RV travel in the summer…is it fun or is it miserable? On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we are sharing tips to help you beat the heat at cool campgrounds across the U.S. Choosing your destination wisely can make camping more comfortable, even in the midst of a sweltering summer.
One of those people who has time to travel in summer but who hates the heat is Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy. She is joining us to share some travel inspiration to help you find the best destinations and campgrounds for RV travel in the summer.
Let’s take a look at some great destinations and campgrounds for RV travel in the summer in this guest post from Kerri. Make sure to click play on the media player above or search for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast app to listen to this episode and hear more!
The Summer Game Plan
Living in Missouri means the heat index can regularly top 100 in July and August, and June is sometimes not much better. And, many RVs cannot cool your interior much more than 20 degrees, so it’s hard to find relief even inside.
In my experience, if you’re looking to beat the heat while RV camping in the summer, you have 4 options:
- Meander through the mountains
- Wade in the water
- Navigate north
- Find the forest
Great Summer Camping Destinations in the Mountains
Since it’s generally cooler at higher destinations, mountains make a perfect spot to spend your summer. The higher you go in elevation, the lower the temperatures you may find, with highs in the 60s and 70s in many locations. In fact, it’s possible to still hit freezing temps or the occasional snowy day at some of these destinations, even in midsummer. Pack your layers, and head up the hillside!
EAST: New Hampshire’s White Mountains
While not as high as western mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer a great summertime retreat, with exceptional state parks, tons of trails, epic views, and scenic drives. Plus, the region is packed with ponds and rivers, making it easy to cool off if you do work up a sweat on a trail.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
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- Both the Lincoln/Woodstock KOA and the Twin Mountain/Mt. Washington KOA are great choices with scenic campsites and lots of amenities.
- Timberland Campground is a highly rated spot located along a river and surrounded by the rolling green hills.
CENTRAL: Colorado Rockies
Though the Rockies aren’t technically centrally located, they are relatively easy to reach for many Midwesterners, so I decided they could count as a “central” location for this list. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great choice for your first trip, but there are many fantastic destinations outside the park. As you can see in the photo above, it’s so cold that people are wearing sweatshirts in the summer!
Check out the prior podcasts on Eastern and Western Colorado highlights for some destination and campground recommendations all across the state.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE COLORADO ROCKIES
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- Moraine Park Campground in RMNP now has electric hookups, which is a game changer because you don’t have to have timed reservations to enter the park if you’re camping there and you have easy access to the park’s best gems without waiting in line at the entrance gates.
- With an elevation near 7,800 feet, Colorado’s Little Switzerland in Ouray is a cool destination, and Ouray Riverside Resort comes highly recommended.
WEST: Glacier National Park
Glacier is definitely an epic destination for a summer RV trip. In fact, you should aim for July or August for the best chance to take one of America’s most scenic drives, as Going-to-the-Sun-Road doesn’t usually open until late June/early July due to snow cover.
Not only do you get the benefit of the mountain elevations and a northern location, you also can actually visit the glaciers, which offer Mother Nature’s natural air conditioning. Make sure to check out this post to find tons of tips: Planning a Trip to GNP
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS NEAR GLACIER NP
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- The West Glacier KOA offers phenomenal beauty and good access to the park. Many consider it the “prettiest campground in America” for good reason!
- Since Glacier is such a big park, it helps to split your trip and stay on both sides, and the St. Mary/East Glacier KOA is another great RV park.
Great Summer Camping Destinations Near Water
The destinations above obviously require quite a trek for many folks, making them out of reach for quick trips. Luckily, you don’t have to travel up a mountain to stay cool at a campground. Instead, you can stay at one with water. Water offers a natural cooling while you’re in it. Plus, the refreshment can stick for hours after.
No matter where you live, you are likely to find a good campground with water access, from serene campgrounds along lakes and rivers all the way up to over-the-top RV resorts with waterparks. Plus, if you pick the right campground, you don’t even leave the park for entertainment. Just camp and play where you stay. You can find several options in this RV Atlas roundup: 8 Waterfront Campgrounds with Gorgeous Views
Natural Waterfront RV Parks
In the heat of the Missouri summer, I know I have to head to a lake or river for any relief when I can’t leave the region. Plus, many waterfront campgrounds are on public land, making them extra affordable. Most waterfront campgrounds offer swim beaches and boat launches, plus some have pools.
