Introduction to the Great Outdoors

As an experienced outdoor enthusiast and travel writer, I’ve always been passionate about exploring the great outdoors and sharing my experiences with others. Camping and RVing are not just about getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life; they’re about immersing oneself in nature, reconnecting with family and friends, and creating lasting memories.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share my expert review of the best campgrounds and RV parks in the US and Canada, along with some helpful tips for planning your unforgettable adventure. With so many amazing destinations to choose from, it’s time to pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the beauty of North America’s great outdoors.

What Makes a Campground or RV Park Exceptional?

Before diving into the best campgrounds and RV parks, let’s discuss what sets an exceptional campground or RV park apart from the rest. First and foremost, location is key. The most memorable campgrounds and RV parks are situated in breathtaking surroundings, offering easy access to natural wonders, outdoor activities, and nearby attractions.

Secondly, exceptional campgrounds and RV parks offer top-notch facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This includes clean and well-maintained restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a variety of site options to accommodate different camping preferences.

Lastly, exceptional campgrounds and RV parks provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Helpful and knowledgeable staff, well-organized activities, and a sense of community among fellow campers all contribute to an unforgettable camping experience.

Top 10 Best Campgrounds in the United States

1. Yosemite National Park, California: With its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene meadows, Yosemite National Park offers some of the most stunning campgrounds in the country. Popular options include North Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, and Lower Pines Campground.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine: Nestled along the rugged Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park boasts a diverse landscape, from dense forests to rocky shorelines. Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground are both excellent choices for camping in this breathtaking park.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana: With over 700 miles of trails, pristine alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Two Medicine Campground, Many Glacier Campground, and St. Mary Campground are all highly recommended.
4. Zion National Park, Utah: Zion National Park is home to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the US, including the famous red-rock cliffs and slot canyons. South Campground and Watchman Campground both offer easy access to the park’s main attractions.
5. Olympic National Park, Washington: Encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems, from rainforests to snow-capped mountains, Olympic National Park offers a variety of camping experiences. Kalaloch Campground, Sol Duc Campground, and Heart O’ the Hills Campground are all excellent options.
6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: With its jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Jenny Lake Campground, Signal Mountain Campground, and Colter Bay Campground are all highly recommended.
7. Arches National Park, Utah: Famous for its iconic sandstone arches and otherworldly landscape, Arches National Park offers a truly unforgettable camping experience. Devil’s Garden Campground is the only campground within the park, but nearby Moab offers additional options.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: As the most visited national park in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains boasts lush forests, rolling hills, and a rich cultural history. Elkmont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, and Smokemont Campground are all popular choices.
9. Big Bend National Park, Texas: With its vast desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, and dark night skies, Big Bend National Park offers a unique and remote camping experience. Chisos Basin Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and Rio Grande Village Campground are all excellent options.
10. Denali National Park, Alaska: Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park offers a true wilderness experience. Riley Creek Campground, Savage River Campground, and Teklanika River Campground are all great options for camping in this remote and rugged park.

Top 10 Best RV Parks in the United States

1. Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort, Montana: This luxury RV resort offers stunning views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains, along with top-notch amenities such as a fitness center, dog park, and outdoor fire pits.
2. Bluewater Key RV Resort, Florida: Located in the beautiful Florida Keys, this upscale RV resort offers waterfront RV sites, private docks, and a heated pool, all within a tropical paradise setting.
3. Mountain Views RV Resort, Colorado: Nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains, this RV resort offers spacious sites with full hookups, a private fishing pond, and easy access to the nearby Rio Grande River.
4. Zion River Resort, Utah: Conveniently located near Zion National Park, this highly-rated RV resort offers a range of amenities, including a heated pool, spa, and well-stocked general store.
5. Grand Teton Park RV Resort, Wyoming: Offering stunning views of the Teton Range, this RV resort also provides easy access to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Amenities include full hookups, a heated pool, and a playground.
6. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, California: Situated along the scenic Southern California coastline, this unique RV park offers vintage beach cottages and RV sites with full hookups.
7. Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort, Michigan: This upscale RV resort in northern Michigan offers spacious sites, a clubhouse, and a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and biking.
8. Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort, Nevada: Featuring a tropical oasis theme, this luxury RV resort offers a range of high-end amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, and five swimming pools.
9. Lake George RV Park, New York: Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this family-friendly RV park offers a range of amenities, including an indoor heated pool, a fishing pond, and paddleboat rentals.
10. Alum Creek State Park, Ohio: Situated on the shores of a 3,300-acre reservoir, this scenic RV park offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Top 10 Best Campgrounds in Canada

