When selecting an RV campground, several factors can influence your experience, from the location and amenities to the campground's environment and nearby activities. Here's a guide on what to consider and how to choose the right RV campground for your needs:
1. Types of RV CampgroundsRV campgrounds vary widely in style and offerings, so it's essential to pick one that matches your preferences:
- Private Campgrounds: These often have a range of modern amenities such as full hookups, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry facilities, and recreational areas. Many cater to families with children, offering pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Examples include KOA (Kampgrounds of America) and other independent campgrounds.
- State and National Parks: These campgrounds are often located in scenic natural areas, offering outdoor experiences such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While they may lack luxury amenities, they often provide basic facilities like restrooms, dump stations, and water spigots. Some parks also offer electric hookups.
- Boondocking or Dispersed Camping: For more adventurous RVers, boondocking is camping without hookups in undeveloped areas such as Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or national forests. This type of camping requires self-sufficiency, as there are typically no services like water or electricity.
- Luxury RV Resorts: These high-end campgrounds cater to RV owners seeking luxury, offering features like on-site restaurants, fitness centers, golf courses, and spa services. They often have spacious sites, well-maintained landscapes, and top-tier customer service.
When choosing an RV campground, think about the amenities you want for comfort and convenience:
- Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, including electricity, water, and sewer connections. Some campgrounds also offer cable TV and high-speed Wi-Fi hookups.
- Restrooms and Showers: Not all RVs have full bathroom facilities, so if you rely on campground facilities, check for clean, well-maintained restrooms and hot showers.
- Laundry Facilities: For longer stays, having access to laundry facilities can be crucial.
- Dump Stations: If the campground doesn't have full hookups, make sure there's a dump station for emptying your RV's waste tanks.
- Wi-Fi and Cell Signal: If staying connected is important to you, check if the campground offers reliable Wi-Fi or has strong cell phone reception.
- Recreational Areas: Many campgrounds offer additional recreational amenities such as swimming pools, fishing ponds, hiking trails, boat ramps, or playgrounds.
- Pet-Friendly Facilities: If you're traveling with pets, make sure the campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities like dog parks or walking trails.
The location of the RV campground will determine what activities are available nearby and how remote or accessible the site is.
- Proximity to Attractions: If you plan to explore local attractions, find a campground close to those activities, whether it's hiking trails, lakes, or urban areas.
- Scenic Beauty: Some RVers prefer campgrounds surrounded by natural beauty, such as forests, lakes, or mountains, which offer a peaceful, scenic environment.
- Remote vs. Urban: Consider whether you want a campground that's close to civilization (with access to stores and restaurants) or a more remote spot for solitude and outdoor experiences.
RV sites come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size and preferences.
- Pull-Through vs. Back-In Sites: Pull-through sites are easier to navigate, especially for larger RVs, as you don't have to back into the spot. Back-in sites usually offer more privacy but require more skill to park.
- Site Size: Check that the site is large enough to fit your RV and any additional vehicles or equipment. Some campgrounds offer extra-long sites for large rigs.
- Site Privacy: Some campgrounds offer more space and privacy between sites, while others may have rows of closely packed RVs. Choose based on your comfort with proximity to other campers.
Before booking, it's important to understand the campground's rules and policies:
- Length of Stay: Some campgrounds have limits on how long you can stay, especially during peak seasons.
- Quiet Hours: Check for quiet hour policies to ensure you have a peaceful environment at night.
- Age Restrictions: Some luxury RV resorts cater to adults and may have restrictions on children or age of the RV itself (e.g., 10 years or newer).
- Cancellation Policies: Make sure you understand the campground's cancellation policy in case you need to change your plans.
RV campground fees vary widely depending on location, amenities, and season.
- Daily Rates: Expect to pay between $20 and $60 per night at most standard campgrounds, while luxury RV resorts may charge upwards of $100 per night.
- Discounts: Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, membership programs (such as Good Sam or Passport America), or for seniors and veterans.
- National Park Pass: If you plan to stay in national parks frequently, consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass, which gives you access to national parks and other federal lands.
Campground availability and conditions can vary depending on the time of year:
- Peak Season: Summer months are the most popular time for RV camping, especially in national parks and coastal areas. Booking early is essential to secure a spot.
- Off-Season: Traveling in the shoulder season (spring or fall) can offer fewer crowds and lower rates. Just ensure that the campgrounds are open, as some close during the winter.
- Winter Camping: For those interested in cold-weather camping, look for campgrounds that are equipped for winter stays, with heated restrooms and access to winter recreational activities like skiing or snowshoeing.
Check campground reviews and ratings on websites like Campendium, RV Life Campgrounds, and Google Reviews. Look for feedback on the cleanliness of the facilities, customer service, and overall experience.
Popular RV Campground WebsitesHere are some useful resources to help you find and book RV campgrounds:
- Campendium: Provides reviews, photos, and detailed information on campgrounds, including boondocking spots.
- RV Life Campgrounds: A comprehensive directory of campgrounds with reviews and ratings from RVers.
- Recreation.gov: Use this site to book campgrounds in national parks, forests, and other federally managed lands.
- KOA: A nationwide chain of campgrounds offering a variety of amenities and locations.
Choosing the right RV campground comes down to your preferences for amenities, location, and the type of camping experience you want. Whether you're looking for a luxury RV resort, a scenic national park, or a remote boondocking site, planning ahead and considering your needs will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable RV trip.