Planning a camping trip with kids requires finding the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly amenities. Across America, exceptional campgrounds cater specifically to families, offering everything from splash pads and playgrounds to ranger programs and convenient access to natural wonders. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, these 15 campgrounds provide the ideal backdrop for creating lasting family memories in the great outdoors.
1. Fort Stevens State Park – Oregon
Military history meets coastal adventure at this unique Pacific Northwest gem. Kids can explore a real WWII-era fort before racing down to the beach to climb on the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck, a steel vessel that ran aground in 1906 and has been slowly rusting into the sand ever since.
With over 500 campsites spread across 4,300 acres, families have plenty of room to spread out. Clean, modern bathrooms with hot showers make roughing it not so rough, while miles of paved bike paths wind through forests and dunes.
Evening campfires with the sound of crashing waves provide the perfect end to days filled with beachcombing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The park’s freshwater lake offers swimming and fishing opportunities when the ocean seems too wild.
2. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – Tennessee
Nestled at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little Arrow elevates camping to an art form. The resort’s zero-entry pool beckons hot hikers, while a dedicated splash pad keeps toddlers giggling for hours.
Parents appreciate the thoughtful touches: private pavilions for family meals, full hookups at RV sites, and a 24/7 coffee lounge for those early risers. When rain interrupts outdoor plans, the indoor lounge with movies, books, and games saves the day.
What truly sets Little Arrow apart is its perfect balance of comfort and wilderness. After a morning of pickleball matches or playground adventures, families can literally walk from their campsite onto trails leading into America’s most visited national park. At night, gather around your fire pit beneath star-filled skies, planning tomorrow’s mountain adventure.
3. Wytheville KOA Holiday – Virginia
This Blue Ridge Mountains KOA feels more like an amusement park than a campground. Where else can kids zoom down a double water slide in the morning, catch fish in a stocked pond at noon, and bowl six frames after dinner?
The Family Fun Center is the crown jewel, housing not just bowling lanes but also arcade games, batting cages, and skee ball. No need to cook after a busy day – the onsite café serves up hot pizza and fresh donuts that’ll have everyone racing to breakfast.
Summer weekends bring the real magic: tie-dye craft sessions, candy hunts, and the beloved KOA Express – a 1924 fire truck transformed into a camp train that delights riders of all ages. With full hookup sites and cozy cabins available, this KOA delivers mountain charm with a hefty side of fun.
4. Hersheypark Camping Resort – Pennsylvania
Chocolate-scented dreams await at this sweet Pennsylvania retreat. The campground’s biggest perk? Discounted Hersheypark tickets and a free shuttle that whisks families straight to the theme park gates – no parking hassles or extra fees.
After roller coaster thrills, return to your campsite where fire rings await for the ultimate chocolate treat: s’mores made with authentic Hershey’s bars. Kids can burn off remaining sugar highs across multiple playgrounds or challenge parents to basketball and volleyball matches.
The seasonal pool provides welcome relief during humid Pennsylvania summers, while the Country Store stocks camping essentials and their legendary slushies – a must-try camp tradition. With options ranging from primitive tent sites to deluxe cabins, families of all camping styles find their sweet spot at this Hershey-owned resort.
5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – New York
Water-loving families flock to this Hudson Valley Jellystone for its massive splash park that rivals any water theme park. Multiple slides, fountains, and splash zones keep kids cool and entertained from morning until the inevitable “prune fingers” stage sets in.
When they finally dry off, the fun continues on two giant jumping pillows, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and every sports court imaginable. The arcade’s air hockey and video games provide welcome shade breaks during summer heat waves.
The star attraction? Yogi Bear himself wandering the grounds for photos and high-fives. Parents appreciate practical touches like the Tiki Snack Bar serving kid-friendly meals and the Bear Outpost’s ice cream treats. Located near the stunning Shawangunk Mountains, this Jellystone perfectly balances onsite entertainment with nearby natural wonders like Minnewaska State Park’s crystal lakes.
6. Indian River RV Resort – Michigan
Award-winning hospitality shines at this Great Lakes gem, voted America’s #1 Campground in 2023. The thoughtfully designed layout features two separate playgrounds – a toddler-friendly area for little ones and more challenging structures for older adventurers.
