Public Campground | Campground of the Week

12 May

Campground #27 Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

We are thrilled to welcome Larissa Richardson, aka The Pop Up Princess, onto Campground of the Week to review an amazing state park in the state of Oregon. Larissa stayed at Silver Falls State Park to break up a long haul from California to Seattle. Her family ended up loving it so much, they can’t wait to return.

In the first segment, Larissa gives us a review of the campground itself, discussing the different loops and where you might want to stay on your visit. She will also give you the reservation lowdown, noting that this is a popular spot for the locals so you will definitely want to book in advance.

In the second segment, Larissa tells us all about the rest of the state park, where they found more activities than they ever imagined. Silver Falls State Park actually has its own blog, keeping everyone informed about their regular events and happenings.

Silver Falls State Park is considered one of the gems of the Oregon state parks system, and the Pop Up Princess tells us why on Episode #27 of Campground of the Week!

Thanks to Jayco RVs and Progressive Insurance for sponsoring weekly content for all us RV fools!

05 May

Campground #26 The Campground at James Island County Park

On this week’s episode, Stephanie and Jeremy review one of their top campgrounds ever at James Island County Park, located just 6 miles southwest of the great city of Charleston.

The Campground at James Island County Park offers the natural and beautiful landscape of a public campground combined with amenities and activities usually found only at the best private campground resorts.

We spend a lot of time focusing on the sites and the layout of the campground, so here is a map to help you follow the conversation:

This campground is incredibly popular with both locals and visitors from out of state. You will need to book well in advance, especially if camping during a holiday or school recess. In addition to RV sites, there are tenting sites and cabins available, as well.

Amenities available at the campground include:

Bath houses and laundry facilities
Fully stocked camp store
Activity Center with recreation room
Lake with fishing
Bocce, giant chess and checkers, ladder golf, horseshoes, cornhole
Shuttle service to Folly Beach and downtown Charleston
Bike rentals

In the second segment, we talk about the amazing activities and amenities available in the rest of the James Island County Park.

Climbing Wall and adventure area including bouldering and slacklines.
Bike Path
Splash park and spray ground
Playground
Picnic areas
Disc Golf
Dog Park with beach and lake access

The Campground at James Island County Park is simply one of the best campgrounds we have ever seen in our travels. For a complete run down of all the activities and attractions we experienced in Charleston, check out our RVFTA podcast episode #87.

Thanks to our sponsors, Jayco RVs and Progressive Insurance, for sponsoring great content for RV enthusiasts!

We’ll see you at the campground!

03 Mar

Campground #17: Bennett Spring State Park, Missouri

Bennett Spring State Park

On Episode #17, our Midwestern correspondent Kerri Cox gives an in-depth review of Bennett Spring State Park, Missouri. She explains why this location offers her family the “classic campground experience”.

Located in the southern part of the state, 12 miles away from the town of Lebanon, Bennett Spring State Park is a popular regional destination offering fly fishing, canoeing, and plenty of hiking trails.

Bennett Spring State Park

Kerri describes the different campground areas (1-5) and gives recommendations for making a decision on which site to book when you visit. She also describes the other activities and amenities avaialbe at Bennett Springs State Park:

Hike to the Natural Bridge
Nature Center with scheduled programming
Fish hatchery
Canoe Rentals
Fly fishing (Opening Day is right around the corner!)

Kerri also tells us all about the best area attractions:

The Route 66 Museum
The Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Springfield
Triple Eight’s Springfield Style Cashew Chicken
Fantastic Caverns
Float Trips down the Niangua River

To read more about Kerri’s visits to Bennett Spring State Park, check out this blog post at travelswithbirdy.com. And if you have other recommendations for this area, we would love to hear about them in the comments below. Or you can head on over to the RVFTA forums and leave a trip report!

See you at the campground!

