The RV Atlas Podcast

8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon (Pt. 2): with Camp West BBQ

This is the second episode in a two part mini-series with Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ. In episode one Jeremy covered four great campgrounds in northern California and southern Oregon that he visited with his family on an epic 17 day road trip earlier this summer. In this follow up episode he picks up where he left off and covers four more great campgrounds that his family visited on the second leg of their trip.For more information about all of these campgrounds check out this detailed blog post here or listen to the RV Atlas wherever you listen to your favorite shows! Huge thanks to Jeremy from Camp West BBQ for sharing this epic journey with the RV Atlas community! The post 8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon (Pt. 2): with Camp West BBQ appeared first on The RV Atlas.

8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1)

Northern California and Oregon are home to some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes and amazing campgrounds. With all of the options, how do you decide where to stay? Recently, Jeremy Wayland from Camp West BBQ planned his first long RV journey and chose this beautiful section of the Pacific Coast as his focus. His 17-day journey includes 8 great campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon. We are so glad he shared all of his tips and reviews with us! Thanks to Jeremy for sharing his family photos for this post!  We know Jeremy Wayland as “CampWestBBQ” online where he shares great BBQ content using his Traeger grills, with so many recipes and tips that are perfect for your camping adventures. He has been a weekend warrior, taking short trips with his family for over five years. This year, he planned his very first extended trip for his family of five (including three kids and the family dog!) in their 26-foot Coleman Lantern 263BH. Their 17-day journey took them from Elk Grove, CA, along the Northern California coast, the Oregon coast, to Salem, and back through Bend, OR, and Mt. Shasta. They hit eight campgrounds along the way—and we are so excited to hear all about them! Along with these reviews of 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon, Jeremy Wayland shared his thoughts on the shift from being a weekend warrior to a road-tripping pro, including how he went about planning such an extensive trip with his family and tips for first-time road trippers. We had such a great conversation that it is spread across two podcast episodes! To hear more about Jeremy’s journey and tips, click play on the media player above to find Part 1 of his interview or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Make sure to check out Part 2 of the podcast, as well, to hear more. Campground Reviews: Northern California Shelter Cove RV Campground (Shelter Cove, CA) If you want to visit the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and have incredible coastal views, check out Shelter Cove RV Campground. The campground offers full hookups. You won’t find a ton of resort amenities in the park, but you won’t miss them because there’s so much to explore in the area. Every evening, you can enjoy sweeping views of the sun setting over the ocean. Here’s a fantastic insider tip: Jeremy  recommends grabbing a shrimp po’boy at the campground deli. While this area isn’t good for swimming, the beaches are rich with tide pools. Jeremy’s family loved that they could walk to them right from their campsite to find sea urchins, sea stars, anemones, and crabs. A short drive away, you’ll find the Black Sands Beach, which has a stretch of black sand created from volcanic minerals and rocks.  Lighthouse Cove RV Park (Crescent City, CA) The Lighthouse Cove RV Park gives you great access to both the beach and the redwoods. It’s situated right on the coast near the Redwood National and State Parks.  This city-run campground has some full hookup sites. The best feature is that you can walk right to the water, where there’s a nice shallow harbor to play in.  Nearby, Jeremy’s family enjoyed visiting Battery Point Lighthouse (heads up: It’s only accessible for tours during low tide) and the Ocean World aquarium, which has a 45-minute tour with a touch-and-feel tide pool experience. It gives kids a chance to pet a shark, and a see a sea lion show. His kids loved it! Jeremy also recommends checking out SeaQuake Brewing for delicious beer, kombuchas, brick oven pizza, and locally caught fish dishes. Mount Shasta KOA Holiday (Mt Shasta, CA) Mount Shasta KOA Holiday served as a rest spot for Jeremy’s family on their way back home from Oregon, but the campground still deserves a shout out. It’s a smaller campground, but it has some great views of Mt. Shasta and a lot of kid-friendly amenities, with a pool, a park, and a game room. Remember, you can hear Jeremy’s full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon and more tips for planning your first long roadtrip by clicking play on the podcast player above or looking for The RV Atlas in your podcast app. Check out both Part 1 and Part 2! Campground Reviews: Oregon Sunset Bay State Park (Coos Bay, OR) Not only was Sunset Bay State