There are so many beautiful memories to be made with your family while camping: Going for hikes through peaceful landscapes, roasting gooey s’mores over the campfire, cuddling up in your cozy tent under the stars, and more. Before you start picturing yourself roughing it somewhere out in the backcountry, remember that there are plenty of campgrounds across the country that offer great amenities for both kids and adults, so you can enjoy the outdoors without having to go into survival mode.
As you search for your next camping destination, consider one of these amazing, family-friendly campgrounds. They’re far more than just a patch of land where you can pitch your tent. With beautiful surroundings, unique on-site activities, and more, each one is a great spot to appreciate nature with the ones you love most.
Camp Fimfo
New Braunfels, Texas
Located in Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, Camp Fimfo has more than enough amenities and adventures to keep even the most demanding member of your bunch entertained. Some of the highlights include a pool, large splash playground, water slides, and jumping pillow (picture an enormous inflatable trampoline). To slow things down, you can play a round of mini-golf, go gem mining, or try out one of the yard games. Of course, there’s also a long stretch of the Guadalupe to enjoy—1,000 feet of water frontage to be exact. Tent sites, RV sites, and cabins are available at Camp Fimfo. campfimfo.com
Campland on the Bay
San Diego, California
It’s not just a campground—it’s a whole land. Situated on the shores of Mission Bay, about a 15-minute drive from downtown San Diego and La Jolla, this complex is geared towards families, so there’s a lively atmosphere and no shortage of amenities. For fun in the sun, rent one of the pedal boats or kayaks to take out on the water. There are also swimming pools and spas if you want to keep things closer to home. More entertainment awaits at the video arcade, and the on-site ice cream parlor is a sweet spot to grab a treat. You’ll want to keep an eye on Campland’s event calendar, since they regularly host activities like dodgeball, capture the flag, and arts and crafts. campland.com
Odetah Camping Resort
Bozrah, Connecticut
Drive about 30 minutes east of Hartford on Route 2, and you’ll arrive at Odetah Camping Resort, which has been around since 1905. At this campground, you have the beautiful Connecticut woods as your scenery, plus access to a 32-acre lake. Boating, fishing, and lounging on the beach are some of the most popular pastimes here. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can gather the family for a movie in the Blu-ray theater, and don’t forget to grab some snacks for showtime at Odetah’s Scoop Shack. During the summer, expect a full calendar of live music. Aside from RV and tent sites, the resort also has cabins and yurts available for booking. odetah.com
Jekyll Island Campground
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Perched on one of the state-owned Sea Islands off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island Campground offers a beautiful setting of ancient maritime forest and beaches. While there aren’t any waterfront campsites, you’re just a half mile away from Driftwood Beach, and it’s still stunning setting up camp among the Spanish moss–covered oak trees. You’re also less than a 10-minute drive down to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is the state’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility, and a 15-minute drive away from Summer Waves water park, which has lots of fun rides like the thrilling Man o’ War slide. jekyllisland.com
Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground
Williamsburg, Kentucky
If your kids can’t get enough of water parks, make it easy on yourself and camp at one. At Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground, you can stay close to the action since at one of the 25 full-hookup RV sites and six tent sites available. The family will have a blast swimming in the property’s 18,000-square-foot wave pool, lounging in the lazy river, and zooming down the water slides. For some dry fun, there’s an arcade and an 18-hole mini golf course. This campground is just an hour from Knoxville, Tennessee by car and an hour and 40 minutes down from Lexington, Kentucky. williamsburgky.com
Catherine’s Landing
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Part of the RVC Outdoor Destination family, Catherine’s Landing is a 400-acre property right outside of Hot Springs. While you may be close to a city famous for spa vacations, you very well may not ever feel like venturing into town with all the outdoor activities at your fingertips. There are kayak and pontoon rentals for taking out on Lake Catherine next door, there’s a pool on the property for splashing around, and there’s a three-mile hike you can wander. If you’re a fan of disc golf, you’ll appreciate that there’s a whole course here to play. Another exciting way to get moving? Book a zipline tour through the tree canopy. That’s sure to make all the daredevils in your family smile! rvcoutdoors.com/catherines-landing
Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping
Freeport, Maine
This campground is so much more than camping, Wolfe’s neck is also a working farm. Outdoor activities abound: Kayak or canoe around Casco Bay, spying osprey, bald eagles and harbor seals. A fleet of L.L. Bean bikes—in adult and kid sizes—is available to rent for exploring country roads. Fish for striped bass or hike more than three miles of trails. There are several organic gardens to tour, as well as a barn where you can visit sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks. Shop for your own farm-fresh produce and pasture-raised meats at the store, or feast on farm-to-table meals at the cafe. Choose from RV slots, tent sites and oceanfront cabins with power, heat and full kitchens. (Bathrooms are shared low-flush outhouses.) freeportcamping.com
Normandy Farms
Foxboro, Massachusetts
Normandy Farms bills itself as a luxury camping resort, and it doesn’t stint on amenities. There’s a bike park, an 18-hole disc golf course, two playgrounds, a fitness center, a fishing pond, soccer fields, and much more. Tucked into the New England wood, the campground is just 30 minutes from Boston and its museums, restaurants and historical sites. normandyfarms.com