WATERFRONT CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS
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- Lakefront Campgrounds: The Army Corps of Engineers has built over 2,000 waterfront campgrounds on manmade lakes all across the US. Check out All About U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds to learn more about what a COE campground is and to hear several of Casita Dean’s COE campground recommendations, including Bailey’s Point Campground in KY and Gunter Hill Campground in AL
- Riverfront Campgrounds: I love finding campgrounds that stretch along a river, especially if they have good swimming holes. In Missouri, float trips are a special summertime treat, thanks to many rivers with clear waters. Look for cold spring-fed rivers for the best spots to cool off in summer. My favorite for summertime weekend getaways is Hidden Valley Outfitters, which has a calm section of water to play in, float trip options, and an on-site cafe. Simply google “riverfront campgrounds” in your state to find options near you.
RV Resorts with Water Features
In recent years, there has been an uptick in the building of RV resorts with exceptional amenities, and naturally, many of these include water. Some offer all the fun of a waterpark without leaving the campground. While family fun is often the focus, you’ll also find grand getaways for grownups, with swim-up bars and adults-only pools.
RV RESORT RECOMMENDATIONS
Over the years, The RV Atlas has shared many awesome campground reviews of RV resorts with fantastic pools and waterslides. Here are just a few awesome options:
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- Jellystone Mill Run in PA has two areas with slides
- Jellystone Luray offers the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and waterpark fun
- Jellystone Pelahatchie RV Park Campground Resort in Mississippi is an award-winning campground with a waterpark
- Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach has beach access plus three acres of water features onsite
- Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay (formerly Massey’s Landing) has specific areas geared for adults
- Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, FL is another one that’s good for both adults and kids
- Carolina Pines RV Resort has resort water features onsite plus a shuttle to the ocean
Florida
I decided to just make Florida its own category since there are so many great campgrounds with both natural and man-made water features. With 1,350 miles of coastline along the Gulf and the Atlantic, Florida offers the longest coast the contiguous US, and it is packed with highly rated RV parks. Obviously, Florida is hot in the summer, so you really will have to hit the water to stay cool.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN FLORIDA
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- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park near Destin is just one of many exceptional state parks located on the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it offers a quiet beachfront access
- Camping on the Gulf in Destin is so close to the ocean you can literally camp on the sand
- Fort De Soto Campground is a lush campground with back-in sites lining the shores
- Of course, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is always a great option. Even if you skip the steamy theme parks, you can hang in the awesome pool and visit one of the two waterparks located in Disney World.
Great Summer Camping Destinations in the Northern US
While Jimmy Buffet may have been referring to heading south in the title of his Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes album, I’m recommending the opposite if you’re looking to beat the heat for a summer RV trip. Luckily, there are lots of great options at northern latitudes from the Pacific Northwest to New England.
EAST: Niagara Falls & NY’s Finger Lakes
I think Niagara Falls is still a classic family road trip, even though it has a bit of a “tourist trap” reputation. In addition to the cooler northern temps, you also will find plenty of opportunities to get wet at Niagara Falls (including the Cave of the Winds trail, the Maid of the Mist boat tour to the base of the falls, and the whirlpool jet boat tours). Check out this post/podcast for tons of tips: Niagara Falls Trip Planning Guide.
I also recommending venturing into the Finger Lakes region, where there is a lot to explore, including waterfalls, lakes, museums, wineries, and so much more! You can spend your trip meandering from one swimming hole to another, while enjoying relaxing activities on land.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN NEW YORK
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- HTR Niagara Campground & Resort (previously known as Branches of Niagara) is close to the falls and has a lot of onsite recreation, with a lazy river, large pool, swim beach, and more.
- Four Mile Creek State Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario.
- The waterfall trail at Watkins Glen State Park will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a fairy tale, and the campsites have a lot of shade.
- Finger Lakes RV Resort is a fantastic new option in the region that has onsite amenities, walkability to wineries and more.
CENTRAL: Wisconsin Dells & Door County
Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” thanks to its 20 waterparks, which offer more than 200 slides. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor parks, so you won’t have to worry about rainy days getting you down.
You can balance all of the waterpark action by heading up to Door County, which is located on a peninsula in Lake Michigan. It’s known for its charming small towns and lake views, making it a relaxing option for summer travel.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN WISCONSIN
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- Near Wisconsin Dells, you can enjoy a waterpark in the campground at Fox Hill RV Resort & Campground, which has an aquatic adventure zone in a pond
- Devil’s Lake State Park is considered one of Wisconsin’s best, and it offers a beautiful natural retreat to contrast the busyness of the Dells.
