Memorial Day RV Trip: Worth the Hype or Better to Skip?
Sponsored by Thousand Trails
Before you write it off, here’s what to know, where to camp—and why that FOMO might be justified.
Memorial Day weekend is the official start of RV season for many travelers—and the stats back it up. According to a 2024 RVIA-commissioned survey, 18 million Americans planned an RV trip over the holiday weekend. That’s a lot of propane tanks, lawn chairs, and campsite reservations.
It makes sense. The weather’s warming up, there’s a long weekend on the calendar, and people are itching to shake off the last of winter. But with all that momentum comes a question every RVer faces this time of year: Is a Memorial Day RV trip worth the hype—or just asking for stress?
It’s true that the holiday weekend has a rep for crowds, traffic, and hard-to-find campsites. But it doesn’t have to come with the usual headaches and scrambling. With the right destination, a solid plan, and tools that help you travel smarter—not harder—this can actually be one of the most energizing weekends of the year. You don’t need to have booked months ago or be a logistics wizard. You just need a little inside info—and that’s what this guide is for.
The Reality of Memorial Day RV Travel (and Why People Still Show Up)
If you’ve been RVing for a while, you already know—Memorial Day weekend isn’t exactly low-key. Campgrounds fill up. Kids are everywhere. The grill smoke is constant. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.
For many RVers, this weekend isn’t just about squeezing in a few days off—it’s about reconnecting. With nature. With family. And with the part of yourself that’s happiest outside, coffee mug in hand, watching the sunrise from your favorite camp chair.
Yes, it’s busy. It’s social. And it’s one of the few weekends of the year when campgrounds truly feel alive. There’s a buzz in the air, and if you lean into it instead of resisting it, you might find yourself having a better time than you expected.
5 Campgrounds That Could Save Your Memorial Day RV Trip
If you’re ready to get out there but still need a place to land, here are five Memorial Day-friendly campgrounds that offer full hookup RV sites and plenty of space to spread out.
All of them are part of the Thousand Trails and Encore network, which means they’re part of a national system of campgrounds and resorts that RVers can access through memberships or nightly rates. You’ll find them across the country—from quiet corners of California to family-focused spots near major attractions. Whether you’re after lakeside downtime or splash pads and activity boards, there’s probably one within range of wherever you’re headed.
Bethpage Camp-Resort – Urbanna, VA
A Big, Buzzy Holiday Weekend Spot on the Chesapeake Bay
If your idea of a good Memorial Day RV trip includes sunshine, water, and lots to do without leaving the campground, Bethpage Camp-Resort fits the bill. This is one of those places that feels like a full-on summer event—and that’s part of the draw. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, the campground offers full hookup RV sites and a sprawling list of activities that make it easy to ditch the schedule and just roll with the fun.
There’s a lake with a beach, a full water park, mini golf, hay wagon rides, and all the high-energy family fun you’d expect from a popular holiday weekend destination. You’ll also find yoga sessions, crabbing and fishing charters, live entertainment, and a surprisingly decent food lineup—from the Poolside Café to the ice cream stand with 20 flavors on tap.
It’s a long-weekend playground for families, friend groups, and RVers who don’t mind a little energy in the air. If you want your first trip of the season to feel like a celebration, Bethpage delivers.
“This place is like its own city with a restaurant, ice cream shop, golf cart sales and rentals, RV/boat wash station and a lot more. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. There are many activities and beautiful grounds…”
Memorial Day RV Trip at Yosemite Lakes – Groveland, CA
A No-Fuss Basecamp Just Minutes from One of the Most Famous Parks in the Country
If you want to spend Memorial Day weekend exploring Yosemite NationalNationla Park without roughing it, this campground hits a sweet spot. Located just 15 minutes from the park entrance, Yosemite Lakes offers the proximity you want with the full hookups and creature comforts your RV appreciates. The sites are tucked into a quiet, wooded area with a peaceful river running through—perfect for cooling off after a day on the trails or just stretching out in the shade.
There’s a small store for essentials, on-site fuel, laundry, and even Wi-Fi if you need to check in or pull up a map. For families, there’s a playground and plenty of space for the kids to burn off energy. For the nature-minded, expect deer sightings, walking trails, and that first-morning-coffee kind of calm. Yosemite Lakes is an ideal mix of convenience and nature, especially for RVers who want a true Yosemite experience without battling the crowds inside the park for accommodations.
“We loved this park. It is 10 min from the west entrance to Yosemite, so easy access to the park for day trips. The campground had sites right in the river, with folks setting up chairs behind their RVs to enjoy it. We opted for a more open site so we could utilize Starlink.”
