Big Lagoon State Park | Likes Dislikes

big lagoon state park boardwalk

Review: RV Camping, Hiking & Recreation Pensacola’s Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park is located along the Gulf Beach Highway that connects Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores at the western end to Pensacola and then east to Destin, Panama City Beach and beyond. Technically it is not on the Gulf but on the mainland side of the “big lagoon” formed by Perdido Key which forms a barrier island between it and the Gulf of Mexico. The park does offer some sand beach swimming areas on the lagoon but they don’t compare to what you find in nearby Pensacola Beach.

boardwalk big lagoon state park
A view from the park tower of one of the many boardwalks that are part of the hiking trail system at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola Florida

Big Lagoon Amenities and Activities

The lagoon and the interior lakes within the park offer lots of protected-water paddling territory for canoeing and kayaking. If you don’t have your own watercraft, kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available from the Ranger Station.

The hiking trails through the coastal forest and boardwalks along the shoreline plus a three-story observation tower provide lots of bird-watching and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. There are over 5 miles of varied hiking and nature trails plus several boardwalks.

big lagoon state park
If you stand just outside the little camp store, you can get free Wi-Fi
big lagoon state park hiking
The hiking trails are wide and sandy or are wooden boardwalks.
big lagoon state park boardwalk
One of the Boardwalk/Nature Trails in the park

The park offers a full-boat launch area giving access to the lagoon and gulf for fishing and boating.

Biking is another popular recreational activity along over 3 miles of lightly traveled paved park roads. Gulf Beach Highway borders the North edge of the park. It provides additional biking opportunities as there’s a sidewalk running adjacent to the highway. That sidewal allowed us to safely bike to Shopping Plaza a mile or two West of the park entrance to do some shopping. If you are ambitious enough, you might also be able to bike across the Theo Baers Bridge all the way to Rosamond Johnson Beach along the gulf on Perdido Key. There you can enjoy a day on the outstanding several mile long white sand gulf side beach that is part of the National Gulf Island Seashore Park.

big lagoon state park
Lots of trails for biking and hiking plus several picnic areas

March 2023 Note: On our recent visit to Big Lagoon, we found, due to storm damage, the East Beach area and the central pavilion section of the park was closed. So some of the swimming, hiking, biking, and boardwalk area was off-limits. Unsure how long it will be before repairs are completed.

Review: Big Lagoon RV Campground Facilities

The campground has 75 campsites with 30 & 50 amp service and is served by 3 full-service restrooms. The main park roads are paved but the campsites themselves are sand with some gravel. Most of the sites have good plant screening providing some privacy separation. Some of the sites along the edge of marsh are subject to flooding in heavier rains. The maximum RV length is 40 feet. Several areas of the park, including the washrooms, are wheelchair accessible and there are a few designated accessible camp sites that are paved.

big lagoon state park
Typical Big Lagoon Campsite

There is a small camp store with limited hours at the eastern end of the campground. But a decent sized shopping center including grocery and adult beverage stores is only about a mile from the park entrance. Also nearby is one of our favorite Pensacola Golf Courses – Perdido Bay GC and Triggers Restaurant – a great family owned seafood restaurant. A library that offers Wi-Fi is located just across the street from the park entrance. Other popular Pensacola attractions, like the fantastic Naval Air Museum, Fort Barrancas, and the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum are about 8 miles east along the Gulf Beach Highway.

What to Like or Not Like about Big Lagoon State Park and Campgrouond

Pros: The Hiking, Nature and Boardwalk Trails. Easy access from Gulf highway, convenient to shopping and many Pensacola area visitor attractions. Modest camping fees and less competition for reservations, compared to Fort Pickens and other popular State Parks.

Cons: The sandy campsites mean you track a lot of sand into your rig. And those sites along the South edge of the campground can be wet. While there are some swimming beaches, they are less attractive than those on the Gulf itself and you have to keep an eye out for Alligators.

Rosamond Johnson Beach
Rosamond Johnson Beach on the Gulf is about 3 miles from the State Park

Things to see and do in the Pensacola area

Shell Mound Campground – Cedar Key, Florida

Our rialta at shell mound campground

RV & Tent Camping: Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and Shell Mound Park

Can’t find a vacancy at Cedar Key RV Campgrounds? Or you are choking on the prices. Here’s an alternative to check out.

Our favorite place to RV camp when visiting the fun and artsy Gulf Beach Town of Cedar Keys, is the Levy County Shell Mound Park. It is located about 8 miles North and East of the town of Cedar Key in Florida’s Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge.

Shell Mound offers both RV campsites and tent campsites at prices considerably less than the fare in Cedar Key proper. There’s a pair of nice hiking/nature trails and a fishing pier nearby in the Wildlife Refuge and a boat launch for canoes and kayaks. 

Most of Shell Mound’s RV sites have both electricity and water-hookups, but some are electric only and there are a few tent sites with no utilities. There is a full-service washroom/shower building and an RV dump site. The campground also has its own boat launch and a place to park trailers.  The campground managers are on-site during the day and we found themvanc very friendly and helpful.

