Nothing can make or break your RV trip like choosing a campground not suited to your family’s needs and interests. When selecting a park, think about your camping style and ask yourself the following questions:
Are you camping with a young family, are you an active couple looking for outdoor adventures, or are you a snowbird who enjoys on-site activities and the opportunity to meet new friends?
How large is your RV and what amenities do you require? Full hook-ups? 30- or 50-amp electric service? Are you looking for a rural or urban setting and do you travel with pets?
When researching campgrounds we normally contact the campground office and ask specific questions about their policies and their park. Questions to ask include:
- Rental rates (nightly, weekly, monthly per your needs) including taxes? Any discounts available?
- Availability of Wi-Fi and cable TV?
- What is included in the above rate—full hook-ups, 20/30-50-amp electric service, Wi-Fi, cable TV?
- Is the park big-rig friendly? Length and width of sites? Are sites relatively level? Do the sites have concrete pads, grass, gravel, or dirt?
- Will I have difficulty obtaining a satellite TV signal?
- What are the park’s amenities—club house/activity room, pool, spa, rest room and shower facilities, laundry?
- What is your pet policy? Restrictions on certain dogs breeds?
- What is your reservation policy? Is a credit card required to hold a site? If so, is it processed immediately? What is your cancellation policy?
Make note of the name of the person you talked to.
The “perfect” campsite is likely to vary from person to person. Think about what you want to do as well as what those in your group want to do and choose accordingly. Although there may be some variations of what you are looking for, you may want to take some of the factors mentioned below into consideration, when choosing the “perfect campsite”.
Do I have a preference for a pull-through or back-in site?
What are your electric requirements? 20, 30, or 50-amp service?
Is the breaker box in reasonable condition and does the polarity check out?
Do you require a sewer site?
Is the site long enough?
Is the site wide enough?
Is the site relatively level?
Is the site in a high-traffic area? Near a dumpster? Dump station?
Are there low-hanging branches?
Will I be able to extend all slides?
Will I be able to extend the awning?
Will I be able to open all bins?
Will I be able to obtain a TV satellite signal?
Do I want the afternoon or morning sun?
Where are the utilities located?
Where is the closest Wi-Fi tower?
Whether you plan to stay one night, a weekend, a week, or longer, there are campgrounds that meet your needs. All are unique. No two parks are the same. Each campground will provide something a little different.
Worth Pondering…
But do not ask me where I am heading,
As I travel in this limitless world
Where every step I take is my home.
—Eihei Dogen