Park Jeremy’s favorite campground of his trip, it just might have earned the title of best campground of all time. This state park has the huge, private sites you might associate with a state park, combined with full hookups, making it the best of both worlds. He described it as having “Jurassic Park vibes” due to the lush surroundings. This is a great area for hiking and biking, with trails accessible right from the campground. He especially recommends the Sunset Bay to Cape Argo trail for beautiful sweeping views of the ocean and cliff side. This brought back so many memories of our own great visit to the Oregon Coast in 2017. South Beach State Park (Newport, OR) While Jeremy’s family was sad to leave Sunset Bay State Park, the South Beach State Park ended up offering the best beach experience out of all of the campgrounds. There are extensive bike paths and trails that make it easy to reach the beach. The sites weren’t quite as private here, but the amenities were all well maintained. Jeremy’s recommends checking out the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which is spread across 23 acres with indoor and outdoor attractions. It is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, with over 15,000 animals and 300 different species. His family especially enjoyed the Washed Ashore exhibit, which features sculptures made from debris found in oceans. Roam America Tillamook (Garibaldi, OR) Roam America’s Tillamook RV Resort puts you close to the Tillamook Creamery, a must-see on any tour of the Oregon Coast. Jeremy W. was so impressed with the campground, especially the views from the 400 Loop and the excellent facilities. Even the bathrooms earned 5 stars! There’s a lot to do in the campground itself, including a new club house with a sauna and an elevated obstacle/ropes course designed for kids.  A bonus highlight here was that you could take a train ride to Rockaway Beach with a train station right at the front of the campground. Rockaway Beach is a great spot to stroll the shops, find food, and access the beach. Then, of course, there is the Tillamook Creamery, which was fantastic, with a guided tour, ice cream and cheese tastings, an awesome gift shop, and lunch. Premiere RV Resort (Salem, OR) From there, Jeremy’s family headed inland a bit more to Salem, where they stayed at Premiere RV Resort. This was the nicest campground they stayed in overall, with beautifully maintained grounds. The park offers a cool recreation room for kids, basketball courts, a pool, hiking trails, and more.  Downtown Salem is just a 10-minute drive, and Jeremy’s family enjoyed checking out the Oregon State Capitol and Riverfront City Park, which has a carousel and hosts city events. This was a nice chance for everyone to recharge their batteries, without staying quite as busy as they had on the coast. Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver (Bend, OR) Next up was the popular town of Bend. The Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver was a great base camp for exploring the area, with beautiful, tree-filled sites and an excellent pool area. The site they had was water/electric only.  Though the campground is around 20 minutes outside of Bend, they also enjoyed checking out the village of Sunriver, which has cute local shops, bookstores, coffee shops, breweries. Even in the midst of all the great things they experienced on this trip, one of Jeremy’s favorite memories was seeing his kids sit down to read right after buying new books in Sunriver. In Bend, Deschutes Brewing Company is a classic! He also recommends checking out Lone Crow Bungalow to find a great selection of gifts. Final Thoughts on This RV Journey to CA and OR As you can imagine, this was an epic adventure for Jeremy and his family! Make sure to find him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as CampWestBBQ! In addition to his camping adventures, you can find a lot of great food tips and recipes! We really want to thank Jeremy for giving us all of these details and recommendations! Make sure to click play on the media play or look for The RV Atlas in your podcast app to find both segments of our full discussion, as Jeremy shared full reviews of these 8 great campgrounds in northern California and coastal Oregon along with so many great reflections on the trip planning and family experience of being on the road! If you are planning your first long RV road trip, he has some amazing tips. You can also find more great Oregon recommendations here. The post 8 Great Campgrounds in Northern California and Coastal Oregon with Camp West BBQ (Part 1) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz

