For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, the most important campground features are less about amenities and more about feeling safe and welcomed during their stay. While the camping community in general—regardless of orientation—is typically a friendly crowd, having a place to camp where you’re not always in the minority can be a welcomed change of pace. That’s why there are LGBTQ+ campgrounds throughout the U.S. where the gay community can relax, connect with the outdoors, and feel free to be themselves.
But what exactly is an LGBTQ+ campground?
These campgrounds are just like any other campground in the U.S., with the exception of being exclusively catered to or openly inclusive of the gay community and its allies. Some offer LGBTQ+ events (especially during Pride month), while others simply provide peace of mind for campers looking to get outside in a safe space.
From queer-owned RV campgrounds to luxe camping resorts with nightclub options, here are 10 gay-friendly destinations across the U.S. that promote inclusivity for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Northeast
Camp Out Mt. Nebo, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Camp Out Mt. Nebo is a new LGBTQ+ campground located in the Poconos Mountains. Outside of RV and tent sites, cabins, and rustic cottages, this campground offers a nightclub, pool and hot tub, lounge, and a designated area for sports and recreational activities. The RV sites offer a mix of 30-amp electric and full hookups (depending on your reservation). There is a dump station at the campground, and each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
This is an adults-only campground and you must be 21 or older to visit.
Oneida Pines Campground, Cleveland, New York
Oneida Pines Campground is a private, LGBTQ+-owned campground near Oneida Lake in New York. Full hookup RV sites are available for booking—plus, the campground features a saltwater swimming pool, miniature golf course, arcade, on-site laundry facilities, WiFi, hiking trails, and themed events planned throughout the camping season. This is a kid-friendly campground that prides itself on inclusivity for all.
Southeast
Starlite Lodge, Lenoir, North Carolina
Located outside of the picturesque town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Starlite Lodge is a gay-owned and operated campground open to all. Full hookup and dry camping sites are available for RVs or you can rent one of the campground’s cabins or tiny homes. There’s also a designated area for Class B+ campervans with water and electric hookups. Flush toilets, shower facilities, laundry, and a dump station are located on the premises. Plus, visitors can enjoy Starlite’s pool or kayak, fish, and swim in the Johns River which runs through the campground.
“This beautifully landscaped campground is very peaceful. The grounds are impeccably landscaped,” says a Campendium reviewer.
Sawmill Camping Resort, Dade City, Florida
Sawmill Camping Resort combines camping and outdoor recreation with a vibrant nightlife. This is an adult-only and members-only campground ($50 annual membership fee) welcome to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Campers can choose from tent and full hookup RV sites, campervan sites, or one of the campground’s cozy cabins.
From drag shows to game nights, campers can enjoy the many events that take place throughout the campground or hang out by the heated outdoor pool or nearby Ricki Lake. For those looking to come for only the day, daily passes are available for purchase.
Midwest
L.V. Campground, Coggon, Iowa
This small, adults-only campground prides itself on welcoming campers of all kinds. You can choose from 25 RV sites with either partial or full hookups or opt for a stay in one of the on-site cabins. The campground features a pool, shower facilities, a community kitchen area, and event space.
Campers can enjoy the many events offered throughout the camping season, including live music, dances, movie nights, and more.
Campit Outdoor Resort, Fennville, Michigan
Campit Outdoor Resort is more than a campground. This outdoor getaway offers tent and RV sites, retro-styled trailers for glamping, cabins, and bunkhouses. It’s also located minutes from the popular LGBTQ+-friendly town of Saugatuck, Michigan. Open to all of the gay community and its allies, Campit hosts themed events throughout the summer, including Pride celebrations, live entertainment, dancing, contests, and more.
RVers can choose from more than 200 campsites with standard sites including 30-amp electric and water hookups. Depending on availability, the campground also offers pull-through sites with full 50-amp hookups.
Southwest
El Morro RV Park and Cabins, Ramah, New Mexico
El Morro RV Park and Cabins is in the Zuni Mountains near Petrified Forest National Park. The campground is proudly open to all, offering first-come, first-served tent and RV camping or cabin rentals (reserve online). RV sites offer full hookups with most designed to fit larger RVs. Some pull-through sites are offered depending on availability. El Morro is surrounded by public lands where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, and more. The campground also features a restaurant, a private barbecue area with fire pits, and shower and restroom facilities.
“Cute little camping spot. We stayed in a 33-foot RV for one night. We would have stayed longer if we didn’t have a busy agenda ahead of us,” says one Campendium reviewer.
Rainbow Ranch Campground, Grosebeck, Texas
Rainbow Ranch Campground is an award-winning LGBTQ+ campground located in the heart of Texas near major cities like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Resting on the shores of Limestone Lake, this campground offers more than 700 acres of land to explore, including hiking and biking trails. Campers can reserve RV and tent camping sites, cabins, an apartment, or a house that accommodates up to 12 people.
The RV sites offer a mix of full hookups and electric-only with some pull-through sites available for larger rigs. The campground also features flush toilets, shower facilities, a picnic area, a pool, boat rentals, and volleyball and basketball courts.
West
Umpqua’s Last Resort, Idleyld Park, Oregon
Umpqua’s Last Resort is a gay-owned and operated campground in the Umpqua National Forest. Offering RV and tent sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations, campers can choose from a range of guided outdoor activities like mountain biking, fly fishing, white water rafting, hiking, and more. RVers can choose from larger 50- or 30-amp full hookup sites with fire pits and picnic tables or water and electric-only sites for smaller rigs. The campground also features a heated shower house, flush toilets, and WiFi access.
According to a Campendium review, “The campground is charming and neat as a pin. They rent glamping tents and cabins here as well as several level, graveled sites with full hookups.”
Sunny Valley RV Park and Campground, Sunny Valley, Oregon
This LGBTQ+-owned and operated campground features RV and tent camping as well as glamping accommodations. Sunny Valley RV Park and Campground is within proximity of major attractions like Crater Lake National Park, the Table Rocks, numerous Rogue Valley wineries, and more. The campground features a pool, shower and restroom facilities, a laundry room, dump station, dishwashing station, camp store, and a dog park.
RV owners can choose from full or partial hookup sites, each complete with fire rings and picnic tables. One Campendium reviewer describes it as a “lovely, affordable campground with great amenities.”
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