Seasoned RV vacationers know a thing or two about camping. For example, motor home mavens know best about when to make a reservation. They know to book their stays months in advance of holidays and special events. All others should keep that in mind when scheduling time at one of these unique RV experiences perfect for a four-day weekend.
Deciding to go camping with the family has a completely different connotation when you throw an RV into the mix. Tents and sleeping bags are optional. Although your definition of “roughing it,” may vary, there are certain amenities you can’t—and quite frankly don’t—want to be without on an RV excursion. For example, never stay anywhere without the three basic hookups: electricity, water and sewage. And, according to Tommy Wilson, operations manager at Vineyards Campgrounds and Cabins on Lake Grapevine, you might want to also look for the new fourth hookup: WiFi. The campgrounds and resorts we’ve chosen can meet the demands of any RV aficionado we know, and with the price of gas at relative lows, now is the perfect time to hit the roads in an RV.
Vineyards Campgrounds and Cabins on Grapevine Lake (Texas)
Close to home
When it comes to packing up the RV and heading out—nothing beats the familiar roads of Texas. Whether you’re up to traveling a few hours away or spending a few days on the road the Lone Star State’s central location can’t be beat.
Vineyards Campgrounds and Cabins on Grapevine Lake (Texas)
You don’t have to travel far to see what a nationally recognized campground is like. One sits right on nearby Lake Grapevine and boasts not only a variety of lake pursuits, such as fishing, swimming and kayaking, but offshore activities as well. Nature trails, bicycle rental, volleyball and basketball round out things to do for family fun. You can head into Historic Downtown Grapevine, where there are restaurants and shops to explore when you need a break from sunscreen and bug repellent. Other amenities: spacious pull-throughs, fully furnished cabins, a camp store and laundry facilities.
VineyardsCampground.com
Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, Texas
Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, Texas
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville is off I-10 just an
hours drive from San Antonio. Each pad site is designed with large coaches in mind—they include widely paved pull-throughs and roads. The resort also features an 8,000-square-foot red barn. The facility that not only hosts year-round activities sponsored by Buckhorn but also can be rented for other events. Other amenities include trash pick up, a dog park, pools and a fitness center.
BuckhornLake.com
Destination unknown
Sometimes it’s not always about the destination. Taking your RV on the open road and experiencing breathtaking views along the way can make for the one-of-a-kind vacation your family is looking for. Highways can guide you along the coast to take in ocean views at sunset. Others, like the Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway, wind you through the mountains exploring history.
From rolling hills to rocky canyons, the views along the Gold Belt Tour are diverse exploring abandoned gold mines and once bustling mining towns—now sleepy tourism attractions. Also known as the Road to Riches, this scenic byway is located in southern Colorado and can be reached on the northern end via U.S. Highway 24 and at the southern end via U.S. Highway 50. Driving the Gold Belt Tour, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, you can retrace travel routes
taken by covered wagons through the communities of Florence, Cañon City and Florissant that connect Cripple Creek and the Victor Mining District.
Not to miss in Cañon City is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The Royal Gorge Bridge hangs high above the Arkansas River and is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. With gondola rides and zip lines, there’s plenty to entertain you at the park after parking your RV—oversized vehicles are not allowed on the bridge.
GoldBeltByway.com, RoyalGorgeBridge.com
Won’t you be my neighbor?
If you consider your ride more of a motor home rather than an RV, Heritage Motor Coach Resort & Marina might be the perfect place to hitch your vehicle. Located on Bayou St. John in Orange Beach, Alabama, this is not your typical pull-through available park.
Although each site comes with all the amenities expected—including cable television hookups—each “pad” also comes with a cottage.
The resort is set up much like a neighborhood, with sites available for rent and purchase. The neighborhood has a clubhouse, lawn care and, as you can guess, HOA fees. But there is something to be said for having neighbors, and you can’t beat the concierge service.
Whether renting or buying, staying at the Heritage Motor Coach Resort & Marina would be considered the ultimate RV experience.
HeritageOrangeBeach.com