Did you know that in 2020, golf saw the largest increase in participation in more than 17 years? For RVers who want to combine two of their passions—camping and golfing—this is the perfect time to do so.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while touring the U.S., and if your idea of the perfect retirement, or the perfect vacation, includes finding new golf courses to play as you travel, then this is the list for you. Here are nine locations where great golfing and highly-rated campgrounds go hand in hand.
Boston, Massachusetts
Where to Golf: George Wright Golf Course
Designed in the late 1920s by Donald Ross, Boston’s George Wright Golf Course is a fun, challenging, and steep course beloved by locals and visitors alike. Managed by the City of Boston, this course is affordable and beautifully maintained. George Wright Golf Course is open seasonally, and tee times can be booked online.
Where to Camp:
Farmingdale, New York
Where to Golf: Bethpage Black
If Long Island’s Bethpage golf course isn’t on your bucket list, you should add it. One of the most popular and sought-after municipal parks in the U.S., Bethpage features five 18-hole golf courses. The most famous of them, the Bethpage Black, isn’t for the faint of heart. This championship course has a reputation for being one of the most difficult municipal courses in the country. Booking a tee time is highly competitive. New York residents can try for a tee time 7 days in advance for all courses; visitors can book 5 days in advance.
Where to Camp:
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Where to Golf: Harbour Town Golf Links
Follow in the footsteps of the pros with a round at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. Harbour Town is one of three 18-hole golf courses at the Sea Pines Resort and features a par four 18th hole that’s been known to strike fear into even the most seasoned golfers. Sea Pines Resort is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Tee time reservations are highly recommended.
Where to Camp:
Bowling Green, Florida
Where to Golf: Streamsong
In less than a decade, Streamsong Resort’s three golf courses have gone from being the new kids on the block to luxurious darlings of the golf world. Set on 16,000 acres in central Florida, the resort’s Blue, Red, and Black courses are fun to play and nestled into a pretty landscape of greens, ponds, and tropical vegetation. Green fees are pricey, but the experience is deluxe.
Where to Camp:
San Antonio, Texas
Where to Golf: Brackenridge Park
Designed in 1916 by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, the 18-hole course at Brackenridge Park is located just north of downtown San Antonio. The course’s classic city-park layout makes it accessible to those looking for a nice, low-key day on the links. Tee times are available to book online, and the fees are low enough that you’ll be tempted to play again and again during your stay in San Antonio.
Where to Camp:
Mesquite, Nevada
Where to Golf: Wolf Creek
With greens that wind through Nevada’s signature sand canyons, Wolf Creek has a creative layout that will keep you in awe of both the challenging drives and the stunning landscape. This Mesquite course is open year-round, and tee times are readily available online.
Where to Camp:
Indian Wells, California
Where to Golf: Indian Wells Golf Resort
Bask in the Southern California sunshine as you play a round at Indian Wells Golf Resort, which has two highly ranked 18-hole courses on its grounds. Located just outside of Palm Springs, golfers love Indian Wells for its striking natural beauty and challenging layout. All tee times must be reserved and prepaid; no walk-up play is allowed.
Where to Camp:
Bremerton, Washington
Where to Golf: Gold Mountain
Scoot around Seattle’s Puget Sound and make your way to the small city of Bremerton to play at Gold Mountain, a golf club with two championship courses. Enjoy a round of 18 holes tucked between the towering evergreens of the Pacific Northwest forest. The best price on greens fees is available by booking online. Veterans also receive 20 percent off during the week.
Where to Camp:
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Where to Golf: Pinehurst Resort
For many golfers, a trip to Pinehurst is the adult version of Disney World. With nine 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course to choose from, you can camp nearby for a whole week and still not experience everything the area has to offer. Pinehurst No. 2 has the most coveted greens as the course is host to numerous prestigious golf tournaments. Advance tee times are available via phone 5 days in advance of play for non-members or guests.
Where to Camp:
Now it’s your turn—where is your favorite place to golf and camp? Let us know in the comments!
