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 it’s 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.
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.