UPDATED April 11, 2022
Where do you go when you’re in an RV park and a dangerous storm is headed your way – a tornado, hurricane or other dangerous weather event? It’s a hopeless feeling when you have nowhere to go to protect yourself.
If you know of such a park, please send the name and location of the park, plus a very brief description of their storm shelter, to Diane at diane(at)rvtravel.com. If you find errors in the following information, please tell her (thank you!).
To print this list (keeping in mind that it is a “work in progress” and will be updated whenever we get new information): On a computer you can just hit the “print” button and it will print the article. If you have a WiFi printer, you can print it from your phone or tablet; or you can hit the email button and email the link to your desktop and then print it.
See below for safety information.
Alabama
Colbert Alloys Park
Muscle Shoals, AL
INFO: 256-577-9619
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
DeSoto State Park
Fort Payne, AL
INFO: 1-800-ALA-PARK (252-7275)
NOTES: Restrooms serve as shelter. Pets allowed.
Hidden Cove RV Resort
Arley, AL
INFO: 205-221-7042
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. This is a Thousand Trails campground.
Higgins Ferry Park
Clanton, AL
INFO: 205-312-1146
NOTES: This is a county park with an above-ground tornado shelter.
Meaher State Park
Spanish Fort, AL
INFO: 251-626-5529
NOTES: Both bathrooms are concrete block buildings designated as storm shelters.
Ozark/Fort Rucker KOA
Ozark, AL
INFO: 334-774-3219
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
River Rocks Landing Resort & Venue
(formerly River Country Campground)
Gadsden, AL
INFO: 256-543-7111
NOTES: Has an underground storm shelter.
Ryans Creek RV Resort on Smith Lake
Cullman, AL
INFO: 256-841-5008
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Appears to be long-term only. (Link is Facebook page. Can’t find current website.)
Safe Harbor RV Park
Riverside, AL
INFO: 205-369-5829
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Swan Creek Community
Tanner, AL
INFO: 256-355-5392
NOTES: This is a mobile home community, but short- and long-term RVs are welcome. A reader who stayed there a few years ago reports they have a good-sized underground storm shelter built into the side of the hill. Part of it was reserved for pets/pet owners. A Good Sam park.
Tiffin Service Center and campground
Red Bay, AL
INFO: 256-356-0261
NOTES: Has two storm shelters; one is pet friendly.
Smith Lake Park
Cullman, AL
INFO: 256-739-2915
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Sportsman Lake Park
Cullman, AL
INFO: 256-734-3052
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Tannehill State Park
McCalla, AL
INFO: 205-477-5711
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
The Woods RV Park & Campground
Montgomery, AL
INFO: 866-386-0776
NOTES: Office is storm shelter.
White Oak (Creek) Campground
Eufaula, AL
INFO: 334-687-3101
NOTES: Bathrooms and gatehouses used for storm shelter. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Arkansas
Downtown Riverside RV Park
North Little Rock, AR
INFO: 501-340-5312
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Grape Country RV Park
Altus, AR
INFO: 479-468-2140
NOTES: Underground shelters.
Harrison Village Campground and RV Park
Harrison, AR
INFO: 870-743-3388
NOTES: Underground shelter. No pets allowed in shelter.
Florida
Camping World of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
INFO: 877-261-4327
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Morningside RV Estates
Dade City, FL
INFO: 352-523-1922
NOTES: Gated 55+ community, with seasonal RV park sites. One of their clubhouses has a basement that is below ground level that is used for tornado warnings.
Davie/Ft. Lauderdale KOA
Davie, FL
INFO: 954-473-0231
NOTES: Has a storm shelter/bunker.
Georgia
Cotton Hill Campground
Fort Gaines, GA
INFO: 229-768-3061
NOTES: Restrooms and gatehouses used for storm shelters. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Lake Oconee/Greensboro KOA Holiday
Greensboro, GA 30642
INFO: 706-453-4505
NOTES: Reported to have a storm shelter.
