Finally! Campground and RV park reviews for national and state park camping across the US. Our reviews consider full hookups, family-friendly amenities, restroom availability, average costs, and much, much more. Each campground is rated on a 1-star to a 5-star rating.
These are all campgrounds we have stayed in within the last 2 years. Features, amenities, and rates are accurate as of July 2020. These reviews and opinions are my own and do not reflect any paid sponsorships from any campground or RV park.
Our key for our star rating.
- 5 Stars = Excellent. Services and amenities were exactly as described. Fees were consistent with services and amenities. We would stay again.
- 4 Stars = Overall pretty good. Services and amenities were fairly consistent with campground descriptions and fees. We would likely stay again.
- 3 Stars = Campground was OK. Overall not as nice as a 4 or 5 Star. We may not stay again.
- 2 Stars = Campground was poor. Campground likely has few amenities, is difficult to navigate, or low value for the cost. We are unlikely to return to this campground.
- 1 Star = You need to ask? No amenities, difficult to find or navigate in the campground, and expensive for the value received. The only reason we would return to this campground is if it is the only one available in the area.
We encourage you to use this rating scale as a guide only and consider general comments included with each campground and RV park. Those comments may change your personal rating, depending on your preferences.
Campground and RV Parks are broken down into categories.
Click on the bullet if you want to jump directly to a particular section or campground review. To return back to the top of this page for the full list, click on the “click here” option provided at the end of each campground and RV park review
I have included links for national and state parks as well as national forest and public land campgrounds we have reviewed.
- Camping Clubs, memberships, and chains
- Bar M Resort & Campground
- Cody KOA Holiday – WY
- Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday – MI
- Cutty’s Camping Resort – IA
- Devils Tower KOA Journey – WY
- Emerald Coast RV Resort – FL
- Grants KOA Journey – NM
- Lake Bomoseen KOA Holiday – VT
- Moab Rim Campark – UT
- Rock Springs / Green River KOA Journey – WY
- Spruce Row Campground & RV Park – NY
- Two Rivers Campground – TN
National Park Campground Reviews
We generally really enjoy the national park campgrounds. The scenery is usually incredible, and usually, the amenities are consistent with the fees. Visit my National Park post for helpful national park information.
- Cedar Pass Campground
- Grand Canyon Trailer Village RV Park
- Gulpha Gorge Campground
- Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch
- St. Mary’s Campground
Cedar Pass Campground. Badlands National Park, SD
- Electric-only service, no water or sewer on sites. A septic dump is available nearby for a $1 fee. Tent camping is allowed.
- Pay showers, flush toilets, and water nearby.
- This was a great campground for family-friendly amenities. Each site has shaded picnic tables, and there is a restaurant and gift shop nearby. Group and tent sites are available. Off-season dry camping is allowed for a fee.
- Sites are paved and situated along the roadway. Our site required some work to level it, others looked to be more level.
- The scenery at this campground was amazing.
- Views of the Badlands Wall visible from all sites.
- Near amphitheater for National Park Service evening programs during the summer.
- Depending on where your site is located, you may have a short hike to the showers.
- Bring plenty of water, the Badlands is very hot in the summer months.
- Average cost $38 per night/2 people per RV, $23 per night for tent camping
- Link to website Cedar Pass Campground
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Grand Canyon Trailer Village RV Park. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. Some pull-through sites. Tent camping is allowed.
- Flush toilets and showers were available
- The family-friendly amenities here are endless. This campground is near everything at the Grand Canyon. The park trolley service stop is near the campground entrance.
- Sites are paved and level.
- This RV Park was incredible.
- The elk roamed between campers, the sites were well shaded, and every amenity you could possibly want was nearby.
- Grand Canyon has a general store, post office, emergency clinic, and several restaurants, and plenty of parking at each.
- Bike/walking trails wound around the campground offering ample opportunity for nature viewing and family activities.
- No internet connectivity, the cell phone service may be spotty.
- Average cost $52 per night.
- Link to website Grand Canyon Trailer Village RV Park
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Gulpha Gorge Campground. Hot Springs National Park, AR
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. No pull-through sites. Tent camping is allowed.
- There are modern restrooms but no showers.
- Staffed year-round. There is no camp store, but the town of Hot Springs is a few minutes away. No laundry facilities.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water.
