10 RV Vacations You Need to Take Right Now

Hitting the open road is an American dream. But doing it in an RV means that you can bring all your amenities with you. That’s living in luxury — virtually anywhere. RVing can be an ideal vacation for kids, and an inexpensive way to have that family vacation you always wanted. It may still be winter, but start planning for the roads ahead with these most searched RV vacation spots on Yahoo.

10. South Padre Island: An island for RVs

South Padre Island KOA Campground (Photo: South Padre Island Koa/Facebook)

South Padre Island is a long barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the southernmost part of Texas. Bordered on the north by Padre Island National Seashore and on the south by Port Isabel, it has miles of beaches and campgrounds in between that are perfect for RVing. The 600 RV spots at Isla Blanca Park are some of the most popular. You can also park yourself at the South Padre Island KOA or at Andy Bowie Park. Once you’re there, just sit back and enjoy the seaside.

9. Boyd’s Key West Campground: At the end of the road

Waterfront camping spots at Boyd’s in Key West. (Photo: Boyd’s Key West Campground/Facebook)

The very last town in the long chain of islands that stretch into the Gulf off the tip of Florida, Key West is pretty much the end of the road. And, when you finally get down that road with your RV, Boyd’s is the only place to be. The campground is near downtown Key West and close to beaches for snorkeling, fishing, or just lounging. One note: Boyd’s was built back before RVs were the size they are now, so many big rigs find the space tight.

8. Horse Thief Lake: In the shadow of Mount Rushmore

The rustic mountain scenery of Horse Thief Campgrounds. (Photo:TripAdvisor)

Two miles northwest of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Horse Thief Lake is understandably a hot spot for camping. The Forest Service operates the actual campground around the lake, but there are only a few RV sites. Try the nearby Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort, which offers a pool, bathhouse, playground, picnic areas, and a store. You’ll want to see Mount Rushmore, but also check out Jewel Cave, Harney Peak, and all the trails around the Black Hills National Forest.

Related: Facts and Fiction About Renting an RV for Your Family Vacation

7. Crater Lake National Park: The big blue crater

The spectacular views of Crater Lake make this a popular camping destination. (Photo: Thinkstock)

In southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is named for its massive water-filled crater. The lake is filled only with rainwater and snow, and goes down 1,900 feet. This makes it the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most striking anywhere. While the park itself has two campgrounds (one primitive and the other with access to electric hookups and water), Crater Lake RV Park — also known as Prospect RV Park — and Big Pines RV Park are viable alternatives with plenty of amenities. The summer is the most popular time to visit, so plan ahead and give yourself enough days to hike, bike, boat and even swim at the end of Cleetwood Cove Trail.

6. Fort Wilderness: The magic of Magic Kingdom

For a more adventurous Disney experience, take a break from the standard hotel options and camp out in your RV at Fort Wilderness. (Photo: Fort Wilderness)

On 750 acres between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Florida, Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a great place to stay while visiting the amusement parks and a great way to get your kids a little nature in addition to Mickey Mouse. The resort, as it is called, has all the amenities you could need. It even has boating and waterskiing around Bay Lake, archery and pony rides for the kids, volleyball and basketball courts, and a Wilderness Back Trail Adventure via Segway for the teens.

Related: How to Survive 4 Years in an RV With Your Spouse

5. Colonial Williamsburg: History by RV

Camping in Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect combination of history and beautiful scenery. (Photo: Williamsburg KOA Campground/Facebook)

Colonial Williamsburg, in Virginia, isn’t just a reenactment and it isn’t just a restoration. It’s a 300-acre historic area that attracts nearly 1 million visitors every year. Tour the blacksmith shop, let the kids play Revolutionary Era games, and watch live moments in America’s past. Because it’s such an easy drive for East Coasters and close to so many other attractions, Colonial Williamsburg makes for a popular RV spot — and there are lots of places to park. Stay at the American Heritage RV Park or Williamsburg KOA Campground. And, then visit the Jamestown settlement and Yorktown battleground for a full historical experience.

Related: Let’s Go Camping — in a Teeny-Weeny Trailer

4. Columbia River: As the River Runs

An RV parked on the bank of the Columbia River across from The Dalles dam in Oregon. (Photo: Eric Kruszewski/National Geographic Creative/Corbis)

The Columbia River covers 1,243 miles through Canada, Washington, and Oregon. The path it carves through the Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking and a great place to visit by RV. Get out, camp a bit, hike or kayak, and then head down the river to the next spot. The massive Columbia River National Scenic Recreation Area has its own camping and RV sites. There are also dozens along the river and around the Portland and Mount Hood areas, like Columbia River RV Park in Portland or the Columbia Riverfront RV Park, 22 miles outside the city. Keep going and you’ll get to the Rufus RV Park, if you really want a spot out in the middle of nature.

3. Sea Islands: Golden at the Golden Isles

St. Simons Island is one of many popular islands perfect for RV camping along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Over 100 tidal and barrier islands stretch along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. Among these Sea Islands, the Golden Isles in Georgia — made up of Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island, and Little St. Simons Island — are some of the most popular. Lounge on the windswept beaches, visit the historic districts, and eat delicious meals at the local resorts. On the mainland in Brunswick, you can stay at the Golden Isles RV Park. Alternatively, park yourself near the water on Jekyll Island.

2. Camp Gulf: So close you can taste it

If you wanted to get any closer to the water, you’d need a boat and not an RV. (Photo: Camp Gulf/Facebook)

In the Florida panhandle, on a strip of land outside Pensacola, between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay, sits an RV vacationer’s paradise. Camp Gulf has cabins and RV sites situated right on the water. Their motto: You can’t get any closer than this. Maybe that’s why it’s been ranked one of the top RV parks by the Travel Channel. Play in the ocean, build sand castles, and enjoy a camp ice cream social. This is old-school fun on the beach.

1. Vicksburg: Southern hospitality

Along with the history and monuments, Vicksburg National Military Park offers fantastic views of the Mississippi River (and excellent fishing, to boot) (Photo:Katy Silberger/Flickr)

Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, or take in the historic waterfront (and waterfront casinos). It’s an ideal spot for a summer drive and for enjoying a night under the stars. There are a half-dozen RV parks in the area, so you have your choice. The Rivertown Campground by the military park is a great outdoors spot, and Chotard Landing Resort is all about fishing the river. If you’re looking for more of an adult vacation, stay at the Ameristar RV Park to be ideally situated near the Ameristar Casino.

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