The Secret Weapon for Kid-Friendly Camping: Why Private Campgrounds Changed Everything

"Wait, They Actually DO This for Us?!"

Before we discovered private campgrounds with organized activities, I thought camping entertainment meant one thing: bringing approximately 47 toys, multiple board games, and crossing my fingers that the playground would keep three boys occupied for an entire weekend.

Spoiler alert: I was doing it the hard way.

Let me introduce you to the game-changer we stumbled into completely by accident—private campgrounds and RV resorts that actually ORGANIZE activities for kids. Like, scheduled events. With supervision. Multiple times a day.

I know what you're thinking because it's exactly what I thought: "Wait, that's a thing? They just... entertain our children for us?"

Yes. Yes, they do. And it's glorious.

How We Discovered Organized Camping Activities (Totally By Accident)

Our first exposure to organized campground activities was almost laughably casual. We pulled into a private campground and saw kids piling into a wagon for a ride around the entire property. A camp worker was leading the whole thing, kids were laughing, parents were waving from their campsites.

My first thought: "That's awesome they do this for kids!"

My second thought: "Wait, do ALL private campgrounds do this?"

The answer, I'd soon discover, is that many do—but some take it to a whole different level.

At another private campground, we stumbled upon a game of HORSE happening on the basketball court. Again, supervised by camp staff. Again, kids of all ages participating together. We missed most of the activities that trip because we had our own plans, but it planted a seed: maybe we'd been thinking about campground entertainment all wrong.

Then we stayed at Pirate's Cove RV Resort in Foley, Alabama, and everything clicked into place.

Pirate's Cove: When Organized Activities Become an Art Form

Pirate's Cove sent a daily calendar of events straight to my phone. STRAIGHT. TO. MY. PHONE.

Let me tell you how revolutionary this felt. No hunting down bulletin boards. No wondering what was happening when. No FOMO because we missed an announcement. Just a convenient, organized schedule showing me exactly what activities were available and when.

They offered 5-10 activities per day. FIVE TO TEN. Half in the morning, half around noon and into the early afternoon, with most wrapping up by 3 PM.

The variety was impressive: activities for boys, activities for girls, activities for all ages. They'd clearly thought about creating a balanced schedule that gave every kid something to love.

And here's the kicker—almost everything was FREE. The only things that cost extra were the adult poker game and the arcade. Everything else? Included in your camping fee.

What My Boys Actually Did (And Why It Mattered)

Here's what I expected: my kids would maybe try one activity, get bored, and we'd be back to the "mom, what can we do?" routine.

Here's what actually happened: they spent SO much time at the indoor pool that I started wondering if they'd turn into fish. Swimming became their obsession, and honestly? We didn't see that coming.

When organized activities popped up, they needed just a few words of encouragement before jumping in with the other kids. Within minutes, they'd made friends and were fully absorbed in whatever game or craft was happening.

My boys are generally friendly kids who take well to other people, but the organized activities created natural friendship opportunities. Instead of awkwardly approaching random kids at a playground, they were thrown together in structured fun where everyone was there for the same reason.

The best part? They were surprised by the activities but loved the freedom even more. They were ready to be turned loose, to run wild in a safe environment where other kids were doing the same thing.

What This Meant For Me (The Exhausted Parent)

Let's be honest about what organized activities really provide: they give parents BREATHING ROOM.

While my boys were at supervised activities, I had time to:

• Actually relax

• Sketch in my journal

• Read a book (A BOOK! Without interruptions!)

• Clean up the campsite

• Prepare for the next round of chaos when the kids returned

I loved being "in the loop" with the activity calendar but not feeling REQUIRED to participate in everything. I could choose what to join and what to sit out, knowing my kids were safe, supervised, and having the time of their lives.

There wasn't one singular "this is it" moment for Stephan and me. Instead, it was a compilation of our boys declaring throughout the entire weekend that it was "the BEST time ever!"

When your kids are that happy, that engaged, that tired in the best possible way at the end of the day? You know you've found something special.

State Parks vs. Private Campgrounds: The Honest Comparison

Before I convince you that private campgrounds are the only way to camp (they're not), let me give you the full picture of how we actually use both types of campgrounds.