- No internet connectivity, cell phone service may be spotty.
- Near amphitheater for National Park Service evening programs during the summer.
- A hot-springs-fed creek runs along the campground, providing entertainment for the entire family.
- Average cost $30 per night.
- Link to website Gulpha Gorge Campground
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Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch. Located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, WY
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. Pull-through sites. Tent camping is generally allowed, depending on bear sightings.
- There are modern restrooms, I am unsure if showers are available.
- There are 24-hour showers and coin-operated laundry facilities. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, most sites have a bear-proof container. The park is pet-friendly.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- This may be my all-time favorite campground.
- Located on the John D Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, right in between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and only a few miles from each.
- Cabins are available.
- No internet connectivity, cell phone service may be spotty.
- Propane and Gas Station nearby.
- This campground generally fills between noon and 4 pm mid-June to early September. Be sure to get there early or reserve your site.
- Average cost $84 per night/2 people per RV, $42 per night for tent camping. $77 per night for cabins.
- Link to website Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch
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St. Mary’s Campground. Glacier National Park, MT
- Boondocking only, no electric or water services. A dump station is on-site. There are some pull-through sites, but units longer than 24 ft are unlikely to fit. Camping is frequently restricted to hard-sided units only because of bear sightings.
- There are flush toilets and sinks with running water and showers.
- Nicely paved road for bike riding, sites are private and nestled in the natural undergrowth.
- The campsites in this campground are level and require little effort to level your unit.
- Fairly nice campground
- Half-mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center, which offers interpretive programs and shuttle service for the Going To The Sun Road.
- The campground sits near the entrance of the popular scenic byway, the Going-to-the-Sun Road
- A couple of miles down the road and outside the park, visitors will find all the comforts of home, including restaurants, gift shops, camp stores, gas, and groceries.
- No internet connectivity, cell phone service may be spotty.
- Average cost $23 per night.
- Link to website St. Mary’s Campground
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State Park Campground Reviews
State park campgrounds are generally our go-to choice for long weekend getaways. Your local state park campground likely is inexpensive and full of family-friendly amenities. Be sure to verify if full hookups are available if that is an amenity you need.
The state park campgrounds often fill up quickly, so it is wise to reserve your campsite as soon as you have made plans to travel. Regardless of where you are camping across the US, there is likely a state park campground near you.
Here are the state park campgrounds we have visited within the last 2 years.
- Black Rock State Park
- Crow Wing State Park
- Honey Creek State Park
- Itasca State Park
- Knob Noster State Park
- McIntosh State Park
- Punderson State Park
- Springbrook State Park
- Sterling State Park
- Summit Lake State Park
- Table Rock State Park
Black Rock State Park. Watertown, CT
- The park only offers standard non-electric sites. Tent sites and cabins are also available.
- Bathrooms and picnic tables are available.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Our site was very unlevel, but others appeared to be more level.
- Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands of Connecticut.
- 78 camping sites are scattered through the campground, the park covers 439 acres
- Nearby soccer fields provide lots of area for the kids to play
- Fishing – this is a CT designated trout park
- There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from 30 minutes to all-day
- Alcohol is not allowed in the park. Pets are not allowed in the campground. Frankly, there are alot of rules for this state park campground. I had to take 1/2 a star off the rating for lack of amenities.
- Regardless of the rules and lack of amenities, I loved this campground and would definitely return.
- Average cost $17 per night for state residents, $27 for non-residents. There is also a daily parking fee for non-residents, I thought it was $9 but the website says it should be $15.
- Link to website Black Rock State Park
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Crow Wing State Park. Brainerd, MN
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. No pull-through sites. Group and tent camping is allowed. Cabins available April – October.
- Flush toilets, vault toilets, and showers are available on a seasonal basis.
- This is a campground full of family-friendly amenities. The kids will be exhausted by the end of the night!
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- This is a really unique campground.
- The historic Old Crow Wing Town Site, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers, is nearby.
- There are hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing on the Mississippi River at this campground.
- Wildlife is abundant, the sound of birds is everywhere, bring your binoculars.
- A Minnesota Vehicle Permit is required. These are valid for a year and can be purchased here.
- Average cost $22 per night.
