DESTINATIONS: BEST OFF-ROAD RESORTS

BEST OFF-ROAD RESORTS

Have you ever dreamed of riding in a different part of the country but the hassle of dragging your toys to lands far away just wasn’t practical? What if you could hop on a plane, grab a rental car and drive to a destination that has it all? The editors of Dirt Wheels  have put together a list of their favorite all-inclusive off-road resorts that you should add to your travel plans in the near future. 

CAIN’S LIST

1) CAROLINA ADVENTURE WORLD
Location: 1515 Arrowhead Rd, Winnsboro, South Carolina
Contact: www.carolinaadventureworld.com, (803) 482-3534

I’ve been fortunate to visit many resorts in my days when attending new-model introductions with the OEMs, and one of my first was Carolina Adventure World (CAW) in South Carolina. Back then, it was the cool trails and an awesome track you could rip quads around for a weekend and not have to drive from a hotel each day to go ride. Since then, CAW has added a full neighborhood of cabins starting at $125 per night. Or, you can post up in one of 100 RV/tent camping spots, half of which are full hook-up sites. The pro shop is stocked better than some dealerships I have been to, and the 100 miles of mostly directional woods trail riding is better than ever. ATV, UTV and dirt bike rentals from Can-Am, Suzuki and Polaris are available on-site and ready to get dirty. Another unique thing about Carolina Adventure World is that they offer ATV and SXS training courses, as well as guides to show you the trails. This place is perfect for the experienced rider looking for new trails or a family just dipping their toes into the sport. My plans are to hit the night-ride weekend this August. Hope to see you there. 

2) APPALACHIAN OUTPOST
Location: 101 Appalachian Outpost Trail, Lyburn, WV 25632
Contact: www.appalachianoutpost.com, (304) 752-3073

The latest off-road resort I have had the pleasure of visiting is the Appalachian Outpost in the heart of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System (HMT). It’s the perfect location to headquarter and explore multiple trailheads on the HMT system, including Rockhouse, Bearwallow, Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain. You can choose a rental from CAW located in the Outpost building, as well as dine and unwind at the Broken Axle restaurant, then hit the Red Bird Cafe for ice cream. Luxury three-room cabins start at $240 per night that can sleep two families, and feature a full kitchen, deck, fire pit, BBQ, TVs and Wi-Fi. There’s a gas station/convenience store located right in the parking lot and a coin-op wash station set up as you come off the trail. Hatfield-McCoy’s headquarters is located on-site as well, so stop in and learn some history of the area, pick up permits and trail maps. E-mail us a picture of your stay to [email protected], and we will put it in the next “Letters” section of the magazine.

3) TAYLOR PARK TRADING POST
Location: 23044 Co Rd 742, Almont, Colorado
Contact: taylorparktradingpost.com, (970) 641-8911

Taylor Park is  the ultimate summer OHV destination. When the rest of the country is baking in the summer sun and nobody wants to ride, Taylor Park offers much cooler temperatures and epic trails through the surrounding meadows, valleys and high peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Some of the highest trails we have ever ridden have been overlooking Taylor Park. During the last trip we had sightings of mother-baby moose, elk and bear. The later you visit, the more the trails will be clear of snow and passable. But, keep in mind some amenities shut down mid-September. RZR rentals are available at the Trading Post, and the cafe is open all season long. For lodging, you can opt for full hook-up RV camping with views of the surrounding mountains, or bunk down in one of the many full-service cabins on-site. Full hook-up spot starts at $65 per night, and the cabins book for $155. Monthly rates for the RV spots are also available. Laundry, propane and gasoline are available on-site through the general store, and the Nugget Cafe is open daily for lunch and dinner from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The closest airport (and town) is Gunnison, Colorado, is less than an hour away down Co. Rd 742.

4.) IRON MOUNTAIN RESORT
Location: 116 Iron Mountain Drive Dahlonega, Georgia
Contact: www.ironmountainresort.com, (706) 216-7275

An easy two-hour drive from Atlanta will get you to Iron Mountain Resort, Georgia’s premier off-road park. In a few short years this park has grown into a full-blown resort with all the amenities you could need. The Pro Shop reminds me of a Bass Pro Shop.  Outside, there are over 150 miles of trails throughout the 2600-acre wooded and mountainous park. The restaurant is only open Friday through Sunday and during special events, which happen all the time, and the park is open year round. SxS rentals from Can-Am and Yamaha are available, so check their website for deals on used rigs. For lodging, you can choose from more than 50 RV sites starting at $130 for a two-night stay, or a cabin rental will set you back the same amount. But, the cabins are bunk-style and basically for sleeping only. There are no other amenities, and you have to use a separate, private bathhouse to clean up. Still, it’s a great park to check out and a fun way to test drive a new Yamaha or Can-Am. Finally, don’t miss the mud pits and new rally racing series that runs once each month in May, June, August and October. ATVs and UTVs are welcome  in the unique event. Each round is on a different type of track. May will be an endurance race, June is a hill-climb, August is again an endurance race, and October closes out the race season on the Super GP track.

