Top Travel Destinations for Summer 2019

 

With the warmer weather calling, it's time to plan your Summer 2019 RV vacation with these top destinations. There are endless opportunities to explore the open road this summer season in your RV. From Alaska to Florida, Maine to Southern California, we've uncovered 14 of the best campgrounds to venture to from May through August and the activities you can't miss while there. Whether you and the family are in search of an iconic sunny season vacation through national parks, or you and your loved one are set on a romantic, no-crowd dog days destination vacation, there's a spot on our summer list for every type of RV traveler.

 



 

Virgin, Utah
RV Campground: Zion River Resort
Details: Make reservations! Zion is an incredibly popular summer destination for RVer's and tourists alike because it is the mecca of hiking, climbing and biking. Bring your furry friends, choose from one of Zion River Resort's many RV campsites and pay anywhere from $37-47/night. The Resort is equipped with a laundromat, mining sluice, playground, restrooms, swimming pool, social hall and even offers a shuttle bus into Zion National Park ($7 round trip per person).
To Do: Hike in Zion! The most iconic hikes in the national park are: The Subway, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools Trial, Watchman Trail, Weeping Rock, Canyon Overlook Trail and The Narrows. Drive over to Bryce Canyon National Park when you leave!

Acadia National Park, Maine
RV Campground: Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA
Details: Bar Harbor is the only campground on the west side of the island, making it the ultimate sunset spot in all of Acadia. The campground offers 50 amp full hook-up sites, with max trailer length 80 feet. There is a dog park, bike rentals, tour shuttle, firewood, propane and WiFi available at the campground. Enjoy the FREE shuttle bus from the KOA campground directly to Acadia National Park.
To Do: Bike Carriage Road, visit Jordan Pond House, explore Cadillac Mountain, swim at fresh and saltwater beaches and explore Bar Harbor.

 



 

Fairbanks, Alaska
RV Campground: River's Edge RV Resort
Details: River's Edge has 167 sites with wide pull-throughs as well as full and basic hook-ups. The park offers a RV super hook-up rate, which gives you access to 50-amp electricity, water, sewer, cable, pull-through and use of showers for $64.95/night. The RV park is a great access point for exploration as it offers shuttle service to Riverboat Discovery as well as tour information and ticket sales to local attractions. Every Wednesday evening the RV Resort features a classic car parade that goes straight through the park!
To Do: Go on the Arctic Circle day trip or enjoy the midnight sun Arctic Circle drive, Husky hike with Wilderness, plan a river fishing float trip, explore Pioneer Park (for the kids) and soak in Chena Hot Springs.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
RV Campground: Crater Lake RV Park
Details: There are not many places in the U.S. more scenic than Crater Lake. Crater Lake RV Park is your access point to living out a Pacific Northwest dream vacation. RV campsite rates are $37/night and all have access to 20, 30 and 50 amp service hook-ups. Enjoy a spacious site right next to Crater Lake!
To Do: Soak in Umpqua Hot Springs, hike to Barr Creek, Mill Creek and Pearson Falls and take in the breathtaking beauty of Wizard Island from Crater Lake National Park.

 



 

San Antonio Hot Springs, New Mexico
RV Campground: Valles Caldera National Preserve
Details: Are you a boondocking fan? If so, you'll want to park your Class B here for the night. A few miles before you hit the ever popular Jemez Falls Campground (which is so busy, your chances of getting a site is slim to none) is this stunning National Preserve. The BLM land is full of pull offs from forest roads, giving you that epic, we're the only ones out here feel in the wilderness. Best part...the campground is free.
To Do: Hike to San Antonio Hot Springs. This seven mile hike leads to a stunning hot spring oasis, perfect during those southwest summer days.

Port Aransas, Texas
RV Campground: Pioneer Beach Resort
Details: Tucked away in remote sand dunes on the Gulf of Mexico is Pioneer Beach Resort, a stunning RV campground that offers full hook-up (30-50 amps), an on-site convenience store (so you don't have to travel off the island), swimming pools, bath houses and a fish cleaning house for you to properly prepare your fish after a long day of fishing! Back-in and pull through RV campsite rates are $62/day. The campground is pet friendly (max of two pets per site).
To Do: Explore the Gulf of Mexico's beautiful beaches and fish off the shore, from the jetties, off Horace Caldwell Pier or hire a fishing guide to take you to the best local saltwater spots. Enjoy the trolley shuttle that will take you around the island to boutique and souvenir shops and dine at family-friendly restaurants! This island is an ideal summer getaway that is yours for the taking.

 



 

Key Largo, Florida
RV Campground: Key Largo Kampground
Details: Key Largo Kampground is situated on a stunning canal at the edge of Florida's coral reef on over 40 acres of tropical flowers and foliage. The campground offers RV water front campsites, equipped with their own private shaded dock and picnic table with a beautiful view of the water. This is the go to spot for all your summer BBQ and family adventure needs! RV waterfront sites go for $110/night and regular RV full hook-up rates are $70/night. Bring your boat and make the ultimate Florida summer vacation out of it.
To Do: Dive! The Florida Keys are known as the Dive Capitol of the lower 48. The 126-mile island chain is surrounded by the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. To learn more about diving the Florida Keys, check out our very own Dive Guide to Key Largo for Beginner to Advance Divers. Don't forget to eat Key Lime Pie and try conch fritters, a local delicacy!