- Link to website Crow Wing State Park
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Honey Creek State Park. Moravia, IA
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. Some pull-through sites. Cabins are available.
- Showers, restrooms, and a trailer dump station are available.
- There are plenty of family-friendly amenities at this park. Visitors enjoy fishing (with a fish cleaning station), hiking, nature trails, and snowmobile trails.
- Sites are concrete and generally very level.
- Honey Creek State Park has a lot to offer.
- It is nestled in rolling, timbered hills against a background of beautiful Rathbun Lake, Iowa’s largest lake.
- A great place for picnics and larger gatherings. Two open picnic shelters are located at scenic points overlooking the lake and are able to be reserved online.
- Follow the interpretive trail and learn about the eleven ancient Woodland Indian mounds left behind by the first inhabitants of the area.
- A 105 room hotel and lodge, an indoor water park, restaurant, 28 cottages, and a championship 18 hole golf course are nearby.
- This campground is what I call a “parking lot”. There are few trees and the sites are small. I seldom rate parking lot sites very high. You may rate this park higher because of the amenities.
- Average cost $25 per night.
- Link to website Honey Creek State Park
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Itasca State Park. Park Rapids, MN
- Full hookups, water, and sewer. Backpack, cart-in, group, and wheelchair accessible sites are available.
- Flush toilets, vault toilets, and showers are available on a seasonal basis.
- This is a campground full of family-friendly amenities. With large campsites and expansive loops, there is plenty of room for the kids to run and ride bicycles.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- I love this campground. Sorry – this is going to be a long campground review.
- First, the chance to walk across the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River – priceless.
- Amenities include a swimming beach, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Add in bike and hiking trails and this is the very definition of family-friendly amenities.
- There are several cafes and restaurants located in or near the park.
- A Minnesota Vehicle Permit is required. These are valid for a year and can be purchased here.
- You just have to visit! If I could give this 6 Stars, I would.
- Average cost $24 per night.
- Link to website Itasca State Park
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Knob Noster State Park. Knob Noster, MO
- This campground features basic and electric campsites, family campsites, two organized group camps, special-use camping, and tent-camping areas. For a little extra space, try one of the park’s family campsites.
- Flush toilets, vault toilets, and showers are available on a seasonal basis.
- This is a campground full of family-friendly amenities. With large campsites and expansive loops, there is plenty of room for the kids to run and ride bicycles.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV, however, some sites require more work to level your RV.
- I love this campground.
- First, there are horse riding trails, hiking trails, and bicycling trails located in the campground and scattered throughout the state park.
- The playground is conveniently located near the shower facilities.
- The state park borders Whiteman Air Force Base. For those interested in this type of thing, you can hear and occasionally see the Stealth B-1 Bomber take off and land. Tours of the AFB facilities are available once COVID restrictions are lifted.
- No state entry permit or fee is required.
- You just have to visit! This park is a unique blend of outdoor and unique activities. If I could give this 6 Stars, I would.
- Average costs range from $13 to $38 per night, depending on amenities.
- Link to website Knob Noster State Park Campground
McIntosh Woods State Park. Ventura, IA
- Some sites with electric hookups. Yurts are available to rent.
- Modern restroom and showers
- Family-friendly amenities include a playground for the children. There are no supply stores located in the park.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- This is one of our go-to parks. I suspect it is because there are spots available at the last minute, not because it is a phenomenal campground.
- Bring plenty of bug spray. Mosquitos are common in this park.
- There is a one-mile nature trail that takes visitors into the heart of McIntosh Woods. Signs along the trail describe different features of the park.
- McIntosh is a major boating access points for Clear Lake. A modern boat ramp is present with an extensive paved area for vehicle and trailer parking. Fishing is a common activity on the lake.
- The park has a hunk of land jutting out into the lake. This area includes an unsupervised beach which is popular for swimmers of all ages.
- I suspect Papa Joe would rate this as a 4 star because of its primitive state. That is a detractor for me.
- Average cost $16 per night.
- Link to website McIntosh Woods State Park
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Punderson State Park. Newbury, OH
- Both electric-only and full hookup sites are available. 3 group camping sites are located in the campground. You can also enjoy cabins or an overnight stay in the manor house.
