Road tripping dramatically increased when other forms of traditional travel weren’t an option due to the pandemic. Millions of households took up camping and discovered what many of us have known for a while. Camping is for everyone — young and old. It’s a wonderful way to connect with family, make memories, reduce stress, enjoy the outdoors, discover new places, and get some exercise.
RVshare, the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the world, recently released its 2022 Travel Trend Report. Almost half of the respondents who intend to travel next year said they planned on taking a road trip or vacation in an RV in the next 12 months. Of travelers surveyed, 59 percent said they find an RV road trip appealing and 53 percent said that they’re likely to consider renting an RV for a trip in the future. Sounds like our kind of people!
The report also revealed the top campgrounds for RV rentals, which we explore below. Since camping is so popular now, campgrounds fill up fast. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended when possible. Half of RVshare rentals are pet-friendly — just be sure to double-check that the campground is too before bringing your fur-children along. Here are the top 10 campgrounds for RV rentals in 2021.
1. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Consistent with last year’s data, family-focused destinations, such as Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, always top RVshare renters’ list. According to RVshare’s report, 81 percent of travelers are excited to travel with family next year. Additionally, “more than half of likely 2022 travelers are looking to spend quality time with family or explore and discover new places next year, both of which have increased in appeal since 2020.”
Located minutes away from Disney, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a great place to do just that. Go horseback riding, canoeing, swimming in the pool, or try your hand at archery. Rent a golf cart to explore this picturesque backcountry resort’s 750 acres. Planning to go? Check out Camping At Disney World’s Fort Wilderness: 11 Expert Tips.
2. Campland On The Bay
San Diego
Located on the shores of Mission Bay, Campland on the Bay® is just a 15-minute drive from downtown San Diego. In addition to waterfront RV camping, Campland on the Bay offers activities for all ages. You can rent just about any toy you want to play out on the water — there are pontoons, jet skis, water skis, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and more. There’s also a marina so you can bring your own boat.
Relax on the beach, splash around in the pool, or relax in one of the two hot tubs. Rent a bike and pedal around Pacific Beach or Mission Bay Park. Other amenities include beach sports, a skatepark, a game room, and a basketball court. You can even build a campfire on the bay!
3. Ginnie Springs Outdoors
High Springs, Florida
For water lovers who like to scuba dive, kayak, canoe, tube, swim, or snorkel, Ginnie Springs Outdoors is the perfect campground for you! Located off I-75 right outside of Gainesville, Florida, the park offers seven crystal clear springs and 200 wooded acres. The water stays at a perfect 72 degrees year-round. An extensive underwater cave system makes the park popular with cave divers as well. Check out its Instagram account to see what we mean.
The campground offers 129 campsites, many of which are situated along the south side of the Santa Fe River or its freshwater springs. While water and electric hookups are available, there are no sewer hookups at the sites, but there is a dump station. This campground does not allow pets. Rent everything you need for snorkeling — masks, fins, and snorkels — at the Ginnie Springs Store.
4. The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park & Campground
Live Oak, Florida
Nestled along the banks of the Suwannee River, The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground lies conveniently between Tallahassee and Jacksonville, offering 800 acres of fun in the Sunshine State. Launch your canoe or kayak from the onsite boat ramp or stroll amongst the cypress trees. Go freshwater fishing, explore wildlife habitats, and hike or bike miles of trails. Check out the disc golf course, or just cruise around in a golf cart.
5. Lazy L&L Campground
New Braunfels, Texas
Conveniently located between San Antonio and Austin, the German town New Braunfels makes for a fun weekend destination in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Kids love it for “The World’s Best Waterpark,” Schlitterbahn, while adults appreciate its proximity to the Texas Wine Trail. It’s also home to the Guadalupe River.
If you’re planning a float trip down the Guadalupe, Lazy L&L Campground‘s beautiful shaded riverfront is the place to park your RV. Tube or raft the river, or ride down in an inflatable canoe. With long-term reservations available, its also a fabulous place for snowbirds to spend the winter months. Do note that no pets are allowed from May to September.
6. Cherrystone Family Camping Resort
Cape Charles, Virginia
About an hour outside of Norfolk, Virginia and Virginia Beach Cherrystone Family Camping Resort offers over 300 acres of natural waterfront on the Chesapeake Bay. Several of its 700-plus campsites are shaded by tall trees. It also features five swimming pools, four fishing piers, and a beautiful beach. Feel free to bring Fido — he’ll feel right at home with his own dedicated dog beach.
With a cafe/lounge, general store, and bait and tackle shop, everything you need is available on site. Watch the sun go down over the water, go crabbing, and enjoy the birds and wildlife. Cherrystone hosts themed weekends and activities for the entire family throughout the season.
7. Vail Lake Resort
Temecula, California
Featuring over 200 acres of world-class hiking and mountain bike trails, Vail Lake Resort (also known as Temecula/Vail Lake KOA) lies conveniently between LA and San Diego. Enjoy the sunny southern California weather from its three pools: a 25-meter lap pool, a kids’ wading pool, and a full-sized heated pool. There’s plenty more to keep everyone entertained, including disc golf and mini-golf courses, pickleball and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits. Golf cart rentals are available, too! Plus, you’re just 15 minutes away from Temecula Valley wineries and nearby casinos.
8. Reunion Lake RV Resort
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
Conveniently located off the I-12 corridor, Reunion Lake RV Resort lies across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, about an hour away from both The Big Easy and Baton Rouge. This gated lakeside resort’s amenities will blow your mind! There’s a swim-up tiki bar, a lazy river, a huge hot tub, and a floating obstacle course (open April-October), plus poolside cabanas, miniature golf, and volleyball and pickleball courts. But that’s not all! There’s also an outdoor amphitheater, a playground, a dog park, and a fitness center. No wonder it made RVshare’s list of top 10 campgrounds. Explore Reunion Lake by kayak or paddleboard, and cast a line in the fishing area.
9. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Newport Beach, California
Get away for the weekend at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina in sunny Newport Beach, California. Kids can splash in the wading pool, while adults can enjoy the jets while soaking in one of the two onsite spas. Bring a good book and lounge in laid-back luxury in the privacy of your own poolside cabana. From water sports and Newport Beach’s inflatable water park to the beach and Duffy boats, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the water at this waterfront resort.
10. Fort De Soto Park Campground
Pinellas County, Florida
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto Park is made up of five interconnected islands (keys). In addition to the historic fort for which it’s named, the park is home to award-winning beaches, including one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.
Visitors enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming. One of our Floridian writers, Fred Mays, suggests paddling out to Shell Key, where you can search for shells in quiet solitude. Snorkelers should catch the ferry to undeveloped Egmont Key. Because of all of these amazing things to do, reservations for Fort De Soto Campground’s 238 sites can be hard to come by, especially during the peak winter season, so book early!
RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.
