Tag: Marina Dunes RV Resort

Winter Glamping Ideas for the Sun or Snow

The decision you make when it comes to your winter glamping depends on how you like to spend your winters. Will it be relaxing in the sun or enjoying the snow?

Winter at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Winter at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

On the snowy side, options could include Washington’s Thousand Trails Leavenworth, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Village Resort, and Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes in California. Leavenworth averages 89 inches of snowfall per winter so there’s no end to the white stuff for snowmobiling, skiing, sledding and snowboarding. Or maybe try something new like snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. The Bavarian-style village is even more quaint in winter with snow-capped backdrops and shopping, dining and winery options as well. A cozy tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village is the perfect glamping accommodation for this trip. Yosemite National Park in winter offers the Badger Pass Ski Area for both downhill and cross-country skiing while hiking is an option on the many trails in Yosemite Valley. Grab a group and choose a spacious yurt or bunkhouse for your winter getaway at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes or a cozy glamping cabin for two. Pick one of the adorably decorated and super-trendy tiny houses at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and explore the Mt. Hood area and all there is to do here in winter thanks to the five ski areas available. Check out historic Timberline Lodge and Ski Area for downhill, snowboarding and more “shushy” fun or try something really unique with the Cosmic Tubing offered on weekend evenings at the Mt. Hood Skibowl or a moonlight snowshoe tour offered through the Timberline.


If fun in the sun is on the agenda this winter, visit the Florida Keys where fun in the sun is an everyday event. Rent a colorful glamping cottage at Encore Fiesta Key (located on the Keys’ Long Key) and island-hop for a full Keys experience. Of course, no visit to The Keys is complete without checking out Key West – the storied island known for its six-toed cats, Hemingway history and Key Lime Pie! Then there is Key Largo; home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the underwater wonder, Christ of the Abyss, the bronze sculpture that protects divers as well as memorializes those lost. There is Islamorada, often said to be the prettiest key thanks to its white sand beaches, or the Dry Tortugas with its 18th century fort and amazing coral reefs.

Cottages at Encore Miami Everglades
Cottages at Encore Miami Everglades

Staying in Florida but heading to the mainland, a winter getaway could include Miami with a stay at Encore Miami Everglades and check out Miami highlights including the Miami Zoo, the Wynwood Walls, a series of colorful street murals, kayaking in Oleta River State Park and of course, Everglades National Park.

Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort

If you’re craving sand in the winter, as well as the sun, head to California’s Marina Dunes RV Resort. With its proximity to Carmel and Monterey, you’ll be close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, historic Cannery Row, the scenic 17-Mile Drive and beautiful Big Sur. For that sand experience, walk the beach along the dunes here.

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Unwind by the Sea, Lake, or River on a Waterfront Vacation

Some people just can’t get enough of the water – swimming, snorkeling, or sailing across it, and then there are some who just like to look at the water. Just being near water is good for mental health – lowering blood pressure and bringing a sense of calm. Whether you’re a fish in or out of the water, these waterfront towns are contenders for some of the best places to enjoy “blue space” when glamping nearby.

Virginia Beach: Check into a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay or Thousand Trails Williamsburg and you’re about an hour from the fabulous Virginia Beach Boardwalk which provides a scenic 3-mile stroll along the Atlantic shores. At 28-feet wide, the Boardwalk is great for biking, blading, running and walking. Plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions can also be found along the Boardwalk including the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Don’t miss the statue of the King of the Sea, Neptune, who holds court on the Boardwalk towering above the visitors with his ever-present trident.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

San Antonio: The serenity of the meandering San Antonio River is one draw of the San Antonio Riverwalk, one of the top attractions in this historic Texas town. Just about everything can be found along the 15-miles here including art (the San Antonio Museum of Art); waterfalls (The Grotto); a historic mansion (the Edward Steves Homestead Museum); and plenty of shops and restaurants. There are several options to explore this historic and scenic attraction from river cruises to guided walking tours and even a haunted walking tour! A glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake is the perfect accommodation for your San Antonio Riverwalk exploration.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach
Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach

Long Beach, Washington: The boardwalk found in Long Beach, Washington is more serene than others in that it doesn’t offer carnival rides and other attractions, but simply an opportunity to connect with nature as you stroll along the grassy dunes on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Watch for whales, seabirds and other wildlife or enjoy the kite flyers on windy days (Long Beach is known as the Kite Flying Capital of the US.) Named one of the top boardwalks in the US by Travel + Leisure magazine, there is a lot to do here including a visit to the odd, yet interesting, Marsh’s Free Museum where visitors can see “Jake the Alligator Man” among many other curious curios. Speaking of interesting, check out the yurt accommodations at Thousand Trails Long Beach for your glamping stay (cabins and cottages are also available here!)

Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Carmel-By-the-Sea: Book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. You will definitely feel transported in this quaint village with the European flair which people have described as Italian, German and British. To get the seaside effect, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for spectacular views of the Pacific – views that are so spectacular that renowned landscape artist Francis McComas called Point Lobos the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” Back in town, take a self-guided walking tour to learn the history of the area (for a map, visit carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-walking-tour). Other options include shopping, dining and visiting the several wine tasting rooms located around the town. Upcoming events here include the 36th Annual Taste of Carmel (October 3) and the 108th City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade (October 31).

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Let’s Get Festival!

Nothing better than a festival in the summer air to make us appreciate the season. From flowers to wines to artists and more, these festivals should be on your agenda for the next two months.

If you plan it right, you may still be able to catch the tulip blooms in Holland, Michigan. While the annual Tulip Time Festival runs from May 4-12th, you will still be able to see blooms if you miss the festival. The town’s streets have six miles of “tulip lanes” while Windmill Island Gardens is known for the massive tulip displays. This attraction also offers visitors fields of other blooming perennials as well as an historic windmill, plenty of Dutch history and walking trails and wildlife glimpses. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Bear Cave and you’re about an hour’s drive away.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington’s traditional Maifest is set this year for May 10-12. Book a tiny house stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth and enjoy the festivities which include Bavarian dancing and food along with a traditional Maipole. The Festzug Grande March parade is set for Saturday at noon and will feature horse-drawn wagons, dancers and adorable Bernese Mountain dogs.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City
Yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City

Set aside May 17 and 18 for an other-worldly experience at the McMenamins UFO Fest which honors the 1950 Trent saucer sighting. All kinds of fun await festival goers, including costume contests for adults and pets, a street fair, music, films and expert panels. Book a cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City and you’re about 50 miles from the festival.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay

A glamping cabin rental at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay is a must if you plan on attending the Gloucester Arts Festival, a month-long cultural event in this Virginia town with events running all month. The festival kicks off on May 31 and runs through June 29 with events throughout the area including workshops, art shows, artisan markets and more. For details visit gloucesterartsfestival.com.

It’s all about the artichoke come June 8-9 in Monterey when the Monterey County Fair and Events Center hosts this year’s Artichoke Festival entitled “Where Fun Blossoms.” The event promises entertainment, chef demos, wine tasting, a parade and, of course, an Artichoke Queen and all kinds of artichoke-focused foods. A glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes RV Resort is a must if you are planning to attend this unique event.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
Cabin at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

Santa Barbara is home to one of the largest, and most popular, summer solstice parties in the US. This year is the 50th Summer Solstice Celebration held in Alameda Park and promises all kinds of fun over the three-day event that runs from June 21-June 23. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso to welcome the Summer Solstice Cali-style.

Don’t miss the Adirondack Food and Wine Festival scheduled for June 29-June 30 in Lake George, New York. Glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and enjoy the two-day event that will feature food trucks, artisan food producers, crafters, craft beverage makers, and, of course, over 120 of New York’s best winemakers.

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The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Days

Want to have the best summer ever? Of course, start off with some great glamping plans and then see what other uniquely summer activities you can enjoy.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort

Go to the Islands: If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation on an island in the sun, check out the Channel Islands. This chain of five islands, known as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” can be reached via ferry from Santa Barbara and offer hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife watching and more. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Thunderbird, there is plenty of island hopping to be done just off this area of the Washington coast. Bainbridge Island offers the Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre nature reserve with gardens and walking trails. The charming town of Anacortes can be found on Fidalgo Island – check out the historic waterfront, the plentiful hiking trails and enjoy shopping and delicious seafood at the restaurants here. Of course, a trip to the Florida Keys is like a tropical getaway and there are plenty of islands to explore here from funky Key West to laid-back Key Largo (stay at Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key). Keys highlights include Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Bahia Honda State Park.

Ride a Roller Coaster: Looking for some thrills this summer? Check out some of these top roller coasters on your next glamping trip: The Giant Dipper on California’s Santa Cruz Boardwalk is not only one of the oldest roller operating rollers coasters in the world but also appeared in several movies, including Lost Boys and Sudden Impact (book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort); one of the newer kids when it comes to the roller coaster block is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Opened in 2021 at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, this newbie reaches top speeds of 70-mph and has four inversions (book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee); New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure offers El Toro with its 19-story climb only to then descend 176 feet! (book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake).

Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage
Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage

By the Shore: Long days at the shore make for great summer memories. Some of the best beaches in the US are near our campgrounds and include Coronado Beach in San Diego, noted for its sparkling sand thanks to the mica found here (book at stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe with towering pine trees, mountain views and plenty of sand (book a stay at Tahoe Valley Campground); Alki Beach with great views of the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle skyline, plus a 2.5 mile path along the beach for running, walking and roller-blading (book a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird); a classic New England beach with rocky shores and crashing waves, check out New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach complete with boardwalk and arcade (book a stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village).

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

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