Labor Day Vacation Ideas [RV Edition]

Labor Day weekend is a great time to take a break and recharge your batteries. And if your idea of rejuvenation involves getting out and seeing the great outdoors, you're in the right place. Read on to get some amazing holiday weekend getaway ideas tailored to your tastes! 

11 Labor Day Vacation Ideas for Families

A typical vacation would involve driving/flying to your chosen destination and staying at a hotel. Though convenient, this kind of vacation is also very common. Sure, the view from your window would be different, but would you really be experiencing something new? We think not.

A good way to change things up is to hit the road in an RV rental. Apart from being a new, more affordable experience, an RV will let you enjoy the journey as well as the destination! It's also sure to leave you with uncountable memories and laughs, but we'll let you be the judge of that!

Here are our top Labor Day weekend vacation ideas for an unforgettable trip!

Lake Geneva

The beautiful city of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, offers a variety of activities for the adventurous family. If water is your calling, you could thrill yourself by paddleboarding, sailing, or water skiing. There are also the evergreen options of hot air ballooning and skydiving if you're someone who combines adventure with sweeping views. 

If you are looking for unconventional accommodation, we suggest the Big Foot Beach State Park near the lake. Setting up camp there will give you access to the action like nothing else! 

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine is 65 square miles of serene scenic beauty. With 26 mountains and as many water bodies, it offers a whopping 120 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Needless to say, you'll never tire of exploring the beautiful countryside of the Northeast.

If you want to truly immerse yourself in nature, Schoodic Woods Campground is a great option to consider. With excellent RV access, it is just a 15-minute walk away from the ocean. It also has great amenities, including Island Explorer shuttle buses that readily take you to park destinations. Need we say more?

Lake Tahoe

California’s Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with some of the clearest water in the world, making it perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and other family-friendly activities. Located on the border of California and Nevada, the lake also offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

If you want to take in the beauty of the night sky, go stargazing at Spooner Lake State Park for awe-inspiring views of the heavens through Celestron telescopes.

Looking to up your game this vacation? Then you should head to Tahoe Valley RV Resort. The campground boasts courts dedicated to volleyball, pickleball, basketball, and tennis, in addition to a swimming pool. Campsites also come with their own grill, making it perfect for barbecue lovers.

Bull Shoals-White River State Park

This Arkansas location is a dream for wildlife lovers. With bald eagles, ospreys, and warblers to catch a glimpse of — and deer, raccoons, and coyotes to spot amidst the greenery of the Ozark Mountains — the sights of the place are sure to stay on your mind for a long time. 

If you arrive early for the weekend, then do make time to taste some local catfish at the VFW Friday Fish Fry!

A great campground option for this destination is Dam Site Park which has large fields for sports and a playground for the kids. However, if you're after something different, consider camping at Lakeview Park, and savor screensaver-worthy views of Bull Shoals Lake and the Ozark Mountains.

Little River State Park

If you are looking to spend your Labor Day weekend fishing, look no further. The Little River State Park in Vermont offers amazing fishing for trout, bass, and perch. It also lends itself wonderfully to the experiences of boating, hiking, and swimming, with boat renting options available right within the grounds. It goes without saying that the park, with its swimming beaches and play areas, is perfect for a family vacation. 

The feathers on the cap, however, are the organized weekend nature programs, which present a wonderful opportunity for campers to learn about local nature.

Rocky Neck State Park

Situated on the Connecticut coast, the Rocky Neck State Park offers fantastic saltwater fishing. The coast also brings in a variety of birds to spot, particularly during the Fall migration season, making the Labor Day weekend a perfect time to visit. 

Additionally, the park's campground boasts 160 fast-filling sites available in both open and wooded settings. If your mind is set, hurry up and book your camping spot now!

Cheaha State Park 

This state park comes with a few surprises in addition to the beauty you would expect of an American national park. The first is its proximity to Bunker Tower, the tallest point in Alabama. The old observation tower, standing at 2,407ft and located just a mile away, offers stunning views over the park’s mountains.

The second is the magical day that awaits kids and adults alike at the campsite's Fairy Garden, where handcrafted fairy houses will take you into a mythical world of wonder.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, choose from lakeside or mountaintop campsites at the park itself!

