Coastal Camping: Top Waterfront Good Sam Parks

The beach beckons water-loving RV travelers. Camp at one of the many waterfront Good Sam Parks in North America and play on the water just steps from your campsite. Good Sam has a park in every type of water environment, from laid-back lakes to rugged ocean shores, so choose from one of the following Good Sam Parks and take the plunge.

Grassy Key RV Park & Resort, Marathon, Florida

Camp in the tropics on your next beach trip. Grassy Key RV Park & Resort in Marathon puts guests in the heart of the Florida Keys, with all the attractions of the iconic island chain at your doorstep. Situated close to the Overseas Highway, Grassy Key RV Park adjoins a marina and gives guests access to a fishing dock, kayaking and canoeing in the Gulf waters.

What’s Nearby: Located 47 miles southwest of Key Largo, Marathon entices animal lovers. A short distance from the resort, the Dolphin Research Center gives visitors the chance to swim with dolphins and learn about these brilliant mammals. Also nearby, the Sea Turtle Hospital allows visitors to see reptiles get released back into the ocean. 

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport, California

This Southern California getaway combines luxury with a premier location on the shore of a fun-filled Marina. RVers can stay at a 1,250-square-foot Beachfront Site or 1,575 square-foot Supersite, ensuring plenty of elbow room as well as social distancing. From the sites, take a short walk on the sand and enjoy playtime in the water. Rent a kayak from the resort, or simply take in the sun. 

What’s Nearby: As one of Orange County’s most attractive communities, Newport has no shortage of attractions. Newport Bay’s winding footprint can keep boaters busy for days, and the charming communities lining the shores are ideal for strolling. Fill shopping bags with designer goods at nearby Fashion Island.

Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground, Rodanthe, North Carolina

Situated on the fabled Outer Banks, this Good Sam Park puts guests a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pamlico Sound to the west. Guests don’t have to go far from their sites to have fun in the water: the resort offers watersports rentals. Plan to stay for a while and take advantage of the resort’s wide-ranging amenities, which include a snack bar, grocery store, dog park and RV wash. 

What’s Nearby: Pirate vessels once sailed the waters off the Outer Banks, but today a different kind of treasure lurks under the waves: Prime fishing, accessible via one of the many charter services offered nearby. Landlubbers can motor north to Rodanthe, a charming seaside community that once served as the setting for Nicholas Sparks novels.

Bluewater RV Resort, Freeport, Texas

The Lone Star State’s best-kept secret is the long coastline that stretches along the Gulf of Mexico. And visitors to Freeport, located 62 miles south of Houston, can stay close to the shore at Bluewater RV Resort. A short stroll from the RV sites, guests can walk on the wide beach and take a dip in Gulf waters. The gated property gives access to 11 miles of unrestricted beach, and there’s a private boat ramp, docks, fishing piers and a fish-cleaning station. Guests can take advantage of golf-cart, kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals or gather with a group at the community covered pavilion.

What’s Nearby: Lovers of long, uncrowded coastlines will feel at home on Texas Gulf shores. Twenty-four miles southwest along the coast lies Surfside Beach, one of the best surfing locations in Texas. Deep-sea fishing charters depart from this town’s harbor for redfish, snapper and tarpon, depending on the season.

Campland on the Bay, San Diego, California

With world-class beaches and an internationally renowned zoo, San Diego ranks as a top Southern California destination. When they’re not exploring the city, guests at Campland on the Bay will find lots of fun just a few short steps from their campsites. The highly rated RV park sits on the shores of Mission Bay, and the park’s kayak, canoeing and boating facilities give guests all they for a fun day on the water. Landlubbers can partake in tennis, pickleball and watersports.

What’s Nearby. Pick your pleasure. Drive two-miles from the resort to beautiful Pacific Beach on the Pacific Ocean, home to the Crystal Pier along with surfing and swimming. Motor a short distance to the south on the other side of the Bay for SeaWorld, where ocean life dazzles spectators. Other popular San Diego attractions include Old Town San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter and Coronado Island, home of the century-old Hotel Del Coronado.

Quinte’s Isle Campark, Ontario, Canada

Some of North America’s most beautiful beaches can be found along Lake Ontario. Check out Pebble Beach, situated on the lake’s north shore and part of perfectly rated Quinte’s Isle Campark. After splashing in the water, take advantage of the park’s ample amenities. Occupying 975 acres with lots of trees, the park treats guests with big spaces and amenities like a marina, kayaking and canoeing, nature trails and heated pool. Use one of the park’s rentals to boost the fun. Non-RVers can stay at one of the resort’s waterfront cottages.

What’s Nearby: Encompassing more than 7,000 square miles, Lake Ontario is the ultimate fishing and boating playground. Back on land, Prince Edward County is home to several of Canada’s top wineries; go on a tour and sample of the flavors that this region on the world’s viticultural map. Drive or bicycle the Taste Trail and Wine Route, but leave allow for dining in some of the area’s outstanding restaurants. Load up on vintages, crackers and cheese and bring a picnic basket to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Here, you can relax on a dune and watch the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario.

Logan Road RV Park, Lincoln City, Oregon

Visiting Oregon’s rugged Central Coast? Logan Road RV Park spoils guests with its coastal location. Nearby, the Chinook Winds Casino Resort offers dazzling gaming thrills. A stone’s throw away, the Pacific shore serves as an ideal location for scenery gazing and serene walks. Relax at one of the resort’s full- hookup spots after a lively day of beachcombing and gaming. Pamper yourself at the pool or hit the links and refreshments at the Chinook Winds Golf course at Aces Bar & Grill.

What’s Nearby: Lincoln City sits on seven miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, making it a beachcomber’s dream. Bring your shovel for clam digging, or merely explore the tide pools that burst with aquatic life. Finish your day with a hot bowl of clam chowder at Mo’s Restaurant, renowned up and down the coast.