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There are two types of RV campgrounds out there – developed and undeveloped. Developed campgrounds offer full amenities, such as bathroom facilities and garbage pick-up, while undeveloped campgrounds are less convenient with fewer services but generally cheaper.
Some campers prefer the convenience of developed campgrounds, while others enjoy the rustic experience of an undeveloped one. Deciding which kind of RV campground to go to is an important decision, so here’s how to pick the perfect one for your next vacation.
Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Picking RV Campgrounds
Ponder the following questions before choosing an ideal RV campground:
- Where are you going?
- When will you be there?
- How long do you want to camp?
These three questions are super important when looking for a campsite, so make sure they’re clear in your mind before you search anything else out.
The answers can be combined with the following tips and tricks to find an RV campsite that perfectly suits your needs.
Know what type of space you need: RV sites vary significantly in size, and depending on how long you plan on staying at one place (and how big your rig is), it might not be necessary to reserve a space as ample as possible right off the bat.
There are two types of spaces available: pull-throughs and back-ins.
- Pull-throughs allow vehicles to park nose-to-tail, which means you don’t have to back up your vehicle into its spot.
This makes them ideal for larger RVs or groups traveling together who may have trouble maneuvering their rigs into tight spaces.
- Back-in spots require drivers to back their vehicles into parking spots but typically provide more room between sites than pull-throughs.
If you aren’t sure about where you want to stay yet, go ahead and get a pull-through; if it turns out that you like a particular area better than others, it’ll be easy enough to switch later.
What to Consider When Selecting RV Campgrounds
Since not all RV campgrounds are created equal, consider these four factors when determining the best place for you:
- You’ll want to look at your overall budget and how long you plan to stay in one place.
- If you want easy access to fun activities in a great location, maybe a luxury campground is right for you.
- If money isn’t an issue, campgrounds offering everything from golfing to swimming and spa treatments might be your best bet.
- Alternatively, camping in state parks may be just what you need if you crave more of a nature experience or don’t mind roughing it.
Whatever camping trip you have planned, ensure you do research first. The correct information can help you find exactly what kind of campground will fit your needs and save you time and money.
Features Of Descent RV Campgrounds
Ideal RV grounds should have the following:
1. Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity
It is ideal when you connect to any campground’s Wi-Fi from anywhere on your campsite, not just sitting at a table near their office. If you’re visiting an unfamiliar area and are looking up information on your phone, it’s nice if you can do so with good service.
2. Convenient Location
We want our campgrounds nearby things we want to do, like restaurants or grocery stores. It’s also helpful if they’re close to major highways that lead us out of town when we decide it’s time to go home.
3. Cleanliness
A dirty bathroom is enough of a turnoff that some people will pay more for a clean one. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but there shouldn’t be trash lying around or toilets that don’t flush properly.
4. Friendly Staff
The staff should be friendly and willing to help, giving directions or showing you how to hook up your water. They shouldn’t pressure you into buying anything while you’re checking in.
5. Activities
There should be something going on every day, even if it’s just a campfire at night. These activities range from organized events (like pottery painting) to self-organized (like games). Some activities might cost extra, but it’s worth paying a little extra if it means you won’t get bored.
How to Find ideal RV Campgrounds
Understand what you want before you start scouting out sites. Think about:
- How many individuals do you have at your camp party?
- Do you want a big site or a small one?
- Do you want to camp close to other campers, or do you want your own space?
- Are pets allowed at all campsites?
- Where are nearby water and electric hookups located to preferred campsite locations?
- What is each camp equipped with (shower, bathroom facilities)?
- Is there Wi-Fi access available?
- What is the price range per night for each type of site?
- Are reservations required, or can you just show up on a first-come basis?
- If reservations are necessary, how far in advance should they be made?
- Does it cost extra to reserve a spot?
The correct answers to the above questions will guide you in choosing RV campgrounds tailored to your needs.
Why Seasonal RV Campgrounds Are Better Than Year-Round Ones
The summer months are often considered prime season in many campgrounds, so a seasonal site is likely less crowded and more enjoyable. Some sites have additional perks like pool access and other amenities not available year-round.
When you’re done camping, you can pack your belongings and move on without worrying about booking another spot or paying extra fees. Seasonal sites also tend to have lower prices than their year-round counterparts, making them an attractive option if you wish to save money on your next vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Should You Stay at Your Site?
Plan and know how many days you want to stay at your site. If possible, leave yourself one day of wiggle room if you find something exciting or come across a great deal. You can move on if you need to or just stick around a little longer and enjoy.
What If Your Site Doesn’t Have Water, Electricity, or Sewer Hookups?
There are plenty of friendly RV campgrounds out there with electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Some don’t have any of these services. The key is to remember that even at primitive campgrounds, there is a restroom facility, so you won’t have to go far from your site to use it. The same goes for shower facilities and drinking water.
What Kind of Parking is Available?
When picking a campground, consider what kind of parking you need. If you’re staying in an area with limited space and lots of recreational vehicles, pick a place that offers some overflow or ample rig parking.
This way, you don’t have to worry about getting towed or having your vehicle hit by another camper who can’t fit into their spot. As always, check before booking!
How Big Should Your RV Campground Be?
If you plan on driving a full-size motorhome, you will need approximately 40 feet of width at each site; a fifth-wheel or travel trailer should be able to fit into any campsite.
If you stay in an RV park with pull-through sites, your rig should have no trouble fitting in any spot.
What Happens If You Need More Space?
As a rule, look for an RV park with a larger capacity. If you’re a big family or have a few friends, you’ll probably want at least 40–50 sites. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to ask about reserving multiple campsites in advance (it will also reduce your reservation fee). You can always merge them into one bigger space later.
The Bottom Line
There are many recreational vehicle (RV) campgrounds throughout America. If you have an RV, it’s up to you and your partner(s) to decide which campground will be best suited for your next vacation. Whether you want a small secluded spot in which to fish or an entertainment mecca that offers many activities, an RV park out there meets your needs.
