State Park | Campground of the Week

15 Sep

Campground Review #46: Ainsworth State Park near Portland, Oregon

On this week’s Campground of the Week’s podcast episode, Larissa Richardson from ThePopUpPrincess.com, takes us back to the amazing state park system in Oregon, and reviews Ainsworth State Park, just 30 miles east of Portland.

This campground is simple, but makes a perfect base camp for exploring both the downtown area of Portland and the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. images

One of the best features of the campground is that it offers full hook ups at a bargain price of $24. Larissa also raves about the clean (and free!) showers with plenty of hot water to keep her teenagers happy. The campground isn’t large though, so if you want to nab a spot you should probably book early. Listen to the episode to hear even more insider tips from Larissa and also her one (loud) nobody’s perfect complaint.
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08 Sep

Campground #45 Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale, Texas

Balmorhea State ParkToyahvale, Texas

On this week’s episode of Campground of the Week, we are so excited to welcome Kate Dunbar with our very first review of a Texas campground. Kate takes us to Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale, Texas.

This unique state park was first constructed during the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The crew of unemployed young men built the San Solomon Springs pool, which covers over two acres of land and is home to a variety of aquatic species. Over 26 million gallons of pure artesian water flows through the pool every day, and the water is a constant 74 to 76 degrees. This is truly an oasis of a state park during the hot Texas summers.

Kate provides all the details you need to know about camping at this State Park, including her pick of sites and how much you can expect to pay. In addition to swimming, expect your activity’s calendar to be scheduled with star gazing, hiking, and photography. Oh, and you could also get scuba certified during your visit!

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09 Jun

Campground #31 Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park, Illinois

On this week’s episode of Campground of the Week, Matthew and Melissa Kellas review one of their favorite home state retreats, Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park, Illinois. This peaceful campground offers a great combination of back to nature experiences and easy access to fun local activities. Plus, it’s open year round!

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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!

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!

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.

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10 Dec

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.

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