Fantastic Summer Vacations (Without the Airline Headaches) | Lifestyles

While airport chaos seems to be the new normal this summer, there is no reason travelers need to put themselves through the hassle of security lines, the confusion of lost luggage, wasted hours of flight delays, the stress of managing an unexpected cancelation, or the anxiety of recreating an itinerary for what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

So, how about vacationing close to home instead?

Here’s some fantastic campground destinations that are within a short drive of major metropolitan areas. (And, if you don’t own an RV — check out a rental company to find hundreds of rigs in all shapes and sizes.)

Tropical Palms RV Resort is a hidden gem located just 20 miles from Orlando and approximately four miles from Walt Disney World Resort. Set on 69 sun-soaked acres, Tropical Palms is packed with amenities for the whole family including a swimming pool with splash fountain, fitness center, dog park, mini golf, bocce ball and more, making it perfect for any Orlando vacation getaway.

O’Connell’s Yogi Bear Park RV Campground in Amboy, Illinois is conveniently located for an escape from the big city at just under 100 miles from Chicago where guests can connect in a relaxing, outdoor environment. Make sure to bring your bathing suit as the campground has three pools and two waterslides, along with plenty of lake activities including paddle boat or kayak rentals.

Twin Mills Camping Resort offers campers great full hook-up RV sites on South Twin Lake just 67 miles from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. With a pristine sandy beach as the main event, other amenities include a large swimming pool, playground, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes and planned activities to keep the family busy.

Lake George Escape is a 178-acre RV resort full of lush woods in upstate New York just over a 200-mile drive from the city. This ideal summer getaway has direct access to the Schroon River and is surrounded by the six million-acre Adirondack Park. Activities are not in short supply with onsite tennis and pickleball courts, boat rentals, mini golf, a swimming pool and bike trails throughout. If the summer weather happens to not be cooperating, there is a full arcade game room, ping pong, and a clubhouse for planned activities for the kids.

Grey’s Point Camp, set off the shores of the Rappahannock River in Topping, Virginia, is the perfect spot to relax on the beach. Just over 100 miles from Washington, DC and only 60 miles from Richmond, Grey’s Point is water lover’s dream with their water park, several refreshing pools, kayak or canoe rentals and plenty of fishing opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay.

Leavenworth RV Campground is located just over 100 miles east of Seattle and surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to soak in the great outdoors and enjoy the many recreational activities. Alpine Trout Lake and Otter Pond provide perfect conditions for kayaking or paddle boating, and hikers enjoy the over seven miles of trails located at the RV campground just up the mountain from world famous Bavarian town of Leavenworth. 

Not interested in driving an RV? Make your getaway unique by booking a cabin, cottage, glamping tent, yurt or tiny house in a fabulous destination. A few of our favorites:

Tahoe Valley Campground is nestled amidst the towering pines of scenic South Lake Tahoe, where guests can experience camping in a Tahoe Valley cabin that sleeps up to six people and comes with all the fixings, including 2 HD satellite TVs. Guests enjoy the natural surroundings, the breathtaking views, and enjoying the on-site amenities such as the large swimming pool surrounded by beautiful towering pine trees.

Fiesta Key RV Resort, located along the heart of Highway 1 in the Florida Keys, offers colorful cottages sitting on the waterfront. Each cottage comes fully furnished, with a separate bedroom, living room that includes a sleeper sofa, a kitchen, bath, a roomy loft and a comfortable back porch that sits just feet off the ocean. Take in the remarkable views from this getaway resort on an island all its own, featuring a conveniently located on-site restaurant, beach bar, free WiFi hotspots, spa, pool, playground and marina.

Marina Dunes RV Park just north of Monterey, CA takes tent camping to the next level with their picture-perfect glamping tents, set atop an elevated wood platform with a pair of rocking chairs and edged by candle-lit lanterns as guests soak up the salty air before sliding under the covers of the queen size bed. With beachfront access and situated close to everything the area has to offer, glamping visitors enjoy the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, the hiking trails or just taking an easy stroll at Marina State Beach.

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort features hillside glamping yurts just five miles from the west gate entrance to Yosemite National Park. The 400-acre preserve with spectacular towering trees allows guests to escape into nature while enjoying the comfortable yurt retreats. The popular yurts sleep four with a queen-size bed and a double-size futon, are equipped with a bathroom and shower, along with a kitchenette furnished with small refrigerator, two-burner gas stove top, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and dinnerware to satisfy all the glamping needs.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village offers a unique way for guests to immerse themselves into nature with a breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, all while experiencing the artistry and culinary vibe of Portland, Oregon. Ranging from just 175 square feet to a roomy 358 square foot tiny mansion, the seven rentable tiny houses come with all the glamping fixings. The resort provides some Oregon fun and adventure for all ages with access to more than 700 groomed hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, along with lakes and streams to explore and onsite amenities like a miniature golf course.

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