Campground of the Week

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we head to eastern Massachusetts for a campground review that surprised us in all the best ways. Jeremy recently spent several days at Spacious Skies Minuteman, a wooded campground in Littleton, Massachusetts that serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Boston, Lexington, Concord, Walden Pond, and some of the most important sites in American history. What began as a quick New England getaway quickly turned into a reminder of why we fell in love with RV travel in the first place. Beautiful campsites, towering trees, fascinating history, charming New England towns, and easy access to one of America’s greatest cities make this campground a standout destination for RVers looking to combine outdoor relaxation with cultural exploration. To listen to our review of Spacious Skies Minuteman please click on the media player above--or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows! Why We Keep Coming Back to New England There’s something special about New England in the summer. The forests feel different. The small towns feel different. The history feels alive. For years, our family spent much of our summer RV time exploring destinations like Cape Cod, Acadia National Park, and coastal Maine. While recent years have taken us farther west to places like Yellowstone and beyond, this trip was a reminder of just how much we love the Northeast. In fact, the experience left us wondering why we had stayed away for so long. A Perfect Location for Exploring Eastern Massachusetts Spacious Skies Minuteman is located in Littleton, Massachusetts, northwest of Boston. The location works on multiple levels. Some campers use it as a convenient overnight stop while traveling through New England. Others use it as a dedicated Boston basecamp. But what really impressed us was how much there is to explore right outside the city. Nearby attractions include: Boston Concord Lexington Walden Pond Minute Man National Historical Park Most of these destinations are within about 20 to 30 minutes of the campground. That means you can spend your days exploring history, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions, then return each evening to a quiet wooded campsite. Easy Access to Boston Without the Headache One of the campground’s biggest strengths is its connection to Boston. The staff have become experts at helping RVers navigate the city. Every guest receives detailed instructions explaining: Public transportation options Park-and-ride locations Driving alternatives City access tips Whether you’re traveling in a Class C motorhome, a truck camper, or a larger towable RV, they can help you figure out the easiest way to reach the city. The general consensus? Skip the downtown parking headaches and use public transportation whenever possible. Many campers are able to reach Boston in about an hour without ever dealing with city traffic. The Campground Vibe: Private Campground Meets State Park What impressed us most about Spacious Skies Minuteman was the atmosphere. Technically, it’s a private campground. But it feels more like a state park. The campground is: Heavily wooded Quiet Natural Spacious Filled with mature trees Many campsites feel tucked into the forest rather than lined up in rows. The back-in sites near the rear of the campground are particularly impressive, offering large footprints and a tremendous amount of privacy.

We've explored several Spacious Skies Campgrounds over the last two years, each offering its own unique charm. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills in Austerlitz, New York, instantly became a new favorite due to its perfect blend of peaceful surroundings, great amenities, and proximity to some of the Upper Hudson Valley's most delightful towns. Where Is Spacious Skies Woodland Hills Located? Spacious Skies Woodland Hills sits nestled in Columbia County, about 2 hours north of New York City without traffic. Coming from the south, the drive is relatively straightforward, with a brief complicated stretch where several highways converge, but quickly settles into an easy and scenic route north. The campground is wonderfully positioned in the quiet hills of Austerlitz, just minutes from the Massachusetts border and the Berkshires. It’s accessed via a picturesque country road leading to the peaceful tranquility of the campground. The Unique Appeal of the Upper Hudson Valley One of our favorite aspects of this area is how the cultural fingerprints of New York City stretch upward into the Hudson Valley, and especially into the Upper Hudson Valley. You get the best of both worlds—the beautiful countryside combined with cultural experiences, including fantastic food, coffee shops, bookstores, wineries, and craft breweries. This blend ramped up during the pandemic as many New Yorkers relocated here, bringing a vibrant city vibe to upstate New York. Campground Layout and Campsite Options Spacious Skies Woodland Hills is a medium-sized campground with about 175 sites, of which approximately 50 are seasonal. The seasonal sites are notably well-kept and integrated seamlessly into the campground, creating a welcoming atmosphere for transient visitors as well. The campground layout consists of several different camping areas including the following: Lakefront Sites: These offer large, picturesque views of the water. Jeremy stayed at site 8 and particularly recommends sites around the lake for their serene views and spaciousness, despite limited privacy. Hillside Sites: On the right side of the campground map, these sites slope gently uphill. This area includes a mix of seasonal and transient campers. Cosmic Canine Sites: Perfect for campers with dogs, these sites feature private fenced-in areas. Although Jeremy didn’t personally inspect these, fellow campers highly recommended them. RV and Tent Camping Area: On the left side of the campground, you’ll find cozy sites suitable for smaller RVs and tents, complete with excellent proximity to clean bathhouses and playgrounds. Wooded, Shaded Sites: At the campground’s top area, these sites offer privacy and shade, making them another excellent option. Campground Amenities Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers amenities that strike a perfect balance between peaceful camping vibes and family fun: Brand-New Swimming Pool: Recently opened, the pool area includes comfortable outdoor seating. This amenity is particularly appealing for families, providing relaxation for adults while kids swim and play. Bounce Pillow and Playgrounds: Families will appreciate the bounce pillow, especially with a strategically located RV site right next to it. There are also two playgrounds to keep kids entertained. Dog-Friendly Amenities: Besides the canine sites, the campground boasts two large dog parks, dubbed the Cosmic Canine Commons, making it exceptionally pet-friendly. Game Room and Activities: A game room, gem mining, volleyball, basketball courts, and a stocked lake for fishing offer diverse recreational opportunities. Camp Store: The store is well-stocked with essentials, snacks, firewood, merch, and local treats, adding convenience to your stay.