Beside reasonable price, another outstanding feature of Shell Mound is there are no advance reservations, site occupancy is first come, first served. There’s a 7 day maximum stay, So even during popular times of the year, you might be able to get a site there. The camping fees are reasonable, even with a recent 50% increase.

shell mound campground cedar key florida
Shell Mound Campground
google map shell mound campground
campground – google maps

Since the campground is set within the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge it is remote, surrounded by woods and is generally quite quiet. The only noise we heard during our stay there was when an airboat launched at the boat landing. Some of the RV sites have a decent slope to them so some leveling blocks would be necessary for these particular sites. The road that circles through the park is paved and many sites are graveled. The camping sites  generally have some shade, and offer adequate separation from neighboring sites. The sites that are electric-only (no water and lower priced) are more open and on grass vs. partially graveled.

sunset shell mound county park
A pretty sunset behind our campsite at Shell Mound County Park

Directions to Shell Mound

From the town of Cedar Key it is about an 8 mile drive to the Shell Mound campground. You go north on Highway 24 about 3 miles, then left on Highway 347 for about 3 miles, and then turn left when you get to Highway 326. The park is near the end of the road.

There’s a short trail near the boat launch that leads out to a spit of land providing a view of the bayou and islands of Suwannee Sound.

Bayou Trail, Shell Mount County Park
A trail behind our campsite led out to this spit of land
surrounded by water where we could watch the sun setting over the Gulf

Nearby Hiking Trails in the Wildlife Refuge

While technically not in the Levy County Park, within walking distance down the road are two interesting hiking/nature trails in the Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the county park.

Review: What to Like and Not Like About the Shell Mound County Campground

Likes

Reasonable Price.  Although the County increased the RV site rate 50% between our stay in 2018 and the recent one in 2020, it remains quite a bit more reasonable than those in or nearer the town of Cedar Key.

Convenient to the attractive Gulf Beach town of Cedar Key. It is less than a 10 mile drive to Cedar Key. Some campers with bikes will bike to town. The only portion where you might encounter any traffic is on Hwy 24 before the Cedar Key bridge. Once in town, you have slower speed limits and a bike path.

The Cedar Keys Nature Area & Hiking. The park is surrounded by the Shell Mound portion of the National Wildlife Refuge. Within walking distance down the dead end road that runs past the campground are the trail heads for two hiking/nature trails within the Refuge. There’s also small park there with boardwalk leading to an observation deck overlooking a portion of the Keys and a canoe/kayak launch area.

First Come, First Served Reservations. We like the fact the park offers no advance reservations. During the winter-spring season, it can be very difficult to get a campsite near a popular place like Cedar Key due to sites being reserved in advance. So the Shell Mound park means we have a chance to score a campsite mid-week at the last minute. During the day there is an office phone # you can call to see if the campground is full or not.

Review: What Not to Like About the Shell Mound County Campground

Airboat Noise. The boat ramp is apparently a popular launching site for locals who own flat bottomed airboats that are driven by huge aircraft propellers. While impressive to see, for those who have never seen on up close, the noise they make when taking off or arriving at the landing is deafening. You’ll most likely be treated to this experience Fridays – Sundays. The noise doesn’t last that long. Mainly it upsets people because it is such a stark contrast to what is otherwise a very peaceful and serene setting.

Sloping or Wet Campsites. Unless you get to the park early enough and/or during a non-busy period, your only site choices will be one of the very sloping campsites (so bring levelers) or parking on one of the low land, grass-covered sites that could get wet with a significant rainfall. So far, we’ve been lucky.

Old Washroom/Showers. While in general we’ve found the bathroom and showers clean, the washroom and showers fixtures are old and showing their age, and the building itself is a rustic cider block construction. But as I said it is clean and we found the hot water came quickly in the showers. 

Shell Mound Camping Rates and Reservation Information:

Shell Mound 2020 Rates

Other Cedar Keys Area RV Campgrounds

If you don’t mind paying a premium and being in a busier, more crowded campground here are your three choices:

More Good RV Campground Options Close enough to Cedar Key

A little further away (29 miles from Cedar Key) is Chiefland, Florida where the are some good RV Park & Camping options. During our previous stays in the Cedar Keys area we have also camped at the Manatee Springs State Park campground which is about 33 miles from the center of town. Manatee Springs has an excellent campground, reasonably-priced and offers other amenities we like. They do offer reservations so if you want to guarantee a camping spot for your visit to Cedar Keys, this is a good option.

Another very good RV camping option in Chiefland is Strawberry Fields RV Campground (see our review), a new facility on the East edge of town.

More Articles on Cedar Key Visitor Attractions:

Best Camper Vans

Interior of Winnebago Solis

Camper Vans Reviews in this article: Winnebago Solis & Solis PX, Solis Pocket, PleasureWay Tofino, and Thor Tollaro In an earlier article on featuring Modular Conversion Camper Vans, I commented that major RV manufacturers need to create what is essentially a successor to the venerable VW Bus-Camper Van, an affordable camper van that doesn’t require … Read more

Winnebago Travato | Best Class B RVs

winnebago travato class B RV

Review: Winnebago Travato Class B Motorhome – Update

See our article on Best Class B RV MotorHomes

See our article on Top Small Motorhomes from Winnebago


The Travato is a compact 21 feet long and on the Dodge Ram ProMaster Chassis with the 3.6 liter 24 valve V6 engine, same as the Hymer Aktiv 2.0. Also like the Aktiv it will tow up to 3500 lbs. But it doesn’t have the same engine generator system as the Aktiv; the Travato comes with a separate 2,800-watt Cummins Onan gas generator.