5.) BEAR LODGE RESORT
Location: 5600 US-14 ALT, Dayton, Wyoming
Contact: www.bearlodgeresort.com, (307) 752-2444

Right from the resort you can access over 1500 miles of trails winding their way through Wyoming’s Big Horn National Forest. Most of the trails have spectacular views, unless you venture into the dense forest trails or take on the technical rock trails the area has to offer. The area is so remote and far from any major town, crowds are nonexistent all summer or during winter snowmobile season. Flying in is difficult unless you have a private plane that can land on a dirt runway, so this is going to be a midway stop on my next cross-country vacation. You might want to do the same or hit Bear Lodge Resort on your way to the Sturgis Rally in the next state over in South Dakota. Polaris SxS rentals are available for half-day all the way up to week-long rentals for folks over 21 years old. Extra add-on drivers can be 18+. Hotel rooms start at $150 per night. Cabin accommodations range from $49 to $315 per night, or you can choose one of the RV or tent sites starting at $37 per night. The restaurant has great food to start and will get you through your day with cinnamon rolls as big as your head.

JEFF’S LIST

6.) SANDY BEACH RESORTS AT PUERTO PEÑASCO, MEXICO
Location: 63 miles from the Arizona/Sonora border on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Cortez
Contact: https://puerto-penasco.com/resorts.html

My first encounter with Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, predates the high-rise resorts that now grace Sandy Beach. I used to spend several weekends a year desert racing 100- to 200-mile events between the border town of Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco, which is located near the top of the Sea of Cortez. The area quickly won my heart; now, it’s a sight to behold in its spectacular luxury. Puerto Penasco has become a haven for Arizonans seeking a beach getaway without the San Diego price tag. You’ll find the Sea of Cortez, beach palapas and incredible Mexican seafood on one side of the resorts. On the other side, you can rent your choice of ATVs and side-by-sides to explore the sandy trails accessed directly from the resorts, or drive down with your own ATV/SxS. One of the most popular resorts is Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort (https://laspalomasresort
.net). You can rent luxurious condos with one to five rooms/bathrooms. The resort has a heated pool with a swim-up bar, its own restaurants, beach access and more. It’s also very secure. The area also has a few RV parks with full hookups starting under $30 a night. The riding near the resorts includes Competition Hill, sand dunes and desert trails, and you can ride to the Reef Restaurant or J.J.’s World Famous Cantina on Cholla Bay for lunch. I try to get down there for several extended weekends a year, as it’s the perfect place to unwind and achieve your powersports fill.

7.) BADLANDS OHV PARK
Location: 3968 N. Xavier RD, Attica, Indiana
Contact: www.badlandsoffroad.com, (765) 762-2981; www.offthetrailcampground.com

When we asked our readers what their favorite OHV resort was, Badlands OHV Park was by far the most popular answer. The Badlands Off-Road Park offers more than 1400 acres of a little something for everyone and every skill set. The terrain is diverse, with sand dunes, wooded trails, gravel pits, water crossings, mud obstacles, and rock crawling areas. Bikes and sport quads can test their skills on a large motocross track. SUVs, 4x4s and side-by-side enthusiasts will appreciate the rock quarry/SUV park. The Badlands strongly emphasize safety, with strict rules against drinking and driving and littering, creating the perfect environment for families. Thirty-plus vacation home/cabin rentals start at $155 a night and 200 campsites with full hookups start at $40 a night offering direct access to the OHV park, so there’s no need to trailer in. There’s also a clubhouse where you can take a load off after a full day of off-roading. If you don’t have access to a side-by-side, you can rent a Polaris XP 1000 two- or four-seater from nearby Adventure Rentals ahead of time online at www.adventurerentals.rent or call (765) 764-4000.

