Best RV Parks to Live Out Your Vanlife Dreams

These RV parks offer lots of amenities, views and fun.

Best RV Parks to Live Out Your Vanlife Dreams

Road trips are a quintessential American pastime, and there isn't a much better way to do them than with an RV, especially if you are traveling with a family.

But not all RV sites are created equal. Some have terrible facilities that could ruin your vacation. Others have everything you need to make an unforgettable trip.

Here's how to avoid nightmares. These are the best RV parks in the U.S.

Note: Rankings are based on Tripadvisor reviews and editorial input.

15. Seal Rocks RV Cove — Oregon

Location: Seal Rock

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookup, picnic tables, fire rings, Wi-Fi, showers, firewood available

Bottom Line: Seal Rocks RV Cove

Located in the beautiful Oregon coast, Seal Rock RV Cove may not have the most amenities, but it certainly has some of the most scenic views.

Rather than settling down in a concrete parking lot, you’ll be on the grass and surrounded by trees. You’ll also get to walk to the shore, where you are likely to see seals sleeping and sunbathing on the rocks.

During the right time of year, you may also get to see migrating whales.

14. Boyd's Key West Campground — Florida

Location: Key West

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookup, Wi-Fi, children’s activities, pool, pet friendly, laundry facilities, gift shop

Bottom Line: Boyd's Key West Campground

The Florida Keys are an absolute dream vacation for sandy beaches and laid-back vibes. Key West is at the very end of the Keys and is the area’s most popular destination. Blame former resident Ernest Hemingway for this popularity and the steep prices that come with it.

If you want to enjoy the best of the Keys without emptying your bank account, Boyd’s Key West Campground is here to save the day. It is considered one of the best RV parks on the beach in Florida and is definitely one of the most popular ones in the Keys.

13. Grand Canyon Railway RV Park— Arizona

Location: Williams

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Pool, hot tub, pet friendly, laundry facilities, proximity to national park, fitness center, children’s activities, shuttle service, HD TV, Wi-Fi, picnic area

Bottom Line: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

As the second-most visited national park in the U.S. and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a place where you want to spend at least a couple of days.

One of the coolest ways to do this is by staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, which is part of the Railway Hotel and is just steps away from the national park.

People traveling with dogs can leave them at the hotel’s pet resort while they explore the valleys and rims of the canyon.

12. Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake – Arkansas

Location: Oak Grove

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$$

Noteworthy amenities: Pool, hot tub, tennis courts, golf course, Wi-Fi, water sports gear, laundry facilities, dog park

Bottom Line: Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake

This luxury Branson lakeside RV park sits right on the shores of the beautiful Table Rock Lake. You can enjoy amenities such as multiple pools and hot tubs, as well as golfing and boating opportunities.

What draws people to the Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake is that it is perfectly situated to give the best of both worlds. You can explore the Ozark Mountains or do water sports on the lake one day and drive to nearby Branson, Missouri, for cultural city activities the next.

11. Chula Vista RV Resort — California

Location: Chula Vista

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Children’s playground, billiard room, pet-friendly, hot tub, pool, picnic area, laundry facilities, BBQ facilities, firepit, fitness classes

Bottom Line: Chula Vista RV Resort

The Chula Vista RV Resort is a relatively new campground in the San Diego metropolitan area. With the marina right at its doorstep, the luxury RV park is perfect for travelers seeking to do as many water activities as possible.

Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and swimming are some of the most popular ways to spend the time. The resort also offers live entertainment and bike trails for the rare moments when you aren’t in the water.

And let's be real. Is there a better place to enjoy vanlife than California?

10. Zion River Resort — Utah

Location: Virgin

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookup, proximity to national park, hot tub, pool, children’s park, shuttle service, pet friendly, laundry facilities, convenience store, evening entertainment

Bottom Line: Zion River Resort

It’s somewhat ironic that Utah’s only five-star resort has an RV park, but that speaks to the state’s commitment to providing active travelers with quality accommodations.

Located near the south entrance of Zion National Park, Zion River Resort is a perfect base for spending a couple of days exploring the park’s astonishing landscapes. You can see waterfalls, cross the Narrows — the park’s slimmest gorge — and hike along curious rock formations.

Afterwards, you can relax at the resort’s hot tub and host a BBQ with great views.

9. Meteor Crater RV Park — Arizona

Location: Winslow

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$

Noteworthy amenities: Children’s playground, full hookups, dog parks, casino, bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, ATM on site, convenience store, gas station on-site, Wi-Fi, Club House, picnic tables

Bottom Line: Meteor Crater RV Park

Set on the site of a meteor crash that left a giant crater, Meteor Crater RV Park lets you see one of America's best roadside curiosities.

Besides the crater and the bizarre attractions that have formed around it, you can enjoy the campsite’s recreation room, basketball courts and other facilities.

If you’re traveling with children or dogs, you’ll be happy to know that there are parks specifically designed for both of them.

