It’s time to pack up the van and bask in outdoor adventure this summer. July offers an ideal time to go camping in the mountains where you can enjoy some shade and stay cool in the summer heat. Deserts and beaches also provide other van destination spots where you can take in awe-inspiring views and do some outdoor activities, such as hiking or swimming.
Summer vacation can turn into a crowded affair real quick if you’re not mindful of your destinations. Skip the crowded tourist attractions, and head to the great outdoors this season. Since summer storms and heat waves can make the outdoors a bit of a challenge, make sure you stay safe with plenty of water, sunscreen, first aid kits, and other supplies. Once your van is all packed and ready to go, you can look forward to an exciting July at these top van destinations.
Mazama Village Campground
Mazama Village Campground, located in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, offers 214 campsites, although only 18 have electric hookups. Potable water is available, as well as bear-resistant food lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings for a safe and cozy setup. The campground is close to Crater Lake, so you can enjoy picturesque views of the lake’s deep blue waters and the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that sites at the campground are assigned based on availability due to the pandemic.
Amenities and activities that are available in the park include:
- Scenic Rim Drive
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cleetwood Cove Trail
- Swimming
- Self-guided Rim Village walking tours
Smoky Bear Campground and RV Park
Smoky Bear Campground, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, offers plenty of shade, as well as many places to explore in the mountains. All campsites have full electric, sewer, and water hookups, as well as free WiFi and basic cable. Picnic tables and fire rings are also included at each site. This privately owned campground provides convenient access to all of the park’s natural wonders, including waterfalls and tree-covered mountaintops. You might also catch glimpses of elk, deer, and other local wildlife.
Outdoor activities that are available in the park include:
- Scenic drives
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Wildlife viewing
Campfire Lodgings
Campfire Lodgings offers campsites with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this campground has mountaintop campsites with some sites offering unobstructed mountain views and others offering plenty of shade trees. Each campsite comes with full hookups for water, electric, and sewer. With campsites perched at 2,478 feet above ground, you can count on having spectacular views throughout your stay. Wander through the surrounding woods on hiking trails, and watch for birds, deer, and other local wildlife.
Activities and amenities that are available in this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains include:
- Fishing
- Ziplines
- Tubing
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Rafting
White River Campground
White River Campground, located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, offers a good place to go if you’re trying to avoid excessive July heat. The campground is tucked away in the northeastern part of the park at a high elevation that provides panoramic mountain and forest views. Keep in mind that no electric, sewer, or water hookups are available at these campsites, so plan accordingly. Water, fire platforms, and picnic tables are included with each site.
Outdoor activities to do in the area include:
- Hiking on the Glacier Basin Trail and other nature trails
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Fishing
- Scenic drives
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines Campground, located in Yosemite National Park, California, offers convenient access to Mirror Lake Trail, which leads to beautiful views of Mirror Lake. The campground doesn’t have hookups for sewer, electric, or water, so make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip. The campsites do have drinking water, toilets, and food storage facilities. Head to nearby Curry Village to pick up supplies at the general store, then enjoy staying in an area filled with Ponderosa pine trees, white fir trees, and other shady trees.
Activities and amenities that are available in the park include:
- Fishing
- Rock climbing
- Scenic drives
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
Lake George RV Park
Lake George RV Park, located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, provides a place to camp in your van that’s close to Lake George. This park offers 400 campsites for vans and RVs, and all have electric, water, and sewer hookups for your convenience. Other amenities in the park include swimming pools, a mini water park, hiking trails, and biking trails. You can also easily get to Lake George Village and nearby Glen Lake.
Outdoor activities to keep you busy during your vacation include:
- Pond fishing
- Paddleboats
- French Mountain hiking trail
- Tennis, volleyball, and other outdoor recreation courts on-site at the campground
Blackwoods Campground
Blackwoods Campground, located in Acadia National Park, Maine, offers the best of both worlds with forest views and ocean views. The campground is on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island in the park, which is roughly a short 10-minute walk to the ocean. Enjoy camping in a wooded site that provides shade, but note that no electric, sewer, or water hookups are included. The campground does have a dump station, as well as running water and flushing toilets.
Amenities and activities that are offered in the park include:
- Birdwatching
- Biking
- Swimming in certain ocean and freshwater locations
- Tidepools
- Historic sites, including lighthouses and bridges
- Boating
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri is an ideal spot to go for plenty of sunshine and water activities, especially if you’re looking for a quiet campsite. The park offers more than 100 campsites for vans and RVs with basic amenities. Some campsites have electric hookups available, although full hookups aren’t offered. Go for a swim in the lake to cool off during July heat waves, or stay in the shade in the park’s wooded areas. The nearby Ozark Caverns provide a place to escape the heat altogether while exploring underground caves.
Other attractions and amenities available include:
- Coakley Hollow Fen Natural Area
- Patterson Hollow Wild Area
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Big Cypress National Preserve
If you love summer heat and humidity, Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida is the place to go for your July van trip. This swampy park has several campgrounds available, although available electric hookups vary. Midway Campground offers electric hookups at each of its 26 RV and van campsites, as well as drinking water, a dump station, and restrooms. Explore the waters of Big Cypress in a kayak or canoe, or take a scenic drive through the area to see dwarf cypress forests, hardwood hammocks, and more.
Amenities and attractions that are offered include:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Birdwatching
- Stargazing at this International Dark Sky Site
Jekyll Island Campground
Jekyll Island Campground, located off Georgia’s eastern coast, offers historic ruins, beaches, moss-covered oaks, and more. The campground’s wooded areas offer shade from the summer heat, along with convenient access to Driftwood Beach and Clam Creek. You’ll find 179 campsites to choose from, including 167 with electric, water, and sewer hookups for vans and RVs. Visit historic sites, such as Horton House, DuBignon Cottage, and Goodyear Cottage, or stroll along the shores of Driftwood Beach.
Outdoor activities and amenities to enjoy include:
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Miniature golf
- Summer Waves Water Park
- Horseback riding
If you’re working on plans for a summer vacation in the great outdoors, Rec Van can help. Visit us to view our available vans for your next camping trip. You’ll find top-quality vans to choose from in the size and price range you need.