Since 2020, New River Gorge has held the title of the nation’s newest national park. Travelers are just discovering the magic of this fantastic slice of West Virginia. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, we have a special guest here to help you decide where to stay and what to do. There’s so much more to this region than its iconic bridge. Allie Kreuz is a special member of our RV Atlas Facebook group who has been so helpful in sharing tips and advice with our community, so when she reached out to share all of her trip details for New River Gorge National Park, we were excited to welcome her on the show. We last talked about New River Gorge in 2021, so it was time for an update. Allie has such great recommendations! Allie traveled to New River Gorge with her husband and three girls who camp in their Jayco 224BH. Their family likes to visit national parks, especially ones that are pretty easy to reach from the Midwest. Allie is going to tell us about two campgrounds, Adventures on the Gorge and Battle Run COE Campground. Plus, she has some great tips for what to do and where to eat during your stay. Allie shares a lot of great tips for planning a trip New River Gorge National Park adventures on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks to Allie for providing photos for this post! Adventures on the Gorge Resort Adventures on the Gorge comes highly recommended as a base camp for visiting New River Gorge National Park. Allie describes it as the perfect blend of a beautiful state park combined with a resort with great amenities. We all know how hard it is to find this combo! One tip Allie shared is that the gravel sites are not super level, like you might find at state parks, so take your levelers, especially if you have a longer rig. The campsites are not huge but they are wooded, giving them some privacy. You just might have a perfect spot to hang a hammock since the sites are all tucked into the trees. If you don’t have an RV, you will also find a large variety of cabins, as well as tent spots. Everything has a woodsy vibe that Allie describes as being like a “90s summer camp.” The pool rivals what you might find at resorts like Margaritaville at Pigeon Forge. with multiple areas for both kids and adults. But, the best part is that the pool deck has gorgeous views of the New River Gorge. There’s a sunbathing deck that has better views than the park’s visitor center. We all love when you can take the kids to a national park for outdoor adventures by day and then return to the campground for their fun and relaxation n the evening. Allie also gives a special shoutout to the food onsite at Adventures on the Gorge. Not only was it convenient, it was actually good! The park has multiple dining spots, including a pub, restaurants, and a poolside snack bar. The virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris were a huge hit with her girls, who might come to expect this at every campground. Even if you aren’t staying at the campground, Allie recommends coming for a meal. Also, you don’t have to leave the campground to truly experience the beauty of the New River Gorge. The pool isn’t the only spot to take in views. You’ll also find walking trails, scenic overlooks, and restaurants with a view. This is such a unique amenity to find in the campground and really adds to the experience! Planning an RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park Allie recommends starting your trip at a visitor center. The rangers can give you great trail recommendations, you can pick up your junior ranger booklets, and you can learn all about the park. There’s a great observation deck right at the visitor center. Plus, you can pick up all your merch and maps. Inside the park, Allie recommends Stone Cliff Trail for a fun hike (it’s more of a walk). This 2.7-mile trail follows an old road along the New River, so along your walk, you will see the rafters going by. It’s a fun way to get excited about a rafting trip. Plus, you can take a break and put your feet in the water. For a more adventurous hike, check out the Bridge Trail, which is more strenuous since it takes you to the bridge itself for up-close views. You really get a sense of the size of the bridge as you get close to it. This one includes some fun rock scrambles. Did you know New River Gorge National Park has a ghost town? You can tour the town of Thurmond. It has a visitor center inside an old train station. This was a bustling coal town in the early 1900s, but now, it has a population of two. You will have to drive there, but the drive itself is also fun, as it takes you over a one-lane bridge. You can peek in the windows of the downtown buildings and imagine what life was like a century ago. Rafting in the New River Gorge While the park is known for its views from above, one of the best ways to experience the park is in the deep river valley with a rafting trip. Allie recommends doing your visit in the summer, so you can get the full rafting experience. You can find whitewater options for more the more adventurous and calmer sections for rafting with kids and others who may want a calmer experience. Allie booked her rafting trip directly through Adventures on the Gorge. They could walk to the meeting spot right from their campsite, which was a major benefit. If you want to plan your own epic family RV trip to New River Gorge in West Virginia–consider rafting a must! Allie’s family thoroughly loved the rafting trip, from the bus ride to the rapids! Though she was initially nervous, the trip was calm enough to relieve those nerves but fun enough to be an adventure. She does recommend taking dramamine if you get motion sickness. After having a taste of tackling the rapids, her family hopes to return someday to do the Lower New River for bigger rapids! Allie booked a rafting