2018 RV Destinations

December 05, 2017

WHERE TO GO RVING IN 2018

DUTCHMEN RV PREDICTS HOT RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUND DESTINATIONS

As 2017 comes to a close, we’re savoring memories of RV camping in 2017, and we’re looking ahead to hot RV spots for the coming year. It’s no secret that RV camping is more popular than ever, so where will travelers—including you—be going in 2018 in your Dutchmen RV?
We scouted out RV campgrounds and trends for everyone who enjoys the RV travel lifestyle, and here are some of our predictions for what will be hot in the coming year.

1. MUSIC FESTIVAL CAMPING. Music festivals have gotten bigger and better in the past few years, and the best part is they offer a fun and welcoming place for RV camping. One of the most prominent, Country Fest, in Cadott, WI, bills itself as the largest 3-Day country music and camping event in the US. Name a big country star popular in the last 30 years, and they’ve probably graced the Country Fest stage. You’ll have your choice of camping sites and styles, plus plenty of food, drink, and—of course—music.
Country not your style? Try Euphoria in Austin, TX, that features alternative music, art, yoga, and workshops, plus great camping.

2. SOUTHERN COMFORT. Enjoy barbecue, southern style music, and a little less traffic? Take a swing down south, where you can partake in the culture, scenery, and cuisine while you enjoy the so-called “second-tier” cities of the south, and their RV campgrounds. Not as popular—and therefore populated with tourists—as New Orleans and Nashville, these spots are up-and-comers, according to travel experts, pairing traditional charm with “modern” amenities like vegan restaurants, improv shows, and craft beer havens. From the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the Gulf of Mexico, the list includes: Greensboro and Winston-Salem, NC; Gulfport, MS; and Panama City Beach, FL.

3. YOLO LOCATIONS. If you only live once, why wait to visit your “bucket list” camping locations? There are many that offer breathtaking scenery and natural wonders, but Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has to be on the top of most people’s lists.

This awe-inspiring location atop the Cascade mountain range features the deepest—and scientists say the most pristine—lake in the United States. It was created 7,700-years ago when a volcano erupted, blew off the top, and was filled in with water from ice and snow. Beyond the lake, the park offers protection for “15 species of conifers, from towering ponderosa pines to ancient whitebark pines,” according to the website. These trees shelter a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and spotted owls.
The Mazama Campground is the only one that accommodates RVs, but it is reservable, and each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a metal bear box for food storage.

4. FAMILY-FRIENDLY RV PARKS. Kids and camping go together, and more RV parks and campgrounds are catering to families. One of the best RV parks for kids is Zion River Resort, Utah. The site combines stunning scenery with full amenities, including hook-ups, internet, an onsite pool and sauna, and a laundry facility. The resort offers activities for kids (like root beer floats and movie nights) as well as adults-only events (like wine and cheese parties) as well as holiday themed events and educational activities, like tracking animals and archeological digs. The resort is close to many other national parks and monuments, so it makes the perfect base camp for a week—or more—of family fun.

5. NATIONAL FORESTS. People looking for a more rustic camping adventure are looking to RV locations at national forests. Though these spots lack some of the amenities found at national parks or camping resorts, they make up for it in solitude and serenity. When you want to get away from it all, check out a site like Superior National Forest in Minnesota. There you’ll find access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with plenty of space for camping, fishing, canoeing, and just being outdoors. Or, head south to the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. Elevations range from 4,000 to 11,500-feet and pass through five different life zones, from Chihuahuan desert to sub-alpine forest over three major mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe and Capitan.
Ready to hit 2018’s RV camping hot spots? Make sure you check out the Dutchmen Facebook page for the latest news, and follow our Instagram account, @dutchmenrvcompany, for updates about our family of Dutchmen RV owners.