Where to Stay?

A look at camping options for new RVers and seasoned travelers alike.

By Scott & Van Russell, F505257
May/June 2025

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a “campground” and an “RV resort”? Or if there really is a difference? While RVing through 42 states, we stayed at a great mix of properties labeled as campgrounds and those referred to as resorts, and we discovered what makes each type of camping experience ideal. In this article, we explain the differences and take a look at a new model in RV glamping.

CAMPGROUNDS AND RV RESORTS

Campgrounds and RV resorts both offer experiences and amenities to enhance your journey, but which option aligns best with your travel preferences? Here’s our take on the differences.

“Campgrounds” offer basic amenities to provide RVers a comfortable stay. They may be situated in more natural, remote, or scenic settings that allow you to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Or they may be located next to the highway for easy access and convenient overnight accommodation. They normally provide full RV hookups along with bathroom facilities, a laundry, and sometimes a clubhouse or a pool. Campgrounds vary widely depending on the location and the ownership.

“RV resorts” are similar to campgrounds in that they provide all the basic amenities for a comfortable camping trip, but they usually offer additional conveniences and activities to elevate the guests’ stay. RV resorts typically feature clubhouses, swimming pools, outdoor gathering areas, game courts, and even food options. The campsites themselves offer full RV hookups but may also include upgraded options such as patios, grills, or hammocks. These facilities are designed to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable, providing added comfort and entertainment.

WHAT MAKES A CAMPGROUND A GOOD FIT?

When looking at various types of overnight RV parking facilities, cost is a factor. Comparing campgrounds to RV resorts, campgrounds generally are the less-expensive option. Since campgrounds usually offer more-basic accommodations, they tend to charge lower prices than RV resorts, which typically have more amenities.

Campgrounds are a great option for overnight or shorter stays en route to the next destination. Since they may not offer much to do, such properties might not be the place to spend your entire RV vacation. However, for campgrounds in scenic locations or popular spots where the destination is the main attraction, you may just want a less expensive place to lay your head after you go out adventuring during the day. In this case, a campground may be the perfect choice.

Although we mentioned that campgrounds tend to provide more basic camping accommodations, not every campground offers bare-bones RV parking. In fact, we have stayed at many privately owned and chain campgrounds that offered numerous amenities. For example, the Kampgrounds Of America (KOA) chain offers many features usually found in resorts. We have stayed at KOA locations with pools, jumping pads, shuttle service to local attractions, restaurants or bars, community campfires, cocktail hours, hayrides, and family movie nights on a big screen. We also have had similar fun activity experiences at small mom-and-pop-owned campgrounds.

RVers may know the KOA name but may not realize that KOA has categorized its facilities based on level of amenities. “Journey” campgrounds are intended for an overnight stay along the way or for a quick getaway. The “Holiday” campgrounds provide more activities, amenities, and services. And the “Resort” campgrounds kick things up a notch further.

Some features you can expect at a campground include:

• Full RV hookups
• Laundry facilities
• Basic restroom and shower facilities
• A swimming pool (in some cases)

Every campground is different, so check reviews and the amenities list to determine whether a specific location may be a good fit for your upcoming trip.

WHAT ABOUT RV RESORTS?

Looking for a place to enjoy a longer stay? Or is the camping trip and camping experience itself a large part of your vacation? Then an RV resort may be a great choice. RV resorts are usually priced higher than campgrounds, because you are paying for a wider variety of activities and amenities. Thus, if you plan to spend a lot of time at a particular camping location, a resort with more to do on-site may be the better alternative.

Adults and families who like to participate in guided activities and events often enjoy RV resorts. In fact, they are not just great spots to keep the kids busy, but they often are a great way for adults to connect and meet other RVers.

At an RV resort, you can expect amenities and services such as:

• Full RV hookups with upgraded services
• Improved restroom and shower facilities
• On-site restaurants, bars, and shops
• Landscaped grounds with walking and biking trails
• Activity centers offering scheduled events and entertainment
• Fitness centers, sports courts, and mini golf courses
• Swimming pools and sometimes even waterpark-like features
• Rentals such as golf carts, fire pits, bikes, or other outdoor recreation equipment
• RV resorts cater more to vacation vibes and provide a complete getaway experience. Typically offering a longer list of services and activities, they are an excellent choice for those looking to relax and unwind while enjoying the freedom to explore in their RV.

