The latest news about camping and developments in North American campgrounds and RV parks from Janet Groene.
DISCLAIMER: Conditions are still changing quickly, not just because of COVID but because of other factors such as highway conditions. Just before your trip get current information by phoning the campground directly. Don’t rely solely on websites, automated reservations services, GPS or Facebook. Full facilities and activities may not be open. Seasons and COVID restrictions vary. Get specifics about rates, campground facilities, reservation policies, campsite size and shape and the condition of access routes. No endorsement of any campground or product is implied by this reporter nor this website.
FULL ALERT: Because of distancing, fewer campsites are available so it’s more important than ever to have reservations and to be aware of cancellation requirements and current campground rules. Check ahead for details.
DATELINE: January 9, 2021
ALBERTA’S NEWEST CAMPGROUND BREAKS GROUND
Work begins this spring on a new campground that will open in Milo in 2022. A Stones Throw RV Campground will offer extra-large pull-through and back-in seasonal sites sized 50 by 92 feet. You’ll have room to accommodate a deck and add a storage shed or gazebo. This is the Monner family farm, now approved for adding a family-focused seasonal campground with a 10-acre fishing pond, dog parks for large and small dogs, washhouses with showers, a laundry, a community garden, a bike park for kids, walking trails, an astronomy area and a general store. The site is a stone’s throw from Lake McGregor and within an hour of 22 golf courses. Phone: +1 403-669-9443
CALIFORNIA CAMPGROUND OFFERS DOUBLE CELEBRATION
Celebrate both Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day with a long weekend, February 12-16, at the Desert Springs/Joshua Tree KOA in Desert Hot Springs. Events will include mask making, a champagne brunch and more activities for families and couples. The big-rig-friendly campground has a year-round swimming pool, dog park, hot tub/sauna, mini-golf, library and a rec room with billiards. For reservations call (800) 562-9861. To learn more call (760) 251-6555.
FLORIDA KEYS RV RESORT HAS NEW OWNERS
In the Middle Keys, Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge has been bought by Cove Communities, operator of 25 RV resorts nationwide. Their vision for the campground in America’s Riviera is to make the luxury, waterfront resort even more of a showplace for RV travelers by introducing Supersites, new landscaping and on-site services to the 181 campsites. Focus is on the Florida Keys lifestyle, sportfishing and nearby nature attractions such as the National Key Deer Refuge, Key West and Bahia Honda State Park. Waterfront RV sites with electric are from $83 nightly. (305) 872-2351
GEORGIA STATE PARK SEEKS FURRY FRIENDS
Join park rangers on January 29 at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, for a family-friendly game of Bears, Bobcats, and FurBearers Bingo at 6 p.m. Win prizes and learn fun facts about our furry friends in Georgia. Weather permitting there will be a campfire. Preregistration required. The location will be disclosed upon registration. The fee is $2 plus parking or camping fees. This is Georgia’s largest state park with more than 9,000 acres, 115 campsites, 40 miles of trails and a swimming pool fed by natural springs. See the modest Roosevelt home, a museum and the warm waters that brought the president here for relief from his polio. (706) 663-4858.
INDIANA STATE PARK SPRINGS INTO SPRING
As green-up time comes to scenic southern Indiana, families flock to the Shelby Spring Fling in Brown County State Park, Nashville. A staple for more than 40 years, this is a family event with a car show, Mustang rally, food, music, vendors, a banquet and the sound of classic Shelby GT350 automobiles roaring through the wooded hills. Covering almost 16,000 acres, the park offers RV camping. However, note that all RVs and vehicles towing trailers MUST use the park’s west entrance on State Road 46 two miles west of Nashville. They cannot use the park’s north entrance east of Nashville because of its historic covered bridge with limited weight and height allowances. Do not use GPS directions. For reservations go to ReserveAmerica.com
NEBRASKA TO HAVE NEW CAMPGROUND BY MAY
River Land Cabins and Campground is taking shape near Columbus on 24 acres east of Tailrace Park along the Platte River. On the north side of the land, 30 campsites with hookups are planned to be available by May. Some cabins are already completed. The campground will also have a shower house and dump station. Current visitors can fish, kayak and canoe. Future guests will find a volleyball court and a playground. Contact Earley Real Estate and Construction, (402) 564-1213.
OHIO STATE PARK IS THE PLACE FOR MAPLE SYRUP
At Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas, observe “sugaring off” time from sap collection to bottled maple syrup during selected weekends in March. Visit a sugar camp with live historical demonstrations, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, hear live music while sampling food and maple products for sale. (Please bring cash for purchases.) Donations to the horse group are also appreciated. For more info visit here or call (419) 892-2784. Ohio’s Mohican area has more than 4,000 campsites in public and private parks. For a list contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau, (419) 994-2519
ONTARIO KOA HOSTS THROWBACK WEEKEND
Dust off your white buck shoes and zip into your poodle skirt. It’s Greased Lightning Weekend at the Niagara Falls KOA May 21-23. Bring the family for fun, crafts, dancing and rock ‘n roll. This KOA has all the usual bells and whistles plus unique features such as wagon rides, a pub with great food and beer and, at added cost, a tour bus. For reservations call (800) 562-6478 and for information phone (905) 356-2267.
PENNSYLVANIA PARK HAS NEW OWNERS, NEW FEATURES
By Memorial Day, new attractions should be complete at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Milton. Added will be human foosball, a jumping pad, a gaga ball pit, cabanas at the upgraded swimming pool, golf cart rental and more food service options. Click here for more details.
SOUTH CAROLINA PARKS WELCOME SNOWBIRDS
Attention Southbounders! The 30-day special for snowbirds at four state parks in the Palmetto State ends February 28. Just call the state park, mention that you’re interested in the 30-day snowbird special, and pay for the month at the time you register. Take only one deal per park. There is no refund for early departures. Participating parks are Lee State Park, Bishopville, (803) 428-5307; Givhans Ferry State Park, Ridgeville, (843) 873-0692; Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, (843) 237-4440; and Myrtle Beach State Park, (843) 238-5325
Stay Tuned
At F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Georgia, Lake Roosevelt is drained and closed for repairs. A reopening date has not been announced.
Read more of Janet Groene’s Campground and RV Parks News here.
Janet Groene is the author of more than 25 books including Living Aboard Your RV, 4th Edition, available at Amazon.com. Her new Farley Halladay book, “May Misfire, a Yacht Yenta Mystery,” is available at Amazon.com. See Janet Groene’s weekly Solo Woman posts at SoloWomanRV.
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