Campspot Announces the 5 Best RV Campgrounds & More! (2023)

The 2023 Campspot Awards have been announced! Check out who won the Best RV Campgrounds, Best Campgrounds for Pet Lovers, National Park Lovers, Seniors, and more!…

Every year, Campspot compares all the data and feedback from campers to make a shortlist of the best campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. They consider bookings, reviews, and internal data to make a list of nominees.

Then, campers like you and me get to vote on which deserve the title of the best of the best!

Campspot has just announced the winners, and we’re excited to share them with you, especially the Best RV Campgrounds! We also share the winners in other RV-related categories, like Best Campgrounds for Pet Lovers, National Park Lovers, 55+, and more…

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What Is Campspot?

Campspot is a website where customers can search and book campsites, RV sites, cabins, and other outdoor accommodations. You can also rent an RV near your desired destination.

It’s easy to use and provides detailed information about properties, amenities, and site maps to help customers make informed decisions. The platform is mobile-responsive, making it accessible anywhere and on any device.

Plus, there are no membership fees!

2023 Campspot Awards: Best RV Campgrounds

Campspot awarded 5 RV Campgrounds as the best in North America. The decision was based on reservation data, quality of listing, reviews, and expert insight.

Here they are!

#1 Carolina Pines RV Resort (Conway, SC)

Carolina Pines RV Resort is South Carolina’s newest getaway, offering a whole new kind of resort experience at one of the best RV parks near Myrtle Beach. This resort is perfect for the whole family, with spacious sites for RVs and well-appointed cottage rentals.

The extensive amenities package includes Carolina Splash Water Park, Red Fox Arcade, and Lowcountry Landing-Carolina Bistro, among others. Carolina Pines is just minutes away from Myrtle Beach’s exciting attractions, such as Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach Safari, and Broadway on the Beach.

#2 Sun Outdoors Paso Robles (Paso Robles, CA)

Sun Outdoors Paso Robles is a luxury resort located in the heart of California’s Paso Robles wine region. This resort is designed by nature, with an inspiring natural setting that offers more than just views – it’s the heart of the experience.

Whether you arrive by RV or stay in one of the cottages, you’ll be immersed in a different setting built for relaxation. The resort offers numerous amenities, including pools, spas, fire pits, a wellness center, and dog parks.

From wine tasting to outdoor movies, there’s an option for everyone. This is the peak destination for RV camping in California, and a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a luxurious, nature-inspired experience.

You can also stay here during your California Animal Tour of the 10 Best CA Zoos, Aquariums, and More.

#3 Cajun Palms RV Resort (Henderson, LA)

Cajun Palms RV Resort near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the ultimate camping destination, offering over 400 RV sites and 90 cabins to accommodate all your camping (or glamping) needs. This full-service campground resort features a wide variety of high-end amenities, including:

• 3 pools
• a hot tub
• waterslides
• sport courts
• dog park
• Fast Track
• Prehistoric Park
• and much more.

Guests can enjoy island-inspired food and hand-crafted cocktails at several on-site restaurants and bars. Starting in Spring 2023, Cajun Palms RV Resort will be joining the Margaritaville Family as Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breux Bridge, where guests can experience the Margaritaville state of mind.

#4: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur (Larkspur, CO)

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Colorado when you stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur. This 100-acre RV resort offers a wide selection of lodging options, including RV sites, tent sites, and fully-appointed cottages.

Enjoy exclusive amenities like a heated swimming pool, gem mining, geocaching, and themed weekends throughout the season. Relax and have fun at the Cindy Bear™ Movie Theater.

Whether you’re camping near Denver or looking for RV parks near Rocky Mountain National Park, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur is the perfect destination for a Rocky Mountain relaxation getaway. The welcoming staff and top-notch lodging make this award-winning park a must-visit.

#5: Whispering Hills RV Park (Georgetown, KY)

Discover the charm of horse country in Georgetown, Kentucky, when you visit Whispering Hills RV Park. Whether you’re in the mood for fishing, swimming, playing basketball, or simply relaxing on your site, Whispering Hills has got you covered.

Whispering Hills was also named the Most Popular in the USA at the 2022 Campspot Awards.

More 2023 Campspot Awards

Campspot Awards are granted in 12 categories. We list the winners of some categories that particularly interest RVers.

KEEP IN MIND: Not all of these campgrounds allow RVs. So, be sure to read their descriptions carefully before booking a campsite.