- Shower houses, flush toilets, and a dump station are located in the campground.
- There are plenty of family-friendly amenities at this park. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, nature trails, and cross-country ski trails.
- Sites are gravel and generally very level.
- Punderson State Park has a lot to offer. Are you ready? Here are some of the activity highlights.
- A championship-rated 18 hole golf course
- Disc golf course open year-round
- Fishing – bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, and catfish can be caught in any of the 3 local lakes
- Wait until you see the lodge. This is an incredibly beautiful setting
- And more… picnicking, sledding, snowmobiling, archery range, bike rentals, tennis courts, dog sledding. What else could you ask for?
- I loved this campground. We had some difficulty with the electricity, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves. They are taken from the same spot. The first photo was looking toward the front of our campsite, and the second photo is looking toward the back of our campsite, down our personal trail to Punderson Lake.
- Average cost $25 per night plus a $6.50 reservation fee.
- Link to website Punderson State Park
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Springbrook State Park. Guthrie Center, IA
- Both non-electric and electric campsites are available. A dump station is near the park entrance. Springbrook features an organized youth group camping area adjacent to the campground and cabins.
- There are modern restrooms and showers.
- A camp store is open weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day which provides various camping supplies, food, firewood, and ice.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- This campground holds special memories for Papa Joe and I. It is hard to not be a little biased, but here are the facts.
- There are two stone picnic shelters that may be reserved in advance. One is near the beach, the other is near the lake and trails.
- Enjoy the 12 miles of trails that can either challenge your athletic ability or provide a casual stroll through the timber and prairie areas.
- In winter, snowmobiling is allowed on four miles of designated trails.
- The 17-acre lake has a beach with unsupervised swimming and ample fishing.
- Hunting is allowed, in season, on certain portions of the park.
- Average cost $16 per night.
- Link to website Springbrook State Park
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Sterling State Park. Monroe, MI
- Both non-electric and electric campsites are available. A dump station is near the park entrance. As you can see in the photos, there are cabins located along Lake Erie.
- There are modern restrooms and showers located in the campground.
- Sites are concrete with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- Papa Joe loved that this campground lies next to Brest Bay, with both nuclear and traditional power stations visible from the campground. None of that floated by boat, but there were other great features.
- The park’s 1,300 acres include more than 1 mile of sandy beach, boating, and shore fishing on Lake Erie,
- And more… fishing lagoon, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing, and 7 miles of trails.
- The park is well known for its walleye fishing, three lagoons, and sandy beachfront near the mouth of Sandy Creek.
- There are activities to be enjoyed here year-round
- The campground is largely a parking lot, but spaces are large and well-spaced. As there are lots of activities both in the park and nearby locally, I rated this park with 5-stars.
- Average cost $28 per night for electric only, $40 for full hookups. A vehicle pass is also required, prices range according to daily versus annual use, age, and state residency. A non-resident day pass is $9.
- Link to website Sterling State Park. You may find this listed as William C. Sterling State Park, but the official name seems to be Sterling State Park.
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Summit Lake State Park. New Castle, IN
- Both non-electric and electric campsites are available. A dump station is near the park entrance. There are a youth tent meeting area and cabins for rent.
- There are vault toilets and showers.
- A limited camp store located at the campground entrance. The store provides various camping supplies, food, firewood, and ice. Concessions are located at the beach.
- Sites are gravel with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- This review is based on our experience, as well as several state residence we solicited feedback from. Summit Lake State Park offers several amenities.
- Boat rental and launch on the lake. Fishing is allowed away from the beach area and requires a permit.
- Easy to moderate hiking trails are available for year-round enjoyment.
- An interpretive naturalist service is available from mid-May through Labor Day.
- Bird watching is a common activity, especially during the migratory season.
- Fellow campers indicated this is their go-to park, however, they prefer to travel to parks in nearby states if time allows. Restroom and shower facilities were common items identified as being of inferior quality.
- The average cost was around $30 per night, plus a $7 per day State Park access charge.
- Link to website Summit Lake State Park
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Table Rock State Park. Branson, MO
- The State Park offers 2 campgrounds with a variety of full hookups, partial hookups, and non-electric sites. A dump station is near the park entrance. Yurts are available for rent.
- There are modern restrooms.