Scenic Mountain RV Resort
Milledgeville, GA
INFO: 478-454-1013
NOTES: Has a storm shelter, partially underground.
Sweetwater Campground
Allatoona Lake, GA
INFO: 678-721-6700
NOTES: Restrooms and gatehouses used for storm shelters. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
If it’s tornado season: Be prepared!
For about $25, you can rest assured that any time severe weather threatens, you’ll be notified. The RVtravel.com staff travels with this small, handheld, battery-powered NOAA weather radio. If severe weather is on the way, the radio sounds an alert, followed by detailed information about the storm to let you know to seek shelter or move away. Be safe. Learn more or order.
Illinois
D&W Lake Camping and RV Park
Champaign, IL
INFO: 217-356-3732
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Double J Campground & RV Park
Chatham, IL
INFO: 217-483-9998
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Indiana
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds
Goshen, IN
INFO: 574-533-3247
NOTES: Several storm shelters.
Iowa
Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
Saylorville Lake
Johnston, IA
INFO: 515-276-4656
NOTES: Their shower buildings are storm shelters. Pets allowed.
F.W. Kent State Park
Oxford, IA
INFO: 319-645-2315
NOTES: The storm shelter is relatively new and could house a large group of people.
Howell Station on Lake Red Rock
near Des Moines, IA
INFO: 641-828-7522
NOTES: Shower houses serve as storm shelters. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Kellogg RV Park
Kellogg, IA
INFO: 641-526-8535
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
MacNider Campground
Mason City, IA
INFO: 641-421-3679
NOTES: Tornado shelter in middle of shower building.
Prairie Flower Campground
Saylorville Lake Recreation Area
North of Des Moines, IA
INFO: 515-984-6925
NOTES: Shower building is storm shelter. Pets welcome. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Run your RV air conditioner with a small generator
When the temperature heats up and you’re boondocking with only a small portable generator for power, you’re out of luck running an air conditioner. That is, unless you have a state-of-the-art SoftStartRV. It’s inexpensive, simple to install, and makes running your A/C possible. Don’t miss watching the short video by RV electricity expert Mike Sokol. Learn more or order at a special discount.
Kansas
24/7 Travel Store
Maple Hill, KS
INFO: 785-256-4211
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Located at Exit 341 off I-70.
Air Capital RV Park
Wichita, KS
INFO: 316-201-1250
NOTES: Has a large room used for guests which is also concrete top to bottom used for a tornado shelter.
Arkalon Park
Liberal, KS
INFO: 620-391-2318
NOTES: A reader reported several storm shelters here, but there was no indication of that on the website.
Corps of Engineers Park
Council Grove Lake Campgrounds
Council Grove, KS
INFO: 620-767-5195
NOTES: Restrooms are storm shelters.
Crossroads RV Park
Lyndon, KS
INFO: 785-221-5482
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. They’re located two miles north of Lyndon.
Deer Creek Valley RV Park
Topeka, KS
INFO: 785-357-8555
NOTES: Storm shelter in laundry and bathhouse building.
Deer Grove RV Park
El Dorado, KS
INFO: 316-321-6272
NOTES: On-site tornado shelter.
Dodge City KOA Journey
Dodge City, KS
INFO: 620-371-7177
NOTES: Storm shelter at the club house/store/laundry/etc.
Evergreen Inn Motel & RV Park
Pratt, KS
INFO: 620-672-6431 or 800-456-6424
NOTES: Underground storm shelter.
Goodland KOA Journey
Goodland, KS
INFO: 785-890-5701
NOTES: Reported to have a tornado shelter (although we can’t find it listed on their website).
Kansas Turnpike
Running southwest from Kansas City, KS
INFO: 316-682-4537
NOTES: 30 storm shelters along 236 miles of roadway from Oklahoma to Kansas City. Travelers may use them.
McConnell AFB Military FamCamp
Wichita, KS
INFO: 316-759-6999
NOTES: RVtravel.com reader reports two fairly new tornado shelters, one on each side of the row of RV sites.
