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.
“Cheating is rampant and camp managers look the other way”
Paul M. offers some good advice. He writes, “Cheating is rampant. Camp managers look the other way. Reservation services do, too. Money is money! Many campers are NOT campers. They come to get drunk, play loud music, light up sites like a circus and leave them on all night. Ignore quiet times. They walk through your site as if they have a right to. Always litter from kids’ activities. Nails, bottle caps, unburned refuse in fire pits. Become friendly with camp staff and air your concerns with them. Many will take action. AND reserve well in advance… months!”
People “game” the system
Scot L. reports on people gaming the system—booking and canceling at the last minute. “Getting sites are still a problem. In a lot of cases, people ‘game’ the system by booking a state or federal campsite for a couple of weeks and then canceling or modifying their reservations at the last minute. This makes it difficult to plan a trip. Additionally, more retirees are extending the shoulder seasons, but the federal campgrounds rarely allow reserving past Labor Day, and in many cases, they start closing campgrounds by mid-September.”
Search out smaller, more remote parks
Linda W. finds it rare for campgrounds to not have spots in remote areas. She wrote, “My suggestion to other RVers is to search out the smaller, more remote parks that are off the main state highways. I’m a small park owner in Nevada. Located on the ‘cut-off’ highway to Nevada’s tallest mountain—Boundary Peak, Yosemite, Mammoth Mtn, and the Bristlecone Forest. It’s rare that I have no spaces. I have well-maintained amenities and am open year-round. So perhaps it’s time to look for fun, adventure, beauty, or just relaxation in smaller, lesser-known parks. We’re waiting for you! Happy Trails.”
UPDATE from Linda, in response to requests from our readers: “If you go to Wagon Wheels RV Park in Dyer, NV, it will bring up my little 26-space park with 3 historical cabin rentals built in 1905.”
700 nights, 75,000 miles, and 3 queen beds
Mark H. has had quite the RVing experience. He shares, “I will complete 10 years of RV ownership next month with approximately 700 nights, 75,000 miles, and 38 states that we’ve stayed overnight. On long-term stays—4 to 6 weeks at one location—I make reservations months in advance. Shorter trips Sunday through Thursday. On race trips, we boondock at most tracks for free. For quick overnight stays, Cracker Barrel is the #1 choice.
“My F150 Power Boost has a 30-amp plug-in to power the RV when boondocking to provide full AC power. It’s great. And the electric motor assist allows for using the cruise control without the transmission shifting as much. We have always owned a Toy Hauler to allow family and friends to join us on trips. Three queen-size beds that aren’t converted couches and private sleeping areas on both ends.”
New RVers don’t know what it was like 15 years ago
SDW remembers what camping was like 15 years ago. He writes, “The people that say they have no problems reserving sites at campgrounds is because they make them way in advance and have probably only been RVing for a couple of years. Before 2020, I never made reservations and never had a problem getting a site. And that was over a 3- to 5-month trip. I think these people just don’t have the 15 years of experience that some of us have to know what it was like before they started RVing.”
Override the 10-year rule and send a photo
Steve D. says he can often get into a park with his 2006 RV. “Our coach is a 2006 Country Coach in great shape. Most folks are amazed when we tell them the year. Often if I submit a picture parks will override the 10-year rule. But I have run into parks that when I inquire if they will allow us to stop they don’t even bother to respond. Just because an RV is under 10 years old does not mean it’s in good shape.” [The 10-year rule is when some campgrounds/RV parks won’t allow an RV in that is 10 years old or older.]
Is the 10-year rule just a way to sell new RVs?
Bill H. thinks RV parks should go by looks not year. “I try never to use campgrounds. I camp for seclusion and nature. Not to have neighbors. I camp in the West. East is terrible camping. The 10-year rule is pathetic. They’re just trying to sell new RVs. Not everyone has money for a new RV. I have a 1999 diesel motorhome that looks brand-new. If campgrounds are concerned, they would go by looks and not the year.”
Cabin camp!
Dave M. has a great suggestion for staying in the great outdoors and forgetting the hassles of RVing. He wrote, “Took a trip from Florida to Washington state a couple years ago, 3,000 miles each way. Stayed in campgrounds both ways. 20-foot trailer in campsites going out, no camper coming back, stayed in cabins. Less than $100 difference in cost. Cabins cost more, but gas mileage and one less night made the difference. And way easier to drive. Sold the camper, bought a class C, sold it, and now we cabin camp. 70+ years old.”
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: RVer says, “Campgrounds have forgotten their mission as campgrounds… The RVIA has failed campers as a whole”
We have a good looking, well maintained 20 yr old motorhome. It seems there are two types of RV parks that use the 10 yr rule; the high end, exclusive, expensive resorts & the more affordable parks. The exclusive resorts enforce the rule, without exception. They only want the wealthiest clients. And who else could afford them? The more affordable parks/resorts use it as an easy way to keep out people they consider undesirable. But they are quick to make exceptions for people who meet their standards.