- Table Rock Lake and Branson area offer family-friendly amenities suitable for all interests and activity levels.
- Sites are concrete with grassy areas around each site. Very little work was required to level our RV.
- The 2 campgrounds located in Table Rock Lake have tons of stuff to do.
- Boating and fishing are common, a marina with boat rentals are located near Campground #2.
- A Dive shop is also located near Campground #2.
- There are several picnic sites and shelters.
- Hiking trails wind through both campgrounds.
- Other features include a camp store, dining facilities, and interpretive programs.
- Wifi is available.
- With Table Rock Lake State Park’s proximity to Branson, great facilities, and tons of stuff to do, this park is 5-star all the way.
- The average costs are seasonal. Rates start at $12 for non-electric sites, $22 for standard electric, and vary according to the site’s amenities.
- Link to website Table Rock State Park
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National Forest Campground Reviews
Some of our favorite camping spots across the US have been in the national forests. Generally, these are boondocking primitive sites. The beauty of these sites, however, more than compensates for the lack of services.
- Dead Indian Campground
- Eagle Creek Campground
Dead Indian Campground. Northeast Yellowstone, Shoshone National Forest, WY
- Boondocking only, no electric or water services.
- There is a pit toilet in the campground.
- Picnic tables are the only amenity available at this campground.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- Don’t let the lack of amenities or boondocking fool you.
- This is a small campground, with 10 campsites.
- A trailhead is nearby across State Highway 296. The trail climbs along Dead Indian Creek, through the Absaroka Wilderness, across Dead Indian Meadows, and up to the summit of Dead Indian Peak. This is God’s Country.
- This site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
- No cell service or internet.
- Must occupy the site within 30 minutes of completing the reservation ticket.
- Sites are not reservable.
- For a primitive site, this is an excellent campground. Be bear aware at all times.
- The only reason this is not a 5-star campground is how remote the location is. Take Chief Joseph Scenic Highway to reach the campground. The drive is beautiful, but the campground is at least 2 hours from any services.
- Average cost $10 per night.
- Link to website Dead Indian Campground
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Eagle Creek Campground. East Yellowstone, Shoshone National Forest, WY
- Boondocking only, no electric or water services.
- There is a pit toilet in the campground. The restrooms are handicap accessible.
- Picnic tables are the only amenity available at this campground. Only hard-sided units are allowed to camp here, this is bear country.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- Don’t let the lack of amenities or boondocking fool you.
- This is a small campground, with 20 campsites.
- No cell or internet service.
- Must occupy the site within 30 minutes of completing the reservation ticket.
- Sites are not reservable.
- Many sites overlook the North Fork Shoshone River and are in a mixture of fir, lodgepole, and spruce trees.
- The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 7 miles away. Cody, WY is approximately 35 miles away
- For a primitive site, this is an excellent campground. Be bear aware at all times.
- This is a 5-star campground because of the proximity to Yellowstone, nicely shaded sites near the river, and reasonable camping fees. We would return here in a heartbeat.
- Average cost $15 per night.
- Link to website Eagle Creek Campground
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National Public Land Campground Reviews
Public lands include wildlife refuges, forests, grasslands, marine sanctuaries, lakes, and reservoirs, including the Army Corps of Engineers. These campgrounds range from primitive sites to partial hookups and may have a few family-friendly amenities available.
- Blackhawk Park
- Bobcat-Houlihan Campground
- Doris Campground
- Fort Pickens Campground
- Port Aransas Beach
- Thomson Causeway Recreation Area
- Both non-electric and electric campsites are available. A dump station is near the park entrance.
- Flush toilets and showers are located in the West Camping loop.
- All sites have a picnic table and fire ring provided. The park also has a beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- This is an interesting campground, located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River
- It is located near a roadside memorial to the Native American Chief Black Hawk and is 40 miles from Effigy Mounds National Monument.
- The park is heavily treed, offering shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors during the autumn season.
- Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are the most popular forms of recreation.
- Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer.
- Average cost $18 for non-electric sites, $26 for standard electric, and $40 for group electric.
- Link to website Blackhawk Park
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Bobcat-Houlihan Campground. Cody, WY
- Boondocking only, no electric or water services.
- There is a pit toilet in the campground. The restrooms are handicap accessible.