We most like the 59G floor plan. The dinette is in the front of the coach sharing space with the cab seating. While similar in layout to the Aktiv it appears to have a little more width in the bench seat. The Travato 59G comes with a murphy-bed layout but when in the bed position it is more narrow than the traditional double bed, only 49 inches wide at its widest point. However, the mattress is thick and it sets upon the Froli sleep system, a high tech substitute for box springs.

travato
Like the Aktiv 2.0 the Travato’s Murphy Bed folds up to allow carrying bikes, golf bags, and other toys plus access to additional storage.
travato class b dinette
The Travato dinette will easily serve two people. An extension unit slides out to almost double the space shown here.
Winnebago Travato 59G bed
For 2021 the 59G Bed is 3 inches wider

The 59 G closet or pantry is narrow like the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 but has a little more vertical storage than the Aktiv. The kitchen counter has an folding extension to add counter space, a nice feature. The refrigerator in the 59G layout is quite large and is a two door model with a separate freezer.

Twin Bed Option

There is an alternate twin bed layout (59K & KL) if the 49 inch double bed width is too narrow for two. The twin-bed floor plan has the bathroom in the rear by the double doors. This allows a much larger wardrobe closet with more hanging room than the 59G, plus 3 storage drawers.

2021 update. The twin-beds can now be converted to one large Queen/King sized bed.

Lithium Battery Electrical System (GL and KL models)

The Travato has it’s own brand of lithium ion battery management system, called the Pure 3, similar to what is offered by RoadTrek and Hymer. The system also comes with 215 watt solar panels and is a standard feature, not an option. The L models (GL and KL) also come with a second under-hood alternator (that replaces the standard Onan Generator) powered by the chassis engine and an energy pack heating system. The Lithium system allows all the appliances, including the AC, to be powered off the batteries. Combined with the solar panels these two models are well-suited for off-the-grid living and camping.

Comparing Travato G and Travato K Models

The G and GL models offer a standard Murphy Bed with room for lots of storage underneath the bed (including large items like golf club bags). You also get a dedicated dinette area that also allows you to transport 2 additional passengers. What you “lose” compared to the K and KL models is a wardrobe closet and beds that are easier to get in or out of.

The K and KL models come standard with twin beds that allow the beds to remain “made” during the day and a decent size wardrobe closet, including some drawers. There is a double bed conversion feature but it blocks easy access to the bathroom when it is setup (have to crawl over the double bed setup to get to the bath). Two flip up counter-tops allow either passenger seat to have a laptop console or modest eating setup. The K and KL models are setup to legally only carry two passengers (driver and one rider).

Winnebago Travato Lounge table
The new flip up passenger side table is an improved design, plus has usb and electrical outlets.
Travato Bike Rack
The Bike Rack and the Movable Ladder a popular options

New Winnebago Travato 2021-22 Features

  • Sumo Air Springs are standard
  • Deluxe FROLI® Sleep System
  • Truma Combi® Eco Plus Heating System (hot water and furnace)
  • Coleman-Mach 10 NDQ AC, quiet and energy efficient
  • Flex Bed kit (59K, 59KL) – converts twin bed model to double bed
  • 2 deep-cycle Group 31 AGM batteries (59G, 59K)
  • Optional Bike Rack, Luggage Rack, Movable Ladder, and heated drainage system

Winnebago Travato 2021 Floor Plans

Winnebago Travato 59 G & GL Floor Plan

Winnebago Travato 2021 G and GL Floor plans
Slightly larger bed and an additional passenger side table for 2021

Winnebago Travato 59 K & KL Floor Plan

Winnebago Travato 2021 K and KL Floor plans.
For 2021, an additional galley table and improved passenger side lounge table

Winnebago Travato Website MSRP $130,056 (2021 base price)

Concluding Comment. In 2019 the Travato G Model did the best job of Class B units in meeting our compact motorhome criteria (see them here). My main reservations are for an “old guy” climbing into the bed from the end is a handicap and my wife in particular will miss having a hanging clothes closet area. For 2021, there are some “new” Class B options that make the K model as possible better fit for our comfort criteria. But I am even more enthused by the possibilities of the new Winnebago Solis PX.

See the New Competitor within the Winnebago Family: Solis 59PX

red-line

Ross Reinhold for ScenicPathways, December 2022

RV & RV Review Links

The New RoadTrek RV for 2021

RoadTrek Class B 2021

RoadTrek Review: RoadTrek Comes Back to Life! The RoadTrek Class B motorhome has risen from the ashes of the bankruptcy of Erwin Hymer Group North America, Ontario manufacturer of RoadTrek, Hymer Aktiv, and Carado Class B motorhomes. (See our earlier article on the Hymer-RoadTrek bankruptcy) While the North American version of the Hymer and Carado … Read more

Best USA-Canadian Compact Motorhomes

Best Class C Motorhome Reviews – USA & Canadian Models

winnebago rialta
Winnebago Rialta Class C Motorhome

In an earlier post (top compact European motorhomes – see article) I discussed some criteria my wife and I have should we elect to replace our aging Winnebago Rialta motorhome. Class C Motorhomes made in the USA and Canada lack many of the features we now enjoy. On the other hand several European motor home manufacturers offer a number of compact full-featured motorhomes (see our article) that we would consider as viable replacements.