THE LINES ARE OFTEN BLURRED

Plenty of variations exist between facilities labeled as a “campground” or an “RV resort.” Some campgrounds offer more amenities than expected, while some RV resorts may be less elaborate than their name would suggest. Before reserving sites, do your research. Explore your options carefully and read online reviews to better understand the properties you’re considering so you can choose those that best meet your trip needs and expectations.

Ultimately, the right fit for your next RV vacation comes down to your personal preferences concerning cost, amenities, and the type of experience you’re looking to have. Most RVers use accommodations in both campgrounds and RV resorts. In fact, you may stay at campgrounds close to the highway for convenient and easy overnight stops on the way to your destination. Then, when you reach your destination, you may opt for an RV resort, so the whole family has plenty to do during your stay. We often camp at a mix of both.

A TREND TOWARD MORE AMENITIES

Around 2020, outdoor adventures, including camping and RVing, became more popular. Increasing numbers of travelers, especially young people and families, decided to swap traditional flight-and-hotel vacations for RVing. Some of these new campers seek a resort-like experience to replace the traditional vacation opportunities they may be used to. The RV resort camping trip can offer RVers the best of both worlds, connecting them with nature as they enjoy time with friends and family — while also providing such amenities as swimming pools, bars and restaurants, mini golf, and other resort-like activities.

In response to the popularity of resort camping, many newer-built campgrounds are starting to incorporate higher-end amenities. Existing campgrounds are remodeling and adding upgraded facilities as well. Regardless of this trend, there will always be a need for both traditional campgrounds and for RV resorts to meet a wide range of campers’ travel styles and budgets.

“GLAMPING” AT CAMP MARGARITAVILLE AUBURNDALE

So, what about glamping, you may ask? This term — a cross between “glamorous” and “camping” — describes another recent trend: camping at facilities with upscale amenities and accommodations not typically found at traditional campgrounds and RV resorts. A great example is Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, in Auburndale, Florida, part of the Margaritaville hotel/resort chain (margaritavilleresorts.com). It provides high-end facilities in a campground setting geared to RVers. The campsite and resort amenities are premium.

The campground itself offers traditional back-in and pull-through campsites. However, they upped the ante by offering private tiki bar campsites as well. Yes, that’s right: private tiki bars within a guest’s own campsite. Each tiki hut features a bar, a sink, a fan, party lights, and a television.

We recently checked out Camp Margaritaville Auburndale for ourselves and stayed at an upgraded tiki site. It was amazing to be able to hang outside with shade and a fan to keep the bugs away without having to worry about the weather and our RV awning. It was true luxury glamping, and we loved it.

Camp Margaritaville also enhances the resort experience through its other amenities. The facility offers two pools. One is next to the lake and has a tiki bar. The second pool is larger and features a huge spiral waterslide. The slide is a big hit with kids and families, as well as adults. The resort also has two outdoor tiki bars full of televisions that are hot spots for sports lovers and adults who want to hang out. Karaoke, trivia contests, and live music are part of the fun. A huge on-site mini golf course rivals many that you would pay to go to. Plenty of daytime events are scheduled for the kids, including guided outdoor games and pool activities. Themed weekends add even more fun to the schedule.

Our family has RVed all over the United States, and we found Camp Margaritaville Auburndale to be a one-of-a-kind experience. You may be wondering if the resort price tag is worth it. For our family, staying at Camp Margaritaville felt like a true luxury vacation experience.

In addition to the Auburndale facility, Camp Margaritaville RV resorts are located in Henderson, Louisiana; Crystal Beach, Texas; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Buford, Georgia. A location in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, is coming soon.

RVERS HAVE OPTIONS

It’s great to have a variety of choices. Simple, basic campgrounds help RVers to save money. Campgrounds with full hookups are an attractive option when en route to a location or for overnight stays. RV resorts provide a completely different stay with high-end amenities and increased activities for a more action-packed RV vacation. Glamping RV resort experiences take it a step further.

Now that you know a little bit more about the differences between these camping options, which choice is right for your next RV trip?