- The only amenities in this campground were horse trailer parking, horse hitching rails, food storage boxes.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- Bobcat-Houlihan may be your cup of tea, but it wasn’t ours.
- There are no family-friendly amenities.
- No cell or internet service.
- The camping area is literally a gravel parking lot. We had to look closely to figure out where the camping designated area was.
- This is a remote location. To reach this campground, we drove at least an hour south from Cody, WY. The roads were poorly maintained in areas and no services are accessible within a reasonable distance.
- To be clear. We did not stay in this campground. A hike was enough of the area for us.
- The average cost – I believe the cost was $10 per night.
- Link to website Bobcat-Houlihan Campground
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Doris Campground. Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, OK
- Sites are available with or without electricity, semi-primitive camping, and group camping. There is no water at the sites. The dump station is located near the Campground entrance
- Drinking water, chemical toilets, and trash dumpsters are conveniently placed throughout the campground
- All campsites have tables, fire rings, and fire grates/grills on site.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- I am a little biased about this area as I spent many of my childhood years in the area. But here are the facts.
- Wildlife roams freely around the campground. We sighted several wild turkeys when entering the campground. We also found footprints larger than a man’s hand beside our RV when we got up one morning. I like access to wildlife in its natural environment.
- Drinking water, chemical toilets, and trash dumpsters are conveniently placed throughout the campground.
- There are few family-friendly amenities available in this campground, hence the 3-star rating.
- I would also return here at the drop of a hat, but likely that is for the area, not the campground.
- The average cost $14 without electricity, $23 with electricity.
- Link to website Doris Campground
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Fort Pickens Campground. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fl
- Full hookups, partial hookups, water, and sewer sites are available. A tent-only group site with water hookup is also available
- Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station.
- Family-friendly amenities include a scenic location on the beach, building sandcastles, swimming, fishing, and hiking.
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Historic Fort Pickens is a mile away from the campground and offers many family-friendly amenities for the curious and young at heart (Papa Joe).
- The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse, and other historic sites.
- We pulled into the campground at night and left early the next morning. The campground was difficult to navigate at night – we drove in circles for quite a while before finding our campsite.
- The area is fantastic, the campground was just average. However, the nearby beach was spectacular!
- The average cost $26 without electricity, $40 with electricity.
- Link to website Fort Pickens Campground
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Port Aransas Beach. Padre Island National Seashore, TX
- Boondocking only, no electric or water services.
- There are port-a-potties on the beach.
- No amenities are provided on the beach, however, the Port Aransas Beach is at the edge of town, making restaurants and supplies close by. A company in town offers sandcastle building classes – definitely a family-friendly amenity. All and water activities are accessible.
- Seriously – you are camping on the beach. There are no official sites, so just find an area that works for you.
- Make sure to set up camp in the designated areas. Camping too close to the water will result in your site being flooded, or worse.
- There is a three-night limit for camping during any three-week period. Camping in tents requires no permit but it also is limited to three days in a spot. Vehicles with tents still must have a parking permit.
- Your camper will likely become covered with salty spray from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. We thought the experience was worth the difficulty of cleaning off the salty coating.
- A permit is required for camping on the beach and can be purchased at a local grocery store or convenience store.
- The average cost is $12. This buys you an annual sticker, allowing you to camp on the beach at any time over the next 365 days.
- Link to website Port Aransas Beach
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Thomson Causeway Recreation Area. Thomson, IL
- Sites are available with or without electricity and the park also features tent camping. There is no water at the sites.
- Drinking water is available, as well as flush toilets and a shower house.
- Features include a boat ramp and 2 reservable picnic shelters
- Gravel sites, but generally are pretty level.
- The campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
- Visitors are treated to an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
- Campers enjoy memorable views of the river and the valley and enjoy great water activities.
- Popular activities include fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating.
- The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes beside the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank – an activity we thoroughly enjoyed. We were able to rent bicycles in the nearby town of Thomson for a reasonable rate.
- For those interested in the Mississippi River lock and dam system, there is a lock within walking or biking distance. Papa Joe found hours of entertainment here.
- Bring bug spray.
- The average cost $14 without electricity, $20 with electricity.
- Link to website Thomson Causeway Recreation Area
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