8. Schoodic Woods Campground — Maine

Location: Winter Harbor

Open: May 26-Oct. 10

Cost: $$

Noteworthy amenities: Proximity to national park, pet friendly, shuttle service, fire rings, fire grills

Bottom Line: Schoodic Woods Campground

If you’re planning on visiting Acadia National Park while on an RV road trip, we definitely recommend staying at the Schoodic Woods Campground.

Operated by the National Parks Service, you won’t get many frills and thrills here. But if what you’re looking for is a quiet place in Acadia that is not overrun by tourists but still has the best of what the park has to offer, this is the place for you.

7. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins— Montana

Location: West Yellowstone

Open: May 1-Oct. 15

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Children’s activities, pet friendly, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, proximity to national park, showers, convenience store, full hookup

Bottom Line: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins

Elk grazing in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is simply too magnificent to visit it in one day, or to visit during the day only to go back to a hotel at night. No, this park should be done with a couple of nights spent within its wilderness.

There are several West Yellowstone RV parks around, but Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins is the best.

You’ll be close to the Yellowstone Historic Center Museum as well as to several hiking trails and lakes that provide ample opportunities for boating, horseback riding, mountain biking and more inside the park.

6. Fair Harbor RV Park & Campground — Georgia

Location: Perry

Open: Year-round

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookup, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, RV storage, pet friendly, fishing lake

Bottom Line: Fair Harbor RV Park & Campground

Goats at Fair Harbor RV Park & Campground

Nothing is better than camping, fishing and enjoying nature while you’re supporting the local economy. At family-owned Fair Harbor RV Park & Campground, you can do exactly that.

The park is perfect for those looking to spend time at a private lake, where fishing and swimming are always welcome. There are also horse riding activities available.

Overall, simplicity is what you’ll get here and a chance to disconnect from the rush of the city.

5. Pagosa Springs RV Park, Cabins, & ATV Rentals — Colorado

Location: Pagosa Springs

Open: May 14-Oct. 18

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Outdoor movie theater, BBQ facilities, firepit, picnic area, pet friendly, grocery store, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, showers

Bottom Line: Pagosa Springs RV Park

Natural pool in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

This all-grass RV park may not be the most well-known campground on this list, but it’s certainly one of the most loved.

Set close to the San Juan River, there are multiple water activities to choose from, including fishing and boating. The Pagosa Springs RV Park is surrounded by thick pine trees that truly give you a feeling of being immersed in nature.

When you’re not out and about enjoying the woods and the lake, sit back by the firepit and exchange stories with fellow vanlifers.

4. Hidden Cove RV Resort — Alabama

Location: Arley

Open: Year-round

Cost: $

Noteworthy amenities: Pet friendly, children’s activities, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, pool

Bottom Line: Hidden Cove RV Resort

It’s all about location at Hidden Cove RV Resort. You’ll get a perfect lakefront camping experience where you can fish, go boating and enjoy watersports.

You’ll be within a short distance of Bankhead National Forest, known for its waterfall hikes, and the impressive 148-foot Natural Bridge of Alabama.

You can also visit the Crooked Creek Civil War Museum and the Ave Maria Grotto.

3. Horse Thief Lake Campground — South Dakota

Location: Hill City

Open: May 15-Sept. 25

Cost: $$$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookup, babysitting services, pet friendly, laundry services, picnic tables, pool, bathrooms, basketball court, general store

Bottom Line: Horse Thief Lake Campground

Nestled within the imposing Black Hills, Horse Thief Lake Campground is the perfect place to live out your vanlife dreams.

Don’t expect luxurious amenities or facilities, but do come looking for a back-to-basics experience that will leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature.

You can head to Custer State Park to see herds of wild buffalo and wild horses, or climb up Crazy Horse Mountain for breathtaking scenery. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore.

2. Scenic Hills RV Park — Ohio

Location: Millersburg

Open: April 1-Nov. 1

Cost: $$

Noteworthy amenities: Dog friendly, campfire rings, picnic tables, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi

Bottom Line: Scenic Hills RV Park

Part of the allure of Scenic Hills RV Park is its location within Ohio’s Amish Country.

Here, you’ll definitely get away from it all and take in the sights and sounds of the countryside.

You’re certainly encouraged to use this as a chance to disconnect, but if you aren’t ready to give up modern commodities, the campground has Wi-Fi and full hookups, so you can get water and electricity in your RV.

1. Little Bear RV Park — California

Location: Blairsden

Open: April 15-Oct. 28

Cost: $$

Noteworthy amenities: Full hookups, children activities, satellite TV, firepit, Wi-Fi, pet friendly, showers, golf courses

Bottom Line: Little Bear RV Park

If you’re looking for RV parks near Tahoe National Forest, Little Bear RV Park is your best bet.

This scenic campsite also gives you access to Eureka State Park, Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest. You will literally be surrounded by nature everywhere you turn, which means you’ll be living your best outdoors life.

As could be expected, there are countless hiking trails to choose from. You can also go mountain biking, kayaking, tubing, swimming and fishing. And for those who don’t want to completely give up civilization, there are also several golf courses in the area.