trip that included lunch, and she was surprised by how good the spread was. Plus, at the end of the day, you can join the group to watch a video replay of your adventures. She thoroughly recommends Adventures on the Gorge for planning your raft trip. Allie shares a lot more great tips for planning your rafting trip on the podcast! Check it out by clicking play on the media player above, or look for The RV Atlas wherever you find your podcasts. Summersville Lake You could use Summersville Lake as a base camp for your visit to New River Gorge, or you can make it a day trip. Either way, it’s another great place to enjoy the landscapes of West Virginia. This is a 300-foot-deep crystal clear lake surrounded by sandstone cliffs. While you can stay busy exploring New River Gorge, Summersville Lake adds that relaxing summer element, where you can hang out in hammocks and enjoy the views and activities. On the lake, you can go paddling or boating. It’s a great spot for swimming, scuba diving, and even rock climbing (with fun drops into the lake). While Allie didn’t rent a boat this time, if she would return, she absolutely would do so on the next time to explore more of the 3,000-acre lake. There’s also newer state park right on the lake, which offers camping, hiking, and other activities. Battle Run Corps of Engineers Campground If you want to stay on Summersville Lake, Battle Run is a great Corps of Engineers campground. Allie gives two excellent tips for staying here: It’s hard to get a reservation, so consider setting up a cancellation alert in Reserve America if you miss out on booking a spot. Allie booked a last-minute stay at a gorgeous waterfront site. Make sure to note dogs are NOT allowed in the campground, which is kind of rare. As awesome as Adventures on the Gorge was, Battle Run was just as awesome in its own way. Allie recommends pairing the two parks for your stay. Doing Adventures on the Gorge first gets the excitement of rafting checked off the list, allowing your family to really relax by ending your RV trip to New River Gorge National Park at Battle Run. This park has 110 campsites, many are waterfront and electric only. Not only was the campground beautiful, it provides great access to the waters. Allie’s family had fun exploring an island just offshore. You can kayak and swim right from your campsites. The park has a terrific newly updated playground, as well as a fishing dock and boat launch. Final Thoughts on this RV trip to New River Gorge National Park We can’t wrap up this great post about planning a trip to New River Gorge without talking food. Allie recommends Pies and Pints. Fayetteville, West Virginia, is home to the original location of what has now become a small chain. Allie says it’s some of the best specialty pizza she’s ever had! Not only are the pies and pints truly great, the atmosphere is the perfect place to relax, with indoor and outdoor seating and a playground. We want to thank Allie for sharing all of these great recommendations with us! She’s already considering a return trip since New River Gorge truly stole their hearts. If you’re planning an epic family RV trip to New River Gorge National Park, you have everything you need right here to start your reservations and itinerary! The post An Epic Family RV Trip to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia with Allie Kreuz appeared first on The RV Atlas.

6 Tips for Getting Your RV Serviced, Best Camping Cookbooks, 6 Things I Love About My RV

After nearly two decades of RV ownership, we’ve experienced our fair share of dealership service appointments—some smooth, some challenging, and some outright frustrating. Getting your RV serviced can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we’re sharing practical, tested tips based on our personal experiences to help you have a smoother, less stressful experience when getting your RV serviced at a dealership. You can listen to us discuss these 6 tips for getting your rv serviced in detail on The RV Atlas podcast, wherever you listen.  Build a Relationship With Your RV Dealership One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of building a solid, long-term relationship with a trusted RV dealership. Unlike cars, RVs often require specialized expertise and unique maintenance considerations. If possible, try to establish a relationship with the dealership where you purchased your RV. Service departments often prioritize customers who bought their RV onsite, so sticking with your dealer for routine maintenance can improve your experience significantly. We’ve found dealerships are more accommodating and quicker to respond to issues when there’s an established history and relationship. Plan Your Service Appointments Strategically Timing is crucial when scheduling your RV for service. Dealerships typically experience seasonal surges in spring and summer. Planning maintenance during off-peak seasons, such as late fall or winter, can drastically reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency. We learned the hard way that booking a maintenance appointment in April can lead to extensive wait times or rushed service due to high demand. Make sure to book appointments well in advance, ideally months ahead if possible. Avoid