AARP—America’s senior support organization—has turned its attention to RVers. The big organization recently published its recommendations for the best campgrounds for U.S. road trips. While evidently taking a nudge from KOA for the idea, their suggestions include some quieter, non-commercial places to stay in on the trip.
The 2025 KOA Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report found that 55 percent of Generation X and 54 percent of boomers are choosing to slow down and be more present, with over half of Gen X campers picking tent camping.
Best campgrounds for U.S. road trips
“A well-chosen campground can turn an incredible drive into a truly memorable trip,” says Jeffrey Bettin, vice president and general manager of marketplace and payments at Campspot. “Look for places that aren’t just convenient but also offer things to do when you’re not behind the wheel—like trails, water features or even a little local culture.”
According to AARP, here are five campgrounds to consider on your travels:
Big Sur Campground & Cabins, California
Nestled among redwoods on 11 acres along the Big Sur River, this spot offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Amenities include a swimming hole, basketball court, and stargazing activities. The Pacific Coast Highway nearby offers sweeping views of cliffs, rolling hills, and historic bridges. Our opening image captures just a portion of this majestic country.
“Fall is a magical time in Big Sur. Crowds thin out, and the colors change in the hills,” says Max Jerome, general manager. From December to April, you might spot migrating gray whales, and Pfeiffer Beach is known for its purple sand and dramatic sunsets.
Blue Ridge Mountains? Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Virginia
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 73-acre resort features pools, an outdoor movie theater, and volleyball courts alongside tent, RV, and glamping sites. Just over an hour away, the Blue Ridge Parkway links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks.
“The spring wildflower bloom from April to early June is equally spectacular and often less crowded,” Bettin says. Fall foliage also draws plenty of visitors.
Texas Route 66 kicks? Amarillo KOA Journey, Texas
Located on historic Route 66, the Amarillo KOA offers tent sites, cabins, and a lodge. Guests can enjoy a pool and dog park before exploring local icons.
The Cadillac Ranch art installation is nearby. “As bold as it sounds, locals encourage road-trippers to bring a can of spray paint and leave their mark,” says Kelly Self, head of consumer public relations at Kampgrounds of America. For outdoor adventure, Palo Duro Canyon State Park—the nation’s second-largest canyon—offers trails, wildlife, and sweeping views.
Cumberland Mountains? Indian Mountain State Park Main Campground, Tennessee
Along the Cumberland National Scenic Byway, this year-round campground has 47 sites with picnic benches and grills.
“In the fall, take a ranger-led hike; in the spring, observe the beautiful wildflowers; and in the summer, go boating or paddling on the lake,” says Morgan Gilman Bologeorges, director of marketing, revenue and guest experience at Tennessee State Parks.
Wisconsin Coastal Byways—South Nicolet Bay Campground, Wisconsin
One of five campgrounds in Peninsula State Park, this location offers 143 sites, including two accessible ones. Campers can swim, rent boats, or enjoy volleyball by the bay.
“On summer evenings, campers can attend a professional musical under the stars at Northern Sky Theater,” says Jen Rogers, director of media relations with Wisconsin’s Destination Door County. The nearby Door County Coastal Byway winds past beaches, lighthouses, and weekend festivals in summer and fall.
Memories waiting
The best road trips aren’t just about the miles—they’re also about the stops along the way. From Big Sur’s cliffs to Route 66’s quirky art, the Blue Ridge Mountains’ wildflowers, and Door County’s summer musicals, these campgrounds give travelers a chance to slow down, explore, and enjoy the moment. Pitch a tent, park the RV, or try glamping. Whatever your style, each stop offers a little adventure, a little nature, and a lot of memories waiting to happen.
Source: AARP
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RVT1125b
South Nicolete Bay Campground, in Wisconsin..143 sites, but only 2 are accessible?? Hmmm 🤔
Be aware: Amarillo KOA Journey has both the international airport and active railroad nearby! It is a nice place.
AARP is a little late to the game, don’t you think? If they truly wanted to serve their members, they would publish a comprehensive list of campgrounds, especially gems to be found, not rehashing expensive stops like KOA’s. And, a Jellystone on the list, come on, seniors don’t want to stop where there may be hundreds of kids running around doing what kids do.
Came to say the exact same thing. AARP has a lot of marketing data on their members that can curate an exceptional list but instead, it looks like they asked a chatbot to list out some locations so the author could get paid. Sad really.
My thoughts exactly when I read those. Although, if they have the grandkids along….
Net is, I’ll do my own research, thank you. AARP, or others who probably get payment for recommending certain camps, don’t mean anything to me.
I can give you better tips and won’t ask for a kickback from the campgrounds.
Thank you for the review of the report, Russ and Tina! Have a great week and safe travels!