In this article I review the Best USA/Canadian motorhomes that come the closest to having the features that made the Rialta so desirable to many RV buyers who want a compact but full-featured motor home.

These Rialta features are:

  • Low profile, aerodynamic and attractive body style
  • Short length (21 feet) enables parking in a conventional automobile parking space
  • Driving and maneuvering it is as easy as a pickup truck
  • Doubles as a deluxe passenger van with seating for up to 5 passengers
  • Large coach windows, with natural light lending an open feeling to the interior
  • Large rear-facing picture window with view from the driver’s seat
  • Good gas mileage: 17 – 19 highway
  • Has the same coach accessories/conveniences of much bigger units.

We have just posted a 2023 Update to our Best Compact Motorhomes – so check it out for the latest recommendations.

However if you are in market for a pre-owned compact motorhome, the following reviews can be helpful. Two of the units we previously liked are no longer being produced.

Here’s our reviews of best small class C motorhomes under 25 feet.

Editor Note: Since the original publication of this article, some models have been discontinued. However for those looking for a Good Used Compact Motorhomes, these are some good choices.

–List Prices in the article are from a few years ago – –

Winnebago Trend


Winnebago Trend


At 24′ 4″ long the Trend is close to being too long for ease of parking and fitting into compact campsites. The 23L floorplan is the most viable for us. It has a defined bedroom with a 49″ wide bed that can remain made-up and a dinette seating that will handle 3 people (maybe a 4th in a pinch). It has seat belts for five people. So two positive gains over the Rialta: the daily bed making chores will be reduced and the Dodge Promaster Chassis and engine which will be easier to find good service than we now experience. Negatives are: 1) we lose some gas mileage 2) we lose our beautiful expansive rear picture window 3) less natural interior light, 4) the truncated corner bed is slightly smaller than a conventional double bed, 5) somewhat boxy appearance, and 6) the list price is above $100,000 (but you should be able to find one for under $85,000).

PS The Trend was later replaced by the Winnebago Fuse, which uses a Ford Transit chassis.



Looking for a Roomy but compact Travel Trailer?
See our article on the Airstream Bambi and other top rated compact travel trailers


Thor Compass

Thor Compass Motorhome

Pictured at the top of this page, at 23′ 6″ long the Thor Compass fits within our specs for maximum length. The 23TK model has a comfortable 4 person dinette and a dedicated bedroom with a 49″ wide corner bed setup similar to the Winnebago Trend. (The 23TB model gives you a flip-up queen size bed but the dining area becomes only a two person pedestal table (which I find too small) in front of a couch.) It has a large European style “garage” external storage compartment which I like. The chassis and engine are Ford Transit which should give even better service options than the Dodge Promaster. The Ford is also a diesel which should offer a bit more miles per gallon than the Dodge gas engine. Negative: List price is above 100,000 but you may be able to find one for around $75,000.

For 2020-22 The Compass has been upgraded (see article) with many nice features.

GulfStream BT Cruiser

GulfStream BT Cruiser


At 24′ 5″ long the model 5245 pushes our limit on vehicle length. Likewise at 10′ 6″ high it is on upper end. But it has a separate queen bed and a four person dinette, and overall an attractive floor plan and amenities. Its Ford E350 Engine and Chassis will be easy to service. It doesn’t have the more aerodynamic and newer Ford Trend chassis and I’d expect less MPG than the Trend chassis but the E350 is well established and easy to service. It’s retail price is under $100,000 and I’ve seen advertised prices under $80,000. A decent value.

Leisure Travel Wonder

Leisure Travel Wonder

The Leisure Travel Wonder has a low profile, sleek appearance. It is just under 10 feet high but is 24′ 9″ long, barely under our 25 feet maximum. It is very spacious with lots of storage inside and out. The kitchen is well laid out with good counter space and the bath has a separate roomy shower. Roomy exterior storage space will easily hold our two golf bags. The murphy bed model is a unique feature. It allows you to keep a made up bed, yet not have the bed taking up all that useable floor space during the day. A skylight and larger windows give it an airy feeling inside. Besides it being a little on the long side, the only downside feature is the dining area is limited to two persons. This also limits it seating for day travel to 4 persons. It’s built on a Ford Transit Chassis with a 3.2 liter Turbo Diesel. List price is above $100,000 ($108 to 115K) but you may be able to find a deal for under $100,000.

Phoenix Cruiser

Phoenix Cruiser


The Phoenix 2100 is the most compact full-featured Canadian or American-made Class C we’ve found. In terms of providing useable space and conveniences in a modest-size footprint it is the most space efficient USA motorhome we’ve come across. It’s a compact 21′ 7″ long and under 10′ in height including the AC unit. It has a four person dinette and a full dry bath with a separate shower. Adequate size kitchen with a counter top extension. The slide-out contains a full-size walk around bed that in the daytime folds up into a sofa.

The Phoenix provides seat belts and seating for 6 people so it works as Van alternative for comfortable day trips. In comparison to the Rialta, we’d lose our nice big rear picture window and quite a bit in MPG. I’m also unsure about exterior storage; a must-have for us is the ability to carry two golf bags. The Chassis is the Ford E350 with the 6.8 Liter V-10 gas engine (gas mpg?). Comes factory direct with a nice selection of premium convenience options for under $100,000.

