When family is involved, choosing a vacation destination can result in disagreements and disappointment. Members of even the closest families often have conflicting ideas about what is fun and what is the best way to relax. Fortunately, there are solutions.
Camping near a body of water can be fun for the whole family. There are many things to do when vacationing at one of the many waterfront RV parks located around the country. With a diversity of wildlife, water activities, relaxing environments, and beautiful scenery, there is something for everyone. Check out the following options, and share with your friends, before they plan their next getaway.
1. Alaska: Alaskan Angler RV Resort and Afishunt Charters
Located in Ninilchik, Alaska, at the Kenai Peninsula Borough, this RV park covers about eight acres. It is an ideal fishing spot. Visitors can fish for halibut from ocean charters or salmon from the river. Clams are found on the beach, and the resort rents all of the necessary equipment, including cleaning tables and smokers. In fact, the employees of the resort will vacuum pack and freeze the fish and then ship them home, via FedEx, to enjoy upon your return.
It has 50 full hookup sites, 10 that only have electric and water, and 7 tent sites, plus several fully-furnished, one, two, and three-bedroom cabins. All of them are equipped with Wi-Fi and satellite cable television. Other services include modern showers, picnic areas, an office, and lounge. It also provides 50 extended-stay sites, for those campers who plan to be there for a while.
2. California: Chula Vista RV Resort and Marina
Found in Chula Vista, California, this RV resort and marina is located near the South Bay in San Diego, California. Along with fishing and biking, this beautiful park enables visitors to swim in an outdoor pool, or barbecue in the vast picnic area. The pet-friendly park features plants from several places around the world, such as North America, the Canary Islands, India, the Mediterranean Belt, and South Africa.
The resort’s amenities include laundry facilities, full restrooms, two full-service restaurants, and a general store that features a ladies boutique. Wi-Fi is available at the sites for a small fee, but it is provided for free in the clubroom. It has 237 full-hookup sites, including 41 pull-through sites and 44 extended-stay sites.
3. Florida: Alafia River State Park
When one thinks of waterfront RV parks, one naturally considers Florida. With its varied climate and terrain, visitors can experience the state in many different ways. Located 10 miles southeast of Tampa, in Lithia, Florida, it gives campers a variety of things to do. It has 17 miles of biking and hiking trails, with a range of difficulty levels. A few are among the most challenging trails in the state. There are several lakes in the park, with bass, bluegill, and catfish found in the best fishing spots.
The park has 27 electric and water sites, 16 of which are for tents and RVs, and 11 of them for horses. A picnic table and fire ring is provided at each site. There is also a playground, showers and restroom facilities, a volleyball court area, and a horseshoe pit. Pets are allowed as long as they remain leashed.
4. Florida: Emerald Beach RV Park
Likely the closest RV park to the Gulf of Mexico, it is located on Florida’s Panhandle, near Pensacola in Navarre, Florida. It is considered one of the friendliest, as well as cleanest, parks in Northwest Florida. It includes 300 feet of private beach for swimming and fishing. Two kayaks are available for rent, in half-day or full-day periods. It has a pavilion, with a recreation hall and horseshoe pits. The park also provides hours of family-fun, by way of a geo-caching hunt.
There are 76 full-hookup RV sites, including 37 pull-through sites, and 40 extended-stay sites. Each site is equipped with 20/30/50 amps, a picnic table, and a concrete pad and patio, cable television, and wireless internet. The Emerald Beach RV Park offers use of a fitness center, laundry facilities, clean air-conditioned showers and restrooms, and a swimming pool. Pets are welcome, and there are two designated pet walks.
5. Hawaii: Kauai County Ha’ena Beach Park
On the path to Kauai’s northern shore, this park is in Ha’ena, Hawaii, and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The location is perfect for camping, swimming, snorkeling, body boarding, and surfing. There are guided tours of the natural sculptures and other wonders of Waikanaloa Wet Cave. Another popular, nearby site is known as the Summer Tunnels. It provides a more leisurely area to swim, than those at the Ha’ena Beach.
The park also offers basic amenities, like a picnic area, outdoor bathrooms with cold shower facilities, and onsite dump stations. The outdoor activities and scenery are what make this campground popular.
6. Idaho: Salmon River RV Park
Located in the small community of Salmon, Idaho, this area is known for its wildlife, which includes bald eagles, bighorn sheep, deer, and elk. The Salmon River is perfect for swimming, and enjoying water activities like boating, rafting, and fishing. Guided tours of the hiking trails are offered. There are even hunting grounds, for those with the proper licenses. The nearby US Forest Gold Bug Hot Springs is another favorite spot among campers.
This park is open year-round. It has 18 full hookup campsites, and 2 electric-and-water-only sites. The amenities include a convenience store, laundry facilities, picnic areas with grills, bathrooms and showers, and a dump station.
7. Nevada: Lake Mead RV Village
This picturesque park is found near Boulder City, Nevada. Located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, it was one of the first national recreation areas created. With a variety of types of fish, it is one of the best places to go fishing for sport in the country. The water also provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and boat fishing. Equipment for these activities can be rented from nearby facilities. For landlubbers, guided hikes allow exploration of the desert canyons and mountains of the park.
8. Oregon: Edgewater RV Resort and Marina
On the shore of Foster Lake near Sweet Home, Oregon, the Edgewater RV Resort and Marina offers biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Several of the RV sites have patios with views of the lake.
It has 49 large, full-hookup sites that accommodate coaches as long as 85 feet in length. Each site has Wi-Fi, cable TV, BBQ grills, and a fire ring. The park also provides laundry facilities, restroom and shower facilities, plus a convenience store with firewood, fishing and camping supplies. There is a recreation area with badminton, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as a horseshoe pit.
9. Oregon: Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
Also known as Honeyman State Park, the largest campground in Oregon is located near Florence, on the state’s coast. It is only two miles from the ocean and has two freshwater lakes, the Cleawox and Woahink. The Cleawox is a popular swimming area, and visitors also enjoy kayaking, boating, and fishing there. With its cutthroat trout and largemouth bass, Woahink Lake is perfect for sports fishing. The park also provides guided tours, hiking trails, and dune buggy tours, on the 47 miles of sand at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
There are 47 full-hookup sites, 119 electric-and-water-only sites, 1 pull-thru RV site, and 161 no-hookup tent sites that can be rented throughout the year. Each site has a picnic area, fire ring, and paved parking space. Firewood can easily be purchased onsite at the park. There is also a convenience store and souvenir shop, canoe and boat rentals, a playground, restroom, and shower facilities.
10. Washington: Colombia Riverfront RV Park
This campground, near Woodland, Washington, covers 10 acres. Since 2008, it has been listed as one of the Top 100 RV parks in the United States. The river, which features salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon, provides a great fishing experience. Campers can either swim in the river, or in a heated, outdoor pool.
The park has 76 full-hookup sites, including 11 pull-through sites and 20 extended stay sites, which come with cable TV and wireless Internet. The amenities include a convenient store, clubhouse, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a play area for kids. There is also a large lawn area for picnics and kite flying.
In Conclusion
When choosing a vacation destination or road trip, it is a good idea to consider researching the many waterfront RV parks dotted around the 48 continental states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. In fact, please also share with your friends and family members, whether they enjoy traveling the world or merely enjoy traveling virtually. These beautiful photos are guaranteed to impress.
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