Did you know the song that salutes Thanksgiving “Over the River and Through the Wood” was originally written as a poem in the mid-1800s and set to music years later? Many people associate the song with traveling home for the holidays, and more specifically, as the song says, “to grandmother’s house we go.” It was even referenced in the 1973 movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” We’re putting a twist on it and identifying spots to camp that may be “next to the river and by the woods!”
Thousand Trails Ponderosa is located on the South Fork of the American River in California and has over 2000 feet of river frontage. Fishing, swimming, rafting and even panning for gold are ways to enjoy the river when camping here. Fun fact – Sutter’s Mill, which started the California Gold Rush, was located on the South Fork of the American River.
Another riverfront option is Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver. This Oregon campground provides access to the Little Deschutes River which is great for tubing, rafting, kayaking and paddleboarding. The river is relatively calm so it’s a great place to relax and just go with the flow. The Little Deschutes River is known for its natural, cultural and recreational values and is designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
As a tidal river of the Chesapeake Bay, the Piankatank River was the site of plenty of action during the American Civil War. Fast forward 100+ plus years and the action is all about the fun the river can provide for campers at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay. Fishing, swimming, boating and crabbing are just a few of the activities to enjoy.
Not only is Thousand Trails Chehalis the granddaddy of all the Thousand Trails camping locations, but it is also quite the wooded wonderland. Maple alder and Douglas fir trees tower above and provide the perfect canopy for camping in the woods on 300 acres complete with hiking trails. Plus, the views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens are spectacular.
Pisgah National Forest is a little over 30 miles from Thousand Trails Green Mountain in Lenoir, NC and has more than 300 different trails for hiking. This is the place to get spectacular views of the Appalachians and delight in the more than 130 species of trees here that include Fraser firs, chestnut oaks, and dogwoods. This hardwood forest is also home to several waterfalls.
We can’t talk about wooded wonderlands and not bring up Yosemite National Park. Plan a camping stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and head to this national park that is home to ancient giant sequoias. Make sure to visit the park’s Mariposa Grove and you will find Grizzly Giant, a giant sequoia standing 209 feet high and considered to be roughly 2,995 years old!
Read More:
- We’re sharing the best trails to explore on National Take a Hike Day
- Click here for fun recipes any foodie will be thankful for
- Head to Orlando to visit America’s favorite mouse and many other local attractions!
- Join the many digital nomads who are seeking a change of scenery for their home offices
- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.