Everyone has different needs when it comes to RV campgrounds. Faithful boondockers may shun campgrounds altogether, while other seasoned RV enthusiasts may spend weeks at a time at one campground as they explore the surrounding area. Depending on the goals for your trip and the amenities you require, choosing the right place to unhitch and set up camp is extremely important.
Campgrounds vary greatly and choosing the one that meets your needs and your budget can make or break your trip. Read on for some helpful tips to keep in mind when comparing and evaluating RV campgrounds for your upcoming summer road trips.
- Kid-friendly – While this may not seem like one of the most important factors when choosing an RV campground, it can actually give you a lot of clues as to the general feel of the campground community. If you’re traveling with kids, look for campgrounds that offer a variety of activities on the grounds such as hiking, fishing, biking, playgrounds, or other types of entertainment. Many RV campgrounds even offer rec centers, movie nights, picnics, and other campground activities that can allow you and your family to meet others. On the flip side, if you are not traveling with kids and would prefer a campground that is quieter with less of a family-centered focus, you may want to steer away from RV parks that cater to children.
- Laundry facilities – If your RV doesn’t have a washer and dryer, you plan on traveling for more than just a few days, and hand-washing your unmentionables in the bathroom sink is getting old, staying at an RV park with laundry facilities is an absolute must. Nothing is more aggravating than having to veer off course from your itinerary to hunt down laundromats in towns you aren’t familiar with, so having the option to wash and dry when setting up camp can be a huge benefit when choosing an RV campground.
- Mail service – Not all RV campgrounds accept mail for their guests. If you are on the road more than half the year or you are a full-time RVer, you likely rely on a mail-forwarding service to stay up to date on bills and other correspondence. Finding out that the RV park you’ve chosen doesn’t accept or distribute mail can put a hitch in your travel plans. If you don’t want to rely on a campground to take care of any mail delivery, consider investing in a professional mail forwarding service that can accept, hold, scan, or shred your mail depending on your needs.
- Get the hook-up – Finding out what, if any hook-ups, a campground offers is imperative when choosing where you’ll park and unhitch. Depending on the size and type of your rig, your electricity needs will vary. If you’re traveling with a motorhome, large fifth wheel, or travel trailer, you may need a 50-amp power supply, which not all campgrounds offer. In addition, campgrounds with only partial hook-ups won’t offer campsite sewer service, so you’ll still have to drive to a dump station or use portable waste transfer tanks. And, depending on your technology needs, partial hook-up sites usually won’t have Wifi. If you work from the road, this could be a huge problem.
- State and national park campsites– Are they right for you? RV campgrounds at state and national parks offer a lot of benefits. Not only are they going to be in a serene, quiet setting, but they will also be right in the heart of all the natural wonders you could want. However, be prepared for these parks to be without the usual amenities and hook-ups you find at more “on the grid” campsites. In general, in-park campgrounds will not offer sewer, electricity, or Wifi. If amenity-packed “glamping” (glamorous camping) is more your style, you may want to opt for more centrally located, well-equipped campgrounds and make day trips to nearby parks.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential campsites based on your needs and priorities, be sure to do your due diligence by reading online reviews, evaluating the campground websites, price checking, and getting your campsite reservations in as early as possible.
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