Choices in Campgrounds

The other day, we were staying at a KOA. We started talking to a man who was camping with his wife and kids. As he asked us about our camping experience, he shared a hope to one day be full-time as well. For now, the family did a couple trips each year and long weekends. He said they only stayed in KOA campgrounds as it was easy and they knew what to expect.

We stay at KOAs from time to time. Sometimes it is the most convenient. Sometimes we want to use our points for a discount. And once because a friend owned it. However, as a rule, we prefer to stay in other types of campgrounds. There is a wide variety and all have their pluses and minuses.

State Park Campgrounds

When possible, we stay at State Park campgrounds. As part of the larger state park, they offer features unique to the area. You have access to the Park and its’ features. This can include great access to lakes, beaches, bayous, and hiking trails. Some are more rustic and set deeply in nature so that you feel like you are only ones camping, depending on the area’s habitat.

These might be dirt pads, but are typically fairly level. Others are more modern and have concrete pads and might even include wifi. They also typically have a fire pit if the area allows it and a picnic table as well as shower and bathroom facilities. Some states offer great variety and number of camping at parks so do some research first. We can highly recommend those in Colorado, Oregon, and Texas.

Pro

• Usually have hookups, at least water and electricity with a dump station nearby.
• Quiet during the week
• Often have playgrounds or programs for the kids

Con

• Tend to fill up on weekends so best to book as soon as you can.
• Might not be open year round depending on the area
• Limit stay to 14 days in nearly all Parks.
• Depending on Park, tree coverage can be heavy so search for best spots if using Starlink.

Best for:

• Nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring protected landscapes while enjoying RV comforts
• Individuals and Families wanting to get away from screens and noise

Recommendation:

• Ridgway SP in Ridgway, CO near Ouray and Telluride – a more modern state park with concrete pads and incredible views
• Cape Blanco SP in Port Orford, OR. – Amazing place! Right above the coast line, felt so private and we still were able to use Starlink

Corps of Engineer Campground (COE)

Corps of Engineer Campgrounds take State Parks up a notch and are our favorite camping spots. COE campgrounds are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency responsible for building and maintaining public recreational facilities, including those at dams and reservoirs. Typically near a body of water including lakes or rivers, these campgrounds provide a variety of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing in a beautiful area.

Like State Parks, they are usually in beautiful settings with access to a nearby local and natural attraction. The sites offer fire pits and picnic tables in most cases and have on-site shower/bathroom facilities.

Pro

• Scenic locations offer a peaceful retreat amid nature
• Usually have hookups, at least water and electricity with a dump station nearby, some are full hook-ups.
• Rates are very affordable, usually lower than nearby campgrounds with less appeal

Con

• Will be busier on weekends, but not usually as busy as State Parks
• Might not be open year round depending on the area
• Limit stay to 14 days within a 30 day period.

Best for:

• Nature enthusiasts who enjoy exploring protected landscapes while enjoying RV comforts
• Individuals and Families who enjoy water-based activities

Recommendation:

• Belle Star Campground in Checotah, Oklahoma on Eufaula Lake

National Parks Campgrounds

Many of the larger National Parks have multiple campgrounds within them and most have at least one. We have never stayed at one as our size restricts us from comfortably trying it without a reservation. Many NP have first come, first serve policies. Plus, many of the campgrounds could not accommodate our 37 foot camper. And those that do take reservations often book up a year in advance. You must be at the ready the morning it opens to try for a spot.

That said, they are very convenient for visiting the nearby Park. For instance at Yellowstone and Yosemite, it might cut more than an hour off your travel time to get there and go through admission.

Like State Parks, they are usually in natural settings and have bathroom facilities, showers and sometimes laundry. Many at the larger spots offer rentals for water activities, small grocery or food stores, and other nice amenities. Hook-ups will vary with some having none. Water access and dump stations are usually available nearby. Always check to ensure you are prepared!

Pro

• Scenic locations with amazing views and access to the Park
• Many have ranger programs within the campground
• Some hookups, at least water and electricity with a dump station nearby, few have full hook-ups.
• Rates are very affordable

Con

• Very hard to book with some having year in advance reservations
• Some have first come, first serve which works well if you are flexible and have back up plan
• Might not be open year round depending on the area
• Limit stay to 14 days within a 30 day period, with some having minimum stays
• Some limitations on RV length

Best for:

• National Park enthusiasts who love being amid the features
• Those who want to get an early start to their exploring

Recommendation (never stayed, but looked amazing)

• Watchman CG in Zion National Park has great access to the shuttle and nearby hikes
• Mammoth CG in Yellowstone is open year round and anything that places you amidst Yellowstone for the start of your day has to be good

Private Campgrounds

Private RV parks are independently owned and operated campgrounds with a wide range of amenities and services as well as care and upkeep. The majority of our nights are spent in private campgrounds and we have seen top of the line and the bottom. With no kids to worry about, we are not as picky as some in choosing. We like to choose one that fits our needs for that location. It might be convenient access to an attraction we are visiting, to the airport or highway, or just the fact that they have full hook-ups.

