The Lake Erie shoreline near Cedar Point is a summertime playground. If you are a fisherman last year was a record-breaking year for Walleye and 2021 is projected to be even better! If you don’t have a boat - no worries, charters abound. Chelsea Charters has been known to catch a lot of fish along with excellent service. Be ready for the question, “do you want to go fishing or catching?” If fishing is not your game take the Jet Express to Kelly’s Island or Put In Bay. Both islands offer a full day of adventures and fun. Be sure to plan ahead and rent a golf cart or bikes to get around the islands. If you arrive in June and like motorcycles, Mad River Harley Davidson sponsors one of the biggest bike events in the country. Music and festivities abound for the better part of a week along with their great selection of bikes, riding gear, and accessories.

It is always a blast to cook at the RV. Barbeque around the campfire with friends and family. If the feeling to cook is gone for the day you can head to a favorite local Sandusky eatery that has a monstrous 80 draft beer selection - Small City Taphouse. Along with some great drafts, they offer an Asian fusion menu with some outstanding selections. Steamed pork dumplings are of the melt-in-your-mouth variety. Pho, sushi, and noodles of all types are handmade and offered in the traditional Asian style. Let owners Ka, PK, and Bee show you true Asian hospitality.

If the afternoon is hot and you need some relief head over to Toft’s Dairy and Ice Cream Parlor in Sandusky. All ice cream is made in the traditional way by the Toft family dairy. Enjoy a selection of over 70 different ice cream flavors. The parlor has recently been remodeled but the original soda fountain and parlor-type seating have been retained to give visitors a peek of days gone by.

It is easy to spend a week or two in this land of summer fun on Lake Erie. Time will go by fast, but the memories will remain. Remember to catch the sunset from Catawba Island State Park dock while looking west over the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Spectacular!