8.) RIDE ROYAL BLUE RESORT
Location: 6307 Stinking Creek Road, Pioneer, Tennessee
Contact: www.rideroyalblue.com, (423) 784-9445

Trail riding in the tree-laden hills of Tennessee never disappoints. Ride Royal Blue Resort is a beautiful destination located amidst the stunning Cumberland Mountains. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and off-road explorers who come here to enjoy the unparalleled terrain and vibrant natural surroundings. The resort covers more than 200,000 acres and has more than 600 miles of trails, catering to thrill-seekers and nature lovers of all levels. Visitors can traverse rugged mountain paths, splash through rushing streams, and navigate rocky inclines while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian landscape. In addition to the trails, Ride Royal Blue offers top-notch amenities for relaxation and recreation. The Rock Ridge Resort and the Ridges at Royal Blue Campground feature cozy cabins and campsites for overnight stays, ensuring guests can unwind after a day of adventure. The resort also boasts amenities like a swimming pool, hot tubs and an on-site restaurant. You can rent two- and four-seat Polaris XP 1000 side-by-sides on-site, or nearby Royal Blue Off-Road Rentals has Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 two- and four-seat side-by-sides available to book online at www.royalblueoffroadrentals.com.

9.) PIRATE COVE RESORT & MARINA
Location: 100 Park Moabi Rd, Needles, California
Contact: www.piratecoveresort.com, (760) 326-9000

Pirate Cove Resort stands as a year-round oasis of relaxation and adventure along the banks of the Colorado River. Renowned for its unique pirate-themed ambiance and scenic beauty, this resort captures the imagination of visitors from near and far. Nestled amidst the picturesque Mojave Desert landscape, the Pirate Cove Resort offers direct access to more than 3200 miles of BLM off-road trails. Bring your own off-road toys or rent a Polaris RZR on-site. Boating enthusiasts can explore the tranquil waters of the Colorado River, while thrill-seekers can indulge in jet-skiing, water-skiing and wakeboarding. Boat and PWC rentals are also available at Pirate Cove. Fishing aficionados can cast their lines in pursuit of bass, catfish and other freshwater catches. The resort’s accommodations range from cozy cottages to spacious full hook-up RV sites, providing options to suit every preference and budget. Guests can relax and unwind in comfort after a day of adventure surrounded by the serene beauty of the desert landscape. With so much to do in one place, Pirate Cove Resort is on our A-list of places to explore in 2024.

10.) MYSTIC HILLS HIDEAWAY
Location: 21766 Custer Peak Road, Deadwood, South Dakota
Contact: www.mystichillshideaway.com, (605) 584-4794

Mystic Hills Hideaway is a year-round premium resort located near Deadwood, South Dakota, that offers UTV and snowmobile adventures in the Black Hills. The resort features 12 cabins and rental units, as well as 70 full hookup RV sites, including big rig campsites. Mystic Hills Hideaway is a year-round stay-and-play destination, with UTV/ATV riding in the spring, summer and fall, and snowmobile riding in the winter. The facilities include a lodge with a fireplace, a general store, a restaurant, a shower house, laundry and a playground. Mystic Hills Hideaway is uniquely situated on the Black Hills National Forest UTV Trail System, providing direct access to the Black Hills UTV, ATV and snowmobile trails. Guests can enjoy breakfast at the lodge and ride off into the wilderness for a full day of adventure. Mystic Hills Hideaway has everything you need with rentals on-site from a large fleet of Yamaha UTV side-by-sides, including Yamaha Wolverine X2 two-seaters, Yamaha RMAX2 two-seaters, and Yamaha RMAX4 four-seaters. Snowmobile rentals are available during winter months. We look forward to a visit soon, as Mystic Hills Hideaway appears to be the most luxurious way to experience the rugged Black Hills landscape.

TIM’S LIST

11.) WINDROCK PARK
Location: 921 Windrock Rd., Oliver Springs, Tennessee
Contact: www.windrockpark.com, (865)435-1251, (865)435-3492

I’ve been fortunate to attend several OEM press launches at Tennessee’s Windrock Park, which is the largest OHV park and resort in the east, boasting 73,000 acres of wooded and mountainous land and more than 300 miles of trails. Trails range from the easy gravel roads and moderate mountain trails to difficult and extreme trails with limestone ledges for wildly modified rock bouncers and UTVs. Windrock now has a large campground with RV hook-up sites, primitive camping with no hook-ups, and wooden platforms with canopies for tent camping. Windrock has 47 cabins located along the entrance road, ranging from the primitive, unfurnished Bunk House to the palatial Ponderosa, a four-bedroom, four-bath two-story luxury cabin with a fire ring. Polaris used the Ponderosa for staging the 2023 RZR XP 1000 press introduction. The 10,000-square-foot Windrock General Store is a Destination Yamaha outfitter that rents Yamaha Wolverines and Vikings, and has OHV essentials, groceries and merchandise.

