You’ve dewinterized your rig and are ready to hit the road for some early season camping. And while the weather can still be a bit unpredictable, as long as you’re prepared, spring is an ideal time to hit the road before the summer crowds come to the campgrounds. Here are some of the best RV trips to take in spring.
RV Camping in March
If you’re having trouble making summer reservations at or near state parks, try booking an RV vacation in March instead.
Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
Located just over 2 hours from Zion National Park is Cathedral Gorge, one of Nevada’s oldest state parks, featuring dramatic spires, slot canyons, and caves. Mild weather makes spring one of the best times to visit and the park and campgrounds are family-friendly. There are 22 well-maintained sites for RVs with electric hookups, WiFi, and a dump station. Note that sites cannot be reserved in advance.
Fernwood Resort, California
Getting reservations at any of the Big Sur area state parks can be challenging. It’s worth spending the extra money on a private campground site if you’re set on visiting because even in the spring, reservations book up well in advance. Fernwood Resort is located next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with direct hiking access to the state park from the campground.
Visit in springtime for mild temperatures, wildflower blooms, and lush, green scenery. For smaller rigs looking to visit the area in spring, check for availability at Kirk Creek Campground or Plaskett Creek Campground in the Los Padres National Forest.
Where to Camp Near the Best Flower Festivals in the U.S.
Cattail Cove State Park, Arizona
Park your rig right at the beach in March at Cattail Cove State Park near Lake Havasu City. Spring brings wildflowers and can also be an excellent time to fish bass on the lake. Boat rentals are available on site and with mild temperatures, spring a great time to enjoy the water. The quieter park has a handful of easy to moderate trails. Nearby you’ll find other state parks and wildlife refuges for additional hiking opportunities.
RV Camping in April
Take advantage of warmer temperatures in popular summer vacation areas before the crowds come.
Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground, Tennessee
Located just over an hour from Chattanooga, Mountain Glen RV Park and Campground is minutes from one of Tennessee’s best state parks, Fall Creek Falls. Cave tours start in the spring and it’s an ideal time to see the park’s impressive waterfalls. You can also enjoy the state park’s lake via boat rentals and fishing.
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, Utah
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown is located next to the Moab Giants dinosaur park, making it an educational spot for a spring break RV trip with the kids. The campground’s pool and playground will also please families. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown is located minutes from the Arches National Park visitor center and about 20 minutes from Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park for additional hiking and biking trails.
Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, California
There’s no bad time to visit Santa Barbara, but springtime brings moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Spring events include Santa Barbara Founding Day and a Kite Festival, and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and biking are plentiful. Don’t miss the zoo and botanical gardens as well as the county and state parks. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park is an ideal home base to explore all the coastal city has to offer.
RV Camping in May
As the camping season (and temps) ramp up, visit these East Coast locations before school vacations begin.
Carolina Pines RV Resort, South Carolina
You’ll feel like you’re staying at a true resort at Carolina Pines RV Resort by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With a visit in May, you’ll be able to enjoy the pool and on-site water park in addition to the beach club at Tilghman Beach, which is only a short shuttle ride away. Adults will appreciate amenities like the yoga studio and on-site restaurant while kids will enjoy games like mini golf, mini bowling, and an arcade.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Luray, Virginia
Start summer early at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit nearby attractions like the Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park in spring for off-season crowds. You’ll also have lower prices at the campground if you visit just before peak season starts; all pools and waterslides are open on weekends beginning in early May.
Cooperstown KOA Journey, New York
The Cooperstown KOA campground set just north of Otsego Lake is about 20 minutes from Main Street Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. You can even purchase tickets at the campground for the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Fenimore Museum, and the Farmers’ Museum. Plus this campground has a heated pool that opens in May so you can enjoy the outdoors.