Fort Pickens Campground

Looking for a Labor Day vacation idea that guarantees you the sun? Head to Fort Pickens Campground in Florida. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it offers sundrenched, sea-level hikes and several cycling trails. 

Additionally, white sandy beaches surrounding the campground and a fishing pier located right inside the grounds can offer you the relaxation of a lifetime if that's what you're after. However, we encourage you to take that up a notch by enjoying the sunset with the Fort Pickens Sunset Cruise.

Being a bustling campground that's cozy but still close to the coast, it is no surprise that campsites get booked quickly. Hurry up and book your site now if you want to make it there this Labor Day weekend! 

Silver Dollar City Campground

Travel back in time to Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-styled theme park in Branson, Missouri. Packed with rides and entertaining shows, it also has its very own waterpark and has absolutely no dearth of things to do! 

For an evening of family fun, take a riverboat cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle and enjoy the beauty of Table Rock Lake. Another great spot for families is the Butterfly Palace. This indoor rainforest home to thousands of butterflies is just a couple of miles away from Silver Dollar City. Remember to wear colorful clothes so the butterflies land on you!

When it comes to accommodation, there's nothing better than staying where you play (in Silver Dollar City's own words). Just minutes away from all the attractions, their campground offers a variety of sites and facilities in addition to providing a free shuttle bus service to the parks.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park in Montana is a paradise for nature lovers. With over 700 miles of trails, you can hike through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. Don't miss the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views and access to some of the park's most beautiful areas. For camping, Apgar Campground is a fantastic choice, providing easy access to Lake McDonald and numerous hiking trails.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, from hiking and horseback riding to exploring historic homesteads. The Cades Cove Loop Road is a must-see, offering a scenic drive through a lush valley with opportunities to spot deer, black bears, and other wildlife. Elkmont Campground is a popular spot with excellent facilities and access to numerous trails and rivers.

Why You Should Go Labor Day Camping

Labor Day weekend offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors before the arrival of fall. Choosing to camp in an RV adds an extra layer of comfort and convenience to the experience. Here are several compelling reasons to consider RV camping this Labor Day:

1. Comfort and Convenience

• Home-Like Amenities: Modern RVs come equipped with beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and even entertainment systems, ensuring you have all the comforts of home while enjoying nature.

• Weather Protection: An RV provides shelter from unpredictable weather, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about rain or cold nights.

2. Flexibility and Freedom

• Travel Flexibility: An RV allows you to easily change your destination if you decide to explore different areas or find a quieter spot.

• Pack Easily: You can pack more gear, food, and personal items without worrying about space constraints, making it easier to prepare for various activities.

3. Enhanced Outdoor Experience

• Scenic Locations: Many RV parks and campgrounds are located in stunning natural settings, offering breathtaking views and easy access to outdoor activities.

• Socializing: RV camping can be a social experience, allowing you to meet other campers and enjoy communal activities such as barbecues and campfires.

4. Cost-Effective Travel

• Budget-Friendly: Compared to staying in hotels, RV camping can be more economical, especially for families or groups. It also allows you to save on dining out by cooking your own meals.

• No Flight Costs: You save money on airfare, car rentals, and other travel expenses associated with traditional vacations.

5. Adventure and Exploration

• Explore More: With an RV, you can visit multiple destinations in one trip, from national parks and forests to lakes and beaches.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a wide range of activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking, with your RV serving as a convenient base camp.

6. Quality Family Time

• Bonding: An RV trip provides ample opportunities for family bonding, from playing games and cooking together to sharing stories around the campfire.

• Unplugged Time: Being away from the hustle and bustle of daily life allows everyone to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature and each other.

7. Pet-Friendly

• Travel with Pets: Many RVs are pet-friendly, making it easier to bring along your furry friends and avoid the stress of finding pet sitters or boarding services.

Celebrate Labor Day with Cruise America

Spending your Labor Day weekend at any of the listed locations will make for an amazing trip. And if you're taking our suggestion of going in an RV, there's going to be nothing like it! Take the leap of faith with us!

We at Cruise America have been renting custom-manufactured RVs for over 45 years, and we're the best at our game. With 132 locations, you’re sure to find the perfect RV for your vacation. Get in touch with us now and rent your RV today!