High gas prices biggest complaint among RVers; Love’s overnight stops too expensive

RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? Is it easier to find a campsite now, particularly in state and national parks? Campgrounds are changing and evolving, some for the better and some for the worse. RV Travel readers discuss their experiences and offer a few tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.

Here are a few observations from our readers.

No problem reserving sites at COE

Mark G. has good news. He finds sites and pays less, too! He wrote, “We usually camp in COE [Corps of Engineers] campgrounds, and have had no problem reserving sites, even the same day. We plan our route and focus on finding Corps campgrounds. They’re always near rivers or lakes, and with the seniors discount, they average $10 per night.”

Editor’s note: This book will help you find Corps of Engineers Campgrounds across the U.S.

Compares price of gas to having to pay a psychiatrist!

John S. makes a great comparison between paying for RV gas to paying a psychiatrist! He wrote, “1) When we camp in California (home state), we typically stay in Colorado River Adventure campgrounds. We have also stayed at state parks, RPI campgrounds and Harvest Hosts. The problem with Harvest Hosts is that I typically wind up spending more than the $20 suggested donation. No self-control, I guess. Finding a place to stay has not been a problem. 2) Are they changing? Well, they are getting older and showing signs of wear. 3) Not noticing permanent and seasonal RV parks. 4) Food and gasoline seem to be the costs that rise for us. And we have to eat, anyway, so no real change there.

“Gasoline is a killer, although I kind of regard it as something I would have to pay to a psychiatrist if I were stuck at home, so it evens out. 5) We always try to time our outings to be when kids are in school, at least for part of our time. That sure cuts down on the crowding, at least during the week.”

Gas price biggest issue

Stephen B. work camps at Yellowstone and their big expense is gas, not campsite costs. “Fuel prices are our biggest issue. We have a 40’ 5th wheel that we leave in the Yellowstone area during the winter off-season and travel back and forth from TN in a 22’ travel trailer. This will be our 8th season of work camping in Yellowstone.”

Love’s RV sites are good, just way too expensive

John L. wrote us about the worst months to camp, Passport America and boondocking. He said, “I try to avoid RV parks as they are way too expensive and have done nothing to improve their parks. We typically boondock in our B Van but sometimes in the heat, electricity is needed. Then I use Passport America and close my eyes at the site as sometimes it is a run-down park. Love’s has come up with a nice amenity but is way too expensive for what you get. They will probably increase the price again. Trying to get a reservation is very hard sometimes if you don’t plan ahead. July and August are not good months to camp anymore. Especially being among the ‘Tourons'”.

Reserves the day before but stays flexible

Rick T. wrote us about being flexible when making reservations. He wrote, “We traveled to North CA, OR, NM, CO, MO, TN, KY, TX and AZ this summer. We made reservations the day before we arrived and had no issues. All we needed was E/W but most were full hookups. Some were a little higher priced than we wanted but overall had no issues. We were not fussy about the locations, just wanted to be about 300 miles or less per day. Stay flexible and use the apps, you can find plenty of sites.”

Travel style has changed to save expenses

Gail B. writes that it is usually not difficult to find sites but they have changed their travel to longer stays. “We’re snowbirds from Canada so we travel mostly in the camping off-season (Nov.-April). We haven’t had any issues with finding places to stay. Moab was the most difficult. We weren’t expecting it to be so busy in April. Ended up staying in Thompson Springs at a very quiet campground, so it really worked for us. Our travel style is changing from constantly on the move to staying in one place for longer periods in order to save on expenses. Flexibility is key to finding places to stay.”

Paused camping after husband died but just not what it used to be

Sylvia W. paused camping for a few years but took it up again. She writes how it has changed: “As long-time campers over the years, my husband and I and our children enjoyed camping in a campground near the North Carolina coast. People with and without small children filled the campground during the summer months and in the fall during good fishing season. However, after the loss of my husband, I gave up camping for a few years.

“After deciding to reenter the camping experience, I was appalled at the wait list literally at every campground along the NC coast, not to mention the exorbitant increase in lot rent as well as stricter rules for campers. I was not allowed to stay for more than four days in a week. I was allowed two weeks of vacation per year. New management had taken over with very strict rules.

“Individual calendars were kept on each camper reflecting by management the days you stayed. If you didn’t abide by the required number of days and stayed longer then you were not abiding by their rules and it was noted by the management. You were not allowed to wash your camper (these were mostly permanent lots), and if you operated a hair dryer while the A/C was running, the breaker would trip every time. If management wasn’t available to help, you just had to deal with it.

“I decided camping was no longer a nice getaway and more of a hassle, so I am in the process of selling my camper to be rid of the headache… just not getting enjoyment from it like in the past.”

Turn down those hearing aids!

Peter N. finds sites from Texas to Minnesota. Some of them are louder than others. He writes, “I travel between TX and MN, where the weather fits my clothes. By staying in city, county, state, and COE campgrounds I have not experienced any shortages of campsites. Some county parks near big cities need reservations three months in advance, like next to the MN Zoo. In WI, I have had no problem finding spots, except in Door County, a summer destination area. Having a membership in Harvest Hosts, or being an Elk may expand opportunities; the Elks have RV overnight RV sites near their lodges. I have even found RV sites at shooting ranges that host big events. I just turn down my hearing aids a bit.”

Now, some questions for you:

• Are you finding campgrounds booked up? Or is finding a place to stay not a problem?
• Are campgrounds changing for the better or for the worse?
• Are you seeing more permanent and seasonal RV parks?
• Are rising costs affecting your camping style?
• If campgrounds continue to be crowded and RVing continues to become more popular, will it affect how or when you RV?
• Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share about finding campgrounds that aren’t as crowded?

Please use the form below to answer one or more of these questions, or tell us what you’ve experienced with campground crowding in general.

Read last week’s Crowded Campgrounds column: 5 additional taxes and fees added to campsite reservation costs. Can RVers afford to RV anymore?