Mill Creek Campground
Paxico, KS
INFO: 785-636-5321
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Sand Hills State Park
Hutchinson, KS
INFO: 316-542-3664
NOTES: Shelter in restroom (presumably when open for the season).
Shady Acres RV Park
Hillsdale, KS
INFO: 913-783-4400
NOTES: Concrete bathhouse doubles as storm shelter.
Kentucky
Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground
Elizabethtown, KY
INFO: 270-737-7600
NOTES: Storm shelter in laundry room.
White Acres Campground
Bardstown, KY
INFO: 502-348-9677
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Louisiana
Cypress Black Bayou
Benton, LA
INFO: 318- 965-0007
NOTES: Bathhouse built to withstand tornadoes. Must use keypad to get in.
Michigan
D.H. Day Campground
Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI
INFO: 231-326-4700
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Minnesota
American Legion Campground
Detroit Lakes, MN
INFO: 218-847-3759
NOTES: Word from a reliable source is that, at least a few years ago, the basement of the adjacent/on-site American Legion club was used as a storm shelter.
Dakotah Meadows RV Park
Prior Lake, MN
INFO: 952-445-8800 or 1-800-653-CAMP
NOTES: An on-site storm shelter is opened for guests as soon as weather watches and/or warnings are issued. Guests are kept informed about severe weather situations.
Sylvan Park and Riverview Campgrounds
(across the street from each other)
Lanesboro, MN
INFO: 507-467-3722
NOTES: When a tornado watch is issued, city staff goes through the campgrounds and brings everyone to the basement of the Community Center that is located between the two parks. A very safe storm shelter.
Mississippi
Buccaneer State Park
Waveland, MS
INFO: 228-467-3822
NOTES: Buildings, including bathhouses, are solid brick structures.
EZ DAZE RV Park
Southaven, MS
INFO: 662-342-7720
NOTES: Storm shelter room.
Percy Quin State Park
McComb, MS
INFO: 601-684-3938
NOTES: Restroom serves as storm shelter.
Rivertown Rose Campground
Vicksburg, MS
INFO: 601-630-9995
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Missouri
Branson Shenanigans RV Park and Campground
Branson, MO
INFO: 417-334-1920
NOTES: No official storm shelter but has a basement under office in center of park. Pets welcome.
Musicland Kampground
Branson, MO
INFO: 888-248-9080; 417-334-0848
NOTES: RVer reports maybe not an official storm shelter, but they and others (including pets) sheltered in a concrete hallway in a concrete bath house during a tornado warning.
Coachlight RV Park
Carthage, MO
INFO: 417-358-3666
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Pets welcome.
Peculiar Park Place RV Park
Peculiar, MO (SE part of Kansas City)
INFO: 816-779-6300
NOTES: Has a shelter. Pets welcome.
Silver Bell Mobile Home & RV Park
Rogersville, MO
INFO: 417-753-2636
NOTES: Has an in-ground storm shelter.
Table Rock State Park
Branson, MO
INFO: 417-334-4704
NOTES: Has all-concrete (walls and roof) bath/shower house.
Turkey Creek (Escapees RV Park)
Hollister, MO
INFO: 417-335-8004
NOTES: Instructions to shelter in the basement of the rock house on the property or in the restrooms are in the park guide.
3-in-1 NOAA radio, flashlight and charger must-have for RVers
This emergency hand-crank radio is a necessity for RVers. Keep it somewhere safe – you never know when it will come in handy. The 3-in-1 radio is also a bright LED flashlight and a smartphone charger. The radio can be charged via solar charging, hand cranking or a USB plug. You’ll want to buy one here.
Nebraska
Country View Campground
Ogallala, NE
INFO: 308-284-2415
NOTES: Located off I-80, Exit 126. Has a storm shelter.