1. Banff National Park, Alberta: Canada’s oldest national park is home to stunning turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and a variety of campgrounds, such as Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Tunnel Mountain Campground, and Lake Louise Campground.
2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia: This coastal park offers a range of camping experiences, from beachside sites at Green Point Campground to remote backcountry camping on the West Coast Trail.
3. Jasper National Park, Alberta: With its rugged wilderness, abundant wildlife, and dark night skies, Jasper National Park is a true outdoor paradise. Popular campgrounds include Whistlers Campground, Wapiti Campground, and Pocahontas Campground.
4. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario: Known for its pristine lakes, dense forests, and network of canoe routes, Algonquin Provincial Park offers a range of campgrounds, including Canisbay Lake Campground, Mew Lake Campground, and Rock Lake Campground.
5. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features dramatic cliffside campsites at Green Point Campground, as well as additional campgrounds at Trout River Pond and Lomond.
6. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia: With its rugged coastlines, dense forests, and scenic mountain views, Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a variety of campgrounds, including Cheticamp Campground, Ingonish Beach Campground, and Broad Cove Campground.
7. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon: Home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, this remote park offers a true wilderness camping experience at Kathleen Lake Campground and Cottonwood RV Park.
8. Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia: This park features a range of camping options, from drive-in sites at Jeremy’s Bay Campground to backcountry camping along the park’s extensive trail network.
9. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba: With its rolling hills, deep forests, and diverse wildlife, Riding Mountain National Park offers a range of campgrounds, including Wasagaming Campground, Moon Lake Campground, and Lake Audy Campground.
10. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick: Known for its dramatic tides and coastal landscapes, Fundy National Park offers several campgrounds, including Headquarters Campground, Chignecto Campground, and Point Wolfe Campground.

Top 10 Best RV Parks in Canada

1. Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park, British Columbia: This highly-rated RV park offers stunning ocean views, spacious sites, and a range of amenities, including a playground, games room, and kayak rentals.
2. Paradise Valley Campground, British Columbia: Nestled in the heart of Squamish Valley, this RV park offers easy access to nearby outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting.
3. Whistlers Campground, Alberta: Located in Jasper National Park, this popular RV park features spacious sites, hot showers, and a convenient location near the town of Jasper.
4. Shuswap Lake RV Resort, British Columbia: With its picturesque setting on the shores of Shuswap Lake, this RV resort offers a range of amenities, including a heated pool, hot tub, and private beach.
5. Rabaska Lodge, Quebec: Situated on the shores of the Baskatong Reservoir, this RV park offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
6. Highbanks Campground, Ontario: Located on the shores of Nottawasaga Bay, this RV park offers stunning views, spacious sites, and a range of amenities, including a heated pool, playground, and beach volleyball court.
7. Niagara Falls KOA, Ontario: Conveniently located near the world-famous Niagara Falls, this KOA offers a range of amenities, including a heated pool, hot tub, and mini-golf course.
8. Cavendish Campground, Prince Edward Island: Situated in the heart of PEI National Park, this RV park offers easy access to the park’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and other attractions.
9. Twin Shores Camping Area, Prince Edward Island: With its prime location on the north shore of PEI, this RV park offers stunning ocean views, spacious sites, and a range of amenities, including a playground, laundry facilities, and an on-site grocery store.
10. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick: As mentioned earlier, this park is known for its dramatic tides and coastal landscapes, and its Chignecto Campground offers RV sites with full hookups, along with a range of amenities, including a playground, laundry facilities, and hot showers.

The Prettiest RV Parks & Campgrounds to Visit

While all of the previously mentioned campgrounds and RV parks are exceptional in their own right, there are a few that stand out as particularly picturesque and worth visiting:

• Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort, Montana: With its stunning views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains, this luxury RV resort is truly a sight to behold.
• Banff National Park, Alberta: Two Jack Lakeside Campground and Lake Louise Campground both offer breathtaking views of the park’s iconic turquoise lakes and dramatic mountain peaks.
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia: Green Point Campground offers beachside campsites with stunning views of the rugged Pacific coastline.

Tips for Choosing the Right Campground or RV Park for Your Adventure

When planning your camping or RV adventure, keep the following tips in mind to help you choose the perfect destination:

1. Consider your preferences: Are you looking for a remote wilderness experience, or do you prefer a more developed campground with modern amenities? Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down your options.
2. Research the location: Look for campgrounds and RV parks that offer easy access to nearby attractions and activities, such as hiking trails, lakes, or national parks.
3. Check the facilities and amenities: Make sure the campground or RV park offers the facilities and amenities you’re looking for, such as clean restrooms, laundry facilities, or full hookups for your RV.
4. Read reviews: Look for campgrounds and RV parks with positive reviews from fellow campers to get a sense of the overall experience and atmosphere.
5. Book early: Some of the most popular campgrounds and RV parks fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Essential Amenities and Features for a Great Camping Experience

While the specific amenities and features you’ll need will depend on your personal preferences and camping style, there are a few essentials that can greatly enhance your overall experience:

• Clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers
• Laundry facilities
• A variety of site options, such as tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cabins or yurts
• A friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with helpful staff and a sense of community among fellow campers
• Well-organized activities and events, such as guided hikes, nature talks, or campfire programs
• Easy access to nearby attractions and outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, lakes, or national parks

Conclusion: Plan Your Unforgettable Adventure Today

With so many incredible campgrounds and RV parks to choose from in the US and Canada, there’s truly an adventure waiting for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a remote wilderness experience or the comforts of a luxury RV resort, the options are endless.

I hope this expert review has inspired you to pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the beauty of North America’s great outdoors. Happy camping!