RVers who travel over Thanksgiving weekend are bound to find campgrounds that not only host Thanksgiving potlucks, but also entertaining activities for adults and children, from turkey trots to cooking competitions and craft activities. Some campgrounds also encourage their guests to donate nonperishable food at their Thanksgiving events as they work to support local homeless shelters and food banks.
While most campgrounds that host Thanksgiving events are in the Sunbelt, some of the Northern campgrounds that stay open in winter also celebrate the holiday with their guests.
Thanksgiving Activities at Campgrounds Across the Country
1. Elkhart RV Resort in Granger, IN: This park plans to roast and fry turkeys for a potluck dinner on Thanksgiving Day. “It is a great opportunity for our staff to thank our long-term guests,” said Rachel Godbout, chief operating officer of Advanced Outdoor Management, which manages the resort. “The get-together is great because the majority of our guests are in the area for work. So they get to meet new faces and people in their new RV community. We are also going to throw in some fun crazy games.”
2. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Burleson, TX: This campground features two rounds of Thanksgiving-themed activities, November 14-16 and again November 21-30. Activities include Thanksgiving turkey scavenger hunts and gobble contests to see who sounds like the best turkey. There will also be “Turkey Trot” races. The weekend of November 14-16 will also include a pumpkin spice-off competition in which campers can compete for the title of pumpkin spice champion in both sweet and savory categories.
3. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Lake Charles, LA: Thanksgiving weekend activities at this campground include Thanksgiving crafts, pumpkin bowling, turkey tag, and a pie-eating contest.
4. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Pelahatchie, MS: This campground hosts a variety of themed activities during Thanksgiving week, including Thanksgiving crafts, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin bowling, a turkey toss game, and a Thanksgiving lunch on Thanksgiving Day.
5. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Loudon, TN: Thanksgiving weekend activities at this park include nature hikes, scavenger hunts, and outdoor games, including tug-of-war and capture the flag. Guests will also be invited to donate canned food for the local food bank. Guests who donate at least five cans will have their name entered into a drawing for a free night of camping.
6. Port Lavaca / Matagorda Bay KOA Holiday in Port Lavaca, TX: This campground offers guests a head start on Thanksgiving festivities with a Friendsgiving Weekend, November 14-16. Activities include Thanksgiving crafts, a Toys for Tots drive, and a Friendsgiving potluck party, in which the park provides the turkey and campers provide side dishes. There will also be live music.
7. Rincon Country West RV Resort in Tucson, Arizona: This park hosts a Thanksgiving community potluck dinner on Thanksgiving Day. The park provides the turkey, and guests bring side dishes to share. Marletta Maduskuie, the resort’s activities director, told GoRVing that the resort’s Recipe Club recently produced a cookbook that contains inspiring recipes for dishes that are served at Rincon Country’s potlucks and social gatherings.
8. Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday in Watsonville, CA: This campground will have a Campsgiving potluck on Thanksgiving Day. Activities over Thanksgiving weekend include turkey-themed ceramic painting and crafts.
9. Snug Harbor RV Park & Marina in Walnut Grove, CA: This park hosts a Thanksgiving potluck, providing turkey and ham while guests bring appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. The potluck will also feature games and a food drive for a local shelter.
10. Spacious Skies Country Oaks Campground in Dorothy, NJ: This campground is planning a Friendsgiving celebration on Saturday, November 1. Guests are invited to bring their favorite Thanksgiving-inspired dish to share, along with a little note. photo, or a memory of something they’re grateful for this year. “We'll fill the room with good food, great friends, and plenty of laughter,” the campground hosts state on their website.
Final Thoughts
Campgrounds are increasingly offering Thanksgiving-themed activities for their guests who travel during the holidays. This is also a great opportunity for RVers to bond with friends or family who may be traveling with them. So, enjoy your Thanksgiving feast on the road, and take a moment to give thanks for all the memories made and adventures had in the great outdoors.