emergency repairs by proactively scheduling annual inspections and regular preventative maintenance. Bundle Non-Emergency Repairs to Minimize Downtime One of our favorite tips for managing RV service appointments is bundling non-emergency repairs together. This approach helps prevent unnecessary downtime and prolonged stays at the dealership. Rather than taking your RV in each time a minor issue arises, consider maintaining a running list of smaller concerns that don’t require immediate attention. A faulty cabinet latch or a broken handle, can often wait until scheduled annual maintenance or a more significant service visit. Doing so prevents repeated trips and the inconvenience of your RV sitting idle at the dealership awaiting minor repairs. This method also simplifies your RV maintenance schedule, making it easier and more efficient to plan your travels and maximize RV usage. Clearly Document Your RV’s Issues One significant mistake many RVers make, ourselves included in earlier years, is failing to clearly document and communicate their RV’s issues. When dropping your RV off, provide the dealership with a written list of specific issues you want addressed. Clearly documented concerns help technicians accurately diagnose and fix problems, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth. We’ve learned to take photos and even brief videos of the issues we’re experiencing. This helps to clearly illustrate problems, especially intermittent ones, allowing the technicians to address them efficiently and effectively. Understand Your Warranty Coverage Thoroughly A common pitfall for many RV owners, especially new ones, is misunderstanding warranty coverage. Before you go in for service, thoroughly review your RV’s warranty documents. Understand exactly what’s covered, including the terms, mileage or time limits, and procedures for filing warranty claims. This proactive approach has saved us from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and frustrations during the service process. We also suggest clearly communicating to your dealership your intention to utilize your warranty. Provide documentation when necessary to streamline the approval and service process. Prepare for Extended Service Times Another mistake we made early in our RV ownership was underestimating how long service appointments could take. RV servicing can often involve waiting on specialized parts or manufacturer approvals, making the process lengthier than standard automotive service. Always inquire about expected timelines. Plan accordingly by making alternative accommodation arrangements, especially if your RV is your full-time home or if a scheduled trip is approaching. You can significantly reduce service time by communicating thoroughly with your dealership in advance of the appointment. Those pictures and videos that you send can help the service center order parts in advance so everything is ready to go when you drop your RV off to be fixed. Conduct a Thorough Post-Service Inspection Never leave the dealership without conducting a careful inspection of your RV to confirm all requested work was performed and done properly. It’s easy to overlook this step, but we’ve learned from experience that this is essential. Test appliances, systems, and repairs while you’re still onsite. This can save you unnecessary return trips and frustration later. Recommended Camp Cookbooks for Kids (and adults!) Someone asked for camp cookbook recommendations for kids. You can see read more about our favorites here, but this is a brief rundown of the ones we discuss on the podcast: “Out There: A Camper Cookbook” by Lee Kalpakis This engaging cookbook emphasizes creative, delicious, and approachable recipes tailored specifically for camping adventures. It’s ideal for campers looking to expand their culinary skills with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Cookbooks by Linda Ly Linda Ly, a two-time guest on The RV Atlas, offers exceptional recipes designed with campers in mind, combining fresh ingredients and practical cooking techniques: “The National Parks Cookbook: Recipes from Acadia to Zion” features recipes inspired by iconic U.S. National Parks, connecting campers with the culinary spirit of these beloved outdoor destinations. “The New Camp Cookbook” is a modern approach to campground cooking, filled with fresh, tasty recipes perfect for outdoor adventures. “The Route 66 Cookbook” provides nostalgic and delicious recipes inspired by the iconic American highway, ideal for road-trippers and campers seeking culinary adventures. Cookbooks by Emily Vikre Emily Vikre brings a creative twist to outdoor cooking and drink preparation with: “The Family Camp Cookbook”: Family-friendly and fun recipes perfect for camping meals that adults and kids will equally enjoy. “Camp Cocktails”: Delicious and creative drink recipes designed specifically for enjoying in the great outdoors. “Fireside Warmers”: Cozy, warming drink recipes ideal for chilly evenings around the campfire. “Outdoor Cooking with Edye Featuring the Omnia” by Edye Beans Specifically designed for Omnia Oven users, this cookbook offers versatile recipes that significantly elevate your camp cooking experience. It’s ideal for RVers who want to