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10 Best Campgrounds in America

1. Indian River RV Resort (Indian River, MI)
2. On the Saco Family Campground (Brownfield, ME)
3. The Nugget RV Resort (Saint Regis, MT)
4. Otahki Lake Cabins & Campground (Patterson, MO)
5. Stonebridge RV Resort (Maggie Valley, NC)
6. Dark Sky RV Campground (Kanab, UT)
7. Pecan Park (Jacksonville, FL)
8. Kootenai River Campground (Troy, MT)
9. Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins & Campground (Folkston, GA)
10. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Memphis (Horn Lake, MS)

5 Best Campgrounds for Families

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1. Carolina Pines RV Resort (Conway, SC)
2. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur (Larkspur, CO)
3. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Mammoth Cave (Cave City, KY)
4. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Clay’s Resort (North Lawrence, OH)
5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Wisconsin Dells (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

5 Best Campgrounds for National Park Lovers

1. Aloha Beach RV Resort (Port Aransas, TX)
2. Champions Riverside Resort (Galesville, WI)
3. Tropic Island Resort (Port Aransas, TX)
4. Pokegama Lake RV Park & Golf Course (Pine City, MN)
5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: South Jersey (Williamstown, NJ)

5 Best Campgrounds for Pet Lovers

1. Canyon View RV Resort (Grand Junction, CO)
2. Fair Harbor RV Park & Campground (Perry, GA)
3. Woody Mountain Campground (Flagstaff, AZ)
4. Casini Ranch Family Campground (Duncans Mills, CA)
5. Flamingo Lake (Jacksonville, FL)

You can also check out our list of Dog-Friendly Campgrounds.

5 Best Campgrounds for 55+ Adventurers

1. Sun Outdoors Sarasota (Sarasota, FL)
2. Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore (Ponchatoula, LA)
3. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort (Bradenton, FL)
4. Lake San Marino RV Resort (Naples, FL)
5. Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands (Buford, GA)

You may also want to check out: Thousands of New RV Sites in Florida, 15 Alabama RV Parks for Snowbirds (Florida Alternatives) and Florida Parks with Vacancy for Snowbirds THIS WINTER!

RV Lifestyle’s 11 Best Beach Campgrounds on the Gulf Coast

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Looking to camp on the Gulf Coast? We have a list of the 11 best beach campgrounds you may want to visit on your next RV trip. We’re certain you’ll find a little slice of paradise here to call your own. Check out our 7-Day RV adventure guides here: https://rvlifestyle.com/books

Mike and Jennifer’s Favorite Places in Florida – all 3 ebooks!

We RVers may wander far and wide but it’s true for most of us that we end up with some favorite “Go-To” places – places that draw us back again and again.

Florida is one of those places for us. And we know it is for many RVers looking to get away and explore during the winter. 

That’s why we’ve created three guides, covering Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the Keys. 

Each of these guides is a seven-day guided exploration of one of the coasts. And each stop is a curated view of the best things that we’ve enjoyed on this trip and want you to experience.

Altogether these guides are over 300 pages of content! 

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FAQ’s about Florida Gulf Coast beaches of interest to RVers

What is the weather like along Florida’s Gulf Coast?

The weather along Florida’s Gulf Coast can vary depending on the time of year and the specific location. In general, the area experiences hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters.

The Panhandle region can be quite cool in January. It is seldom below freezing, but daytime highs are typically in the 50s. It warms up about 10 degrees each month.

You can also generally add about 10 degrees for every 150 miles you travel south down the Florida peninsula.

By the time you hit Naples, daytime highs in January are in the comfortable 70s.

Did Hurricane Ian destroy many beach campgrounds on the Gulf Coast?

While it severely damaged almost two dozen RV parks and campgrounds, about 8-10 campgrounds in the Naples-Ft. Myers area were completely destroyed. Most of the damaged campgrounds have been repaired and reopened.

Check with the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds if you have questions or concerns.

Are there any websites that can help me get a reservation for a Florida beach campground?

One of the best resources we can recommend is called Campnab. This service monitors parks for cancelations and sends you an alert when an opening matches your criteria. That said, it isn’t magic. The app doesn’t create availabilities. 

The service works – but it is not free.

Campnab offers two ways to use the service. The first is individual pay-per-use scans. These watch for vacancies at a specific park for a specific date. These work well if you know exactly when and where you intend to camp. Pay-per-use scans cost $10 – $20, depending on how frequently you want them to check availability.

The second way to use the service is through a membership. These typically run monthly and are tailored to those who camp more frequently or are looking to maximize their chance of finding a site. Membership allows you to scan multiple parks and/or dates simultaneously. With memberships, you pay a monthly recurring fee ($10, $20, $30, or $50), depending on your needs.

Are there places in Florida where you can literally camp on the beach for free?

Not many. And they are very pricey. If you want to sleep directly on the sand in an RV, you’ll have to stay at a developed commercial campground like Camp Gulf on the Emerald Coast or an RV resort like Big Pine Key Resort in the keys. Some state parks like the Gamble Rogers State Memorial Recreation Area in the Atlantic Coast or  Bahia Honda State Park in the keys or Fort Desto State Park near St. Petersburg have beachside sites, too.

But are there free, unrestricted RV beach camping spots in Florida?

Sorry, none that I know of that would work for RVs.

There is unrestricted camping on wild beaches on a couple of islands, but you need a boat to get there, and it is for tent camping only. If you want to sleep directly on the sand, there is Anclote Key offshore Tarpon Springs, and Shell Key in Pinellas County. Another favorite is Keewaydin Island between Naples and Marco Island but that area remains pretty devasted from Hurricane Ian.

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