Double Nickel Campground
Waco, NE
INFO: 402-728-5558
NOTES: Has a tornado shelter. Campground located just south of I-80 at Waco exit.
Fisher’s Cove RV Park
Silver Creek, NE
INFO: 402-740-1224
NOTES: Their “brand new building is a storm shelter with showers and a laundry facility.”
Prairie Oasis Campground
Henderson, NE
INFO: 402-723-5227
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Campground located at Exit 342 off I-80.
West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA
Gretna, NE
INFO: 402-332-3010
NOTES: Has two storm shelters.
Windmill State Recreation Area
Gibbon, NE
INFO: 308-468-5700
NOTES: Restrooms are severe weather shelters.
Ohio
Delaware State Park
Delaware County, Ohio
INFO: 740-548-4631
NOTES: Reported to have a tornado shelter. (Not listed on their website.)
NE KOA Holiday
Lebanon/Cincinnati, OH
INFO: 513-932-7717
NOTES: Shelter in bathhouse and laundry room. Pets allowed.
Oklahoma
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Freedom, OK
INFO: 580-621-3381
NOTES: Shelter in restrooms, unless you’re in the cave.
Big Chief RV Park
Ponca City, OK
INFO: 580-718-0008
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Cimarron RV Park
Stillwater, OK
INFO: 405-707-0926
NOTES: Has in-ground shelters. (Link is Facebook page. Can’t locate current website.)
Country Hollow Campground
Shawnee, OK
INFO: 405-220-5448
NOTES: They have two storm shelters.
Crooked Creek RV Park
Langley, OK
INFO: 918-770-6111
NOTES: Storm shelter on-site for park residents.
Grand Country Lakeside RV Park
Alton, OK
INFO: 918-314-9508
NOTES: Park has a below-ground storm shelter. This is an “adult (over 40ish)” park.
Meadowbrook RV Park
Muskogee, OK
INFO: 918-681-4574
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. (Link goes to Facebook page. Can’t find website for it. Website listed on FB page goes to a park in California.)
Mustang Run RV Park
Yukon, OK
INFO: 405-577-6040
NOTES: Has three underground storm shelters. Located just west of Oklahoma City off I-40.
Natural Falls State Park
Colcord, OK
INFO: 918-422-5802
NOTES: Shelter in restroom.
Oklahoma City East KOA
Choctaw, OK
INFO: 405-391-5000
NOTES: Has an underground shelter.
Onapa Campground and RV Park
Checotah, OK
INFO: 918-473-7219
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Pets not allowed.
Raymond Gary State Park
Fort Towson, OK
INFO: 580-873-2307
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Red River Rose RV Resort (formerly Hidden Lake RV Park)
Ardmore, OK
INFO: 580-220-2900
NOTES: Has an underground shelter.
Riverview RV & Recreational Park
Colbert, OK
INFO: 580-296-8439
NOTES: Storm shelter on site.
Roadrunner RV Park
Oklahoma City, OK
INFO: 405-677-2373
NOTES: Three storm shelters.
Rockwell RV Park & Campground
Oklahoma City, OK
INFO: 405-787-5992
NOTES: No animals allowed in storm shelter.
Sleepee Hollow RV Park
Kingfisher, OK
INFO: 405-375-5010
NOTES: Has a large basement partially covered by a cement roof to form a storm cellar. (Link is to their Facebook page. Can’t find a website.)
Sunset Ridge RV Park
Stillwater, OK
INFO: 405-334-5704
NOTES: Located about 4 miles west of Stillwater. Has 2 in-ground storm shelters for 24 RV spaces.
Terra Starr RV Park
Checotah, OK
INFO: 918-689-7094
NOTES: Storm shelter has one end for with pets, one end for those without pets.
The Peak RV Park
Lawton, OK
INFO: 580-529-3713
NOTES: 3 tornado in-ground shelters; located near Wichita Mountains, below Medicine Park and 12 miles from Lawton, OK.