Phoenix Cruiser 2100
The 2100 offers a lot of features in a small space

Pleasure-Way Plateau . . . really Sharp, but expensive, compact Class C RV

PleasureWay Plateau

After I wrote this original version of this article I saw a video of the Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS (see my review) and saw some nice features that would challenge the top Compact Class Cs featured in this post. Except that MSRP is $145,000 plus! But if you’ve got the cash and desire a full-featured compact Class C, it might be the unit for you.

Another new 2018 compact motorhome I am anxious to see up close is the North American Hymer Aktiv 2.0. It is a Class B, but from the pictures I’ve seen it seems more spacious and airy inside than the usual Class B. See our report here on Best Class B RVs or Van Campers

Concluding Remarks. The Phoenix Cruiser and the Thor Compass come closer than other US-Canadian RV makers to the European standard of right-sizing RVs, but not good enough in our opinion. Guess we’ll have to wait for the US-Canadian RV market to change before we can seriously consider replacing our Rialta. We are looking for a model under 23 feet, under $100,000 price, external storage for at least two golf bags, with all the usual RV accessories and comforts, and most of the the criteria we listed at the beginning of this article as plus-features of the Rialta. Know of any model that comes close? Write me in the comments.

See our Update of Best Compact Motorhomes

More Motorhome Reviews: 

MotorHome Manufacturer Links:


RV Traveling & Camping

Cedar Key a hidden gem of the Gulf Coast. See our article on camping, hiking, and interesting things to see and do in and around this unique Florida Gulf Coast community.

More RVing Resources

See our calendar of Best RV Shows for 2024

See our recommended RV & Scenic Travel Guides.

What are your favorite compact Class C motorhomes? Let me know in the comments below.

Your Travel Guide: Ross Reinhold

Davis Bayou Campground | Ocean Springs

davis bayou campground

RV Campground Review: Davis Bayous Gulf Islands National Seashore Park

Davis Bayou is one of two full service RV campgrounds that are part of the Gulf Islands National Park. The other campground is Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola Beach, Florida. The Fort Pickens Beach that stretches from the old fort east to the village of Pensacola Beach is regularly voted as Florida’s favorite beach so getting a reservation at the Fort Pickens campground can be more difficult than at Davis Bayou – which is one thing we like about Davis Bayou, we can actually get a camp site there! Another thing we like about Davis Bayou is the camp roads and the individual site parking pads are paved. The sites are also nicely spaced from one another and the mature live oaks and pine trees offer most sites at least some shade during parts of the day. All 52 sites offer water and electricity.

The Campendium camping and rv community rated Davis Bayou as one of the Top 10 Mississippi campgrounds.

davis bayous campground map
52 nicely spaced campsites, all with water and electricity.
davis bayou campground
Sturdy picnic table in excellent condition on a paved pad. First class campsites.

The Park Visitor Center has some exhibits explaining the natural features in the park and suggestions on things to see and do. There is also a fishing pier adjacent to the center for anyone who possess a Mississippi State Saltwater Fishing License. The park also has a boat launch and pier for fishing and boating in the bayous or out in the Gulf itself.

Popular activities of campers are biking, bird watching, boating, fishing, hiking nature trails, and alligator watching. The popular tourist mecca of Biloxi is about 10 miles away with its sand beaches, casinos, restaurants, museums, golfing, and other entertainments.

Nature Hiking Trails – Slide Show


davis bayou nature trailsdavis bayou nature trailalligator davis bayouGator pond davis bayou

The entrance to Davis Bayou is off of Gulf Highway 90 that runs along the Gulf from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. Unfortunately there is no direct connection to the Florida Gulf Coast Scenic Drive highway without going away from the Gulf through Mobile to connect with Gulf Highway 98 that runs to Pensacola. An attractive alternative that greatly reduces the highway miles is to stay along the Gulf shore and drive out to Dauphin Island where you can take a ferry to Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores and then to Pensacola. Along this route is one of our other favorite campgrounds, Big Lagoon State Park, which borders Perdido Key.

Summary of Pros & Cons of Davis Bayou RV Campground

Pro: Top Notch Campsites, Easy Access from Highway, Decent Affordable Price, Good Roads for Biking, Close to Grocery Shopping, Less Competition for Reservations.

Cons: 10+ miles to decent beach and other visitor attractions, fewer & shorter hiking trails.

Gulf Islands Visitor & Travel Attraction Links:

MIssissippi-Alabama Campgrounds & Travel Attractions

Travel Attractions: Mississippi Alabama Gulf Coast Drive

Campground Directory – Mississippi Gulf Coast Drive

Campground Directory – Alabama Gulf Coast Drive


The Best Class B Motorhomes

hymer class b motorhomes

RV Review: What are the Best Class B RV Motorhomes

See our other RV Reviews: Best Class C Motorhomes, Top European Compact RVs and see our list of Top RV Shows for 2023

A Class B Motorhome is essentially a Custom Van built on an assembly line by a motorhome manufacturer. In the US the most popular van chassis as a base for the customization are the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, and the Dodge Ram ProMaster. Some of the top Class B RV manufacturers are Airstream, Pleasure Way, Coachman, Winnebago, and Hymer-Road Trek.