State Parks: We love state parks when our focus is immersing ourselves in nature and companionship. When we camp at state parks, we typically go with family and friends, so our kids have a built-in group to play with. They're never bored because they have cousins or friends' kids to hang out with.

The downside? Most state parks don't offer full hookups (which we don't love), and it's a different kind of crowd. Not bad—just different. More focused on nature, hiking, and outdoor activities than organized social events.

Private Campgrounds/Resorts: We choose resorts and private campgrounds when our focus is on our own family and we don't mind spending a little extra for the luxuries they offer. These are our go-to for solo family vacations when it's just the five of us.

The structure, activities, and sense of community make them perfect for families camping without a built-in friend group. About half the campers at most resorts are seasonal, which creates a welcoming, established community feel.

The Real Talk: Downsides of Private Campgrounds

Because we keep it honest here, let's talk about the not-so-great parts of private campgrounds:

1. They Fill Up FAST Remember our Labor Day panic when we waited too long to book? Private campgrounds with great reputations and solid activity calendars get reserved MONTHS in advance, especially for holidays and summer weekends. You can't just roll up on a Friday and hope for the best.

2. They Cost More Full hookups, organized activities, pools, amenities—all of that comes with a higher price tag than primitive state park camping. You're paying for convenience and entertainment, and while it's worth it to us, it's definitely more expensive.

3. They're Busier More amenities mean more people. If you're looking for secluded, quiet camping where you barely see another soul, private resorts probably aren't your vibe. They're social, active, and full of families doing exactly what you're doing.

Who Should Choose Private Campgrounds With Activities?

Based on our experience, private campgrounds with organized activities are PERFECT for:

Families camping solo (without friends/family): If you're worried your kids will be bored or won't have anyone to play with, organized activities solve that problem immediately. Your kids will make friends within hours.

Parents who want actual downtime: When activities are supervised and scheduled, you get guilt-free time to relax, read, or just exist without constant "what can we do?" questions.

Kids who thrive on structure: Some kids love free play; others do better with organized games and clear schedules. If your kids fall into the latter category, private campgrounds are a dream.

Families transitioning to RV life: If you're new to camping and worried about keeping kids entertained, starting with a resort that handles half the entertainment for you takes the pressure off while you figure out your rhythm.

Our Camping Strategy Moving Forward

Here's how we think about it now:

State parks = nature immersion + group camping When we want to hike, explore, and camp with extended family or friends, state parks are our choice. The kids have built-in playmates, we're focused on outdoor activities, and we're okay with fewer amenities.

Private resorts = family bonding + structured fun When it's just our family of five and we want a vacation where the kids are entertained, we have full hookups, and there's a sense of community, we book a private campground or resort.

Both are excellent. Both serve different purposes. And honestly? We're grateful to have discovered that private campgrounds exist because they opened up solo family camping in a way that actually works for us.

The Bottom Line: You Don't Have to Entertain Your Kids 24/7

Before we discovered organized campground activities, I thought being a good camping parent meant constantly planning entertainment, bringing tons of stuff, and being "on" the entire trip.

Now I know better.

Private campgrounds with activities take that pressure off. They create opportunities for your kids to socialize, try new things, and burn energy in supervised, safe environments while you actually get to enjoy camping too.

Is it more expensive than state parks? Yes. Do you have to book further in advance? Absolutely. Is it worth it for solo family camping trips? For us, 100%.

Your kids will make friends faster than you thought possible. They'll try activities you'd never think to bring supplies for. They'll come back to your campsite tired, happy, and already asking when you can come back.

And you? You'll get to read a book. Sketch. Relax. Remember what it feels like to not be the cruise director of your own vacation.

Your Turn: What's Your Camping Entertainment Strategy?

Do you camp at resorts with activities or stick to state parks? Have you discovered any campgrounds with amazing kids' programs? Drop your recommendations in the comments—we're always looking for our next adventure! 👇🏻

Want to follow our family camping adventures and get honest reviews of campgrounds? Join our tribe here for real-talk camping content that actually helps you plan better trips.

See you on the trail! 🫶🏻

P.S. - If you're looking for a private campground with killer activities, start with Pirate's Cove RV Resort in Foley, Alabama. The daily calendar sent to your phone alone is worth the trip. You're welcome.