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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5 Things to Do at The Jersey Shore

Named by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2023, the Jersey Shore should definitely be on your summer getaway list. Of course, people have been summering at the Jersey Shore since the late 19th century, so it’s always been a popular place to enjoy the beach, the waters of the Atlantic, and nearby attractions. Book a cabin or cottage at Pine Haven and see what the Jersey Shore has in store for your glamping adventure this summer.

1. South Cape May Meadows: Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or not, a trip to South Cape May Meadows is worth the views. The flat, walkable trails through dunes, wetlands, and meadows in this globally renowned birding spot are good for some exercise with an added plus of seeing native and migratory birds.

2. Lighthouse Visits: Of course Atlantic City has the amazing and historic boardwalk, but it is also home to New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and one of the oldest in the country. Standing 171 feet tall, Absecon Lighthouse is over 150 years old and if you’re up for some cardio, you can climb all 228 steps to the top! Recently renovated, the Lighthouse has a museum, gift shop, and a replica of the Lightkeeper’s dwelling.

Lifeguard boat on beach in Sea Isle City, NJ
Lifeguard boat on beach in Sea Isle City, NJ

3. Nostalgia Trip: If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia during your trip to the Jersey Shore, consider a visit to the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk with its shops and arcade, plus that fabulous saltwater taffy. Or, take a ride to Margate to check out Lucy the Elephant, the National Historic Landmark, that stands six stories high! Fear of German invasion from the waters of the Atlantic was very real in 1942, so lookout towers were built along the shorelines in the area. One is still standing in Cape May and is a great history lesson as well as a sight to behold.

Boardwalk at Ocean City, NJ
Boardwalk at Ocean City, NJ

4. Boardwalks and Beaches: New Jersey has 130 miles of Atlantic coastline and more than 60 designated beaches with each offering something different. As for boardwalks, there are plenty. There is the afore-mentioned Atlantic City Boardwalk, but others to check out include the one in Wildwood which has a 156-foot Ferris Wheel at Morey’s Pier, a Doo Wop Museum and a Neon Sign Garden; or the historic Cape May boardwalk, which is actually known as a “promenade” and is great for walking, roller skating or biking as it is paved. For beaches, check out the offerings in Atlantic City, Avalon, and Cape May.

Victorian Homes in Cape May, NJ
Victorian Homes in Cape May, NJ

5. Northeastern Charm: Speaking of Cape May, make sure to spend some time in this charming seaside resort town. The Emlen Physick Estate is an historic 18-room Victorian mansion that is open for tours. Visitors to Cape May can plan to take a special trolley tour to see the “Painted Ladies,” which are the colorfully painted Victorian homes throughout the town. There also options for food tours and wine tours or just a day at the beach with the chance of spotting dolphins or whales in this quaint Jersey Shore location. To plan your visit, go to capemay.com.

Cabin at Pine Haven Campground
Cabin at Pine Haven Campground

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Top Coaster Rides

The ups and downs you may have experienced this summer will feel like nothing once you take a ride on one of these roller coasters. August is National Roller Coaster Month, so we rounded up a few of the newest, oldest, and scariest to consider.

According to an article in USA Today, the best roller coasters of 2022 includes Steel Vengeance at Ohio’s Cedar Point. Opened in 2018, it is considered a “hyper-hybrid” coaster standing 205 feet tall and riding at a whopping 74 miles per hour. With over 5500 feet of track, which includes 30 seconds of airtime, this 2-minute ride is guaranteed to shake you up, just a bit! Plan to stay in a cabin at Kenisee Lake and you’re about 100 miles from Cedar Point.

Another USA Today list maker was the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Florida. Four inversions, an 80-degree drop, 4,700 feet of track and oh, yeah, the simulated velociraptors, combine to make this one heart-stopping, stomach-dropping ride. Book a cabin or cottage rental at Orlando RV Resort or a colorful cottage at Tropical Palms and get ready to ride!

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

The Travel Channel has its own list of top coasters in the U.S. and they include El Toro at New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure (but coincidentally was also named by USA Today as #1 in 2022. El Toro, which means the bull, is a wooden roller coaster that opened in 2006. It may be old by some standards, but it is mighty, as in mighty scary. The coaster ride starts with a 19-story climb only to drop 176 feet. It continues on, totaling one minute and forty-two seconds for the whole ride, through twists and turns and hills and valleys, just like any good bucking bull would as it tries to knock off a rider. Stay at any of our New Jersey locations to enjoy Six Flags Great Adventure.

Safari Tent at Morgan Hill Campgroud, CA
Safari Tent at Morgan Hill Campgroud, CA

Speaking of old, what about riding one of the oldest roller coasters in America? Head out for a glamping adventure at California’s Morgan Hill and head into Santa Cruz to ride the 98-year-old Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Or, glamp at California’s Pio Pico RV Resort & Campground, just outside San Diego, to ride another nonagenarian coaster, also named the Giant Dipper and also 98-years-old, found in the city’s Belmont Park. They are still pretty swift for their age, each running at a speed of 55 miles per hour.

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster in San Diego, CA
Giant Dipper Roller Coaster in San Diego, CA

A newbie to the coaster world includes The Pantheon, which premiered this past March at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, billed as the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster and travels at a top speed of 73 miles per hour. Hold on to your hats, and togas, when riding this ride that is said to have the strength of the strongest Roman Gods. Book a stay in a cabin at Virginia’s Williamsburg Camping Resort when visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

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