explore the full potential of this unique and practical cooking tool. “The Outdoor Adventure Cookbook” by Coleman Created by the iconic camping brand Coleman, this cookbook provides simple yet flavorful recipes optimized for outdoor cooking. It’s an excellent resource for campers looking for easy-to-follow meals. “The Outdoor Cook” by America’s Test Kitchen This authoritative cookbook offers thoroughly tested recipes, ensuring foolproof and delicious results at the campground. It’s particularly suitable for campers who appreciate detailed instructions and reliable outcomes. “Camp Cooking” by the National Museum of Forest Service History A cookbook rich in tradition, providing historic and nostalgic recipes inspired by America’s National Forests. Ideal for campers interested in culinary history and heritage recipes. “The Best of Lodge Cookbook” Perfect for fans of cast iron cooking, this collection from Lodge includes exceptional recipes designed specifically for use with cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles, enhancing the campfire cooking experience. “Project Griddle” by Stephen Raichlen From the renowned author of the BBQ Bible, this cookbook delivers innovative recipes specifically tailored for griddle cooking. It’s a must-have for campers who use a griddle regularly and want to take their outdoor meals to the next level. Don’t Miss It: The New Season of 6 Things I Love about My RV is LIVE! You can find the episodes here on Go RVing’s YouTube channel. See you at the campground, Stephanie + Jeremy The post 6 Tips for Getting Your RV Serviced, Best Camping Cookbooks, 6 Things I Love About My RV appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado

Located in the bustling outdoor playground of Grand Junction, Colorado, Camp Eddy offers a camping experience that seamlessly combines modern amenities, river access, and proximity to the vibrant downtown area. This unique campground, situated alongside the Colorado River, captures the best of both natural tranquility and urban convenience.  You can listen to our complete campground review wherever you get your podcasts! Camp Eddy Overview and Location Camp Eddy is beautifully situated on the banks of the Colorado River, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Grand Junction. The campground combines the rustic charm of riverside camping with close proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. It’s an ideal spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and travelers looking for comfortable amenities. Campsite and Accommodation Options Camp Eddy offers a range of lodging options for visitors. We stayed in an RV rental while we were there, since we flew into the Denver airport.  RV Sites: Camp Eddy features level, tidy back-in sites and pull-throughs with full hookups—electric, water, and sewer. The sites do not offer shade, so be aware if visiting in the summer.  Airstream Rentals: Camp Eddy also provides fully furnished Airstream rentals, ideal for those visiting without their personal RV. We found these accommodations very well outfitted, with toiletries, towels, and linens provided. Tiny Homes: Tiny homes offer compact, upscale luxury and a unique lodging experience with great views of the river and mountains. Campground Amenities The amenities at Camp Eddy are the star of the show, creating a hip, fun camping environment that mirrors the vibe of the surrounding region. Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: The bathhouses are clean, well-maintained, and modern, offering private, individual bathroom suites—a significant upgrade from typical communal campground bathrooms. Additionally, laundry facilities onsite add convenience for longer stays. Outdoor Space and River Access: A beautiful outdoor area featuring Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and hammocks along the riverbank provides a relaxing communal space for guests to enjoy nature and unwind. Camp Eddy’s prime riverfront location makes it ideal for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing riverside. Onsite Food Trucks and Snack Shop: The campground includes a convenient snack shop, ideal for grabbing quick items without leaving the premises. Additionally, during the peak season, onsite food trucks are scheduled for evening festivities. Outdoor Adventures and Activities Near Camp Eddy One of the greatest advantages of staying at Camp Eddy is the excellent variety of outdoor adventures available nearby. With its central location in Grand Junction, the campground offers quick access to exciting activities like river rafting, hiking, scenic exploration, and more. River Adventures with Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) Directly onsite, Grand Junction Adventures (GJA) makes exploring the Colorado River exceptionally easy. Visitors can rent equipment such as paddleboards, kayaks, and tubes without leaving the campground. GJA offers excellent guided float trips, including a particularly enjoyable route from nearby Palisade back down to Camp Eddy. This relaxing float provides scenic views and is highly recommended for a leisurely adventure suitable for all skill levels. Exploring Colorado National Monument Only about 15 minutes from Camp Eddy, Colorado