The holidays are fast-approaching and it’s time to start planning your festive getaways. The food, fun, and friends are all essential, but where is your celebration going to take place? If you plan to spend the season in an RV, then you’ll want to keep a list of some of the best holiday campgrounds to visit.
There are so many factors to consider when you’re trying to find the right place for your celebrations. Some people want a place that’s quiet and calm, while others are looking for a big party with lots of friends. Maybe you want to bring the fun yourself, or maybe you want the park to provide some festive cheer for you.
No matter what your style is, you’re bound to find a great place to stay in the options below. Now let’s explore the 10 best holiday campgrounds from all across the country.
California
As winter comes a-knockin’, temperatures drop across the country. If you’re not a fan of ice and snow, why not head to sunny California for a festive escape? There are plenty of great RV parks in this state and countless opportunities for fun all year long. But if you’re looking for a campground that’s ideal for families, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is a shoe-in for the win.
This park has a jam-packed schedule that’s fun for the whole family! There are events and activities year-round, but the action really ramps up around the holidays. Guests can participate in a Thanksgiving potluck, a turkey trot, snow foam parties, shopping at a holiday market, and much more. That’s all in addition to a huge park with tons of games and amenities.
Wyoming
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, this next option could be great for you. Jackson, Wyoming, is a beautiful mountain town that goes all out for the holiday season. Several popular ski resorts surround the area, plus there are local activities like sleigh rides, light displays, ice skating, a menorah lighting, and stunning New Year’s fireworks.
Finding a campsite near this hot spot can be tricky, so be sure to book your site at The Virginian RV Park. It’s open all year long, has full hookups, and is close to the action. The park also offers group camping, so you can bring the party with you and host your own celebration.
Colorado
Next up on the holiday campgrounds tour: Colorado! Much like Wyoming, this state is extremely popular for winter sports enthusiasts. You’ll find countless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and more. Cities like Vail and Breckenridge go all out for the holidays as well, so you can enjoy seasonal events and markets near your campground.
Tiger Run RV Resort is a truly stand-out park in this state. The sites are huge and luxurious, the amenities are top-notch, and there are endless ways to enjoy yourself. With this resort as your base camp, you’ll be perfectly positioned for any kind of holiday you want. Get outside and play in the snow, explore the nearby towns and their events, or just cozy up in the clubhouse.
Texas
Texas is a haven for RVers year-round! Thanks to its massive size, there are plenty of parks for every occasion. But if you’re looking for a place to celebrate your favorite holidays, South Padre Island is where you’ll want to go.
South Padre Island KOA Holiday lives up to its name by being a genuine holiday hot spot. Whether you’re here for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or anything in between, there are lots of fun ways to spend your time. The KOA provides the meat for a Thanksgiving feast, while guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Winter activities include a lighted boat parade and a chili cook off!
Alabama
The lights, decorations, and displays make the holidays a magical experience. Although every camper can decorate their own RV, why not stay in a park that puts on a show for you? River Rocks Landing is one of the best holiday campgrounds that puts on an amazing light show every year. Locals pay a small fee to see the show, but guests at the park get to experience it as part of their stay.
Additional amenities here include a private boat launch, an RV store, and three swimming pools. This is also a fairly large campground that doubles as a venue. So if you want to host a special festive event, it has excellent facilities to support you.
Tennessee
Maybe sparkling cities are where you’ll want to spend your holidays, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle by retreating into the woods. Tennessee has several wonderful year-round campgrounds, but Cumberland Mountain State Park hosts special events during the holiday season.
An on-site restaurant in the park hosts a delicious Thanksgiving day buffet, complete with all the sides and desserts you could want (plus a selection of beer and wine). As Christmas approaches, you can enjoy events like a toy drive, ornament crafting, movie nights, and a visit from Santa Claus. And if it ever gets too overwhelming, there are plenty of nature trails where you can reconnect with nature.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state that’s steeped in history and tradition. If you want a taste of the classics, you can find it nestled in the small towns scattered throughout the woods. One of the most popular winter destinations is the town of Bethlehem.
This city features holiday markets, tours of historic sites, delicious restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for last-minute shopping trips! And when you’re ready to rush to home with your treasures, Pine Hill RV Park is one of the best holiday campgrounds in the area.
South Carolina
South Carolina is another snowbird favorite. But just because it’s warm and sunny doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the winter festivities. Charleston is a particularly good Christmas destination with its town-wide decorations, seasonal fun runs, and parade of boats.
If you want to join in the fun, a great local campground is James Island County Park. It’s very highly rated and it comes with walking trails, a fishing pond, and beautifully landscaped sites. The festival of lights takes place on the grounds of the park, so you won’t have to travel far to participate in this spectacle.
Indiana
Next up, it’s time to talk about Santa Claus. Literally! There’s a town in Indiana that’s named Santa Claus, so you can probably guess the locals’ favorite holiday. From light shows to craft fairs to holiday parades, this town is perfect for anyone who needs some festive cheer.
If you’re interested in camping here, try Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph (named for the most famous reindeer of all). This is a year-round resort that offers group camping options for large gatherings. The entire park is lit up for the season, plus there are lots of amenities for the whole family to enjoy.
Florida
Finally, let’s take things back to the beach. Those who are looking for a tropical escape will love visiting Florida for the fall and winter months. This is an RVer’s paradise and there are so many fantastic places to camp for the holiday season.
But if you’re in the market for a fun family getaway, you can’t overlook The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. In addition to all the Disney attractions and events, there are also plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy.
There are sleigh rides, tree lightings, arts and crafts, movie nights, winter wonderland decorations, and much more. The park is also massive (almost 800 sites) so you’re bound to make some new friends during your stay.
Honorable Mention: North Pole, Alaska
It wouldn’t be a proper holiday roundup if we didn’t mention the famous North Pole! Although you may not find a workshop full of toy-making elves, you can get close to the magic by visiting the town of North Pole, Alaska.
Sadly, this one has to be an honorable mention because most of the RV parks and campgrounds are only open on a seasonal basis. Those Alaska winters are brutal, so you may not want to spend the actual holidays up here. But if you’re in the mood for some Christmas cheer during other parts of the year, this is definitely a fun destination.
The famous Santa Claus House is open year-round and you can also enjoy dog-sledding, Aurora Borealis sightings, and adventures around Chena Lake.
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