The heated swimming pool becomes the social hub on warm Michigan afternoons, while sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits host friendly family tournaments. Parents appreciate the convenient touches that make camping with kids easier: a well-stocked camp store, clean modern restrooms, on-site laundry, and even firewood delivered directly to your site.
Beyond the resort boundaries, northern Michigan’s legendary lakes beckon with boating and fishing opportunities. Take a day trip across the magnificent Mackinac Bridge to chase waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, or catch the ferry to car-free Mackinac Island for world-famous fudge and historic charm.
7. Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country – Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including this hill country playground boasting the state’s only alpine coaster. The Cliff Carver sends thrill-seekers twisting down over a mile of hillside – an unexpected adrenaline rush you won’t find at typical campgrounds.
Water babies gravitate to the expansive pool complex featuring waterslides, in-pool basketball, and a shallow splash zone for tiny campers. Dry land activities include 18 holes of mini-golf and pickleball courts that light up for evening matches.
Hungry adventurers never need to leave camp with three dining options: Squirrely’s Tavern serving Texas-inspired meals, the Filling Station’s wood-fired pizzas, and a coffee truck for morning fuel. The comfortable concrete RV pads include fire rings, picnic tables, and strong Wi-Fi – because even wilderness-loving kids occasionally need to stream a movie under the stars.
8. Canyon View RV Resort – Colorado
Red rock majesty surrounds this western Colorado haven where every campsite offers frame-worthy mountain views. Morning coffee tastes better when sipped against a backdrop of dramatic canyons and mesas that change color with the shifting sunlight.
The resort’s mini waterpark becomes command central for family fun, featuring a large swimming pool with waterslides and a hot tub where parents can soak away hiking soreness. Kids alternate between playground adventures and sports field games, while four-legged family members enjoy their own spacious fenced dog park.
Thoughtful amenities elevate the experience beyond typical camping: a welcoming clubhouse, general store for forgotten essentials, pristine bathrooms with hot showers, and reliable Wi-Fi for sharing those spectacular sunset photos. Each landscaped RV site provides ample space for outdoor living with picnic tables and fire rings positioned to maximize the breathtaking Colorado views.
9. Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort – California
Beach camping reaches its zenith at this aptly-named Oceanside retreat where the Pacific Ocean becomes your front yard. A short stroll from your campsite leads directly to Buccaneer Beach Park’s golden sands – perfect for sandcastle competitions, boogie boarding, or simply watching dolphins play in the waves.
On-site amenities balance beach time with resort comforts: a heated swimming pool and hot tub for when you’ve had enough saltwater, bike rentals for cruising the oceanfront paths, and a sauna for post-adventure relaxation. The fenced dog run ensures four-legged family members enjoy their vacation too.
Beyond the beach, this prime location puts families just minutes from Southern California’s favorite attractions. LEGOLAND California’s colorful brick wonderland lies just 6 miles away, while the world-famous San Diego Zoo’s exotic animals are an easy 30-mile drive south.
10. Dark Sky RV Campground – Utah
Stargazing reaches celestial heights at this Kanab campground where light pollution regulations create truly dazzling night skies. Constellations pop with remarkable clarity in this official Dark Sky community – many families report seeing the Milky Way for the first time here.
By day, the 40-acre property serves as basecamp for exploring nearby national parks. Zion’s towering cliffs lie just 33 miles away, while Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos and Grand Staircase-Escalante’s slot canyons beckon adventurous families.
Kids gravitate to the campground’s unique “dinosaur dig” sand pit where they can unearth pretend fossils, and the mini zipline provides endless entertainment between hikes. Parents appreciate luxurious touches like the heated-floor bathhouse and magical outdoor showers under the stars. E-bike and off-road vehicle rentals available onsite make exploring the stunning red rock landscape accessible for all ages and abilities.
11. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Florida
Mickey Mouse meets wilderness adventure at this magical 750-acre woodland retreat inside Walt Disney World. Disney’s legendary attention to detail transforms camping into an immersive experience with privacy landscaping, themed recreation, and occasional visits from woodland creatures (both the real and costumed varieties).