National Monument is a must-see for campers. This remarkable national park features stunning red-rock canyons, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations, often compared to those found in Utah’s famous parks. A drive along Rim Rock Drive is a highlight, offering spectacular viewpoints like Grand View and Coke Ovens. Early morning visits provide excellent photography opportunities and cooler temperatures. Popular trails within the monument include the Canyon Rim Trail and the short Otto’s Trail, which offer breathtaking overlooks accessible for most visitors. Hiking Near Grand Junction Grand Junction offers ample hiking opportunities close to Camp Eddy. Devil’s Kitchen Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile round trip, leads hikers through beautiful red rock formations. Additionally, Monument Canyon Trail is notable for stunning rock formations such as Independence Monument, ideal for hikers seeking slightly longer routes with impressive views. ATV Tours (OHV/Off-Roading Adventures) For thrill-seekers looking for off-road excitement, adrenaline-pumping ATV tours are available in the Grand Junction area. These guided tours provide opportunities to explore more remote terrain, discovering breathtaking overlooks and rugged backcountry areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. Tours typically range from easy scenic rides suitable for beginners to more challenging adventures for experienced riders. Companies such as Adrenaline Driven Adventure Company (ADAC) provide reliable guided tours that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Mountain Biking Grand Junction is also popular as a mountain biking destination. Nearby trails offer everything from beginner-friendly paths to challenging expert terrain. Popular trail systems include the Lunch Loops area and the Kokopelli trails, providing a range of options to satisfy all skill levels. These trails offer stunning desert scenery and technical rides for those seeking adrenaline-fueled experiences. Exploring Downtown Grand Junction and Surrounding Areas Downtown Grand Junction is a quick drive from Camp Eddy and offers numerous attractions. The charming downtown district features boutique shopping, art galleries, and local cafes. The area is perfect for window shopping, enjoying local food joints, and exploring galleries. Visitors may also want to make time for a day trip to nearby Palisade, known for its orchards, vineyards, and wineries, perfect for wine-tasting excursions. Palisade offers unique opportunities to explore Colorado’s thriving wine country with numerous tasting rooms and vineyard tours. Dining Recommendations in Grand Junction Grand Junction offers exceptional dining options within easy reach of Camp Eddy, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment of the visit: Trail Life Brewing: Perfect place for a burger and beer after hiking in Colorado National Monument or rafting down the Colorado River. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the shareables–think pretzel bites and hummus platters–were a big hit with our kids. Devil’s Kitchen: Situated atop the Hotel Maverick, Devil’s Kitchen features expansive views overlooking the Colorado Mesa University campus and surrounding mountains. Known for dishes such as Wagyu steak and mushroom toast, this restaurant offers an creative dining experience ideal for special occasions or memorable dinners. The Hog and the Hen: Excellent for grabbing high-quality sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Their offerings are perfect for enjoying a picnic or as takeaway options to enjoy at your campsite. Tacoparty: A fun and casual spot serving creative tacos and unique side dishes. It’s a local favorite for casual meals. Tips for Visiting Camp Eddy Site Selection: When booking, be aware that sites are closely spaced and somewhat minimalist. RVers accustomed to grassy and spacious campgrounds should set appropriate expectations. However, the location amenities more than compensate for this. Reservations: Book early, particularly during the summer and shoulder seasons, as the campground fills quickly due to its excellent location and popularity. Connectivity: Camp Eddy offers strong Wi-Fi, a notable advantage for remote workers or anyone requiring reliable connectivity during their stay. Seasonal Considerations: Summer is ideal for river activities, while spring and fall provide milder weather perfect for hiking and biking nearby trails. Camp Eddy and Grand Junction Camp Eddy was a delightful place for us to kick off our Colorado and Utah summer adventure. Its unique urban riverfront location provides unmatched convenience to downtown Grand Junction, local dining, and outdoor adventures. The campground offers modern amenities, unique lodging options, and thoughtful design that appeals to a wide range of campers—from adventurous couples to families or groups of friends. For those prioritizing both outdoor experiences and urban amenities, Camp Eddy delivers the perfect combination, creating a memorable and enjoyable camping experience that reflects the best of what Grand Junction has to offer. The post Campground Review: Summer Fun at Camp Eddy in Grand Junction, Colorado appeared first on The RV Atlas.