New to truck camping ...

Might try www.allstays.com ... lots of info.

You might try the following websites:

campendium
rv parky
the dyrt.com
SYKR
ioverlander.com
BLM.gov
freecampsites.net
rvdumpsites
gasbuddy
Florida State parks

Thanks for the response JimK-NY, re-reading my late night post I realize it was rather vague. :) We love travel of all types and are transitioning from the family that stays in hotels to one that leaves with our home on our back. We did two hotel trips to Florida from Canada in the past few years one to Disney and one simply exploring the FL State Parks ... ironically we have way better family memories from exploring State Parks (and price of admission was nearly free).

So we enjoy doing all the things mentioned in the post above and love having the freedom to venture into town (with or without the camper), also we love hiking, we travel with 4 bikes and at least one kayak. Yes beautiful natural settings are always the goal. We also try to organize activities to engage the kids. I will be setting up the rig so we can boon dock but I think parks and campgrounds will be more the norm as we get started and ease into it.

I guess my main question is where to get info on state parks and camping areas. Are there some websites that people commonly use to narrow their search and plan? This summer we are planning a trip to Cape Breton ... and then hoping to venture south next winter. In the past I would search on Expedia for hotels. Where do y'all start when planning a trip with a truck camper? What web resources do you use? Again, I'm sorry, I'm a noob with this. Any advice on best practice to plan and book a trip would be great. I think generally speaking we will be heading out with a destination park booked and wing it for the trip out there. However, while winging it it would be great to stop in some other provincial/state parks and nice campgrounds instead of just truck stops and Walmart parking areas.

Any website suggestions etc are greatly welcomed and appreciated. We live on a farm and are outdoors oriented people ... however this is our first experience camping as a family. Just looking to be pointed in the right direction so my wife and I can nail this and make it a special experience. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

You mentioned avoiding busy areas but also wanting to be near water. I avoid staying around water because I don't boat and water attracts people making for crowded campgrounds.

Loving state parks really doesn't give much of an idea of what you are looking for when you camp. How do you want to spend your time when camping? Are you looking for scenic areas? Enjoy hiking? Looking for photo ops? Enjoy relaxing at the campground (and watching water)? What do you plan to do when the weather turns bad? Dress appropriately and venture forth or stay in the RV or under the awning? Do you want to visit urban areas, museums, attractions, restaurants? Do you want/need hookups? Shower facilities? Do you want to travel with reservations or be more spontaneous and flexible? Do you need cellphone/internet access? Do you want to camp in one area for an extended time or do lots of traveling?

Before asking campground advice you probably need to be more specific. You also need to have agreement with your spouse as to what you are looking for when you go camping. If not in total agreeement there needs to be some compromise.