Campgrounds With Ziplines and Ropes Courses | Go RVing

Trip Planning

Looking to add some adventure to your camping trip? Check out these sites that feature ropes courses and ziplines!

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In the old days, RVers were happy when they found a nice campground with a swimming pool. Nowadays, growing numbers of campgrounds are not only distinguishing themselves with resort-style swimming pools, but waterparks, complete with multilevel play structures with water cannons, waterslides and splashpads for the little ones. Some campgrounds even offer ziplines and ropes courses, such as the Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula, California, which has 12 ziplines and 12 ropes' elements.

“We have two courses: the first is the Adventure Course with 8 zips and 12 ropes' elements,” said Ventura Ranch KOA owner Scott Cory. “The second course, called Eagles Nest, is ziplines only with 4 zips. These ziplines are a little faster and longer.”

It’s not just kids that are enjoying the ziplines and ropes courses. “(People) 50 and below love the challenge of the ropes' elements and the mix of the ziplines,” Cory explained, adding, “The course has a great value to the guest since it can take 35 to 45 minutes to run. Everyone feels accomplished when they finish, since its safe, but not necessarily easy on the ropes' challenges.”

The ziplines only course is quicker and easier, since there are not any agility challenges. “The (ziplines) course is higher and faster than Adventure Course and thus the height and speed tend to be the adrenaline rush on this course,” Cory said. Both courses are designed to be family friendly and safe for guests from 8 to 75 years old. They also offer excellent views of the campground. “On our courses you fly over the pool, the arts and crafts area, the bike track, and gem mining. You get a bird’s eye view of the river, the highest peak in Ventura, and the lemon groves,” Cory said.

If you’re looking for fun entertainment for people of all ages, Cory said, there’s nothing better than ziplines and ropes courses. “A few years ago, I had a group of high school classmates all come up and celebrate our 65th birthdays together,” Cory recalled. “It was a riot watching everyone navigate through the two courses. Everyone loved the time together on the course, and definitely was the most talked about event during their stay. Most had sore muscles the next day.”

The good news for RV enthusiasts is that you can find campgrounds with ziplines and/or ropes courses across the country. There are also campgrounds that have mini-zipline-type rides just a few feet off the ground for little kids. Here’s a sampling of campgrounds across the country with descriptions of the types of zipline rides and ropes courses they offer for their guests:

Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula: This park’s Adventure Course has 8 ziplines and 12 ropes' elements. It’s second course, called Eagles’ Nest, has 4 ziplines, which are a little faster and longer.

La Jolla Indian Campground in Pauma Valley: This campground says its home to California’s fastest and longest zipline, which is located on the La Jolla Indian Reservation.

Sun Outdoors Frontier Town in Berlin. This resort is known for its theme park and water park, but it also boasts high ropes courses. “Our ropes course is a challenging outdoor activity that is perfect for family reunions and team building,” the campground states on its website. “Weave, climb, and race your way around our high-flying obstacle adventure. In this one-of-a-kind experience, reach new heights and push your limits. Participants will be required to wear a helmet and harness while attached to a self-belay system as you navigate swinging bridges, beams, tension traverse, vine walk and more.”

Indian Creek Campground and Conference Center in Tecumseh: Adventure activities at this campground include a 700-foot-long dual zipline and a 45-foot climbing wall. Activities also include a Boulder Wall to test your strength and endurance. According to the park’s website, “An expert belayer will tie the climbing rope to your harness and help guide your climb up the rock wall. When you reach the top or have gone as far as desired, simply sit back in your harness as the belayer allows you to gracefully descend to ground level.” The campground also has another adrenalin-inducing attraction called the “Leap of Faith.” “This adventure is for the bravest only,” the park states on its website. “The challenge begins with a climb straight up the pole to a height of 25’, then find your balance to stand atop the pole and take in the view from the treetops. Once ready, you will leap out to hit the goal (or really, just make the biggest jump you can stomach)! Then our expert belayer will allow you to gracefully float back to the ground.”

Branches of Niagara in Grand Island: This park has two ziplines, one for kids under 12, which glides over the water and lands on the beach. The other, called the Eagles Nest Zipline, is designed for the avid adventurer. It features a 550-foot double cable ride that starts 30 feet high and soars you over the lake.

Kittatinny Ziplines and Campground in Milford: Located in the Pocono Mountains, this campground provides access to one of the largest and most thrilling ziplines in the U.S. “A Ride Sure to Thrill the Zip out of the entire family!” The campground asserts on its website, noting that the zipline is 3,000 feet long. “Whether you are zipping to take in the view, or for bragging rights, this ride is sure to excite you. Drop 36 stories from the top of our own private mountain. Zip 150 feet in the air, through and above the tree tops, for over ½ mile (on) one of the longest zip lines in the U.S. Overlook the Delaware River and reach speeds of 40-60 mph! This Zip ride will thrill even the most daring adventure seeker, but participants need no special skills or abilities to enjoy the ride.”

Jellystone Park in Harrisville: This park has a small zipline for children.

Lebanon KOA Holiday in Lebanon: This campground has an on-site adventure ropes course that’s open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, weather permitting, according to the park’s website.

Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels: This park has a playground zipline for children.

Camp Fimfo in Waco: This park has a playground zipline for the little ones.