What is the difference between a Class C and a Class B Motorhome?

What distinguishes a Class C motorhome from a Class B is that in the former case only the Cab section and underlying frame and running gear come from the vehicle manufacturer. Whereas in the Class B it is the entire vehicle. Inside a Class B and a Class C vehicle may look very similar; however the interior width of a Class B is limited by the basic width of the van chassis. So in general, for a given overall vehicle length, a Class C is more spacious because the coach section of the RV is wider than the cab.

Winnebago Travato
The Winnebago Travato is the leader in Class B Motorhomes
Thor Compass RV
The Thor Compass is a Class C motorhome

Advantages of a Class B RV

One advantage of Class B is price and value. For the motorhome manufacturer, it is less expensive to convert and customize the van chassis over having to build a coach section from the ground up. Another advantage is driving ease. Many Class Bs feel as easy to drive and park as an SUV or large pickup truck. Service is also a plus since just about 100% of the drive train, running gear, etc. are standard parts and service that are available from a Mercedes, Ford, Chevie or Dodge dealership.

There is also a broader array of interior design options because you aren’t limited to the major RV manufacturers models. A whole small industry has sprung up of small custom van shops that build a Class B or custom camper van based on a customer’s specifications. The most popular of this group of custom RV manufacturers is Sportsmobile. They have 3 manufacturing shops (Texas, California, and Indiana) and offer both standard models and custom design-your-own van or motorhome.

Lately there are also small van component manufacturers who offer do-it-yourself kits to convert the interior of a van into a completely furnished RV. The kits offer modular units that slide in place. Some are meant for permanent installations, but others are built in a way that you can easily remove them so you can use your van for general cargo carrying.

The Top Class B Motorhomes

While the custom-job and component shops offer many interesting options, our Class B review here focuses on what is available from the traditional RV manufacturer. We are also focusing on vans that are full-featured motorhomes in contrast to camper vans that may not have a bathroom or lack a furnace or air-conditioning unit.

The major disadvantage of the van-built RV is space, space both for interior comfort in the “coach” or living section of the unit and space for storage of clothes and gear. How a particular manufacturer and model handles these challenges is a major consideration in our ratings.

Some of the criteria we considered in narrowing the field:

  • Less than 23 feet long; too long affects ease of handling and parking
  • Luggage space – room enough for two golf club bags
  • Natural Lighting – this is particularly important due to the small living space
  • Dinette option that doesn’t require tearing down your bed
  • Seating and Seat Belts for at least 4 people
  • Convenience accessories and appliances equal to larger units
  • Cost – under $125,000, otherwise why not get a Class C

Using these criteria narrowed our options greatly. As we observed with our review of Class Cs, European RV manufacturers do a much better job than their American and Canadian counterparts in packing a huge amount of value and convenience in a small package.

One of the standards features you often find in Europe are the dinette set up front behind the cab that doesn’t require being broken down for the main bed, allowing the rear bed to remain made-up during the day if desired. A few American and Canadian Class Bs are employing that feature including all of our top rated units.


Post Update: The following reviews were the top 2020 Class Bs. Helpful if you are in the market for a used or pre-owned Class B.

For newer models see our 2022 Reviews – Best Class B RV motorhomes


Our Top 2020 Picks for Best Class B Motorhomes

top class B van motorhomes

RoadTrek 210 Popular

An expanded version of one of the long time best-selling Class B, the RoadTrek 190. Read our RoadTrek 210 Review here.

Hymer Aktiv 2.0

European manufacturer Hymer is bringing their classic compact designs to their new manufacturing facility in Canada. Read our Hymer Aktiv 2.0 Review here.

Winnebago Travato  – 2020

The originator of the modern mass manufactured motor homes has 4 Class B models; we think the Travato is the best of them. Read our Travato Class B Van Review here.

Honorable Mentions:

If you only expect to transport two people or are a solo RVer, the compact RoadTrek 190 would be worth looking at. We also were impressed with the Canadian Manufacturer Safari Condo and their XL FLEX 22′ model. The one drawback we saw in this one was it appeared the dinette table had to be broken down during traveling. If off-roading, boondocking, and bringing your bikes or kayak with you fits your life style, the Winnie Revel is a clever compact 4×4 with just about all the amenities you’d need. Practical capacity would be 2 adults + one kid and you’d need about $150,000 to get set up right in this little guy.

Updates: Best Class B Van Motorhomes

In 2019 unfortunately 2 of the 3 recommended Class B Van Motorhomes featured in this article became discontinued and no longer in production. This was due to a major financial fiasco (including possible malfeasance by top executives) of Hymer North America, the Canadian manufacturer of both RoadTrek and Hymer brands of motorhomes (read more here).

That left the Winnebago Travato alone at the top of this market. Good for Winnebago, but not so good for choice of options by the consumer. One of the options is buying a basic Van and tricking out as a Custom Camper Van by using modular camping units that are being offered to the RV Market. Look for our article on this soon.

Then in 2020 Thor and Some Canadian Manufacturers introduced some Class B Challengers to Travato’s Best in Class status and also in 2020 Winnebago introduced the Solis which soon became the Class Leader in Pop-Top Camper Vans.

More RVing Resources

See our calendar of Best RV Shows for 2023.