With a wide variety in terms of facilities and pricing, we understand why some folks are hesitant. (This is where I will put in the plug for folks to add their reviews to sites like Campendium which some of us use regularly!) Most do provide a comfortable stay with essential hookups and additional features like Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Most have some type of playground or courts if they cater to families. Some even restrict campers to adults and then have programs or facilities that cater to adults.

Pro

• Full or partial hook ups with nearby bathroom and shower facilities
• Wide variety so you can choose based on your needs and preferences
• Rates can vary so you can also choose based on your budget
• Usually no limit on size or length of stay and might offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays

Con

• Wide variety also means no uniform definition in describing the campground i.e. the term resort is thrown around like Mardi Gras beads
• Some have firm rules so be sure to check before books
• Can be tightly packed in and usually much less vegetation so easily see neighbors

Best for:

• Travelers who need to be near specific location
• Those who want to ensure they are around other families or only adults
• Full-timers who have a lot of nights to fill

Recommendation

• Scheffels Hideaway in Two Rivers, WI – The owners take so much pride in the campground and it really shows! Plus it is a great location for exploring.
• Alpine Lodge Hotel and RV – We know two of the owners and are already planning to have Camp Carpe Diem there in Fall 2025

Network Campgrounds

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) operates the largest network of privately owned campgrounds specifically designed for RV travelers. However they are not the only one available. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campgrounds are scattered across the United States and cater to families with pools, water slides, craft activities and more. Sun Outdoors which started in 1996 and now has more than 170 campgrounds is growing quickly and develops large campgrounds with a lot of amenities. They cater to the seasonal traveler or those that like to stay for more than a month to enjoy their amenities.

All these campgrounds, and the other membership or network campgrounds, offer a range of site options, from basic to full hookup. They also feature additional amenities such as playgrounds, convenience stores, and organized activities. Activities that make it easy to never leave the campground and just to enjoy their camping experience. Many have cabins or RV rentals on site for folks who want to share the fun, but don’t have a RV.

We tend to stay away from Jellystone campgrounds as they really attract families with smaller children. And while I have looked at Sun Outdoors, they tend to be on the pricey side. Folks stay at these campgrounds for the consistency of experience and sometimes for the loyalty programs which can give rewards to those who stay with them. We are members of KOA and have points, but find it really difficult to use them as they restrict how many you can use per campground.

Pro

• Typically full hookups but do check as some sites may not
• Wide variety of sites within a park for various needs from rustic to premium
• Consistency of experience
• Usually no limit on size or length of stay

Con

• Have found some chains to become rundown as they age and folks don’t keep them up so check reviews
• Less interesting or unique experiences as they tend to cookie-cutter
• Can be tightly packed in and very crowded especially on the weekends

Best for:

• Families who are camping to get away from home and don’t want to go far
• Less adventurous travelers who like to know what to expect and have a chain of command for issues

Recommendation

• Santa Fe KOA Journey – This was a beautiful campground and it was clear they really cared about it as they were adding in special features to create premium campsites with nicer patios and even some sites with closed in fence areas for your dog.
• Lakeside KOA Holiday – Our first experiences with KOA, was this very nice and large campground. It was nicely kept up and very convenient for us to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Dispersed Camping

For those times when you don’t want to see people and love the idea of not paying high campground fees, dispersed camping is a fantastic option. However, it is certainly more for the rugged camper instead of the occasional. You have to be willing to get “mud on those tires” or at the last, a lot of dust. Dispersed camping, or as we call it, boondocking, allows you to set up camp on public lands like national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. This style of camping offers ultimate freedom but no amenities. It is also very important to know and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize your impact on the environment and keep the area ready for the next camper. No mothers or camp owners will be coming around to clean up after you.

Before trying this, it is important to know where you are heading and your vehicle’s ability. We have done it many times in a 37 foot Class A so we know it is possible! But the roads in these areas can be rough and the campsites often require a lot of leveling.

It is fantastic when it works! Just be ready with Plan B and even C in case your designated area if full. Many people only do dispersed camping and they have their special place and know when to get there to claim it! For more hints on boondocking, check out our videos.

Pro

• Scenery and solitude
• Few if any campers near you
• Can’t beat the price

Con

• No hook ups, dumpsters or water sources
• As it has become more popular, some sites can be trashy and rundown
• Roads leading to sites can be rough
• Typically limited to 14 days at a time

Best for

• Adventurous campers, those seeking seclusion, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Recommendation

• Outside Zion National Park – We could not beat the view of mountains and the easy access to Zion.
• Collegiate Mountains Outside Salida, CO – We enjoyed a beautiful site that was big enough for five of our friends to camp nearby. We circled up and enjoyed a campfire in the middle. It was heavenly.

There are a lot of choices when you decide to camp, whether in a RV, trailer or even a tent. While it is good to find your groove and stick to what is working for you, camping is also an adventure. Give one of the other options a try and see if you can find a new source for your campsites. You might be happy to find a good option or even a new way of camping!

To see more of our favorite campgrounds, check out our blogs on destinations or favorites like this. And how to pick a campground here. And I would love to hear what you think are the pluses and minuses of the various campground types. Share below in comments.