Destin, Florida
RV Campground: Henderson Beach State Park
Details: One of Florida's most stunning beaches is yours to enjoy. Camp right next to sugar-white sand beaches and enjoy the warm emerald coast water. Henderson Beach State Park offers over 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline. There are 48 RV pull-through campsites available and the campground has handicap accessible ramps, restrooms and picnic areas. Enjoy the nature trail that winds through the park to the beach or bird watch for local favorites like Osprey and America's gem, the Bald Eagle.
To Do: Crab Island, cruise the Destin Harbor, explore Seaside (Where 90's classic The Truman Show was filmed), go deep sea fishing, kayak, paddle board and enjoy the most beautiful white sand beaches in the U.S.

 



 

Los Padres National Forest, California
RV Campground: Rancho Oso RV Camping
Details: This historic RV campground offers stunning scenery and endless opportunities to explore central California's vast and beautiful landscape. There are over 159 campsites with multiple pull through and hook-up options to choose from. Did we mention Rancho Oso RV Campground has received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence four years in a row? This is your go to getaway for historic, old school Western flair.
To Do: If you'd like to skip the summer crowds of Yosemite, make your way to Los Padres National Forest. This wilderness area is ideal for those who want to hike along the 1,257 miles of maintained trails or enjoy a tranquil horseback ride through the mountains. Set your eyes on the Figueroa Mountain Recreation area or make a day trip to Sacramento!

Telluride, Colorado
RV Campground: Telluride Town Park Campground
Details: The campground opens up for the summer season on May 10th and operates on a first come, first served basis. That means no reservations. There are 10 RV sites (no hook-ups provided) and senior prices start at $20/night. Telluride Town Park is quaint, pet friendly and ideal for those who just want to kick back and relax this summer.
To Do: Festivals! Telluride is known not only for its amazing access to hiking and biking trails, it's also the mecca of summer festivals. From June 19th through September 12th, you can enjoy everything from bluegrass to hot air balloon and wine festivals.

 


Photography: @kevinruss

Mount Rainer National Park, Washington
RV Campground: Cougar Rock Campground
Details: Cougar Rock Campground is for those boondockers and rustic RV dry campers. Sites operate on a first come, first served basis and there is no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available. Free dump stations and potable water are located near the campground entrance. Motorhomes over 35 feet and trailers over 27 feet are prohibited. Sites are $20/night all season.
To Do: Spend your days taking scenic drives through the Pacific Northwest's stunning summer landscape full of waterfalls and wildflowers. Opt to hike, climb and bike throughout Mount Rainer National Park. If you're the extreme adventure type, you can summit Rainier, a 14,410 foot mountain that is the tallest peak in Washington state and the Cascade range.

Lake Tahoe, California
RV Campground: Tahoe Valley Campground
Details: There are over 100 RV campsites at Tahoe Valley Campground, making it an ideal destination for those who don't want to fight for a campsite. Make your RV and ground selections to check campsite rates and then book your spot at this stunning summer destination.
To Do: Lake Tahoe is your summer boating destination! Enjoy the lake by jet ski, kayak, stand up paddle board or boat. Go hand gliding or bungee jumping. Learn to water ski and wake board... there is truly something for everyone on this picturesque California lake.

 



 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
RV Campground: Horsethief Lake Campground
Details: Two miles from Horsethief Lake Campground is iconic Mount Rushmore, making it the perfect spot to camp if you're in South Dakota to experience the famous national monument. There are 36 sites at the campground and reservations are available. The campsite opens in May and sites are $26/night. Potable water is available.
To Do: If you're looking for a family oriented summer RV trip, what says American road trip better than Mount Rushmore? Make your way to this iconic attraction in the Black Hills of South Dakota and take a selfie with George, Thomas, Teddy and Abe. Hike the Presidential Trail, enjoy Thomas Jefferson's Ice Cream, rent a multimedia tour to experience the history of Mount Rushmore and attend the evening lighting ceremony!

Hilton Head, South Carolina
RV Campground: Hilton Head RV Resort and Marina
Details: Hilton Head RV Resort and Marina has over 200 RV sites and offers waterfront campsites with full hook-up options starting at $99/night. This luxury RV Resort is ideal for those RVer's who want to sit back and relax. With two swimming pools, a marina, tennis courts, on-site water sports, and a 5-star restaurant, it's the ultimate low-key summer location.
To Do: What isn't there to do in Hilton Head? From dolphin cruises to renowned golf courses and the historic Harbour Town Lighthouse, you won't want to leave this southern playground. Don't forget to visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh to see native deer, alligators and local birds.

Looking to save a little money while road tripping this summer? Check out the 2019 Top RV Memberships for Budget Savvy RVer's and let us know which clubs you'll be signing up for in the comment section below.