Golfers Traveling with RVs

There is so much to like about the open roads in the Pacific Northwest for golfers with their recreational vehicles looking for places to camp overnight and play golf

Golf courses with RV camping are special. They have invested huge amounts of money building the infrastructure necessary to accommodate RV camping.

They make the investment because the attraction of traveling with an RV is gaining traction across the Northwest and all of America, as the increased sales numbers show. Taking this into consideration, many golf course owners have made the decision to add on-site overnight camping.

Some, like Desert Aire in Mattawa, Wash. have spent a substantial investment to expand their RV sites. This can only be justified by the increased number of RV golfers that are looking to park at the course.

Northwest golfers are fortunate to have so many choices of golf courses that provide overnight RV parking, but with the increase number of people taking up golf and buying RVs, the supply is not infinite and finding an opening can be a challenge during peak travel times.  Calling the course a day or two ahead may not be enough in today’s world – it may be the new normal. Discounted ‘Stay ‘n Play’ packages may also be harder to find.

It may be more advantages to stay at one location longer, opposed to jumping from one course to another on a trip, especially during peak travel times.

For those pulling a trailer or with motorhomes towing a car, there is the option of staying at off-course parks and detaching their tow-vehicle and driving to several courses in the area. Keep in mind that even off-course parks are experiencing higher demand and they lack the convenience of stopping at your rig in between rounds or waking up a short walk to the pro shop and the first tee.      

It’s not just retirees that are driving up the demand for RV space, younger people have significantly affected the sales numbers. Combine that with the ‘baby boomers’ reaching retirement age, many taking early retirement, the appeal of traveling with an RV is growing exponentially.

If you are able to travel during the week, it will increase your changes for securing a campsite on short notice as well as possibly getting a discount. Longer stays can also get you a special discount at many courses.

Check course websites to see their specials and the availability for the times you want to travel. Happy camping!

Some great places to park the RV and play

What can you expect from golf courses with overnight parking? The basic requirement for most campers is electric. Water and sewer connections are preferred but not absolutely necessary for a couple of nights for most self-contained rigs.

Most RV sites from golf courses come with all three connections, but it’s probably a good idea to confirm what is available before you book your stay.

Here is a look:

    • Sun Lakes Resort in Coulee City, Wash, offers plenty of places to stay with 152 RV spots and another 69 cabins. Plus, there are plenty of activities in and around the area, including Vic Meyers Golf Course is nearby for some golf activity.

    • Sun Country Golf & RV Resort is in Cle Elum, Wash. and features RV parking in the parking lot of its golf course, located right off I-90. The area has full hooks up and plenty of recreational activities for you to choose from when making a visit, plus new restaurant as well.

    • Wildhorse Resort in Pendleton has 100 hookups and a pool and spa as well as a short walk to the golf course or casino. A great place if you want to take in a live show, play a few casino games or get in some top quality golf, or just relax in the park. The resort operates two golf courses.

    • The Little Creek Casino (Salish Cliffs) in Shelton, has 44 full hookups and several other amenities including it award-winning golf course.

    • Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Anacortes, has electric, cable and water but no sewer connection. They also are not located near their golf course (Swinomish Links) and do not provide a shuttle service to the course.

    • Circling Raven (Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort) provides only electrical hook-ups and is within walking distance to the course.

    • Sage Hills Golf & RV Resort in Warden, Wash. has 48 level big-rig RV spaces with 30/50 amps at all sites. The resort has a pool, laundry facility a restaurant and lounge and has undergone some upgrades and added an outside pizza stand, a covered patio and a new 3-bedroom house for rent called the Casita for those without an RV.

    • Chewelah Golf & Country Club offers a park that has 37 camping sites with full hook-ups as well as some dry camp sites. They also have a 27-hole golf course and an airstrip near by.

    • Deer Park RV Resort, about 45 minutes north of Spokane, is a 5-star resort next to Dear Park Golf Course. It has the amenities you would expect from a resort, like pool & hot tub, recreational pavilion with exercise equipment, plenty of dog runs, laundry room, Bocce Ball court, and a rig washing area.

    • Suntides in Yakima is one of the top-rated RV parks between Seattle and Spokane with a par 70 18-hole course. The RV park is next to the course with 60 total units, full 50 amp hook-ups, a laundry room, and shower facilities. There is a bike/walking trail next to the park.

    • Desert Aire: With terrific summer weather, Desert Aire is a popular spot for RV’s along the Columbia River in Central Washington. With golf and full hook ups, it’s important to book early. There are also other amenities to choose from as well.

    • Bar Run: This Southern Oregon golf course has a large RV resort complete with full hookups and a new swimming pool next to an idyllic lazy river. And no shortage of amenities as well.