Camping & RV Vacations The Original "Social Network" for Families

Camping is Great, But Aren't RV's for Retired Folks

Copyright 2011 Smart-Travelers.com.. All rights reserved.

Website Designed by QuickBizWebsites.com

About Us | Contact Us | Links

Before you start your search for a family RV, let's cover the basics of the different models. There are two major types of RVs: 1) Motorized and 2) Towable. Motorized RVs are broken into 3 categories: 1) Class A; 2) Class B and 3) Class C. The Class A models are the larger rectangle motorhomes you see on the road. Class B models are known as Van Campers and are built on a van chassis. Class C models are also built on a van chassis but an RV body. Towable RVs include Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels which require a pick-up truck to pull as the RV extends over the bed, Pop-up Trailers with fabric sides, and lastly, the Slide-in Camper Shells that fit into a truck bed. Motorized RVs are much more expensive than towable models but you will need a hardy vehicle to tow a trailer or fifth wheel. If you plan to use your RV often I suggest you look for a hard shell trailer or motorhome. They are better built and will last longer.

One of the big advantages of RVing is that it is truly your home away from home. Once you pack your clothes, toothbrushes and groceries that's it, no need to unpack again. You may travel to two different destinations, but your underwear is still in the exact same place. RVs are basically mini houses. Our RV has almost everything a house has, just smaller. Its comforting to know when you travel that its your bed, your sheets and your bathroom. You can also save lots of money preparing your own meals and even enjoy the beautiful outdoors while grilling some burgers.

Renting an RV is an excellent idea, and will give your family a chance to see if RVing is for you. Many RV owners put their RVs into a rental pool to help cover their expenses. You can find everything from motorhomes to Class B and C models. The companies offering rentals generally take care of all servicing and cleaning before you arrive. Here are some links to a few of the major RV rental companies: Cruise America RV Rentals of America Camping World RV Rental United RV Rentals

Campgrounds these days come in all types and sizes. Most offer full hookups, cable TV and free WiFi. There are thousands of campgrounds throughout the US and Canada that are within easy driving distance from almost every city. Much like major hotels, campgrounds provide amenities such as pools, courts, workout rooms, games and even sites with private hot tubes. Many family-oriented campgrounds offer weekend events like outdoor movies, tie-dyeing, fireworks and s'more parties. Some folks come just to enjoy the campground experience and others are there because of the destination. My family has camped everywhere from the beaches of North Carolina, Hersey, Pennsylvania, Meteor Crater in Arizona, Washington DC and San Fransisco area. One of our most memorable experiences was when we stayed in Amish Country outside Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The campground was just outside of a working Amish farm. One morning we woke to a knock at our door and an Amish family with their horse and buggy full of homemade pies. The smell was incredible, so we decided to purchase what turned out to be the most wonderful blueberry pie we have ever eaten. Just thinking about that pie makes me wish we were there again. Some of our most memorable life experiences happened when we were camping in our RV.