Check out this roundup of great Branson campgrounds to find a perfect spot for your visit to this family-friendly destination!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the top RV destinations in the country, offering beachfront campgrounds, resort-style amenities, and easy access to fantastic attractions. Whether you prefer a state park setting, a massive family-friendly resort, or a luxurious retreat, there’s a Myrtle Beach campground for every type of RVer. Below, we’ve updated the information from our original 2018 Myrtle Beach Campground and RV Resort podcast episode to reflect the latest campground information, amenities, and pricing as of early 2025. Myrtle Beach is an oceanfront city in South Carolina that happens to be one of the premier RV destinations in the country. It's often pictured as a touristy wasteland of boardwalk rides and t-shirt shops. But in our many visits we've discovered the other sides of Myrtle Beach. The state parks offer an abundance of opportunities for nature exploration and activities. The renown Brookgreen Gardens is a world-class botanical experience. The food scene has exploded with places like Johnny D’s Waffles and legendary Road Food joints like the Early Bird Diner. And of course, there's the kitchty and ridiculously fun music productions. Myrtle Beach is truly a place like no other. In Myrtle Beach there are activities for every type of visitor, and there are campgrounds for every type of camper. Gorgeous state parks, huge family resorts, or wooded retreats in the heart of the Grand Strand...here's the best of the best. Listen to our latest podcast episode with more recommendations for our favorite things to do while camping in Myrtle Beach. State Parks Myrtle Beach State Park Beachfront location? Yes Location perks: Located on the south end of Myrtle Beach, this campground is quiet but still close to Grand Strand attractions. Hookups: 278 campsites total; 138 offer full hookups (electric, water, and sewer). Amenities: Camp store, one mile of beach, fishing pier, playground, picnic area, and nature center. Activities: Scheduled programs year-round, with daily activities during the high season. General vibe: Peaceful and scenic—a great middle ground between resort-style camping and a more remote setting. Website: southcarolinaparks.com Huntington Beach State Park Beachfront Location? Yes Location perks: This state park campground is extremely peaceful, and a world away from the Myrtle Beach boardwalk scene. Murrels Inlet and Pawleys Island are known as a quieter, more residential area of Myrtle Beach. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and shopping. It's practically across the street from Brookgreen Gardens. The downside? Its a bit of a drive to the Grand Strand. Hook ups: Huntington Beach State Park has a total of 173 campsites. The campground has 107 standard campsites with water and electric, plus 66 full-hookup sites with water, sewer and electric. Amenities: This simple campground is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the state park. There's easy access to the beach. Activities: Campers have access to all the state park activities. There's lots of kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. This is a birding sanctuary, with plenty of alligator viewing and extensive nature programs for children and adults. There's also the onsite National Historic Landmark of Atalaya which offers a great self guided tour. General vibe: This is an amazing state park campground. Visitors will experience a quiet, peaceful camping experience with a host of natural experiences right on site. Private Parks Myrtle Beach KOA Is it beachfront? No. The Myrtle Beach KOA is a few blocks inland from the beach. A beach shuttle runs during the day.

