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Camping is a fun, safe way to get the whole family outside enjoying nature. And while most campgrounds and RV parks are accommodating to all age groups, there are a few extra things to consider if you want to bring your kids along for the ride.
After researching hundreds of different campgrounds and surveying our very own community of dedicated RVers, we’ve compiled a list of the seven most kid-friendly campgrounds and RV parks across the country, as well as some key takeaways to help ensure you and your loved ones have the best camping experience possible.
WHICH CAMPGROUNDS OFFER THE BEST KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES?
S’mores and stargazing are welcome at most campgrounds, but Thousand Trails, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts and Kampgrounds of America (KOA) are highly praised for offering a wide variety of activities for kids.
WHICH NATIONAL PARKS ARE THE MOST KID-FRIENDLY?
While the National Park Service welcomes kids of all ages—and even offers free admission for 4th and 5th graders—some of the top kid-friendly parks include Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon.
WHAT TYPE OF RV IS BEST FOR CAMPING WITH KIDS?
Choosing an RV that fits your unique family depends on a variety of factors—things like tow vehicle, sleeping capacity, age of kids, and budget are all important. To help you get started in your search, check out these kid-friendly RVs.
A big draw for families to take an RV trip is the opportunity to spend more quality time together. Having an RV also makes it easier for families to see new places and still do remote work or virtual schooling (commonly referred to as road schooling). But regardless of the motivation for getting an RV and taking a trip, there are some commonalities across all families when it comes to choosing what campgrounds and RV parks to stay at.
Proximity to Nature and Landmarks
Camping and RVing provides families with a sense of adventure. The ability to see and explore new things not only helps alleviate some of the stress of figuring out daily activities but can also make for a more memorable trip. That’s why campgrounds near national and state parks, monuments, landmarks, and major events (sporting events, festivals, fairgrounds) are so popular among families. These places allow for a wide variety of adventuring options. However, if you wish to avoid major events or large crowds, a simple alternative is to choose a campground near water, whether it’s an ocean, lake or river. Having water access can really expand your adventuring—in addition to hiking, playing and exploring on land, kids can also swim, surf, kayak, fish, and more.
Educational and Recreational Activities
Campgrounds and RV parks that offer specific, kid-friendly activities and amenities is another top consideration. This not only helps make planning and scheduling easier on parents but it also provides kids with a chance to socialize and learn new things. Nationwide campground networks like Thousand Trails, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts and Kampgrounds of America (KOA) are highly praised for offering a wide variety of fun activities for kids—everything from mini golf and wagon rides, to cooking lessons and outdoor movie nights.
WiFi and Cell Service
While most can agree that camping helps families disconnect from the digital world, having strong WiFi and good cell service at your campground are worth considering for a few reasons. To start, good service can be helpful if the weather turns bad and you find yourself inside the RV for extended periods of time. You can stream movies, play online games, look up recipes, or read an e-book. Cell service is also important for staying connected to friends and family, especially if you have a homebase and someone is watching it while you’re gone. And for those campers and RVers who plan to be gone for weeks at a time, having reliable WiFi is vital for any type of remote work or virtual schooling.
General Safety
Having a fun camping experience is important, but most parents can agree that their kids’ safety is the number one priority. In fact, according to a recent study by Harvest Hosts, 99 percent of RVers said they felt safe traveling in an RV. Before booking a site, be sure to research the campground or RV park’s location and see if it’s near a busy road or in a remote spot that’s hard to access. You should also ask if the campground is gated, has adequate lighting at night and if there is a 24/7 camp host. For campgrounds that offer recreation activities and amenities (swimming pools, playgrounds, etc.), ask if they have any on-site lifeguards or medics. And lastly, be sure to check out a satellite view or some topographic maps of the area surrounding the campground. You’ll want to know if there are any natural hazards nearby, including steep cliffs, large ditches or fast-moving rivers.
1. Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
“Has a variety of activities for all ages—zero entry water zones and pools, putt putt and playgrounds. It also has the ocean, an arcade and a nature center.”
2. Malibu Beach RV Park in Malibu, California
“The best kept secret in Southern California. Extremely secure and has views that cannot compare to others.”
3.Wahweap RV & Campground in Page, Arizona
“Excellent RV park. Located next to a hotel and a full marina. It is very nice and clean.”
4. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, Tennessee
“Gorgeous pools and patio areas, and food trucks come by regularly. Plus, they have 24/7 laundry service, a lifesaver for parents with active kiddos!”
5. Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna, Virginia
“Has a water park, fishing pond, corn hole, ice cream shop, lake entrance, playgrounds and tons of kids. Plus, there are big spaces and pull-thru sites.”
6. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Golden Valley in Bostic, North Carolina
“Kayaks, pedal boats, hiking trails, gem mining and plenty of coordinated activities.”
7. Orlando RV Resort in Clermont, Florida
“Part of the Thousand Trails network—there is SO much for kids to do. And it’s located right on the water so you feel safe and secluded.”
