We rate some of the campgrounds we visit using our “5-Bambi” rating system.
Our “BAMBI” rating system explained:
 – One Bambi: Should’a boondocked.
 – Two Bambi’s: Better than a Cracker Barrel or Walmart.
 – Three Bambi’s: Adequate for a short stay.
 – Four Bambi’s: Great place! Met our expectations for an extended stay. Needs minor improvements or is not ideally situated for all our preferred recreation (hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking) without driving.
 – Five Bambi’s: Destination Camping at its best! Critical as we are, there’s nothing we’d improve, and you can bet your sweet Bambi we’re going back! |
We have only awarded 5 campgrounds with the coveted 5-Bambi rating:
- Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay – Chula Vista, California
- Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Maumee Bay State Park – Oregon, Ohio
- Fort Wilderness Campground – Disney World, Florida
- The 5th one unfortunately has closed, so we deleted the review
Many of these campgrounds listed that are rated “4-Bambis” did not reach “5-Bambis” only because they did not offer all 4 our our favorite activities (swimming, hiking, kayaking and cycling) within walking distance of the campground.
We were not paid, reimbursed nor influenced in any way by anyone for any of these campground reviews.
Sweetwater Summit, Bonita, California – Sweetwater Summit Regional Campground is a gold nugget for RVers looking for scenic, tranquil, private and clean no-hassle accommodations with easy freeway access to downtown San Diego.
Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay, Chula Vista, California – “What’s an RV resort?” is one of the most discussed topics on RV forums. Seems any park with hook-ups boasts the word “resort.” From what we’ve seen, Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay is the definition of a true RV resort. Check out our review.
Jester Park, Granger, Iowa – Usually, we have the luxury to choose between city, suburb, countryside and maybe, if we’re lucky, a smattering of wilderness. Only rarely do we find all of those attributes in one location. Introducing Jester Park.
Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Campground – Virginia – The Shenandoah Valley and the National Park that encompasses it has to be one of the most beautiful places in North America.
Jekyll Island State Park, Jekyll Island, Georgia – Jekyll Island, a hamlet off the coast of Georgia, provides a wonderful rustic campground to explore this magical oasis.
Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama – In five years, we have stayed in 325 places and only three campgrounds have percolated to the top of our 5-Bambi Rating system, here’s our fourth one.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Moab, Utah – Dead Horse Point offers the beauty and grandeur which many travelers will swear on a stack of red rock shale rivals The Grand Canyon.
Fisher’s Landing – Martinez Lake, Arizona – Fisher’s Landing – securely tucked into a fish-hook curve on the Colorado River is everything any rustic, self-reliant camper could possibly hope for.
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort – Borrego Springs, California – An Oasis in the Anza Borrego Desert.
Little River State Park – Waterbury, Vermont – A gem nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Maumee Bay State Park – Ohio – Maumee Bay State Park is as clean as Disneyland. Everything is raked, mown and trash free.
Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort – Mesa, Arizona – What a surprise in Mesa, Arizona
Fort Wilderness – Disney World, Florida – It should be no surprise that our first 5-Bambi rating goes to Disney’s Fort Wilderness!
Outdoors Resorts of America – Melbourne Beach, Florida – Wintering in Florida with no reservations.
Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort and Marina – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An enchanting getaway on Hilton Head Island.
Dreher Island State Park – Prosperity, South Carolina – A little known campground in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Is Myrtle Beach too commercial for you? Check out our review of the State Park.
Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man’s Cave Campground – Logan, Ohio – A hiking wonderland!
Harvest Hosts – An Elegant Alternative – Harvest Hosts – a membership model that joins old-world hospitality to grass-roots commerce resulting in complimentary camping.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground – Medora, North Dakota – A hidden gem that many may not know even exists.
Miracle Hot Springs – Buhl, Idaho – Two for the price of One! Camping and two hot springs!
Water Canyon Recreation Area – Winnemucca, Nevada (or BLM for Beginners) – The big solar test to survive one week on NO hook ups in rugged BLM sorta-Wilderness.
Chassahowitzka River Campground – Homosassa, Florida – A campground 75 miles north of Tampa, Florida. Currently, our favorite place – or at least the place that has charmed us most.
Ho Hum RV Park – Carrabelle, Florida – Located right on the Gulf of Mexico where the best oysters in the south are harvested!
Silver Strand State Beach RV Penitentiary – Coronado California – Right on the beach, beauty everywhere, but you better be home by 7 pm.