This is part two of a two part series about RVing in Quebec with Gretchen Holcombe from Boxy Colonial on the Road. To check out part one about Montreal and the Montreal South KOA Journey please click here. To listen to this episode about Quebec City and the Quebec City KOA Holiday please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for Gretchen's guest blog post. Old Québec City very much feels like something out of a fairytale version of an old European city…at least if you can manage to forget about all the tourists around you who are thinking the same thing. At times it can feel a little too perfect--as if you’ve accidentally gone to the World Showcase at Disney’s Epcot instead of to Canada. But there’s a lot of very real history and culture behind the picture perfect surface of Québec City, and our family loved our time here. We stayed at the Quebec City KOA Holiday during our stay here--and it served as a great basecamp for exploring the city. The Quebec City KOA Holiday The Québec City KOA Holiday is just across the St. Lawrence River from Québec City, in the town of Levís. This is a great KOA with a helpful, bilingual staff, easy access from the highway, great proximity to Québec City, and lots of nice amenities to come back to after a day of touring. The RV sites are mostly full hook-up gravel pull-throughs with pretty good sized yards. There are some patio sites, as well as a range of non-RV options, including rustic camping cabins and deluxe cabins. RV sites range from around $65 CAD up to over $100 CAD for patio sites. The pool area is awesome, complete with water slides, a hot tub, and a splash pad area. There’s a communal fire pit in this area as well and lots of other indoor and outdoor communal spaces throughout the campground. There are a lot of different options for getting into the city from the KOA. The campground runs a free shuttle every day, but it does need to be reserved a day in advance. We had planned to drive to the Levís ferry and take the quick ride across the river to the historic district, but we found out the the day we arrived that the ferry workers were striking and the ferry wasn’t running. So we ended up driving into the city every day, and this was actually surprisingly easy. It’s only about a 20 minute drive and traffic was never too bad. Driving and parking in Old Québec looked harrowing, however, so we parked in one of the large paid surface lots along the edge of town, which meant about 15 minutes of hilly walking to get to most of the sites. Fun Things to Do in Québec City Walking Tour of Old Québec Old Québec is so compact and walkable, and so rich with stories and history, that we thought a walking tour would be a great way to get our bearings and learn about the city. We went with the 2 hour “Grand Tour” with Tours Voir Québec and were very happy with the company and with our guide, but there are other well-reviewed companies that offer similar tours (some with guides in period costumes!) We really enjoyed getting to hear about the city from the perspective of someone who lives there and to see some hidden spots we wouldn’t have found on our own. Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site Old Québec became an Unesco World Heritage site in 1985, largely because it’s one of the oldest towns in North America with a mostly intact system of fortified walls surrounding it. This Parks Canada site offers a few different ways to explore the walls and learn more about them. They offer a two hour guided tour that sounds wonderful but isn’t recommended for younger kids, so we opted instead to head to the Artillery Park area so our 11 year old could do the interactive “legend of the talking walls” a...

On this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast we are welcoming guest correspondents Dan and Jess Steck for a terrific review of Jellystone Park Petoskey in Michigan. The Stecks recently returned from an epic RV trip to Michigan with their two daughters Penny and Molly, and their two lovable dogs. To listen to our interview with Dan and Jess please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here for their guest blog post about Jellystone Park Petoskey. Jellystone Park Petoskey Location and Overview If you are looking for a family-friendly RV resort in Northern Michigan, look no further than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Petoskey, Michigan. With spacious RV sites and an impressive array of cabins, this campground hits the sweet spot as both a full service RV resort and an excellent basecamp for exploring the area. Keep reading to find out what makes this park the perfect destination for balancing relaxation and exploration. Jellystone Park Petoskey is situated only a few minutes drive from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Northwestern Michigan. Bring your tent or RV of any size (this campground is very big rig friendly!) and enjoy spacious sites surrounded by tall pines and birch trees. There is a large variety of camping cabins available from one room rustic cabins to camping lodges featuring roof top decks or outdoor TVs and fireplaces! These diverse accommodations make this a wonderful pick if you are traveling with a family who may not be bringing an RV along with them. Jellystone Park Petoskey: Attractions, Amenities, and Overall Vibe The grounds of Jellystone Park Petoskey are impeccably cared for and quite lovely. Flower boxes and flowerbeds overflow with colorful blooms and the campground staff can be seen caring for the property throughout the day. I dare say we are talking about a Fort WIlderness level of cleanliness here. Throughout our stay we were continually impressed by the cleanliness of the campground. The campground boasts one of the most lovely seasonal sections we have ever seen. We recognized several campground staff with RVs in this section and you can see that the care they put into the campground is mirrored in the beauty of their seasonal sites. You will be hard-pressed to find yourself or your kids saying “I'm bored” during your stay here. Kids young and old have access to a great array of activities. Available to you all day are jumping pads, a playground, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and everyone’s new favorite hobby--pickleball! On a hot day take a dip at the Swimming Hole. The pool, though not huge, is perfect for cooling off and splashing around with the family. On a mid-Saturday afternoon it was certainly busy at the pool but on Tuesday at 1 pm we nearly had the pool to ourselves. For more swimming adventures head just a few minutes down the road to Lake Michigan. Like every Jellystone, the scheduled activities and amenities for kids are always a star of the show. There is a nice sized arcade and game room within the activity center that are open for you to come and go all day long. Fun events like candy-bar bingo, HEY! Rides, tie-dye, character visits and movie nights are always a crowd pleaser. Did you ask for gem mining? Of course! It’s not camping unless you are going home with a bag of gems When we asked our daughters, ages 3 and 5, what their favorite part of vacation was, they both yelled “the bike parade!” They both thought biking (and scooting) all the way around the campground with the activity director and big kids was out of this world. And we as parents will certainly never forget watching that joy! If kicking back and relaxing is on your vacation agend...