See our 2021 Update – Best Class B RV motorhomes

See our recommended RV & Scenic Travel Guides.

Road Trek 210 | Best Class B RVs

RoadTrek 210 Class B RV

Reviewing the RoadTrek 210

While the popular RoadTrek 210 model is no longer in production, this review will be helpful for those looking to purchase pre-owned compact motorhomes. And if you are NEW to RVing, buying an older unit might be the quickest way of entry into the lifestyle!

See our more recent post on the New 2021 Line of RoadTrek Motorhomes and Camper Vans.

RoadTrek 210 Review

There are probably more Class Bs on the road by Road Trek. They began in 1974 as a custom van manufacturer creating the Home & Park brand from Dodge Vans. The first fuller-featured RoadTrek was introduced in 1980. They currently offer 10 models with a range of options within each model allowing customizing to your tastes and needs.

The 210 Popular Model is a very handsome unit with lots of nice amenities in a vehicle that is less than 22 feet long. It’s powered by a Chevie vortec 6.0 V8 gas engine and built on the Chevrolet Express chassis. It has pleasing aerodynamics, less than 9 feet tall (including AC unit) but the interior height will still allow a 6 foot 2″ person to stand tall.

roadtrek 210 dinette
The compact dinette up front means you don’t have to make up the bed in back to have a meal. There is a larger table in the back that can be set up for serving more than two people.
roadtrek 210 galley
Generous counter top space and 5 cu ft fridge are two features we liked in the RoadTrek.

Some of the standard features I liked was a nice size 5.0 cu. ft refrigerator-freezer, the galley with more-than-average extra counter space, and the pull-out dining table for the front captains chairs. This last feature allows you to leave the rear couch-dinette-bed unit to be kept as a made-up bed during the day. A wardrobe or armoire is available as a replacement for one of the lounge seats.

RoadTrek has also extended the Chevie Van width to allow more external storage than you often find with Class Bs and a wee bit more interior room. This customization of the coach portion of the van makes it what some might call a B+ Class as it is wider and longer than the Chevie base van. Because they added length and width to the standard van, this added extra weight and probably accounts for the more modest 1000 towing capacity.

An option I’d recommend is the EkoTrek battery management system featuring lithium power module that greatly extends living off-the-grid or boondocking. It will run both 12 volt and 110 appliances and because of the battery technology and the unique underhood gen set, recharging the batteries is much quicker.

road trek
The seating in the rear converts to a king size bed.

The RoadTrek 210 MSRP is $128,952 pricing it similar to Mercedes/Sprinter model Class Bs. The trade-off is that instead of the Mercedes diesel power plant and Sprinter chassis you get easier and less expensive service with the Chevie Chassis and Powertrain and a bit more interior/exterior storage space than you’d get with a Sprinter model. Since the base price is on the high side, one disappointment was the number of features listed as optional that are standard in some competitive units that have a lower price tag. In our search for units for sale by dealers, we couldn’t find any offering the 210 model. Price point could be the problem. Buyers who can afford a $130,00o to $140,000 unit may not pay that for a Chevie but would for Mercedes. (These Mercedes buyers are likely to find that they pay a premium a second time whenever they need service!) Most dealers preferred to offer the RoadTrek models under a $100,000 MSRP. But those less expensive models didn’t meet enough of our criteria to qualify.

RoadTrek Updates

Important Feb 18, 2019 Update. Bad News. The venerable RoadTrek brand has just suffered a potentially fatal blow. Hymer North America which acquired the Ontario RV manufacturer a few years ago has just laid off its entire workforce and announced it is going into receivership. Apparently some malfeasance by members of the upper management were part of the problem. Read more about the Hymer Layoff here.

May 1, 2019 Update. Good News. The RoadTrek Brand & Manufacturing Facilities (read article here) have been acquired by French motorhome manufacturer Rapido SAS.

RoadTrek Class B 2021

December, 2020. RoadTrek rises from the ashes: The “New” 2021 RoadTrek – See our Review

Other Top Rated older model Class B Camper Vans to consider:

Hymer Aktiv 2.0 | Best Class B RVs

hymer class b motorhomes

Class B Motorhome Review: Hymer Aktiv 2.0

See our introductory article on Best Class B RV MotorHomes

May 1, 2019. See our update Hymer motorhome plant closure and layoff.

German motorhome manufacturer Hymer acquired RoadTrek to gain entry into the North American market. They are manufacturing a Hymer line of products in the RoadTrek factory in Ontario, Canada.

Unfortunately the Hymer Activ2.0 that we profiled in this article, and liked very much, is no longer being made due to the company discontinuing operations (see article referenced above if you want more details.)

So see our article on Best Class B Motorhomes for 2020-21

We like the Aktiv 2.0 as it packs a lot of quality features in a compact package. It is built on a Dodge ProMaster chassis and comes in at less than 21 feet in length. The power plant is a 24 valve 3.6 liter gas engine that I’ve been told gets pretty decent gas mileage. A feature I particularly like is the dinette area is forward next to the cab, a setup often found in European compact motorhomes. There’s seating for four with a bench seat and the two cab seats that turn around. The foldup dinette table, however, is too small to handle four people, three max. This allows you to keep your rear bed made up during the daytime, a handy feature.