Tinsley’s Old 66 Highway RV Park
Weatherford, OK
INFO: 580-772-2902
NOTES: Several below-ground storm (tornado) shelters.
Turnpikes in Oklahoma
New storm shelters have been built at the Stroud toll plaza on the Turner Turnpike, the Vinita plaza on the Will Rogers Turnpike, the Leach toll plaza on the Cherokee Turnpike, the Coweta plaza on the Muskogee Turnpike and the plaza south of Newcastle on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. The Will Rogers, Turner and Cherokee turnpikes have storm shelters on both sides of the toll plazas.
Twin Fountains RV Resort
Oklahoma City, OK
INFO: 405-475-5514
NOTES: Has an underground shelter.
Wanderlust Crossings RV Park
Weatherford, OK
INFO: 580-772-2800
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
South Dakota
Betts Campground
Mitchell, SD
INFO: 605-996-8983
NOTES: Located right off I-90. Storm shelter near office/store.
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
Spearfish, SD
INFO: 605-722-1800
NOTES: Two shower buildings and main office are storm shelters.
Heritage Village Campground
Custer, SD
INFO: 605-673-5005
NOTES: Has a “storm sheltering” building. (Link is to their Facebook page. Can’t find a website.)
Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park & Campground
Watertown, SD
INFO: 605-882-6264
NOTES: Has a tornado shelter.
Tennessee
Grand Ole RV Resort and Market
Goodlettsville, TN
INFO: 615-420-6036
NOTES: The office/market is the storm shelter. The bathrooms are also concrete block with no windows. Twelve miles from Nashville.
Texas
Alamo River RV Ranch & Campground
Van Ormy (near San Antonio), TX
INFO: 210-622-5022
NOTES: Severe weather shelter (with showers and laundry inside).
Big Texan RV Ranch
Amarillo, TX
INFO: 866-244-7447
NOTES: Brick clubhouse is designated shelter.
Country View RV Park
Princeton, TX
INFO: 972-670-9550
NOTES: Has a storm shelter.
Fort Amarillo RV Park & Resort
Amarillo, TX
INFO: 806-331-1700
NOTES: Has a storm shelter. Located just off I-40.
Fort Richardson State Park
Jacksboro, TX
INFO: 940-567-3506
NOTES: Restrooms serve as storm shelters.
Kickapoo Creek RV Park and Campground (Opening July 1, 2021)
Brownsboro, TX
INFO: 903-714-7297
NOTES: In-ground storm shelter.
Lafon’s RV Parks (3 locations)
Princeton, TX
INFO: 972-736-3316
NOTES: Each has a storm shelter.
Lagoons RV Park
Rockport, TX
INFO: 361-729-7834
NOTES: (Please let us know if you have info on storm shelters here.)
Oasis RV Resort & Cottages
Amarillo, TX
INFO: 866-576-1046
NOTES: There are several restrooms/showers on the property which are hardened structures and tornado shelters.
Texas Route 66 RV Park
Shamrock, TX
INFO: 806-256-5353
NOTES: Reported to have two new shelters.
Texas Safety Rest Areas
INFO: Link to list of Texas Rest Areas with storm shelters.
NOTES: Rest areas have storm shelters. First link is to Safety Rest Area General Information, including a map and brochure.
Virginia
Cherrystone Family Camping Resort
Cape Charles, VA
INFO: 757-331-3063
NOTES: Map on website shows several emergency shelter sites.
Wisconsin
Deer Trail Park Campground
Nekoosa, WI
INFO: 715-886-3871
NOTES: Storm shelter located in the lower level of the office building, with signs indicating same.
Jellystone RV Resort
Fremont, WI
INFO: 920-446-3420
NOTES: Bathhouse used as storm shelter.
Peninsula State Park
Fish Creek, WI
INFO: 920-868-3258
NOTES: Reader reports bathroom/shower buildings at some of the (6) picnic areas are cement block.
Point Beach State Forest
Two Rivers, WI
INFO: 920-794-7480
NOTES: Reader reports bathroom/shower buildings are cement block.