Plymouth Rock Campground – Plymouth, WI
Holiday Vibes, Backyard Camp Games, and a Lake for Good Measure
This place was made for Memorial Day weekend. Located by Little Elkhart Lake, Plymouth Rock packs in all the campground classics and then some: three pools, four playgrounds, a hot tub, mini golf, live music, themed events, and even an outdoor movie screen. If you’re traveling with kids (or the young-at-heart), it’s a choose-your-own- adventure kind of place.
There’s no shortage of space to spread out or stuff to do. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, grab a seat at the dance hall or basketball court, or just tool around on a rented golf cart. The staff keeps the activity board full, but you can also just hang out at your site and soak up the lively, social atmosphere.
“We booked this visit for Mother’s Day weekend and it was so organized and helpful staff. We were escorted to our site and no issues with finding firewood. Excellent store and staff. We will definitely stay here again.”
Memorial Day RV Trip at O’Connell’s RV Campground – Amboy, IL
All-Ages Action, Lake Access, and Campground Community
There’s nothing over-the-top about O’Connell’s RV Campground—except the activity list. And over Memorial Day weekend, that’s a winning combo. There’s a little bit of everything: swimming pools, paddleboarding on the lake, mini golf, themed weekends, and fishing spots for those who’d rather slow down.
It’s popular with families and big groups, so expect a steady hum of activity throughout the campground. The layout is spacious, so you’re not packed in unless you want to be. You’ll find friendly staff, well-maintained grounds, and a solid lineup of weekend fun. For RVers who want a classic holiday weekend camping experience—complete with cookouts, cannonballs, and kids on scooters—this Illinois spot fits the bill.
“…you can see the galaxies in the sky at night!! It is fun to attend the weekend activities or watch the decorated golf carts zip around. Loved kayaking the lake…and swimming in the lake with a beach…”
Encore Tropical Palms – Kissimmee, FL
Poolside Camping Near the Magic, Without the Theme Park Price Tag
Planning to mix in a little Orlando fun over the long weekend? Tropical Palms puts you close to the action without dropping you in the middle of it. Just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World and walking distance to Old Town Kissimmee and Fun Spot America, this Encore resort is more about convenience and comfort than nature—but that may be exactly what you want.
Sites are full hookup, and the grounds include a pool, shuffleboard, dog park, mini golf, and an activity center that leans into the Florida sunshine with poolside games, crafts, and occasional live music. It’s pet-friendly and kid-ready, with just enough programming to keep things lively if you’re hanging around for a day off from the parks.
“This park has everything you need. We enjoyed the pool and games on site. It is walking distance to old town Kissimmee which has bars restaurants and a car show every weekend. Its also a ten minute drive to Disney. We did not want to leave…”
Tips to Take the Chaos Out of a Memorial Day RV Trip
Even the best campground won’t save your weekend if getting there is chaotic or you’re rushing around once you arrive. Here are a few ways to take the edge off and keep your Memorial Day RV trip running smoothly:
- Adjust your timing to beat the rush. If you can swing it, leave a little earlier or later than peak travel hours. Campground arrivals are usually smoother mid-morning or midweek, and off-peak travel can help you avoid the worst of the traffic.
- Make food easy (and bring more than you think). Even if you plan to grill, have some low-effort meals and snacks on hand. Traffic, weather, or check-in delays can shift mealtime fast. Bonus tip: pre-prep sides, marinate ahead, and store things in grab-and-go containers to make setup smoother.
- Pack for surprises—not just sunshine. Memorial Day weather has a mind of its own. Bring layers, extra towels, and a fan or heater, depending on where you’re camping. You may start the day in shorts and end it bundled up.
- Use RV-specific tools that actually think like an RVer. With RV LIFE Trip Wizard, you can build a custom route based on your rig’s height, weight, and preferences—so you skip the low-clearance surprises and awkward fuel stops. Pair it with the RV LIFE GPS app to get turn-by-turn directions that follow your plan and avoid sketchy reroutes. You’ll also get alerts for major weather systems like storms and wildfire zones before they become a problem.
So… Is a Memorial Day RV Trip Really Worth It?
It depends on what you’re looking for—but if you’re craving fresh air, a change of pace, and the kind of campfire chatter you only get when everyone’s out of hibernation, then yes, it just might be. Memorial Day weekend isn’t the quietest or calmest time to hit the road, but it’s a shared kickoff that brings RVers together from coast to coast.
With a little flexibility, the right campground, and a few smart tools in your back pocket, it’s absolutely possible to turn the most crowded weekend of the season into one of the best. So if that rig is ready, maybe it’s time to stop wondering if it’s worth it—and just go.
Check availability at your favorite Thousand Trails or Encore campground, fire up the trip planner, and make this year’s Memorial Day RV trip one to remember.
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Source: https://rvlife.com/memorial-day-rv-trip/