- Door County is a camping paradise with dozens of campgrounds with 4.5 star ratings or above!
WEST: Oregon or Washington Coast
In the head-to-head battle over whether Oregon or Washington is the better destination, we decided there was no reason to duke it out. Do both! Highway 101 is a classic road trip! Oregon’s coast is dotted with fantastic state parks and natural attractions, while Washington offers Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Mount St. Helens.
You go from sea level to mountainside in a single drive and explore beaches, rainforests, and alpine meadows all in a day. Plus, there are cool places to explore from the large cities of Seattle and Portland to the many charming seaside towns.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON
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- Find great Oregon campgrounds and experiences here: Underrated Destinations: RVing in Oregon
- Find tons of Washington attraction and campground recommendations here: Olympic National Park: The Best Campgrounds, Activities, and Hidden Gems (w/ RV Out West)
- Plus, here’s an oldie-but-goodie: Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest
Great Summer Camping Destinations with Shade
Sometimes, the best you can do is get in the shade! Even on the hottest summer days, you might be surprised by how much a campsite under a canopy of trees can help cool your RV. Luckily, a lot of campgrounds have preserved the woodlands, giving you an escape from the heat.
National Forests are located all across the US and have rustic campgrounds and boondocking locations. Plus, the camping is very cheap and serene. This podcast episode can help you learn more about what makes the national forests special and will help you find one near you: The Best National Forests in Each Region with Greg M. Peters
WEST: California Redwoods
Is there a more epic forest than the Redwoods? When I visited California, we went to Sequoia National Park, and while those trees are impressive, the redwoods are magical in a different way. Gen Xers may imagine Endor in Return of the Jedi to get the fern-filled forest vibe you can find amid the redwoods.
The redwoods in northern California are unique in that they are protected as part of an intertwining network of national and state parks (learn more here: Greetings from Redwoods National and State Parks). In addition to the woodlands, you also have access to the stunning California coast, where ocean breezes can keep you cool.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS NEAR THE CA REDWOODS
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- The Crescent City/Redwoods KOA is a gorgeous park, located jjust 10 minutes from the 10,000-acre grove of redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park.
- The national and state park campgrounds, along with many private RV parks, come highly rated across the region!
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CENTRAL: Black Hills of South Dakota
Did you know South Dakota is technically in the Midwest? It truly is, even though it has a strong Old West vibe. When people think of visiting South Dakota, Mount Rushmore comes to mind, but you might not realize how much more there truly is across the greater Black Hills region!
You’ll find scenic drives (including the iconic Needles Highway), historic Wild West towns, and kitschy tourist attractions. In addition to Mount Rushmore, no visit is complete without a tour of Custer State Park, where you’ll find the best wildlife viewing. Though Badlands National Park is hot in the summer, it’s a must see (tip: it cools off a lot before sunset, and that’s a great time to photograph the park, too!).
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE BLACK HILLS
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- There are nine campgrounds in Custer State Park, and Blue Bell Campground is a phenomenal choice, located in a patch of ponderosa pines. In addition to offering shade, these trees smell so good!
- Jeremy and I are in complete agreement that Rafter J Bar Ranch is one of the absolute best campgrounds in the whole country. I would return to the Black Hills just to hang out in this pretty spot.
EAST: Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park actually hits all four categories on this list. You have a northern latitude, higher altitudes, and tons of water and trees. You can swim in Echo Lake, catch the sea spray at Thunder Hole, or head up Cadillac Mountain. Plus, lobster rolls abound for the perfect summer treat.
CAMPGROUND RECOMMENDATIONS IN ACADIA
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- Located on a quiet, forested peninsula, Schoodic Woods Campground is the newest campground in Acadia National Park.
- For amazing ocean views, Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA is always a favorite.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON RV TRAVEL IN THE SUMMER
Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of great places for RV travel in the summer! But, hopefully, the categories will inspire you to hit the road or find a cool campground close to home this summer or next. My next journey is taking me 9,600 feet up in the Rockies to one of my favorite campgrounds for a refreshing break before the busyness of the school year begins again.
Don’t forget to click play on the media player above or search for The RV Atlas on your favorite podcast app to listen to this episode about RV travel in the summer!
