What’s new at campgrounds and RV parks, May 4, 2024

Compiled by Janet Groene
We scan the web, including local news and industry sources, for information about campgrounds and RV parks across North America. Those listed here are for you to investigate and evaluate. Always check further about any of this information if you plan to visit. Own a campground? Send news about your park to janetgroene (at) yahoo.com.

CAMPING AND RHODODENDRONS
Majestic is the word for views at Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee, especially during the historic Rhododendron Festival. This year’s dates for the 77-year-old festival are June 22-23. See the splendor of bawdy rhododendrons in bloom plus food, crafts, music, live entertainment, hikes, trout fishing in the Doe River, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a children’s play area. The park has 86 campsites with picnic table, grill, water and electric. A dump station is located near the check-in. Go to ReserveTNstateparks.com.

NEW FLORIDA RV PARK
Plans are moving ahead for a proposed RV park near Defuniak Springs, Florida. Next Adventure RV Park in Walton County will have 27 RV pads, a clubhouse, office and bathhouse. This area is known as the Emerald Coast for its dazzling emerald waters. Jump on board as soon as reservations go live.

CAMP AMONG FAST HORSES
A stellar lineup of country music stars is slated for appearances nonstop at the gala Faster Horses Festival at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, July 19-21. A major RV camping event as well as a country music extravaganza, it has nothing to do with horses. The yearly blow-out reportedly gets its name from something Henry Ford said back in the early days of auto making: “If I asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Campsites are available to festival ticket holders, but must be bought separately. A map shows the camping areas at FasterHorsesFestival.com.

IMPROVEMENTS TO VIRGINIA PARK
New this spring is a long list of upgrades to Devil’s Fork Campground in Dungannon, Virginia. Improvements include a new camp store and hookups for six RVs. A dump station is expected to be finished by now. See Devilsforkcampground.com.

NEW YORK RV PARK GETS IMPROVED CAMPSITES
“Substantial” improvements are coming to the campground at Selkirk Shores State Park, New York, starting in September. Each of the 130 campsites will get crushed stone surfaces and the entire infrastructure will be upgraded. The park will be open for day use during the project, but check ahead for opening and closing dates of the campground, which will be affected by the project. Completion is expected by 2026. (315) 298-5737.

BIG CHANGES AT BIG NEW HAMPSHIRE PARK
Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort in Freedom, New Hampshire, opens the 2024 season fully loaded with new features that it began adding last year. See the new, zero-entry saltwater swimming pool, water fountains and slides, the expanded Depot Store, gathering spots for guests, planned activities and a grandstand for entertainers. One of the state’s year-round campgrounds, the lakefront park covers 185 acres. For extended stays, the resort’s The Bluffs has 300 big-rig-friendly sites spread over 150 acres. Sites have full hookups including cable and WiFi. Although most sites in this area are seasonal, shorter terms are available. See DanforthBay.com.

SWIM AND PUTT AT THIS ARIZONA RV PARK
The RV park across the street from the former Turquoise Valley Golf Course in Naco, Arizona, is now reborn as Camp Riff. Sink or swim in this new and growing  camping and recreation complex, where you can sink a putt, then swim in the new pool. The 184-acre resort will have RV campsites, a playground, amphitheater, walking paths and more as time goes on. Get details at CampRiff.com.

CAMPING AVAILABLE AT BIG IDAHO MUSIC FESTIVAL
In Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, the Konnexion Music Festival is a celebration of music, arts and camping. It’s scheduled for June 28–30. RV passes are available for car campers and RVs up to 26 feet. The state’s largest electronic music fest presents dozens of artists providing nonstop music and entertainment plus vendors, food trucks, workshops, dance and community against a background of Idaho mountain scenery. Get tickets and camping packages online at konnexionmusicfestival.com.

CAMP IN NEW MEXICO WITH BIRDS OF PREY
Learn about raptors of the Southwest at Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, New Mexico, on Sunday, June 23. The hour-long program features live Southwestern birds of prey. It’s open to all ages and is free with park admission. The park has two campgrounds with water and electric and a few with full hookups. Sugarite offers a full vacation with 20 miles of trails, fishing, boating, equestrian trails, mountain biking, picnic areas, paddle sports, a visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, and an historic coal camp. Call the Visitor Center at (575) 445-5607. Camping reservations, ReserveAmerica.com.

NEW MISSISSIPPI RESORT ON THE WAY
By late spring 2025, the new luxury Magnolia Trace RV Resort should be open just south of Natchez, Mississippi. Work has already begun to transform the 275-acre site into a resort with premium RV sites, a lazy river, clubhouse and more for a family vacation. Learn more at unwindresorts.co/magnolia-trace/overview.

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