The Shining Light: Visiting Historic Lighthouses

Since the 1800’s,
lighthouses have been guiding ships to shore and serving as stoic landmarks.
While most are automated now, lighthouses are often open to the public as
museums. Light up your next vacation with a visit to these historic
lighthouses and nearby RV parks and campgrounds.

Portland Head Light
Lighthouse – Cape Elizabeth, Maine

The oldest lighthouse in Maine sits at the entrance of the main shipping
channel into Portland Harbor. Although it’s now automated, the lighthouse
keepers’ house has been transformed into a museum that is open to the public.
The lighthouse has barely been touched since construction was completed in
1791 besides the addition to the height during the Civil War years.

Where to stay: Bayley’s Camping
Resort
Mini golf, fishing in the on-site ponds, and games like kickball and
volleyball are just some of the countless activities offered at this
campgrounds and its recreation center. Located just 30 minutes from the
lighthouse, Bayley’s is sure to entertain families of all ages.

Pigeon Point
Lighthouse – Pescadero, California

Perched on a cliff just 50 miles from San Francisco is the 115-foot Pigeon
Point Lighthouse. Since 1872, Pigeon Point has guided mariners to central
California. Now, nearly 150 years later, free history walks are available
through the state park. The original first-order Fresnel lens is still in working
order, and every November thousands of visitors gather to witness the annual
lighting of this historic light.

Where to stay: Pelican Point RV
Park
Whether guests are coming to visit in the middle of the summer or stopping
by for the annual lighting, Pelican Point is a must-stay. It’s just 20
minutes straight down the coast from the lighthouse, 30 miles from San
Francisco and between the ocean and the mountains. Stunning views of the
neighboring Ritz Carlton golf courses and beach access are just two of the
features that will keep campers entertained at Pelican Point.

Haceta
Head Lighthouse – Yachats, Oregon
Located on the Oregon coast, this lighthouse attracts thousands of people
every year. Since it was built in 1894, the Haceta Head has casted one of the
strongest beams of light onto the sea making it a popular spot for sea
captains to dock. In 1978, the lighthouse was added to the National Register
of Historic Places for its architecture and engineering significance.

Where to stay:
South Jetty RV and Camping Resort 
A beautiful drive from the lighthouse along the coast of the Pacific Ocean
will bring you to South Jetty RV and Camping Resort. Located on the water,
guests can enjoy the beach and nature trails as well as potluck dinners,
sporting tournaments, and live entertainment and dancing. There are also
unique accommodations for those that don’t have an RV including yurts and
full-sized cabins.

Saugerties
Lighthouse – Saugerties, New York
A designated landmark, the Saugerties Light has become a popular
destination along the Hudson River and still casts a fog horn that can be heard
for miles. The lighthouse, originally built in 1869, is now a museum where
you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hudson River and the Catskill
Mountains.

Where to stay:
Saugerties/Woodstock KOA
Just 13 minutes from the lighthouse, there is always something to do at
Saugerties KOA including weekly craft activities, fire truck rides, ice cream
socials, geocaching, and nature hikes. Surrounded by tall luscious green
trees, this campground offers spots perfect for RVs and tents as well as
cabins and lodges for those looking for added comfort.

Portsmouth
Harbor Lighthouse – New Castle, New Hampshire

As the only lighthouse on the mainland of New Hampshire, Portsmouth Harbor
Light was constructed in 1877 on the grounds of Fort Constitution, a
Revolutionary War fortification. The current light is a fixed green signal
that is visible for 12 nautical miles. Though the lighthouse itself is not
open to the public, it can be seen from the nearby Fort Constitution State
Historic Site.

Where to stay: Libby’s
Oceanside Camp
Only 22 minutes from the lighthouse, Libby’s Oceanside Camp is the place to
sit back and relax by the water. Guests enjoy breathtaking ocean views, fresh
salt air breezes, and the dynamic surf.