The U.S. is a big country, full of amazing natural wonders, but we’re up to the task. Good Sam has a plethora of RV parks conveniently located near some of the best hiking trails in America.
Tucquan Park Family Campground, Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Good Sam Rating: 9/9*/8.5
Sometimes we just need to get away from it all and take in the scenery and fresh air. Located in the Susquehanna River hills, this family-friendly campground is adjacent to the Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. With spacious pull-through sites, 50-amp full hookups, Tucquan Park Family Campground is located in the quiet river hills of Lancaster County. Known for its awesome hiking trails, the timeless charm of the area sets the stage for unforgettable memories.
Susquehanna river going through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Paul-Briden
Tucquan Glen is one of the most popular of about 20 preserves in Lancaster County. Located in Holtwood, the peaceful and beautiful trail winds along Tucquan Creek until reaching the railroad tracks and the Susquehanna River. Take your bathing suit and cool off at a wonderful swimming spot.
An Amish farm in Lancaster County at sunrise. Photo Credit: Getty Images, DelmasLehman
Enjoy all the amazing hiking trails that Southern Pennsylvania has to offer. The Great Shamokin Path parallels the Cowanshannock Creek where hikers can take in views of western Pennsylvania. Holding the distinction of being part of the evolving Great Eastern Trail, which will connect Alabama to New York, the Standing Stone Trail follows scenic ridgelines in Huntington, Mifflin and Fulton counties, offering wild plant and animal life.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, SEASTOCK
Crown Villa RV Resort, Bend, Oregon
Good Sam Rating: 10/10*/10
Wooden bridge along a trail in Bend. Photo Credit: Getty Images, AlbertPego
In Oregon, you’ll find dramatic natural beauty with fossil-strewn deserts and stunning mountain passes. Central Oregon has some of the most spectacular and beautiful hikes in the country. The Farewell Bend River trail loop is an easy three-mile loop showing off wonderful forest and river views. Green Lakes is a local’s favorite. The moderate 4.5 to 6-mile trail to the three green lakes offers plenty of waterfalls, lava and wildflowers. The Deschutes River Trail (DRT) is over 12 miles of trails along the Deschutes River. The trail meanders through the heard of Bend and through pristine portions of riverfront with pine, juniper and ponderosa forests. Access this scenic local favorite through Sawyer Park.
Ancient lava rocks at the National Deschutes Forest. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Kamala Saraswathi
If you’re up for something a bit more advanced, make your way to Devil’s Staircase Wilderness in Tidewater, Oregon. This is not a simple walk in the woods. Deep in the heart of Oregon’s coastal rainforest, nestled between the Smith and Umpqua rivers, lies Oregon’s newest Wilderness area. The Devil’s Staircase is a rarely visited waterfall beneath an ancient forest. This is one of the more beautiful, but inaccessible waterfalls in the coast range.
It’s so steep and rugged, there’s no official trailhead. We recommend that you only attempt to go to the Devil’s Staircase Waterfall with an experienced person with good route-finding skills who has been there before. It’s earned a reputation as the Bermuda Triangle of the Oregon wilderness. But it’s a feeling that you won’t get in a lot of places, it’s a full sensory and wilderness experience.
Devil’s Staircase. Photo Credit: Chandra LeGue, Oregon Wild.
Bend, Oregon has been dubbed the “outdoor playground of the west” for dozens of reasons. Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort has been given a perfect rating for dozens more.
Crown Villa is the perfect spot to relax after a long day of travel or adventure. Photo Credit: Crown Villa RV Resort.
4 Guys RV Park, Slade, Kentucky
Good Sam Rating: 9/10*/10
Photo Credit: 4 Guys RV Park
Deep I the heart of Kentucky lies the South’s best-kept secret, the Red River Gorge.
Beautiful view of the trees on the hillside in Red River Gorge. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Brian Erickson
The Red River Gorge is one of the most popular hiking and climbing meccas east of the Mississippi. Located in Winchester, KY, near Slade, it offers the perfect blend of mighty sandstone arches, majestic rocks, towering cliffs and lush woodland and wildflowers.
Check out Whittleton Arch for a 2.5-mile easy hike to a beautiful arch that has a waterfall. Early spring when flowers are blooming is one of the best times to experience this stunning hike. The Silvermine Arch is an easy 2.8-mile hike and it can easily be combined with the Hidden Arch Hike, as it leaves from the same parking area. The Sky Bridge Loop is an easy stroll out to an amazing view.
Creation Falls in Red River Gorge Geological Area. Photo Credit: Getty Images, jctabb
Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort, Bass Lake, California
Good Sam Rating: 9.5/7.5/9
Yosemite boasts some of the best views with more than 800 miles’ worth of hiking trails. Spring is the best time to experience Yosemite’s waterfalls when the winter’s massive snowfall melts away and heads toward the Pacific Ocean. Plan for May and June, when they’re at their most impressive. And from April 18-26, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite everyone to celebrate America’s treasured places during National Park Week. To kick off National Park Week, all entrance fees are waived on Saturday, April 18th.
Wildlife of Yosemite. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Julia Solovey
For pounding waterfall views, don’t miss Mist Trail, a spectacular trail skirts 317-foot Vernal Fall and 594-foot Nevada Fall and extends to Little Yosemite Valley. Hike just over a mile one-way and 1,000 vertical feet to the top of Vernal Fall. Continuing to Nevada Fall adds 1.5 miles and another 1,000 feet to your trip. The beginning of the trail is near the Happy Isles Nature Center at shuttle stop 16.
Mist trail leading to Vernal fall. Photo Credit: Getty Images, MariuszBlach
If it’s serene mountain lakes you’re longing for, make your way to the idyllic May Lake. This easy, family-friendly hike is a quick 2.4 round trip with 500 feet elevation gain. Trailhead coordinates: 37.832633, -119.491181 (37° 49’ 57.47”N 119° 29’ 28.25” W).
May Lake. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Alisha Bube
West Glacier RV Park & Cabins, West Glacier, Montana
Good Sam Rating: 8.5/9.5*/9
A hub of activity steps from Glacier National Park. Photo Credit: West Glacier RV Park.
On your next hiking adventure, veer off the well-trod Montana hiking trails to discover places most visitors never see. Find spring savings and beat the crowds; save this June at Glacier’s closest full-service RV Park. Grab your backpack and explore the great state of Montana by foot. From scenic day hikes to multi-day wilderness excursions, there’s something for everyone. A day hiking in Big Sky Country can take you along spiraling mountain passes, sprawling forests and crystal lakes. For a unique hiking experience, visit the Ice Caves Trail, just a short drive from Lewistown. The walls are made of 400-million-year-old white limestone.
The Ice Caves Trail (455) climbs almost 5 miles to the permanent ice caves on the Snowy Crest. Photo Credit: Visitmt.com
Montana is also home to the longest section of the five-state, 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The Southwest Montana sections offer day hikers miles of unspoiled wilderness.
Glacier National Park. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Chris Geirman & Linsey Cox
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. Conditions permitting, roads to Yellowstone National Park will open in April and May.
Remember to always look at the weather and ensure you’re wearing the right clothing; layers can help from getting too cold or overheating on the trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