The Meadow Swimming Pool becomes a family favorite with its corkscrew waterslide and splash zone, while Tri-Circle-D Ranch offers pony rides for little ones and trail rides for older adventurers. Evenings bring special magic: campfire sing-alongs with Chip ‘n Dale characters and movies under the stars.
Transportation perks make theme park visits hassle-free. Internal buses whisk families around the sprawling property, while boat launches provide direct access to Magic Kingdom – watching the fireworks from the ferry as you return to camp creates unforgettable memories. With full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and even cabins, Fort Wilderness accommodates every camping style with a sprinkle of pixie dust.
12. Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort – Massachusetts
New England camping reaches luxurious heights at this historic property nestled between Boston and Cape Cod. Family-owned since 1971, Normandy Farms has perfected the art of pampered outdoor living across its beautifully landscaped 100 acres.
Four swimming pools ensure splash time regardless of weather – the outdoor pool complex buzzes during summer months, while the indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub provide year-round aquatic fun. Active kids bounce between multiple playgrounds, the bike park’s jumps and berms, and the 18-hole disc golf course winding through the woods.
Rainy days reveal Normandy’s true genius: a creative arts center offering daily crafts, an arcade filled with games, and a recreation lodge with big-screen TVs. The resort offers every accommodation style imaginable – from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads, comfortable cabins to glamping yurts. With spotless bathhouses (complete with piped-in music!) and famously friendly staff, it’s no wonder families return generation after generation.
13. Pineland Camping Park – Wisconsin
Summer camp nostalgia meets modern amenities at this Midwest family favorite. The massive jumping pillow becomes the social hub where kids bounce into new friendships within minutes of arrival – parents often struggle to pull excited children away for meals!
The dedicated Kids’ Clubhouse area houses an arcade, mini-golf course, and hosts scheduled activities from crafts to scavenger hunts. Throughout summer, themed weekends transform the campground: Halloween in August brings costume contests and trick-or-treating between campsites, while Christmas in July features decorated RVs and surprise visits from Santa.
Large, grassy campsites provide plenty of space for outdoor games, while the heated pool offers refreshing breaks from Wisconsin’s summer heat. The onsite café wins parent approval with hand-tossed pizzas and Wisconsin specialties like Friday fish fry – camping comfort food at its finest. With gaga ball pits, gem mining stations, and pedal kart rentals, Pineland ensures boredom never makes an appearance on the family vacation agenda.
14. Beaver Lake Campground – South Dakota
Presidential views and pristine pine forests surround this family-owned Black Hills gem. Located just minutes from Mount Rushmore, Beaver Lake Campground combines national park proximity with kid-approved amenities that keep everyone happy after a day of sightseeing.
The heated pool with attached water slide becomes the campground’s social center, where kids race down the twisting flume while parents chat in the surrounding lounge chairs. Unlike crowded resort pools, there’s plenty of splashing room even during peak summer months.
Spacious, grassy campsites provide ample room for outdoor games without encroaching on neighbors – a rarity in today’s often cramped campgrounds. Beyond the property, you’re perfectly positioned for Black Hills adventures: spot buffalo herds in Custer State Park, marvel at Crazy Horse Memorial’s massive scale, or explore the fascinating underground passages of Jewel Cave National Monument. Return to camp for spectacular South Dakota sunsets that paint the hills in golden light.
15. Riley Creek Campground – Alaska
Wilderness camping meets educational adventure at Denali National Park’s premier family campground. Located near the park entrance, Riley Creek offers the perfect balance of creature comforts and untamed Alaska experiences.
Families appreciate the campground’s strategic location – walking distance to the Denali Visitor Center where kids can earn Junior Ranger badges, and the free shuttle stop for rides to the famous sled dog demonstrations. Several easy hiking trails start right from camp, perfect for spotting snowshoe hares, red squirrels, and occasionally even moose!
Despite its wilderness setting, Riley Creek provides welcome amenities: water spigots, flush toilets, and bear-proof food lockers. The nearby Riley Creek Mercantile offers hot showers, laundry facilities, and a small café serving hearty breakfasts before big days of exploration. Evening ranger programs at the amphitheater captivate kids with stories of Denali’s wildlife and history under the lingering northern sunset.
