Tag: O’Connell’s RV Campground

Top 4 Scenic Hikes to Take in August 

A good long hike is always a good idea, as it benefits your mind and body in one fell swoop. But when the temps climb with summer weather, heat and humidity may factor into your hiking efforts, or lack thereof. Here are a few good summer hikes to consider: 

The Bar Island Trail: Before you head out on this lovely hike across the water, make sure you know when low tide is expected as it’s the only time the sandbar is exposed allowing the trek across to Bar Island. This is a lovely short loop trail with great views of Frenchman Bay. Fun fact – it is one of the oldest known hiking trails on Mt. Desert Island with descriptions dating to 1867. Plan a glamping stay at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground or Narrows Too Campground. 

Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

Tuolumne Meadows: Located within California’s Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Meadows are a great spot for a summer hike not only thanks to the lower temps experienced here due to its higher elevation location within the park, but also the wildflower blooms that are in full view from late May through October. Plus, the views of the Park’s granite peaks are spectacular from the Meadows. Plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.  

Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

Starved Rock State Park: Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park has several great summer hikes that offer shade trees and waterfalls to help keep temperatures more moderate, so hikes are pleasant. Consider the St. Louis Canyon Trail at 2.1-miles out and back (note – there is a steep staircase to traverse) or the LaSalle Canyon, an easy-to-moderate hike, with spectacular canyon photo ops. Plan a glamping stay at O’Connell’s RV Campground and you’re less than 40 miles from the park.  

Cabins at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabins at O’Connell’s RV Campground

If you love vibrant pink blooms of flowering rhododendrons, or just a beautiful hike with lush scenery, consider the Ramona Falls hike in Mt. Hood National Forest. This longer hike at roughly a little less than eight miles is worth it for the scenery, and of course, the 120-foot waterfall. Book a stay in a tiny home at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village to be near this hike.  

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Lakeside Glamping Adventures for the Outdoor Enthusiast 

Sure, there’s nothing like summer vacation on the water. And just so we’re clear, that water does not have to be an ocean. In fact, many people prefer lakeside retreats for vacations because of the tranquil feelings the lake provides. Not to mention the crazy variety of activities you can do on a lake which tends to be much calmer than the ocean. For instance, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and of course, just floating. And you know what they say about those lake breezes – “it’s cooler by the lake!” We have plenty of suggestions for a lakeside retreat for a summer glamping getaway guaranteed to leave you with a peaceful, easy feeling when it’s time to head home.   

Head to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House, CA, choose a glamping accommodation from the cabins, cottages and yurts and enjoy the 120-acre Lake Mildred. Surrounded by towering pine trees, a day on the lake here could include swimming, boating and fishing for bass and trout. If you want to enjoy the lake views from the beach, there’s a sandy beach right onsite.  

Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground
Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground

While technically not on the lake, you won’t want to miss a glamping trip to California’s Tahoe Valley Campground so you can explore beautiful nearby Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the US. Head to Emerald Bay State Park for opportunities to enjoy the like including kayaking, swimming and absolutely fabulous photo ops! 

O’Connell’s RV Campground has not just one, but two lakes for your enjoyment when you book a cabin or cottage at this Illinois glamping resort. Swim, fish, kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or just enjoy the sunset views over the lake. 

Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ
Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ

Book a glamping cabin or cottage at New Jersey’s Pine Haven Campground which offers glampers two freshwater lakes – one for swimming and one for fishing. One fun fact about Pine Haven is that it is less than 40 miles from Atlantic City and the iconic boardwalk that borders another wonderful body of water – the Atlantic Ocean! 

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

If you’re looking for some lake time, then visit the Queen of American Lakes, also known as Lake George. Given this nickname by Thomas Jefferson, who said it was “the most beautiful water I ever saw,” the Queen can be found in New York’s Adirondack region with a glamping stay at Lake George Escape Campground. All kinds of lake activities can be enjoyed here from swimming and fishing to paddling and kayaking to beautiful, chartered dinner cruises around the lake.  

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Four Glamping Trips to Help You Spring into Summer

Glamping is great any time of year, but there is something about a summer glamping trip that checks all the boxes. The weather is nice, festivals are in full swing, beaches are open, hiking and biking trails tend to be drier, and flora and fauna are everywhere. Here are some great summer glamping ideas:

Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort
Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort

Coastal Summer: Feeling the warm ocean breeze, walking miles of beaches, and hearing the sound of the ocean is an ideal way to spend summer. Coastal cities to consider when glamping include Miami with a glamping accommodation at Encore Miami Everglades; Bar Harbor, Maine with a glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort; Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Oregon’s Thousand Trails Whalers Rest which is located just 150 yards from the Pacific Ocean!

Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

Theme Park Summer: Before you say “oh no, too crowded” take note that we are not talking about the major themes but instead the still fun, smaller ones like Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California (book a stay at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes); Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark (book a stay at Thousand Trails Hershey) or New Jersey’s Storybook Land (book a stay at Thousand Trails Sea Pines).

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

Festival Summer: Nothing says summer like a good festival whether it’s for food, music or just plain fun. San Diego welcomes Comic-Con July 24-27 (glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Maine’s Lobster Festival is scheduled for July 30-August 3 (stay at Thousand Trails Moody Beach); while the Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach is set for August 18-24 (stay at Thousand Trails Long Beach).

Whitewater Summer: If you’re looking for a great water adventure, consider a whitewater rafting expedition on some of these waters near our glamping locations: Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and take to the Tuolumne River; glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and whitewater raft on the nearby Sacandaga River, a tributary of the Hudson River; or take on the Vermillion River in Illinois while glamping at O’Connell’s RV Campground.

Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

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5 Things to Do In/Around Amboy, Illinois

Of course, if you’re planning to stay at O’Connell’s RV Campground in one of their great glamping accommodations (choose a cabin or cottage), there is plenty to do there without even leaving “home.” From sports courts that include horseshoes, volleyball and basketball to the mini-golf course and plentiful lake activities, you can spend days at the campground doing something different every day. But if the urge strikes and you want to explore the nearby heart of Illinois attractions, we have some ideas:

Waterfall at Starved Rock State Park
Waterfall at Starved Rock State Park

1. Starved Rock State Park: Less than 40 miles from O’Connell’s, Starved Rock State Park is a great place to visit if you want to explore picturesque waterfalls, sandstone canyons and miles of hiking trails at one of Illinois’ main attractions. The Park offers all kinds of guided tours and water cruises while visitors can also explore over 13 miles of well-marked trails on their own. The Lodge was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lodge features a cafe, lounge and a gift shop. The Park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

2. Dixon: The town of Dixon may be small, but it has plenty of history. For instance, not only was it the spot where Abraham Lincoln joined the militia to fight in the Black Hawk War in 1832, but it’s also the location of the boyhood home of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan. Public tours of Reagan’s former home are available Thursday through Saturday from April through December (yaf.org/reagan-boyhood-home). The Lincoln Monument State Memorial depicts a bronze statue of Lincoln as a 23-year-old captain during the Black Hawk War. Every Wednesday and Saturday through October, the Farmers Market is held in town’s Haymarket Square. Also, the Riverfront Plaza, which is dog-friendly, is a nice place to view the Rock River and check out the nearby stores.

Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

3. Ottawa Road Trip: Another charming small town within a short drive from O’Connell’s is the city of Ottawa. Here you can find The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum which is dedicated to preserving the history of scouting in America and the start of the Boy Scouts of America (now known as Scouting America) and The Reddick Mansion (reddickmansion.org), an example of 19th century Italianate architecture and possibly the most expensive and ornate private home built in Illinois before the Civil War. After touring the mansion, make sure to visit Washington Square Park, which is across the street from the mansion. The park features bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas to commemorate the site of the first senatorial debate between these two gentlemen in 1858. Another interesting statue in Ottawa is the Radium Dial Girl, which pays homage to the women who were subjected to dangerous radium-laced, glow-in-the-dark paint while working at the Radium Dial Company that was operated in Ottawa in the early part of the 20th century.

Waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens
Waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens

4. Anderson Japanese Gardens: These beautiful gardens lie about 50 miles from Amboy and are set among 12 acres that include winding pathways, koi ponds, and waterfalls. Tranquility and peace await at this oasis which highlights the three elements of a true Japanese garden – stone, water and plants. Docent-led tours are offered twice daily but visitors are free to also enjoy the gardens on their own. For information visit andersongardens.org.

5. Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve: A great place to hike, bird-watch and get some great nature shots, the Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve offers plenty of trails, plus wetlands and oak savanna. Shorter loop trails or longer hiking trails are both available here and provide the opportunity to see wildlife including sandhill cranes, turtles, and deer. Prairie flowers, butterflies and dragonflies add to this beautiful mix of nature. For details visit amboymarsh.wixsite.com/amboymarsh.

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