A Pickleball Road Trip: The Best Places to Play Ball

As if a road trip isn’t fun enough, imagine a family adventure where pickleball fuels your travels every stop along the way. If you’re familiar with pickleball, you know how much excitement currently surrounds the game and its wild growth and popularity lately. If you’re not familiar, no worries. Picture the playfulness of ping pong with the energy of tennis and you’ve got the entertaining game known as pickleball.

Known for its social and friendly dynamic, pickleball is one of those games that’s easy to start and hard to stop. It’s a craze that’s sweeping parts of the country and, like with most trends centered around fun, the RV community has fully embraced it. So where can you get in on the action?

Buckle up for a pickleball road trip. We’ll help you discover the best places to play ball.

Pickleball Courts to Visit in the Southwest

There’s no wrong way to start your tour of pickleball. You can find courts all over the country. So arrange your road trip route in the way that works best for you and in the season you like traveling in the most. We’re starting in the south and working our way up.

Pickleball paddles are easier to hold than tennis rackets. Image from Shutterstock.

Green Valley Recreation in Arizona

Located less than 20 miles of Tucson, the Green Valley Recreation Pickleball Club hosts an impressive 36 courts for members and guests. Perfect your skills surrounded by scenic views of the Arizona desert during the day and, if you’re not tired by sundown, keep playing on one of their many lighted courts. It’s the perfect stop for beginner and experienced players alike.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds Rincon Country West RV Resort Far Horizons RV Resort

Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club in California

Whether you choose to play indoors or outside, or mix it up with a little of both, the Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club in Encinitas, CA caters to your every whim. From introductory classes to competitive tournaments, drop-in open play and private court reservations, the Pickleball program at Bobby Riggs is top-notch.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort Oceanside RV Resort Olive Avenue RV Resort

Pickleball Courts to Visit in the Southeast

Image from Shutterstock.

The Villages, Florida

Commonly referred to as the “unofficial pickleball capital of the world”, The Villages is a retirement community that is home to 150+ pickleball courts. Stopping by The Villages will ensure you’ll have a court waiting for you. Courts are available to residents and non-residents–it’s an ideal setup in an ideal location.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Sunkissed Village RV Resort Blue Parrot RV Resort Grand Oaks Resort

House of Pickleball in North Carolina

If you’re looking to hop out of the sun for a few, swing by the House of Pickleball in Leland, NC. Climate-controlled indoor courts with rubberized, cushioned flooring ensure gameplay is as fun as possible. The refreshment selection includes beer, wine, and cider plus snacks. Even if you lose, you’re still winning.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Wilmington KOA Carolina Beach S & W Campground

Pickleball Courts to Visit in the Northeast

Image from Shutterstock.

Pickleball Island in New York

Grand Island, NY is the home to Pickleball Island which is the largest dedicated indoor pickleball facility in New York State. All things pickleball-related are celebrated here! With no membership required, guests can take advantage of the free beginner lessons, or the open-play courts, year-round. If RV enthusiasts time their trip right, you could watch or compete in one of 5 tournaments held each year.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Cinderella Motel & Campground Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort AA Royal Motel & Campground

Fort Williams Park in Maine

If a pickleball court with a view is on the wish list, then the Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, ME is the location for you. With eight courts, two that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the Portland Headlight, you’ll be able to play pickleball and soak in the beauty of your surroundings all at once.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Bayley’s Camping Resort Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park Wassamki Springs Campground

Pickleball Courts to Visit in the Midwest

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Chicken N Pickle in Missouri

What’s better than good food and a good time? It’s the perfect combination if you ask us. Chicken N Pickle in Kansas City, MO offers a unique experience by serving up a full menu in its restaurant (including drinks and a brunch menu) while guests serve up point after point on the adjacent pickleball courts. Food and fun, what more could you ask for?

Campgrounds Nearby:

Worlds of Fun Village Longview Lake The Campus RV Park

Mentor Pickleball Courts in Ohio

Home of 15 lighted outdoor courts, and 4 indoor courts, the Mentor Pickleball Courts in Civic Center Park, OH welcome pickleball players of all ages and experience levels. Open 7 days a week, the Mentor Pickleball Courts encourage open play, offer classes and clinics, and host leagues and tournaments throughout the year.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Countryside Campground Cherokee Park Campground Lake Snowden

Pickleball Courts to Visit in the Northwest

Image from Shutterstock.

Pickleball Station in Washington

Driving through Seattle, WA will have you parking the RV for a visit to the Pickleball Station for a quick game and to browse through the world’s best Pickleball Pro Shop. A favorite for any avid pickleball player, the Pickleball Station offers clinics and lessons by pickleball professionals who craft personalized lesson plans on a player-by-player level.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Lake Pleasant RV Park Fay Bainbridge Park & Campground Eagle Tree RV Park

Little Valley Pickleball Complex in Utah

Located in St. George, UT, the Little Valley Pickleball Complex has 24+ courts with considerately placed shaded areas offering seats for spectators. Locals and pickleball enthusiasts have nicknamed the location the “cathedral of pickleball” so playing on these courts takes the sport to an entirely new level.

Campgrounds Nearby:

Lakeside RV Campground McArthur’s Temple View RV Resort Snow Canyon

Whether you take your RV through the southern states and work your way up or do the opposite and drive your way down, there are plenty of pickleball courts waiting for you. Find a court near you using the “Places 2 Play,” app or website. Then, book a high-quality campground nearby using the Good Sam park-finder tool.

Prep your RV, grab your paddles, queue up your favorite playlist, and soak in all the views along the way. Visiting the best places to play ball and have a good game is the perfect excuse for a road trip. You just might discover a new passion along the way. Ace!