If you're looking for a family-friendly campground destination in New York, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Binghamton delivers--with indoor, outdoor, and water activities for kids of all ages to explore. Bring your tent or RV--or stay in one of the glamping accommodations or cabins. Check out this campground review of Jellystone Park Binghamton to find out what makes this park so special.

An Overview of North-South Lake Campground Most campers that visit North-South Lake for the first time fall in love with its fragrant wildflowers and pristine waters. The campground here is the most popular in New York State's Catskill Forest Preserve and it is easy to see why. The campground is beautiful and it is surrounded by lush forests filled with great hiking for a variety of skill levels. You can depart for many of those hikes, including the popular hike to Kaaterskill Falls, directly from your campsite--so there is no need to battle for parking at overcrowded trailheads. This direct access to several of the area's best trails is one of the campground's best features. North-South Lake is not a state park, but it is run by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. This DEC site includes a campground with seven loops and over 200 sites for tents and RV's. It is also included a popular day use area that encompasses both lakes and both swimming areas. Both campers and day trippers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking in both of these tranquil and peaceful mountain lakes. We have long believed that New York State is one of the most underrated states in the country for camping--and North-South Lake is just one of the many reasons why. The Best Loops and Sites at North-South Lake Loops one through six at the campground wrap around North Lake. Loops five and six have a series of sites that are right on the water. Most would consider them to be the best sites at the campground--but they are also the hardest to reserve. Some of these sites have panoramic views of North Lake while others are more deeply wooded and offer partial views of the water. All of these sites are large and quite desirable. Grab one of them if you can. Loop seven sits alone above South Lake--but not directly above it. It would take a short walk to get to the water. This loop almost serves as an overflow loop for the campground and it looks like it was added at a later point to increase capacity. That being said it is still pretty and the sites are still big--but it is a further walk away from most of the activities and amenities. Some may prefer this loop for that reason--because it could, hypothetically, be quieter here on busy summer weekends. But it would be our last choice when booking sites at North-South Lake. If you can't get a waterfront site then do what we did and get one of the sites on either side of the meandering stream that cuts through loops one, two, and three. Almost every single one of these stream side sites are excellent and we liked them almost as much as the sites that are directly on North Lake. Children can play in the stream and spend hours wandering around and enjoying nature. When we were in early June the stream was a bit low and a little bit buggy. But we used bug spray and were totally comfortable. When the water is running a bit higher in early spring these sites must be absolutely dreamy. We look forward to visiting again earlier in the season. Amenities at North-South Lake Campground The amenities at North-South Lake are fairly standard for a public campground in the Northeast. There are no hookups at any of the sites, but there is a dump station, and there are clean restrooms and showers. Some of the restrooms are dated and could use an upgrade--but they are kept clean and most are conveniently located within each loop. The campground also offers canoe and kayak rentals in season, guarded swimming beaches in season, a fishing pier, and horseshoe and volleyball courts. The Hike to Kaaterskill Falls (and others nearby) The trailhead to Kaaterskill Falls can be accessed on the far side of South Lake. Get up early and go if you want peace and quiet. This iconic hike gets crowded--especially on summer weekends.