Thanksgiving Adventures Beyond the Table: Fun Activities at RV Parks and Campgrounds
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and trimmings—it’s a time for family, fun, and making memories. If you’re spending the holiday at a campground, RV park, or resort, you’ll discover an array of festive activities designed to make your celebration unforgettable. From turkey trots to wine tastings, these parks offer creative ways to embrace the season while enjoying the great outdoors.
Unique Thanksgiving Experiences at RV Parks
Looking to shake up your Thanksgiving routine? RV parks and campgrounds transform the traditional holiday into an adventure. Many offer curated activities to make the holiday feel extra special.
For thrill-seekers, Carolina Adventure World in Winnsboro, North Carolina, features 100 miles of ATV trails. Imagine spending your Thanksgiving weekend zooming through the forest before sitting down for a hearty meal. If you prefer something more classic, many RV parks host traditional Thanksgiving feasts. At Colorado Springs KOA Holiday, bring non-perishable food items to enter a raffle for a free weekend stay while enjoying a communal dinner that supports local charities.
Festive Activities to Try This Thanksgiving
RV parks get into the holiday spirit with events that mix creativity and tradition. Here are just a few highlights:
- Turkey Scavenger Hunts: Search the campground for hidden turkeys in this family-friendly activity.
- Gobble Contests: Channel your inner turkey—can you cluck the loudest?
- Potluck Dinners: Share your favorite dishes with other campers and taste theirs in return.
- Wine Tastings: Sip local vintages while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
At Jellystone Park in Burleson, Texas, you can compete in unique games like “Tip the Thanksgiving Basket” or join a turkey trot. Meanwhile, the Okeechobee KOA Resort in Florida offers a “Friendsgiving Dinner” where guests decorate their own tables, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
A Snapshot of Holiday Fun: RV Parks and Their Thanksgiving Activities
| RV Park | Location | Thanksgiving Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Jellystone Park Camp Resorts | Multiple Locations | Traditional buffet dinner, holiday crafts workshops, campfire gatherings with hot chocolate, scavenger hunts |
| Ocean Lakes Family Campground | Myrtle Beach, SC | Community potluck dinner, golf cart parade, live entertainment, turkey-themed kids’ crafts |
| Cherry Creek State Park | Aurora, CO | Guided “Walk Off the Turkey” hikes, bonfires, nature programs, bird watching |
| Lake Rudolph Campground | Santa Claus, IN | Full Thanksgiving dinner, holiday light displays, family movie nights, seasonal crafts |
| Emerald Forest Cabins | Trinidad, CA | Campfire Thanksgiving dinner, nearby restaurants offering holiday specials |
| Zion River Resort | Virgin, UT | Community Thanksgiving potluck, scenic Zion National Park adventures |
| Pismo Sands RV Resort | Pismo Beach, CA | Holiday events, potlucks, live music, family activities |
| Fort Wilderness Resort | Walt Disney World, FL | Thanksgiving dining events, seasonal parades, character meet-and-greets, fireworks show |
| Fountain of Youth Spa Resort | Niland, CA | Thanksgiving potluck, interfaith church service |
| Yosemite National Park | California | Chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals in three locations |
| Tennessee State Parks | Tennessee | Eight parks offering on-site restaurant feasts |
| Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona | Thanksgiving classics and southwestern-inspired dishes at El Tovar Dining Room |
| South Padre Island KOA | Texas | Turkey and ham Thanksgiving dinner (potluck-style sides) |
| Chula Vista RV Resort | California | Potluck Thanksgiving dinner, holiday light ceremony |
| Top of The Hill RV Resort | Texas | “Turkey in a Trash Can” Thanksgiving Dinner |
Giving Back While Giving Thanks
For many campers, Thanksgiving is also about showing gratitude by helping others. Parks like The Voyager RV Resort in Tucson, Arizona, host charitable events like the “Share the Bounty Dance,” where the entry fee is two non-perishable food items that benefit local food banks. These events combine festive fun with a meaningful way to give back.
Embracing the Beauty of the Outdoors
Thanksgiving at an RV park also means waking up to stunning landscapes. Whether it’s mountain views, beach strolls, or forests painted with fall colors, the scenery adds to the holiday magic. After your meal, take a leisurely hike or a post-dinner walk to enjoy the crisp autumn air.
For those missing Black Friday traditions, some parks like Okeechobee KOA Resort offer alternatives such as craft and bake sales. Pick up unique handmade gifts while avoiding crowded malls.
Dancing, Feasting, and Making New Traditions
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a little entertainment. Parks like Okeechobee KOA host live music, with bands like The Southern Blend Band providing tunes for a post-feast dance party. It’s a chance to burn off that second slice of pie and have some fun with fellow campers.
If cooking in an RV feels overwhelming, many parks, such as the San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday, provide the main courses like turkey, dressing, and gravy. Guests bring a side dish or dessert to round out the feast, creating a stress-free and communal dining experience.
Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving RV Adventure
To make the most of your Thanksgiving on the road:
- Book Early: Popular parks fill up quickly for the holiday weekend.
- Check the Activity Schedule: Know what events are planned to maximize your participation.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring weather-appropriate clothing and any special items you need for activities.
- Come Prepared: Stock up on ingredients for your favorite dishes and bring games for downtime.
Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember
Thanksgiving at an RV park offers a perfect blend of tradition and adventure. From creative activities like turkey scavenger hunts to scenic walks surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a chance to celebrate in a new and exciting way. You’ll share meals, laughter, and perhaps even start a few new traditions with fellow campers. Whether it’s a communal potluck, a lively dance, or simply watching the leaves fall, an RV Thanksgiving is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So why not pack up your RV and give it a try this holiday season?