Below, we have ranked our Top 10 Family Campgrounds in the USA. This is based on both the campground itself and the area attractions. We know there are lots of great campgrounds, but these are our most memorable. 1. Walt Disney World Orlando - The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Disney World is not only a great place to vacation, but it also a great place to camp with your family. This is our most favorite campground with 750 acres full of pine trees and lots of wild life. The park is located within the Disney World grounds with full access to Disney transportation, onsite dining, swimming pool and other activities. Pets are also welcome within the campground. Here is a link to Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. 2. Washington DC - Cherry Hill Park Cherry Hill Park is actually located in College Park, Maryland just north of Washington DC. This is the best park if you're looking to visit Washington DC. The park has a bus stop with access to the nearest Metro station. You can get from the park to Washington DC within about 30 minutes. The park also has a great family swimming pool with other activities available. Here is a link to Cherry Hill Park. 3. Destin, Florida - Camping On The Gulf If you want a campground right on the beach, and I mean right on the beach, then you should try Camping On The Gulf in Destin, Florida. The park has several sites within feet of the crystal clear waters of Destin. The park also has 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, a game room and an activity center. The campsites are a bit pricey, but its one of the only campgrounds we've seen right on the ocean. Here is a link to Camping On The Gulf. 4. South Padre Island, Texas - KOA Campground We are partial to Texas and we love South Padre Island. We have stayed several time at the KOA campground in South Padre Island. Its located right next to the bay with access to fishing, a great seafood restaurant called Pier 19, and the beach is only a short drive away. The park is clean and well managed with a real family feel. Here is a link to KOA South Padre Island. 5. Yellowstone National Park - Grizzly RV Park Yellowstone is our top National Park in the USA. The park is home to a number of wild animals including black bear which we saw on our last visit. Grizzly RV Park is located in West Yellowstone, Montana. It is bordered on two sides by the Gallatin National Forest making for a wonderful nature feel. The park also has a full game room that is free for kids. Here is a link to Grizzly RV Park. 6. Hershey, Pennsylvania - Hershey Highmeadow Campground If you like chocolate, then you have to visit Hershey, Pennsylvania. We have also included this destination in our Family Vacation section. This top 10 listing is for the Hershey Highmeadow Campground. The campground has 55 acres of nature and is located just down the road from the Hershey amusement park. There are lots of activities including 2 pools, game room, playground and more. Here is a link to Hersey Highmeadow Campground. 7. Petoskey, Michigan - Petoskey KOA Campground Being from the south, we had never heard of Petoskey, MI. This is a great little town just off of Lake Michigan with easy driving access to Mackinac Island. The Petoskey KOA won the 2009 KOA President's Award and Founders Award for service. This is a great place to camp with your family. Here is a link to the Petoskey KOA. 8. Vicksburg, Mississippi - Askew's Landing Campground If you are looking for a place that is a bit rustic but with lots of history, you must visit Askew's Landing Campground just outside Vicksburg, Mississippi. They have 40 full hook-up sites with many located right in the middle of a beautiful green field. You really feel like you're camping as you park your RV on grass with no city sounds for miles. The property used to be Bridgeport Plantation and the site of several Civil War battles. It is now listed as a Historical Landmark. Here is a link to Askew's Landing Campground. 9. Ronks, Pennsylvania - Flory's Cottages & Camping Ronks is in the heart of Amish Country just outside Bird in Hand. Yes, these are the names of the towns. There is even an Intercourse, PA. Names aside, this is beautiful country. The reason we chose Flory's is that the campground is adjacent to an active Amish farm. One morning, we were greeted by an Amish family selling the most wonderful homemade pies from the back of their Amish buggy. Here is a link to Flory's Cottages & Camping. 10. Shady Cove, Oregon - Rogue River RV Park Shady Cove is in southern Oregon about 52 miles from Crater Lake. We just happen to pull into this park looking for a place where we could easily drive to Crater Lake. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised. The Rogue River flows right next to the park with salmon and steelhead fishing at your door step. As a fisherman, this was one of the most exciting places to stay for me. Here is a link to Rogue River RV Park.

Top 10 Family Campgrounds for 2012

RV's Are Like Your Home Away From Home

RV Models Explained

Rent An RV Before Buying

Campground Directories

Campgrounds Are Like Resorts

With so many campground options, how do you ever find one that meets your needs? Over the years I have discovered a few resources I trust when it comes to campground reviews. Much like hotels, there are excellent ones and there are some I wouldn't stay in again. Two companies provide standard reviews for campgrounds. They are Trailer Life and Woodalls. They each have trained campground reviewers that make visits and provide ratings. These ratings are published both in printed directories and online. See their linked websites to read the reviews. Probably my favorite review site is RV Park Reviews. These reviews are provided by actual customers.

Finding The Best Family Campgrounds

Sure, there are a lot of elderly couples that spend their retirement years traveling the USA doing what is called 'Full Timing". You see them on the road in there supersized motorhomes toodling down the highways with grins that run from ear to ear. Why are these folks so happy? Well, besides being retired, they have found the wonderful world of RVing. These days there are RV's for all types and sizes of family. You can spend as little as $1500 to well over a Million dollars on an RV or camper. You can also rent RVs very economically these days. With so many options you will find that RVing is definitely not just for retired folks. And an RV can provide you and your family with years of vacation options. This is the true "Social Network" for your family bonding. My family purchased our first RV in 2002 and spent a year traveling the USA moving from state-to-state. I can honestly say that one of the biggest reasons we love RVing is the people you meet at campgrounds. RVers are some of the friendliest and most helpful people you will ever encounter. Campgrounds are like small villages where you are immediately accepted when you pull through the gate. When was the last time someone just walked up to you and held out his or her hand to say "Nice to meet you. Welcome to the park. Let us know if we can be of any help"? Really, are there people like this in the world? Yep, and they love RVing. If your family hasn't been camping then you don't know what you're missing.