12.) BRIMSTONE RECREATION
Location: 2860 Baker Highway, Huntsville, Tennessee
Contact: brimstonerecreation.com, (800) 274-6786

Also an OEM favorite, Brimstone Recreation has 19,196 acres in the heart of Appalachia with 300 miles of trails in mountainous terrain and forests. Brimstone Resorts built high-end cabins ($100–$300 a night) throughout the park and put in an RV campground with hook-ups, plus there are several cleared fields with dry camping. Trails range from easy and moderate to extreme, with limestone ledges and climbs worthy of National Rock Racing events, and their jamborees are extremely popular with national-caliber concerts, woods racing, manufacturer demos, and massive vendor support. Brimstone still has hunting, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, and biking. Brimstone is a Polaris Adventures outfitter and rents RZRs.

13.) GEORGIA OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
Location: 2350 Randolph Rd, Union Point, Georgia
Contact: www.offroadadventuresdt.com, (706)486-0091

Originally called “Durhamtown,” Georgia Off-Road Adventures (GORA) was one of the south’s earliest OHV parks I visited when Can-Am introduced the original Maverick. Durhamtown sits on 5000-plus acres, and has 100-plus miles of trails and a few motocross and SxS short-course tracks, and most of the trails are marked one-way for safety. The rustic Pro Shop has gear, parts, lubes, VP race fuel, food, firewood and ice, and Georgia Off-Road Rentals is a Polaris Adventures outfitter that rents RZRs and Rangers, plus they rent Honda CRFs and Yamaha YZFs and WRFs. There are 69 cabins for rent, RV hook-ups (30–50 amps) and dry-camping sites. GORA is sponsored by Jeb Bootle Motorsports, and they have a SxS short-course series with remaining 2024 rounds being September 7th, October 19th, and November 28–30th. There is also semi-guided (stands in the woods) seasonal hunting for deer and hogs.

14.) MINES AND MEADOWS ATV/RV RESORT
Location: 1307 Old Route 18, Wampum, Pennsylvania
Contact: www.minesandmeadows.com, (724)535-6026

While Mines and Meadows ATV/RV Resort only has 877 acres and 84 miles of trails in far southwest Pennsylvania, what makes it unique is the property sits on an old 3-acre limestone mine. I got to ride Brute Force and Teryx 4x4s underground with Kawasaki, and the trail system is also impressive. Patrons can take an underground guided tour for $5, and the entrance is large enough for 60-inch-wide UTVs. Mines and Meadows has a wide spectrum of trails with moderate, more difficult and most difficult trails branching off of the easy main loop trail. There is even some dirt bike singletrack and a peewee track, and many trails are wide enough for 74-inch UTVs. The Trailhead Pro Shop has food, camping supplies, gear, parts, lubes, firewood and ice. There are 58 RV camping pull-through sites with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hook-ups, and there is a cottage for rent and dry camping. Mines and Meadows is partnered with Xplore Rentals, a Destination Yamaha outfitter that has guided ATV and UTV tours on Kodiak 450 EPS ATVs, and Wolverine R-MAX2s and RMAX4s.

15. ) LIZZIE & CHARLIE’S RV/ATV PARK
Location: 99 South Main Street (Hwy 89), Marysvale, Utah
Contact: www.lizzieandcharlies.com, (435)326-4213

Marysvale is a tiny town south of Richfield on Utah Highway 89, but it sits directly on the 238-mile Paiute trail with thousands of miles of connector trails. Founders of the Paiute trail did so to attract OHV tourists, and Marysvale Park is the headquarters for the UTV Jam in early August, a spring Papa Bear ride and Halloween ride. Lizzie and Charlie even hooked me up for a few UTV jams with an RV and generator at the fairgrounds. Lizzie and Charlie’s RV/ATV Park is a couple of blocks from the city park, and it has 92 pull-through RV spaces, 11 rental cabins, six tent spaces and three houses to rent. The office has a pro shop, store, showers and laundry, and there are also two more bathhouses with laundry and a pavilion with a Dutch oven. Lizzie and Charlie’s is an Uncharted Society outfitter that rents Outlander Max DPS 570 ATVs and Maverick Trail DPS, Sport 1000Rs, and Sport Max 1000Rs. Get a Paiute trail map and spend days exploring and fishing!