Wilderness Campground
Montello, WI
INFO: 608-297-2002
NOTES: Has multiple concrete block buildings used as shelters.
CANADA
Alberta
Irricana Municipal Campground (Founders Park)
Irricana, AB
INFO: 403-371-7376
NOTES: Reported to have a storm shelter.
Articles that may be of interest…
• RVer Safety: Be prepared for a tornado
• RVers detail harrowing experience with tornado
• Dealing with dust storms on the RV road
• Should you unplug your RV during a lightning storm?
• RVs and summer storms
• Apps to help you weather a hurricane
From electrical expert Mike Sokol:
Think rubber tires will protect your RV from lightning? Think again! Watch the short video, and read his safety tips below the video.
From U.S. National Weather Service:
Know where to take shelter during a tornado:
✔️ Tornado storm shelters or safe rooms are best.
✔️ Basements & interior rooms are also good, away from windows and doors.
❌ Vehicles are not safe. Drive to the nearest shelter.
❌ Shed, storage facilities & highway overpasses are not safe.
Click here for more information from U.S. National Weather Service on what to do during a tornado.
One of the things I wish every campground did was indicate in multiple locations which county they are located in. Weather alerts are pretty ubiquitous these days from smartphones or monitoring weather radios, but announcements are often only indicate affected counties.
Many parks will indicate where guests can take shelter, but in my experience those locations are not sufficient in size to accommodate very many people. Nor would the roof survive hurricane or tornado level winds.
The Stage Stop RV Campground in Neosho, MO has an inground shelter.
Heritage Village near Custer, SD, is a part of the Crazy Horse Memorial Complex; they have a website.
Diane: Not sure if this is current or not. We stayed at the American Legion campground in Detroit Lakes, Mn a few years ago when a severe T-Storm/Tornado warning was issued. We got up at 6:00 am with a knock on the door and a yellow-green sky! We were told to evacuate to the basement of the adjacent/on-site American Legion club. Fortunately, for us at least, it went north of town. This campground is across the street from beautiful sand beach Big Detroit Lake.
Thanks, DW/ND! I’ve added it (with a caveat) to our Directory of RV parks with storm shelters. (Thanks again for the two great quotes you sent us the other day, too.) Take care, and stay healthy. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com
In Alabama there’s also:
Colbert Alloys Park, 180 Alloys Park Ln, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
Thank you very much, BirdsGoToo! I’ve added Colbert Alloys Park to our directory. And because the list is alphabetical, it is now the first park on the list. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com
So just where does one shelter when living out in the desert in their RV in the Quartzsite BLM LTVAs ?
Haven’t heard of many tornadoes in that part of the country. Dust devils, yes, tornadoes no.
Crossroads RV Park, 23313 S, US-75, Lyndon, KS 66451. Has large partially underground storm shelter. About half way between Topeka KS and I-35 on US -75.
Thank you, Pamela! I’ve added it to our Directory. Take care, and stay healthy. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
We are at Texas Route 66 RV Park in Shamrock, Texas tonight and they have 2 new shelters
Thank you, Debra. I’ll get it added to our directory tonight. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Sorry need more coffee 2007 not 2997
I do not know its current status, but when I stayed at KY State Park Ft. Boonesborough in 2997 the storm shelter ws the water park’s large restrooms.
After about 20 years of spring travel that usually included portions of the infamous “Tornado Alley”, we stopped that routing a few years ago (as we were entering our 80’s). During those 20 years we evacuated the rig twice, once in Georgia to an interior area of a substantial lodge and once in Mississippi to a large casino. The tornados missed us in each case, thankfully. These were scary, actually terrifying, events for us.
We have found that phone weather apps, weather info available over the internet (we love our wifi “hot spot”) and local television individually and together provide timely and accurate information. Much more precise than traditional NOAA weather broadcasts.
Finding a place to which to evacuate is much more problematic. The list provided RVTravel could be a help.