It’s that time of year. People are pulling their RVs out of storage, cleaning them up, and getting ready to head out on their summer camping adventures. As an RVer, you are very likely among these excited folks, and you may be wondering what this year’s adventures will hold for you.
Our recommendation? Check out some state parks!
All too often, state parks are overlooked. Many people simply assume that private RV parks are the best/only option, while others skip over the state parks in search of the grandeur offered by national parks. This is unfortunate because it means some wonderful gems are being passed over.
Why not change up your plans this year and hit up some state parks during your travels? You never know what amazing new discoveries you may come across. If that isn’t enough to convince you, you may also want to consider the six points below.
#1: Low Rates
Camping might be one of the cheapest ways to travel and see the world, but that doesn’t mean camping fees don’t start to add up. State park camping fees tend to be much lower than the fees at private parks or even those at national parks. Obviously, this is a major bonus if you camp often.
#2: Surprising Amenities
You may not expect it, but many state parks actually have some pretty awesome amenities. A huge number of them have electric and/or water hookups, and many even have sewer hookups. Those that don’t have sewer at each site tend to at least have a dump station, and almost every state park with a campground has bathhouses for campers.
Besides those basic things, you’ll also find things like playgrounds, grills, fire pits, and more. We’ve even found laundry rooms at some, and at one particular location—in New Orleans—the laundry machines were free!
#3: Escape into Nature
Generally speaking, private RV parks don’t offer much in the way of an escape into nature. National parks do, but they have their own set of issues such as lack of hookups and tiny sites. State parks offer the best of both worlds, giving campers a chance to escape into a natural environment without giving up certain comforts.
#4: Big Rigs Usually Welcome
As mentioned above, most national parks don’t have room for larger RVs. State parks will almost always welcome larger rigs into their campgrounds, meaning you can have low rates and a beautiful natural environment without downsizing your RV.
#5: Recreation Opportunities Onsite
In addition to the surprising amenities offered by so many state parks, each park also offers a variety of recreation opportunities, making these parks true attractions in and of themselves. Whether you prefer kayaking, hiking, or fishing, you’re sure to find a number of state parks that offer opportunities for your favorite outdoor activities.
On top of that, many state parks also offer ranger-led activities and even Junior Ranger programs for visiting children.
#6: Countless Choices
One of the greatest things about making state parks your camping location of choice is the fact that, depending on how far you’re willing to travel, you could easily camp every single weekend of the year and never visit the same park twice. There are so many state parks in this amazing country of ours, and each one is so unique that even just exploring the parks alone would keep you happily busy for quite some time.
Ready to start your state park adventures? Find out about the state parks in your area and get going right away!
About The Author: Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.
You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.
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