Adam Westbrook

9 RV Campgrounds To Level Up Your Family Vacation

Your mental image of a campground might include a dingy metal fire ring, a rickety picnic table, and a bland concrete pad for parking your RV. Maybe a primitive restroom nearby if you're lucky. In the past, RV camping has sometimes meant foregoing some of the creature comforts you might find in a hotel and opting to "rough it" a little bit more instead.

Not anymore. Campsites are going luxe, with resort amenities and special offers that rival what you might find at a chic resort, a family-friendly water park, a cozy vacation rental, or all of the above. Instead of being just a place to park your rig while you explore the region, campgrounds have evolved to become a one-stop vacation destination, with restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, sports courts and courses, swimming pools, activities, and tons of other options.

They're great for families, retirees, or any traveler who doesn't necessarily want to deal with some of the hassles of visiting a new place — reading restaurant reviews and making reservations, finding parking, buying tickets to pricey theme parks, exercising the dog, and more. For groups traveling together, these spots mean that everyone can do what they want all day, then reconvene back at the RV — no more trying to make everyone happy at the same time or debates about where to go and what to do.

If you need inspiration for your next camper getaway, consider booking a site at one of these luxury RV parks across the U.S.

Our Favorite Luxury RV Resorts

River Run RV Resort

Though you likely traveled to Granby, Colorado, to take advantage of the region's excellent skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and other activities, you may just be tempted to stay on the grounds of River Run RV Resort. The property has everything you could ever need to be comfortable on vacation, from a miniature bowling alley to an on-site restaurant.

This new campground, which opened in 2019, also has a massive spa-like pool and several hot tubs, live music, a lake, golf cart rentals, a dog park, and a sports complex. And suppose you want to take a break from your motorhome for a few nights. In that case, you can book a stay in an Airstream trailer, a Conestoga wagon, a yurt, an adventure tent, or a tiny house-style vacation rental.

Lebanon KOA on Salmon Falls River

A giant waterslide, a high ropes course, two pools, an arcade, mini-golf, and riverfront RV sites are just a few of the above-and-beyond amenities at Lebanon KOA on Salmon Falls River in Maine. This scenic RV resort is an ideal home base for exploring this region in southern Maine, whether you plan to hike Blue Job Mountain or head into nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for some shopping.

Located along the Salmon Falls River banks, this campground offers access to a one-mile stretch of serene riverfront. It's the perfect place to launch a tube and float down the river, go fishing, ogle the autumn leaves, go for a family walk or relax and spend time together.

Wylder Hope Valley

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Park your RV or snuggle up inside a custom yurt, a vintage Spartan, a cozy cabin, or a contemporary mountain home at Wylder Hope Valley. Located along the West Carson Fork River banks south of Lake Tahoe in California, this resort doesn't skimp on amenities.

Step out your front door and enjoy a high-end glass of wine on the romantic patio of Sorensen's Cafe, bask in the warmth of a wood-fired sauna, sway while listening to weekly live music and learn something new with local historian talks. The property also offers many outdoor adventures, ranging from fly-fishing to kayaking to mountain biking. There are hammocks and tree swings strung up by the creek to help you unwind and enjoy yourself on vacation, plus tons of family-friendly lawn games like giant Jenga and Yardzee.

Reunion Lake RV Resort

Kick up your feet and enjoy the lake life at Reunion Lake RV Resort in eastern Louisiana. As the name suggests, you'll park your rig near Reunion Lake, then enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and adventures on the "floating fun park." Lakeside location aside, this resort also has a unique waterpark-style setup, complete with two pools (one that's adults only!), a lazy river, and a swim-up tiki bar.

Play mini-golf, pickleball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and other games, or participate in one of the resort's themed events, like family Olympics and space camp. At night, enjoy a film under the stars on the lake as the resort sets up a giant movie screen on the water.

Fly Flags RV Resort & Campground

Wake up in the heart of wine country at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Central California. This resort goes way beyond the traditional campground, thanks to luxurious poolside cabanas, hot tubs, groomed bocce courts, fire pits, a kids' splash zone, regular food truck visits, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant called Feather & Fire.

Bring your own home on wheels and park in one of the resort's RV sites with full hookups, or stay in a glamping tent, an Airstream trailer, a cabin, or a cottage. And though you may not feel like leaving, if you decide to venture out, there are more than a dozen wineries within roughly a mile of the resort.

MotorCoach Village at StoneRidge

Set your GPS for MotorCoach Village at StoneRidge in northern Idaho if you have a Class A. Located northeast of Spokane, Washington, not far from Idaho's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille, this resort is a playground for RV travelers. Play a round of golf at the StoneRidge Golf Course, a challenging but beautiful championship course with one of the state's most difficult holes. Work up a sweat on one of six pickleball courts, then take a dip in the heated outdoor pool and spa (or the indoor pool!). There's also a 3,500-square-foot dog park, two lakes, and an on-site bar and restaurant. Above all else, the resort's setting is gorgeous, and wildlife sightings are common here.

Sun Outdoors Frontier Town

Thanks to this Maryland RV resort's colorful, fun-in-the-sun vibes, the whole family will remember your trip to Sun Outdoors Frontier Town. Located along Sinepuxent Bay, the property encompasses a robust waterpark with high-speed water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a poolside bar and grill for libations. You can also book a fishing charter, rent a jet ski, or BYOB — bring your own boat — and dock it at the resort's 75-slip marina.

But what makes this resort stand out is its famous "Western Experience," which feels like taking a journey back to the wild West. It features a replica 1880s Western town, complete with activities like pony rides and gunfights — you can even pan for gold or take a stagecoach ride. If that's not enough to keep the kids happy, check out the 18-hole mini-golf course.

Outer Banks West/Currituck Sound KOA

Plan a trip to North Carolina's picturesque Outer Banks and book a site at the Outer Banks West/Currituck Sound KOA campground. Nestled right along the Currituck Sound, the resort offers exclusive access to half a mile of private coastline — and they've got everything you need to make the most of your time on the water, including fishing piers, boat ramp access, rowboats, paddleboards, kayaks, banana boat rides, and a free water taxi.

From your RV site, you'll experience romantic sunsets and enjoy stunning water views. If you're venturing out with friends or another family that hasn't caught the RV bug yet, they can rent an RV on-site or check into a deluxe cabin.

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. When she's not writing about travel, food and drink, history and other topics, you'll find her road-tripping in her converted camper van, hiking with her Rhodesian ridgeback Daisy, sipping whiskey and making sourdough bread. She's also a big fan of downhill and cross-country skiing, museums, mountain biking, shopping at thrift stores and playing board games. Instagram: @kutasarah

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