USA Today: The Best Spots To Enjoy Year-Round Camping, From San Diego To Orlando

The most googled question this week by would-be campers: what campgrounds are open?

That one is simple enough, yet hard to answer.

Campgrounds that can keep up with fluctuating COVID-19 health and safety guidelines are open for business. Seasonal campgrounds are in hibernation mode and won’t likely reopen till spring.

Other sites around the country are either partially restricted or closed entirely due to pandemic mitigation efforts. For instance, campsites at a dozen national forests in California, including Sequoia National Forest and Sierra National Forest, are closed until Jan. 29).

While camping has not returned to normal, the demand remains high for close-to-nature escapes, where social distancing is less arduous. Even as we head into the cooler months, families are yearning for activities outdoors. They just want to pitch a tent and roast marshmallows with the kids.

So, where do all these would-be travelers want to set up camp? RVshare.com, a recreational vehicle marketplace for renters, compiled a list of the eight most searched destinations for camping enthusiasts this season.

8. San Diego

San Diego ranks no. 8 on the list for top U.S. camping destinations to visit during the winter. Southern California lures campers with warm weather, palm trees, and beachfront campsites. However, under the latest COVID orders, state campgrounds located in counties with regional stay-at-home orders must remain closed at least Jan. 29. Private campgrounds may be technically open, but can only accept reservations for essential travelers while a stay-at-home order remains in effect.

7. Fort Worth, Texas

No. 7 is Fort Worth, Texas, home to the region’s largest theme park, Six Flags, and offers a variety of nature parks, gardens, and a large zoo. Campers can take in 1.5 miles of sandy beaches on the Brazos River and explore over 350 acres of land from a riverfront campsite at Bee Mountain Ranch Camp. While it’s more of a barebones camping experience, modern amenities like firewood, ice, and generators are available to rent or purchase, along with extras for activities like paddle boarding or kayaking. And good news for campers with fur children: your dog is welcome.

Want to know the number one spot on the list? Check out the full article from USA Today here.