The 5 Best Campground Chains for First-Time Campers

The RV is packed, and you, your beau or your family are ready to head out, but where to go? A safe area to set up makes all the difference between a fantastic adventure-filled time and wishing you were back home. Selecting campground chains over poorly run establishments ensures you get consistent quality, no matter where you choose to stay. But what are the best campground chains for first-time campers?

1. Kampgrounds of America

Best for variety and distribution

The Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is one of the best campground chains for first-time campers. Since its establishment in 1962, KOA has become the world's largest system of privately owned campgrounds, with over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada. It's a firm favorite with many budding campers.

The list of services at KOA facilities includes tent and RV sites, campgrounds with cabins, and patio facilities. Choose between Journey camps located near highways and byways, Basecamps, or Resort camps that feature luxury facilities to make camping for couples more romantic.

Enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, recreation programs and guided adventures as you let the outdoors relieve your stress with each day's stay. Other services and amenities include:

• K9 parks for dogs to explore off-leash
• Jumping pillows and movie nights
• Mini golf courses and basketball courts
• Hiking and wall climbing
• An app for easy reservations on Apple and Playstore

2. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts

Best for kids' entertainment

Since 1969, the Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park group has been making magic and creating adventures at its 75 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The facilities make ideal campgrounds for families, with the Yogi Bears ready to entertain younger travelers with wagon rides, lake swimming, boating and other activities.

Choose between RV stands, cabins, tents, tree houses or a novel yurt. If you and your partner want to have a special getaway, book a glamping experience with all the first-time camping essentials, which is sure to make memories. Other events and services include:

• Meeting the hosts—Yogi Bear and Boo Boo
• Relay races and craft fun for the kids
• Affordable accommodations with coupon offerings
• Water slides, splash grounds and jumping pillows
• Foam parties

3. Sun Outdoors

Best for upmarket camping

Previously known as Sun RV Resorts, Sun Outdoors is a part of Sun Communities, Inc., which is a real estate investment trust specializing in manufactured housing and RV communities. The campground chain has more than 140 facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, each offering unique experiences that cater to any vacation taste, from family-friendly to sophisticated.

Choose from grassy RV stands to fully paved and landscaped pads, tent sites with or without electricity, vacation rentals, and cabins. Specialized resorts cater to unique age groups, such as over 55 and active options. Other facilities and activities include:

• Pet-friendly dog parks and obstacle courses
• Wi-Fi for camping while staying connected
• RV patios, picnic facilities, outdoor pools and marinas
• Rally or meeting facilities for large groups
• Restaurants and bars

4. Thousand Trails

Best for specials and membership discounts

With over 50 years in the camping industry, Thousand Trails focuses on campgrounds for families and resorts that are perfect for RVers, vacationing couples, and those in search of summer recreational activities. The group comprises more than 200 sites, each with unique features that include age-qualified access, RV stands with full hookups, cabins, cottages and yurts. If you and your partner want a weekend adventure, try the glamping options.

While you can book a stay without membership, signing up qualifies you for discounts and special offers, such as a year-long camping pass at a one-time fee. Some fun facilities and camping activities for couples include:

• Golf and miniature golf
• Picnic and grill facilities
• Fishing and hiking trails
• Fitness centers
• Horseback riding and bike trails

5. AutoCamp

Best for Airstream experiences

If you love the RV life, you know how iconic the Airstream is to America's camping history, and this is where AutoCamp fits in. Each of the nine AutoCamp sites, each complete with its own Airstreams stylishly decorated for maximum comfort. This chain is a perfect choice for first-time campers who don't own the basics—or even a trailer—yet.

Opt for basecamp sites that combine Airstreams and luxuriously furnished canvas tents for larger parties or book a cabin. The convenience, comfort and proximity to some of the U.S.'s most famous parks make this an ideal option for corporate retreats, weddings, and other group events.

Other services and features include:

• Boutique hotel-style facilities
• Swimming pools
• Stylish lounge areas
• Cycling and hiking tours
• Firepits and wine tastings

Discover U.S. Campgrounds

With the right campground that offers fantastic experiences catering to any age—from tent adventures in the wild to glamping in an Airstream—campers can find the perfect setting for a unique outdoor trip. Not to mention, some provide first-time camping essentials so you don't have to spend more on your vacation. Reserve your spot or book a cabin today at a campsite that speaks to your adventurous spirit, with activities and landscapes that will thrill you and make memories.