Hymer Aktiv Dinette
Dinette easily offers room for two and some tiny space for two more casual diners. Table can stay up while traveling for a passenger to use as a desk.
aktiv 2.0
The Murphy Bed tilts up for access to the spacious storage compartments and provides an aisle to bring bikes, golf clubs, or other toys.

Another feature I like is the gen set is part of the basic Dodge engine, actually a second alternator that generates 110 power. Why this is a plus is because separate generators take special care and maintenance; if they aren’t regularly exercised the carb gets gummed up and as a separate engine it brings another set of maintenance chores. I suppose running your Dodge engine might burn a little more fuel than an independent gen set engine, but unless you use your gen set quite a lot, the difference is probably only a few dollars a year.

You can see the influence of German engineering in a number of the appointments in the interior. Quality materials and intelligent design. Spacious cabinets, good led lighting, and a decent amount of natural light through the windows and skylight. The rear area can either be a convertible power sofa that converts into a king bed or a murphy-style bed that folds up if you want a huge amount of cargo space for bikes, golf clubs, etc. Even in the down position, the murphy bed provides a goodly amount of extra storage underneath.

Hymer AKtiv 2.0
While shown sleeping front to back, sleepers less than 6′ could sleep side-side in the coach  due to the slightly larger width of the ProMaster chassis.

The main drawback is the relatively tiny closet. It looks to be only about 12 inches wide, maybe even less. So not much space for hanging clothes. The refrigerator is also smaller than the Roadtrek, coming in a 3.1 cubic feet.

Like the RoadTrek 210, the Aktiv also offers the EkoTrek battery management system as an option that greatly extends your off-the-grid living and comfort. Unlike the RoadTrek, the Aktiv has a more hefty towing capacity – up to 3500 lbs. And it is considerably less expensive to buy.

Hymer Aktiv 2.0 MSRP starting at $102,427

Important Feb 18, 2019 Update. Our enthusiasm for the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 has been greatly dampened. The Ontario firm has just laid off its entire workforce and announced it is going into receivership. Apparently some malfeasance by members of the upper management were part of the problem. Read more about the Hymer Layoff here and their financial difficulties involving an estimated $300 million in liabilities.

While Hymer won’t be returning, the company buying the assets of the firm and the RoadTrek name has re-entered the US-Canadian motorhome market. See our December, 2020. Article on The “New” 2021 RoadTrek

RoadTrek Class B 2021
New RoadTrek Motorhome

Fixing Leaky RV Waste Water Value

See our RV Motorhome Reviews: Best Class B Camper VansBest Class C Motorhomes, Top European Compact RVs and see our list of Top RV Shows

Fixing forever the Nasty Sewer Valve Leak

We are among the RV motorhome owners who are frequently hassled by a slow leak in either or both the gray and black water holding tank valves.

In our case, it has been the persistent small leak in the gray tank valve. Sometimes it produces a small drip from the cap that covers the outlet to the sewage system. Because I know it is gray water, I’m not too bothered by it. But my wife is; she worries other people at the campground might see it leaking. Other times the cap doesn’t leak but when we are at a RV dump station and open the cap to install the sewage dump line and rush of gray water comes splashing out. That is an additional nuisance we both object to.

In my case I’ve tried various solutions like filling both gray and black tanks with vinegar and soap solutions to better flush out the drain lines. Sometimes bits of material get caught in the tank valve that prevent it from closing properly. When this didn’t provide a lasting solution, I broke down and ordered and installed a replacement gray valve. That solution didn’t last either.

On our unit, and I suspect many other RV layouts, the gray valve is actuated by a long cable. You push or pull on the handle on one end of the cable and the other end is attached to the gate valve. There seems to always be a bit of slop in the cable system; hard to “feel” that the valve is being entirely closed. I guess a final solution would be redirect the entire gray tank plumbing system so we have an separate outlet for the gray valve and can install a directly operated gate valve that doesn’t need a cable. Big job and it means the process of emptying the RV tanks will now be a two piece, two step system, hooking and unhooking the flexible sewer line two times to handle each of the tanks.

The Ultimate Solution to the Leaking RV Holding Tank

Well American innovation has finally come to solve our problem. It is a new product from Valterra RV Products. It is the T58 Twist-On Waste Valve. It is designed to replace your existing RV drain cap and it contains a secondary direct action waste valve. Your existing cap then twists on the open-end of the Twist-On-Waste Valve. The new valve gives you an effective second line of defense against the nagging leaky valve problem. What is nice about it is even if there is gray or black water built up behind the new valve, when you remove the cap to hook up your sewer line no water will come splashing out.

For less than $25 and minimal labor installing it, this nagging leaky valve problem is a thing of the past. You can order that new  Valterra T58 Twist-on Waste Valve from Amazon here

Installation is simple. Just unscrew and remove the outer dust cap from your present valve. Then screw on the Valterra Twist-on Valve in place of the cap you just removed. The valve handle component will rotate around to work at any angle. The place your old dust cap on the Valterra. That’s it. Now you have two lines of defense against that nasty dump valve leak.

RV dump valve replacement
Remove the dust cap from your present valve.
rv dump valve
Twist on the Valterra valve and install your dust cap on the end.

*We earn a modest commission on Amazon sales, that is paid by Amazon and does not increase the price of the product.

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