4 RV-Friendly Golf Destinations to Beat the Heat

Emerging from our Winnebago View, I hurriedly flagged down an approaching shuttle van. "Almost missed ya," the friendly driver quips as I board the van, golf clubs in tow. A quick drive and brief chat later, I found myself being dropped at the doorstep of one of the top public golf courses in America. A complimentary shuttle ride from our rig to the nearby golf course? Now this is my kind of RV park.

On last year's Ultimate Golf Road Trip, Brittany and I were happy to discover a host of great golf destinations that were super welcoming to RVs. Not surprisingly, many were located in the southern portions of the U.S., where year-round golf is nothing short of a way of life. However, some of the best spots (with the jaw-dropping good golf, too) are scattered across the northern portion of North America.

If you're on the hunt for some ideal spots to ditch the sticky summer heat, consider one of these RV-friendly golf destinations. And for those less inclined to grab their sticks and head to the course, there are plenty of non-golfing activities at each, too.

1. Cabot Links in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

Located on the northern coast of Cape Breton Island, Cabot Links is hands down the most beautiful golf destination we've ever visited. The resort is home to not one, but two golf courses ranked inside the top 100 best courses in the world. Yes, the world.

The Cabot Cliffs course features eight holes dancing directly above the rugged coastline, with fairways and greens hanging on cliff's edge. Each and every hole has panoramic views of the sea. Cabot Links, the resort's second course, is an equally scenic Scottish-links style layout with a number of holes running directly along sandy beaches. Both are absolutely incredible golf experiences.

Strolling the cliff-side fairways of Cabot is nothing short of breathtaking.

They're the type of golf courses that even non-golfers enjoy, thanks to endless epic views. Add-in a quaint neighboring town full of charm, and Cabot lends one unforgettable travel experience.

RV Accommodations: MacLeod's Beach & Campsite

A few miles up-the-coast from Cabot Links is the beautiful MacLeod's Beach & Campsite. The sites are close to one another, but it's cliff-side location and ocean views make for an incredibly scenic spot. The adjacent beach is ideal for sunrise and sunset walks, especially if you're traveling with your pup! Cost: $38-48/night.

The beautiful MacLeod beach, adjacent to the campground, is ideal for relaxing strolls.

Other Activities

Cabot Links is in a very remote part of Nova Scotia, which in my opinion, is partly what makes it so great. There's a feeling of simplicity and detachment from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. Drive the world-famous Cabot Trail, do some hiking or horseback riding, charter a whale-watching boat tour, or pay a visit to the Glenora Distillery. Trust us, there's plenty to do in this remote part of Nova Scotia!

2. Prince Edward Island, Canada

If you decide to trek all the way to Cape Breton Island by RV, be sure to add Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the list, too. It's a convenient detour on your way back to the "mainland" and well worth a visit. In fact, I was told by a Canadian playing partner (who resides in Vancouver) that PEI is considered to be the "Myrtle Beach of Canada" -- which is to say this modest-sized island is loaded with golf.

I recommend playing a trio of courses known as PEI's Finest Golf. The Links at Crowbush is a personal favorite, with a variety of landscapes that include golf holes winding through the trees, traversing changes in elevation, and finally ending directly along the beach. Dundarave and Brudenell -- the other two courses -- offer great conditions and really memorable golf layouts, too.

PEI's Links at Crowbush boasts some great seaside views.

RV Accommodations: St. Peter's Campground

There are quite a few options across the island, but St. Peter's Campground proves to be a great location between the three courses. It's not heavy on the amenities, though it does offer a swimming pool and a fantastic walking path that runs along St. Peter's Bay (one way leads to a harbor, the other a picturesque church). Cost: $36/night.

A walking path against St. Peter's Bay is the scene of epic sunsets each night.

Other Activities

Prince Edward Island is quite developed in certain areas and offers just about every activity imaginable. Take a hike in the nearby Greenwich / Prince Edward Island National Park, visit the historic Green Gables, check-out any number of great beaches, or simply make the scenic drive around the perimeter of PEI.

3. Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York

With three 18-hole championship courses and two beginner-friendly 9-hole short courses, Turning Stone Resort offers everything the golf lover could want. Two of the championship courses are ranked inside the top 100 public courses in America.

The Atunyote course used to play host to a PGA Tour event, and is one of the most pristine courses I've ever played. It offers panoramic views of the New York countryside and will challenge even the best golfers. The other two 18-hole courses -- Kaluhyat and Shenandoah -- are no slouch either, touting good conditions and fun layouts.

Turning Stone's Atunyote course is as pristine as you'd expect from a former PGA Tour venue.

RV Accommodations: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

Located on the Turning Stone Resort property, the Villages RV Park has great camp spots, a swimming pool and hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, and ponds for fishing and paddle boarding. It's a stone's throw from the main resort amenities (casino, restaurants, shows, spa, etc.) and golf courses, and there's a free shuttle to everything, too. So convenient! Cost: $40-55/night.

Turning Stone's RV Park offers great campsites, with a free shuttle to all resort activities.

Other Activities

There's a good chance you'll find yourself diving into all the resort has to offer, but in the event you want to venture off property, spend a day wandering around Syracuse (30 minutes) or at the Finger Lake wineries (60 minutes).

4. French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana

Few golf destinations surprised me more than French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. I had little knowledge of the resort prior to our visit, but quickly fell in love after a few days on property. French Lick has two 18-hole golf courses, both ranked inside the top 100 of public courses in America and each providing differing styles of play.

The old-school Ross Course at French Lick Resort in Indiana.

The Ross Course is a classic style course that sits on a property of gently rolling hills and provides a great reflection of the courses built in this era. The Dye Course is a newer and more modern course, carved around an old mansion sitting on a hilltop that now serves as the clubhouse. It is an expansive property and boasts incredible views of Hoosier National Forest that span up-to 40-miles on clear days.

Sunrise views overlooking the Hoosier National Forest are incredible at French Lick's Dye Course.

RV Accommodations: French Lick RV Slips

French Lick also offers on-site RV parking spots, meaning you get to stay right in the heart of the action. Though there aren't any frills here (the RV slips are on a paved lot), you have access to everything at the resort -- including a trolley that will chauffeur you around the resort and to the golf courses -- making it a great setup. Cost: $75/night.

Other Activities

French Lick Resort has a ton of activities including swimming pools, a spa, casino, hiking, horse stables, and carriage rides to name a few. There are lots of restaurants on the resort and in the nearby town, as well as a plethora of local activities for everyone to enjoy.