Family Traditions Start Here: Why Every Visit to Marval Resort Is a Little Different

Some vacations are wonderful once.

Others become the trips your family talks about for years.

At Marval Resort, every visit brings something new to discover. One weekend might be spent floating the Lower Illinois River and relaxing by the pool. The next could include building a stuffed animal, dressing up as your favorite superhero, or competing in a chili cook-off. Before long, those weekends become traditions your family looks forward to year after year.

That’s what makes camping such a special family vacation—and why so many families choose to return to Marval Resort again and again.

Every Visit Has Something New to Discover

The best family vacations are filled with moments that become stories long after everyone gets home.

Our newest family experience, Stuff-A-Bear, is a perfect example.

Kids can choose from a variety of adorable animals—including bears, unicorns, puppies, and more—before giving them personality with fun outfits and accessories. Whether it’s a keepsake from a first camping trip or the newest member of an ever-growing collection, each stuffed friend becomes part of the memories made at Marval.

Of course, that’s just the beginning.

Spend your days floating the Lower Illinois River, fishing, playing mini golf, swimming, jumping on the jump pillow, exploring the playground, or simply relaxing while the kids discover their next adventure. However your family likes to spend time together, there’s always something to enjoy.

Every Weekend Brings a New Adventure

One of the things families love most about Marval is that every themed weekend offers something a little different.

Groovy costumes and tie-dye fun during 70’s Weekend. One last relaxing escape before school starts at Back to School Weekend. Capes, masks, and superhero contests during Superhero Weekend. Family-friendly competition during Scavenger Hunt Weekend.

The calendar keeps everyone looking forward to what’s next while giving returning guests a brand-new experience every time they visit.

It’s one of the reasons so many families find themselves planning their next trip before the current one is even over.

Every Season Has Its Own Magic

As summer transitions into fall, the scenery changes—but the fun certainly doesn’t.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with our patriotic golf cart and bicycle parade. Cheer on your favorite team during Football Weekend. Welcome cooler temperatures at It’s Fall Y’all Weekend, then see if your family’s famous recipe earns the title of Marval’s Chili Master during our annual Chili Cook-Off.

Then comes one of Marval’s biggest traditions of the year.

Five Weekends of Halloween Fun

For many families, October belongs at Marval.

Our Annual Halloween Festival returns for five unforgettable weekends, bringing back favorites like the Magic Pumpkin Patch, costume contests for every age (even pets!), campsite decorating competitions, golf cart contests, trick-or-treating, and the always-popular Graveyard Smash dance party.

Many guests reserve these weekends year after year because they know just how special they are.

Make Marval Part of Your Story

Some families visit once each summer.

Others return for every season.

Many make Marval their second home with an Annual RV Site, giving them the freedom to enjoy spontaneous weekends without the hassle of packing, towing, and setting up each trip. With your campsite always waiting, it’s easy to enjoy more time by the river, more themed weekends, and more of the simple moments that make camping so rewarding.

However often you visit, every stay becomes another chapter in your family’s story.

One Trip Is Just the Beginning

That’s the beauty of Marval Resort.

You don’t have to fit everything into one vacation.

Maybe this trip is about floating the river and relaxing by the campfire. Maybe the next is all about superheroes and stuffed animals. Maybe your fall tradition becomes decorating your campsite for Halloween or competing in the Chili Cook-Off.

No matter when you visit, you’ll discover something new, reconnect with the people who matter most, and head home with memories you’ll be talking about long after the season ends.

Because at Marval Resort, every visit is a little different—but every visit feels like coming home.