One of the great things about RV ownership is the ability to take affordable vacations as a family. Spring break is often the kickoff to camping season for families with school-aged children. You can stay at a campground with tons of amenities for the whole family to enjoy for far less than a hotel room. Try one of these five destinations where the price is right and the weather is inviting.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Although the weather may not be quite warm enough to swim in the ocean, there are is still plenty of fun to be had on the sand. If you’re looking for a campground that is a destination all by itself, look no further than Ocean Lakes Family Campground!
With over 800 sites across 310 oceanfront acres, it’s the largest campground along the East Coast that I know. There is plenty to do at the campground including a large game center, miniature golf, a nature center, several pools (including one indoors), bike trails, and eight freshwater lakes. You really can’t beat this much fun for only $38 – $42 a night.
If you decide to venture away from the campground, don’t miss out on Myrtle Beach’s 1.2-mile-long boardwalk and promenade that runs along the ocean. The middle section of the boardwalk has the carnival style games and rides, but the real treat for budget-minded families is the southernmost end. This end of the Boardwalk leads up to the 2nd Avenue pier and features a wonderful oceanfront park.
Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, Alabama
Looking for a reasonably priced campground that offers large private, lakefront campsites with full hook-ups and resort-style amenities like a private park? Now add direct access to gorgeous white sand beaches, twenty-five miles of nature and biking trails, enough activities to amuse even the most difficult-to-entertain person and safe and simple bike routes to nearby restaurants. That might seem like too tall an order for most state parks, but not Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Gulf State Park’s campground has almost 500 sites, 11 modern air-conditioned bathhouses, a camp store, laundry facilities, swimming pool with splash pad, tennis/pickleball courts, horseshoes, volleyball, a nature center, and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf.
With average April temperatures in the mid-70’s, the whole family can enjoy building sand castles, basking in the sun, and listening to the waves. All this for only $38 – $48 a night depending on site location within the park.
Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon, Florida
Save money and avoid the crowds by enjoying Florida’s freshwater springs. Florida has over 700 natural freshwater springs with water so clear, you’d think you were looking at a swimming pool.
Stay at the Rainbow Springs State Park campground where you’ll have access to nature trails and the access to the Rainbow River. It is popular for swimming, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Bring your own canoes or kayaks to save a little money.
Otherwise, they can be rented at the headsprings. Rainbow Springs is also centrally located to a few other unique Florida springs. Only 30 minutes away to the northeast is Silver Springs with unique glass bottom boat tours. Another 30-minute drive, this time to the southwest, in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Included in the price of admission is a pontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek to the Wildlife Park.
From there enjoy a 1.4-mile walk on an elevated boardwalk viewing native wildlife, including panthers, bears, bobcats, deer, alligators, and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey, and songbirds. If you’re willing to drive an hour, go to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to see the iconic mermaid show. At $35 a night for a full hook-up campsite in Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park is an easy choice.
Jamaica Beach RV Park – Jamaica Beach, Texas
You don’t have to go to the Caribbean to experience island life. Galveston Island’s tropical climate and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico is a great getaway for families. Even better when you’re staying at a campground with a lazy river. Jamaica Beach RV Park has got you covered with two swimming pools, splash pad, pirate-themed miniature golf, outdoor movie theater, a multi-use trail to the bay, and public beach access across the street.
Located 12 miles outside of the town of Galveston, this campground has unobstructed views of Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. While there take the time to visit Galveston Island State Park for the junior ranger program.
Don’t forget Galveston’s Moody Gardens which boasts an aquarium, museum, theater and water park in one! Standard sites are only $42.74 a night or $250 for the entire week.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve – San Diego, California
I know most folks don’t equate southern California with a budget destination, but it can be if you can get reservations at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.
The privately owned preserve has over five miles of trails for walking and biking. There are seven stocked fishing lakes with playgrounds, gazebos, horseshoe pits and more. There’s also a swimming pool, general store, recreation center, as well as pedal boat, canoe, and kayak rentals.
It is located less than 20 miles from La Jolla beaches and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Even better, you don’t have to worry about traffic. You can leave the car or truck at the campsite and ride your bike to the trolley for a trip into the city. At only $49 a night for a standard back-in site or $54 for lakefront, you cannot go wrong spending your family Spring Break vacation here!
Know of any other awesome Spring Break destinations? Leave a comment below!
