One of the biggest perks to living the RV lifestyle is seeing the country in different, more intimate ways. Traveling through states and over new territory has a way of expanding our perspective. Every stop along the way is a learning experience where you and your family can make memories while absorbing stories, food, and history about the land you’re visiting.
For many RV travelers, it’s not uncommon to have a favorite campground that you return to for the comfort of familiarity. However, there is something special about the unknown and visiting new campgrounds, especially seasonally.
As you plan your next RV trip to parts unknown, consider these Native American-owned RV campgrounds for a truly unique travel experience.
Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
First to settle in what is today known as Florida, the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation has always been grounded in family and community. Those values continue today. Making this a stop on your next RV adventure is one you won’t soon forget. Thanks to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum located in the heart of the Everglades, visitors can learn about the history of the Seminole people while exploring over 180,000 unique artifacts.
That’s not all though! While visiting the Big Cypress Seminole Indian territory, take a ride on a swamp buggy to see native and exotic animals, or listen to folklore sitting around a campfire. Check each experience off your list with the Billie Swamp Safari. There’s also the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex that hosts music festivals, concerts, and more. It’s an experience unlike any other.
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Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Located in South Dakota, the Pine Ridge Reservation is the home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Stretched out over 3,000 miles, the reservation is one of the largest in the United States. With more land comes more sites to discover. When visiting the Pine Ridge Reservation, you can attend one of many annual pow-wows that feature traditional hand games, thrilling drum groups, and vendors with Native American jewelry and food.
Visiting the reservation is a culturally enriching experience. While there, you can expect to gain insightful knowledge of Oglala Sioux Tribe history. Swing by the location of the Ghost Dances, a religious movement that took place in the beautiful Badlands National Park. As always, RVing through the Midwest is an adventure you should never pass up, especially with this destination on your radar.
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Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation covers over 17,544,000 acres. This Native American territory occupies portions of Arizona, Utah, as well as New Mexico. Given its size, it’s impossible to touch every part of the territory but its impact will reach you wherever you decide to visit.
From the ancient pueblo ruins of Canyon de Chelly to the sandstone masterpieces of Monument Valley, there are an abundance of things to do and sights to see. If you’re a photographer or aspire to be one, or if you’re simply curating your Instagram feed, the Navajo Nation is an absolute dream to capture on camera. Regardless of the many hiking paths to traverse, or the parks to visit, you can’t help but become one with your surroundings in this beautiful territory.
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Cherokee Indian Reservation
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has lived on their own land since the 1800s. Located near the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, the Qualla Boundary is 57,000 lush acres bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here there are plenty of gorgeous views to soak in but there are also numerous activities to keep you busy. When planning for this stop, pad in a few extra days just in case you want to stay longer once you’re there – you’ll definitely want to stay longer.
Much like other reservations, there’s ample opportunity to explore and learn about the history of the Cherokee people and the area. Enjoying the nostalgic shops and golf courses can easily take up an hour or two of your day. For maximum eye candy, hit up the Fire Mountain Trails. There you’ll be part of a multiuse trail system created specifically for visitors to hike, mountain bike, or run. More than 10.5 miles total, you’ll never have to worry about the crowded paths as there is plenty of room for everyone.
RV Campgrounds Nearby:
- Fort Wilderness Campground & RV Park
- Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground
- Cherokee Campground & Craig’s Log Cabins
Blackfeet Nation
The Blackfeet Indian Reservation is home to nearly 17,320 members of the Blackfeet Nation Tribe – one of the ten largest tribes in the United States. Located in the northwest part of Montana, near the border of Glacier National Park, the reservation offers stunning views and family-friendly surroundings. Park your RV and participate in guided hikes or horseback riding, alone or with a guide. Some guided tours are 8 hours in length giving you a full day of fun and learning along the way.
Often considered one of the most idyllic places to visit, Blackfeet Nation has Glacier National Park as a neighbor to the east, and Alberta, Canada to the north. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s playground in both summer and winter with plenty of options to hike, camp, boat, fish, hunt, and more. However, if you’re looking for an ideal time to visit, plan your trip around the second week of July to witness the annual North American Indian Days celebration.
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Have you visited, or plan to visit, Native American territory in your RV? Tell us below.
