9 Most Beautiful RV Campgrounds In The U.S., According To Experts

Mar 10, 2021

For years, the baby boomer retiree was the stereotypical RV traveler, but these days, millions of Americans live in RVs — a growth that's been fueled by millennials and young families. It's a nationwide trend that exploded during the course of the pandemic, with Outdoorsy reporting a 4,500% increase in RV rental bookings in their 2020 travel trend report

With plenty of newbies getting on board (literally) with RV life, there are a few practical things to know, like how to pick the right RVwhat to pack, and mistakes to avoid. But, as any longtime RVer knows, half the battle is finding a campground that has the amenities you need, the space you crave, and the views you want. To cut out some of the legwork, we asked experts to share some of the best and most beautiful RV campgrounds they've ever experienced, and then added a few of our favorites — because one of the best things about a home on wheels is waking up to a million-dollar view.

Sun RV Resorts in Petoskey, Michigan

If you're looking for small-town charm and easy access to water, look no further: Sun RV Resorts is a quick 10-minute drive west of delightful Petoskey, and it sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. If hopping in the lake isn't your thing, enjoy the RV park's temperature-controlled pool and spa, or play tennis to your heart's content. 

Bob Martin, a longtime RVer and president and CEO of THOR Industries, an RV manufacturer, notes, "The park is ideal for those traveling in large RVs and seeking extended stays." The sites can accommodate rigs up to 55 feet long and include Wi-Fi, cable, and a fire ring.

Schoodic Woods Campground in Winter Harbor, Maine

This National Park Service campground isn't in the main part of Acadia National Park, but trust us, that's a good thing. You'll get all the pros — views and easy access to the park — without the crowds. 

Jeremy Puglisi, cohost of The RV Atlas podcast, author, and THOR ambassador, explains, "An anonymous donor developed this campground, bike paths, and facilities on the Schoodic Peninsula before turning over the property to the National Park Service."

Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA in Wilmington, New York

Puglisi and his family, who live in New Jersey, think of the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA as their "basecamp option #1 for any serious outdoor adventure in New York state's vast and magnificent Adirondack Park." The KOA sits at the base of Whiteface Mountain and is an easy drive from great fly-fishing spots, hikes, cliff jumping, and — when civilization calls — downtown Lake Placid.  

But don't think that just because you're camping you won't have access to the finer things in life. At this particular KOA, there's a rec room, sports center, pool, mini golf, and special weekends that include music and activities.

Check out the full list from Travel + Leisure here.