One Weekend at a Time: How Great American RV Helps Families Create Lasting Memories Across the Southeast

At Great American RV, we believe an RV is more than something you purchase and park. It is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and turn ordinary weekends into lasting memories. Our goal has always been bigger than selling an RV. We focus on helping families create experiences that fit into real life, not just once a year vacations.

For many families, the best memories are made close to home. A quick Friday afternoon departure. A campfire before bedtime. Waking up near the water or the woods with no schedule to rush. RV ownership makes those moments possible without complicated planning or expensive travel.

Across the Southeast, state parks offer some of the best places to make those memories. They are affordable, family friendly, and close enough to turn any free weekend into an adventure.

Below are 25 of the best state parks for RV camping in the Southeast. These parks are ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and anyone who wants to use their RV often and with purpose.

Why State Parks Are Ideal for RV Travel

State parks are designed for people who want to be outdoors without giving up comfort. They offer space to relax, room for kids to explore, and a slower pace that encourages connection.

Most state parks feature wide campsites, walking trails, fishing access, swimming areas, and quiet surroundings. They are budget friendly and close enough to make weekend trips realistic for busy families.

For Great American RV owners, state parks are where RV ownership becomes part of everyday life instead of a special occasion.

Top Southeast State Parks A Day’s Drive from Great American RV

1. Gulf State Park in Alabama

Gulf State Park is one of the most popular RV destinations in the Southeast. Located along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, it offers white sand beaches, paved trails, fishing piers, and a large campground that is perfect for family beach weekends.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park

2. Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama

Lake Guntersville State Park sits along the Tennessee River and is known for excellent fishing, scenic lake views, and access to hiking trails. It is a favorite destination for families who enjoy water activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/lake-guntersville-state-park

3. Wind Creek State Park in Alabama

Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin is one of the largest state park campgrounds in the country. With hundreds of RV sites and easy lake access, it is ideal for boating weekends and extended family stays.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/wind-creek-state-park

4. Chewacla State Park in Alabama

Chewacla State Park offers waterfalls, wooded trails, and a peaceful campground near Auburn. It is a great option for families who want a quiet escape surrounded by nature.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/chewacla-state-park

5. Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park and a favorite for RV families. It offers extensive trail systems, lakes, fishing areas, and a well developed campground that works perfectly for weekend trips and longer stays.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park

6. St. Andrews State Park in Florida

St. Andrews State Park is known for its clear water, coastal scenery, and snorkeling opportunities. Its RV campground provides families with a true beach camping experience.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-park

7. Grayton Beach State Park in Florida

Grayton Beach State Park features rare coastal dune lakes and natural beauty. It is a favorite for families who enjoy beach time paired with outdoor exploration.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach

8. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Florida

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers tall dunes, quiet trails, and a well maintained campground. It is ideal for families who want a peaceful beach environment.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park

9. Blackwater River State Park in Florida

Blackwater River State Park is known for its clear river waters and pine forests. It is a great destination for tubing, canoeing, and relaxing weekends outdoors.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blackwater-river-state-park

10. Tishomingo State Park in Mississippi

Tishomingo State Park is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and offers rocky landscapes, scenic trails, and a unique outdoor experience. It is a strong choice for families who enjoy hiking and adventure.

https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/tishomingo-state-park

11. Roosevelt State Park in Mississippi

Roosevelt State Park sits along Shadow Lake and offers a quiet setting for fishing, boating, and easy weekend camping near central Mississippi.

https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/roosevelt-state-park

12. Buccaneer State Park in Mississippi

Buccaneer State Park is popular with families thanks to its water park, beach access, and RV friendly campground. It is a fun option for warm weather trips.

https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/buccaneer-state-park

13. Chicot State Park in Louisiana

Chicot State Park is centered around Lake Chicot and offers fishing, wildlife viewing, and shaded campsites. It is one of Louisiana’s most popular parks for RV camping.

https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park

14. Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana

Fontainebleau State Park sits along Lake Pontchartrain and offers walking trails, lake views, and a campground ideal for short trips from southern Louisiana.

https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park

15. Palmetto Island State Park in Louisiana

Palmetto Island State Park offers a classic Louisiana outdoor experience with bayous, waterways, and wooded surroundings. Its RV campground is well suited for families who enjoy fishing, paddling, and relaxed weekends immersed in nature.

https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/palmetto-island-state-park

16. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s most well known destinations. Its waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and large campground make it a must visit for RV families.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls

17. Meeman Shelby Forest State Park in Tennessee

Located near Memphis, Meeman Shelby Forest State Park offers wooded campsites, lakes, and peaceful trails. It is perfect for quick weekend trips.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/meeman-shelby

18. Big Ridge State Park in Tennessee

Big Ridge State Park sits on Norris Lake and offers waterfront camping, swimming areas, and scenic views. It is a great destination for families who love lake life.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/big-ridge

19. Edgar Evins State Park in Tennessee

Edgar Evins State Park offers quiet campsites and beautiful lake views. It is ideal for families and couples looking to unplug.

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/edgar-evins

20. Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas

Petit Jean State Park is known for scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and rich history. Its campground is surrounded by some of the most impressive landscapes in the region.

https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park

21. Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia

Cloudland Canyon State Park features dramatic views, deep gorges, and excellent hiking opportunities. It is a favorite for adventurous families.

https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

22. Skidaway Island State Park in Georgia

Skidaway Island State Park offers coastal marsh views, shaded campsites, and peaceful walking trails near Savannah.

https://gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

23. F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Georgia

F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest state park and offers miles of trails, lakes, and a spacious campground for extended stays.

https://gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

24. Devil’s Fork State Park in South Carolina

Devil’s Fork State Park sits along Lake Jocassee and offers clear water and mountain scenery. It is a standout destination for water focused RV trips.

https://southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork

25. Jekyll Island State Park in Georgia

Jekyll Island State Park offers beachfront camping, bike paths, and historic charm. It is a unique destination for family RV travel.

https://www.jekyllisland.com/

Turning RV Ownership Into a Lifestyle

RV ownership is not about how far you travel. It is about how often you go. State parks make it easy to turn a regular weekend into something meaningful without complicated planning or expensive travel.

At Great American RV, we see families build traditions through simple trips. Fishing weekends become annual plans. Beach trips turn into seasonal routines. Kids grow up remembering campfires, bike rides, and mornings spent outdoors.

That is what RV ownership is really about.

Start Making Memories One Weekend at a Time

The Southeast is full of state parks waiting to be explored. With the right RV and the freedom to use it often, adventure is always within reach.

At Great American RV, we are proud to help families take that step. Not just toward owning an RV, but toward a lifestyle built around experiences, connections, and memories that last far beyond the weekend.