Newcomb campground is the perfect home base for exploring the Adirondacks

Not every great travel experience requires a campground or hiking trail. The North Creek Mosaic Project was one of the most unexpected highlights of my Adirondack travels. Located in downtown North Creek, this public art installation stretches nearly two blocks along a retaining wall. At first glance I expected a quick photo stop. Instead, I spent far more time exploring the artwork than I anticipated. The mosaic tells the story of Adirondack life. Scenes include fishing, kay

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake exceeded every expectation I had. I originally visited to see the giant Trolls exhibit created by artist Thomas Dambo, but I quickly discovered the attraction is much more than a museum. The Trolls exhibit features six massive sculptures built entirely from recycled materials and hidden throughout the property. Finding them feels like a scavenger hunt through the Adirondack forest. Each troll has its own personality and setting. Standing nearly

Newcomb Campground was a welcome change of pace after several days of primitive camping and boondocking. Located near downtown Newcomb, the campground offers water and electric hookups along with a dump station. While many Adirondack campgrounds focus on rustic experiences, Newcomb provides enough amenities to recharge while still feeling connected to nature. The campground itself is small, quiet, and beautifully maintained. Sites are spread throughout a pine forest and offer

Lewey Lake Campground was one of those places that immediately makes you want to stay longer. Located along both Lewey Lake and Indian Lake, the campground offers an impressive collection of waterfront campsites. I stayed on the Lewey Lake side and was surprised by how private the sites felt. The campsites were huge, heavily wooded, and so well spaced out that I could barely see neighboring campers. One of the campground's biggest strengths is water access. Nearly every water

Manatee Hammock Campground is one of the best spots I’ve found to watch a rocket launch—hands down. If you’re looking for a front-row seat to launches at Kennedy Space Center, this place is hard to beat. Reservations and Campsite Setup The campground is run by Brevard County, so reservations are made through their website. If you’re trying to book around a rocket launch, plan ahead—it can be tough to get a site when launches are scheduled. Sites can be a little hit or miss. S

Manatee Springs State Park – Chiefland, Florida Manatee Springs State Park and Campground is located in Chiefland, Florida. Reservations are made through the Florida State Parks reservation system. Springs at Manatee Springs | Florida State Parks The park is located right off the Suwannee River, and the spring system feeds directly into it. Manatee Springs is the largest single spring feeding into the Suwannee River. The Gulf is about 23 miles away. Even at that distance, the

Kalaloch Campground – Olympic National Park: A Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts Kalaloch Campground is a true treasure on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park. This campground is one of the park’s most scenic and popular spots. Perched on a high bluff, it overlooks the stunning Pacific Ocean. While only a few campsites offer direct ocean views, the beach is just about 40 feet below the bluff, making it easily accessible. A Spacious Retreat i

Affordable Camping in Jacksonville Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of Jacksonville’s best-value campgrounds. It offers 300 wooded sites, several cabins, and full hookups for RVs at just $30 per night. This place is a treasure for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. The campground is nestled within a vast, forested park. Here, you can find 1.5 miles of private beach access. There’s also a lovely lake perfect for fishing, kayaking, and boat ren

Lolo Hot Springs – Lolo, Montana A no-frills RV resort with water/electric hookups, a dump station, cabins, hiking nearby, and even a dog play area—simple but perfectly located along Lolo Creek. The soaking pools are just across the road: warm outdoor pool, hot indoor pool, plus a lodge and restaurant serving all three meals. Guests get a BOGO soaking pass, with hot springs access around $14. ​ Horseback riding, big sites, and quick access to fishing make it an easy place to

Earl G. Williamson Park – Caddo Lake, Oil City, LA A true hidden gem right on the shoreline of Caddo Lake. Spacious RV sites with water/sewer, a dump station, tent sites, and a boat launch—plus room to park a trailer at most sites. Only $12/night, which feels like a steal. Kona loved being able to swim right outside the door, and there’s plenty of space for walking along the lake. ​ Beautiful sunsets, big shady sites (most with a concrete pad and picnic table), and easy fishi

Gateway Inn & RV Resort — Mount Rainier National Park If you’re looking to stay as close as possible to Mount Rainier National Park, Gateway Inn & RV Resort is hard to beat — you can literally see the entrance from the parking lot. It’s a simple, no-frills stay built around one major highlight: location, location, location. ​ The inn offers just a handful of RV sites (about six), along with cabins and a small motel. Sites are grassy, fairly tight, and may be tricky for larger

Camp Kalama sits right on the river with easy highway access and plenty of room to breathe. Spacious gravel sites—many long, flat, and drive-through—make it friendly for big rigs, while tent sites sit close to the water with a sandbar just steps away (though the riverbank is steep in spots). Water/electric hookups, a dump station, propane on site, and lots of trash cans keep things simple and clean. There are also a handful of full-timers, but most sites turn over daily. Larg

Blue River Conservation Area – Tishomingo, Oklahoma The Blue River Conservation Area in Tishomingo is a peaceful and scenic escape, spread across 3,000 acres with more than six miles of beautiful river frontage. Campsites sit in shaded, forested loops and are within sight of the Blue River, offering a quiet, natural atmosphere without being directly on the water. Sites are flat, well-marked, and spaced far apart, providing plenty of privacy. There are four loops with no hooku

Stay: October 5–12 at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins If you love combining RV travel with fishing and scenic exploring, Riverbend RV Park and Cabins in Montrose, Colorado, checks all the boxes. Set right along the Uncompahgre River, this peaceful and well-maintained park offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty—plus easy access to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Riverside Camping and Amenities The Uncompahgre River flows along the edge though