18 Feb

Campground #15: Lake Lopez Recreation Area, California

On Campground of the Week episode #15, our California correspondent Kate Dunbar the beautiful campground situated in the Lake Lopez Recreation Area. This lakefront campground offers fishing, boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities.

Kate has been camping at Lake Lopez since she was a child, and her knowledge of the park and the surrounding area is encyclopedic. Kate was kind enough to give us the true insiders guide, and even included her very favorite campsite number. Listen to hear her advice for visitors with big rigs.

Also listen to hear her tips on area attractions:

Get in line early to sample the Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach, and don’t miss the fish tacos and key lime pie at the Cracked Crab Restaurant. You know if Kate Dunbar recommends the food, it’s gonna be good!

Let us know if you have been to Lake Lopez, or if you plan on making a trip! Tune in every week for another great campground recommendation…and we will see you at the campground.

RVFTA Podcast Network-2

04 Feb

Campground #13 Green River Campground, Dinosaur National Monument

Green River Campground Dinosaur National Monument

On Campground of the Week #13, our Western Correspondent Brett Neilson gives a complete review of Green River Campground in Dinosaur National Monument. Dinosaur National Monument straddles the border of Colorado and Utah, and the campground is located on the Utah side of the NPS site.

This is a completely dry campground with no hookups, no showers, and no place to fill your tanks. There are flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a few jug filling spigots. Despite the lack of activities and amenities, this was one of Brett’s favorite places to camp in 2015, and you have to listen to the episode to find out why.

Brett highly recommends the following activities within Dinosaur National Monument:

A visit to the quarry
Hiking the River Trail to Split Mountain Campground, 3.2 miles
Tilted Rock Auto Tour
Extensive Junior Ranger program offering 3 badges
Star gazing

Outside the park, Brett recommends:

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park
Dinah, the Pink Dinosaur
Float trips on the Green River
Dining at Plaza Mexicana

Listen to the whole episode for Brett’s Insider Tips and Nobody’s Perfect recommendation. You can also check out Brett’s blog post on his trip.

And we would love to hear from you! Have you been to this campground? Can’t wait to go? Tell us about it in the comments.

See you at the campground!

28 Jan

Campground #12: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold New Jersey

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On this week’s episode our Northeastern correspondents, Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi, review their favorite place to camp close to home…Turkey Swamp Park Campground in Freehold, New Jersey.

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This county park campground is located in the hub of central New Jersey, but it feels miles away from anything with its large, wooded sites and remote atmosphere.

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Although tucked away, it is within driving distance of some of the best Jersey Shore beach towns and attractions. Listen to hear as these resident Jersey Shore locals describe everything you need to know about this campground and the surrounding region.

They will describe the best area beaches:

Popular area attractions and shopping:

Food Recommendations:

Strollo’s, near Seven President’s Park
The Turning Point in Pier Village
Moonstruck in Asbury Park
Shore Fresh Seafood Market in Point Pleasant Beach
The Scone Pony in Spring Lake

What are your favorite places to visit when vacationing on the Jersey Shore? Add your personal recommendations in the comments below.

See you at the campground!

07 Jan

Campground #9: Antelope Island State Park in Utah

Antelope Island State Park

On Episode #9, our Western Correspondent Brett Neilson is reviewing Antelope Island State Park in northern Utah, just a couple of hours outside of Salt Lake City.

This state park is small and has no hookups, but Brett raves about the clean, well-maintained sites and beautiful topography of the island. His family loves spotting wildlife on the trails, and also taking advantage of the educational programs available, including a junior ranger course.

Campground #1: Jordanelle State Park, Utah

On Campground of the Week #1, our Western Correspondent Brett Neilson is reviewing Jordanelle State Park Campground located in the Heber Valley region of Utah. This is a public campground and reservations must be booked using Reserve America.

Full hook-up, partial hook-up, and dry camping sites are available, as well as a couple of cabins. Brett gives a complete run down of all the amenities and water activities at this stunning lake front state park, plus he offers tips on picking the best campsite for your tastes and preferences.