We used to go to a campground near the beach in Maine when our boys were younger. They could have used the 10 year rule for the seasonal campers (they did not have the rule). Some of them were in terrible shape. Might that be the reason for the rule rather than the weekend warriors?
First off, I would NEVER buy a 10 year old or newer RV versus my 18 year old Monaco Dynasty. That decision is based on the inferior quality of all of the junk being built today versus the Monaco’s built in the early to mid 2000’s. I have owned a 2002 Monaco Windsor and now a 2006 Monaco Dynasty. They are far better in workmanship and overall quality than 99.99% of all RV’s on the road or being built today which are JUNK! They spend most of their life in service centers or sitting in outside storage lots across this country. Just read the rest of today’s Newsletter, April 27, 2024 with all of the recalls by various manufacturers.
Better make it a 30 Year Old rule if you want my money. I would never buy a new RV. I run a 1997 Fleetwood Tioga. Still looks and runs great.
Thank you, Nanci! 🙂 Interesting stories, as always. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Linda W., what’s the information / location for your park ?
I live in Nevada. What’s the information/location for your park? RVT, please post her information other than in these comments.
Hi, Dana. Here’s the link from Linda for her RV park: Wagon Wheels RV Park in Dyer, NV. There’s more info that was added in the original post. I’ll also try to send you an email so you won’t miss it. –Diane
Agreed. I’ll make the trip.
Hi, Bill, Dana and Cancel. I’ve just emailed Nanci to see if she has the name of the park. If so, we’ll add it to the post. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you Diane. I’m actually going to finally try and plan an rving trip, maybe by the end of this summer, fingers crossed 🤞
Good for you, Bill! You’ve got this!👍 Have fun planning your long-awaited trip and enjoy the anticipation in the meantime. (Why did Carly Simon just pop into my head?🤔) Have a good afternoon/evening, Bill.🤗 –Diane
The other day it was John Denver!! what’s tomorrow going to bring..enjoy your day!
Ya just never know what’s gonna pop into my head, Bill. It just depends on what folks write in their comments, or whatever.😉 I’m having a great afternoon–Thanks! 😀 –Diane
Country Joe and The Fish come to mind.
Wow, J B. I just went to Google and listened to some of their songs. Took me right back there (late ’60s). I graduated from high school in 1964 and moved away from home shortly thereafter, so those were some amazing/happy/sad times for me. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Yep…I was in Vietnam in those times, listening to AFVN radio back at the base camp…when we could get there.
Listening to that song, among others, earlier today sure brought back painful memories (of course, not nearly as painful/disturbing as yours or those of other Vietnam vets). (“Good Morning, Vietnam” — Adrian Cronauer.) Thank you for your service, J B.🤗 I was just thinking yesterday, in fact, that I have a box of letters I received from several friends of mine who were fighting in Vietnam at the time. Still good friends with one of them. Take care. 😀 –Diane
Just because, Diane. 🙂 And, of course, older is sometimes better. 😉
https://youtu.be/PDJ_Mz8ftqI?feature=shared
Thanks, Neal. Yep, I watched that one also. Good one. One thing that surprised me when I first found out is that Carly’s dad was a co-founder of Simon & Schuster. Interesting. Have a good night. 🤗 –Diane
You’re welcome, Diane! 🙂 Yes, her family was not poor. 😉 Unfortunately (?) the song “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be (https://youtu.be/Ux7HgO9QhAc?feature=shared),” is autobiographical. Must have been tough aside from the money deal. 🤔
Thanks, Neal. I remember that song but hadn’t really paid attention to the lyrics. I just now read them, since I don’t have time to listen to the whole song–too much work left to do tonight. As they say, money can’t buy happiness. (Maybe that’s why I’m always very happy. Just sayin’.🤔😅) Take care. 😀 –Diane
Diane, I don’t know if you’ll get this but was there ever any information gathered on Linda W.’s RV park? That’s the area and direction we’re planning on heading up through mid August or so? Thank you, Bill Byerly
Hi, Bill. [I just got back from my soggy walk at the local high school track. Trying to thaw out my fingers so I can type.] Nanci was going to try to get the info from Linda. I’ll email Nanci and see if she’s heard anything yet. Thanks for the reminder. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Linda, or Nanci, is more than welcome to email the info directly to me if that’s allowed. Or I’ll keep checking this link.
Try and stay warm.🙂
Thanks, Bill. There were a couple of other readers wondering where it is, also, so we’ll include it in the post, and I’ll email you when I get it so you don’t miss it.👍 Have a good afternoon/evening. 😀 –Diane
Nanci has found Linda’s previous email and is writing to her. We’ll get the info posted as soon as she hears back. Thanks again for the reminder. Take care. 😀 –Diane
Thank you very much, it really is so much appreciated. Thanks to you all. (Y’all ! )
Y’all are very welcome, Bill. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything. 😀 –Diane
Hi, Bill. Here’s the link from Linda for her RV park: Wagon Wheels RV Park in Dyer, NV. –Diane
Hi, Cancel. Here’s the link from Linda for her RV park: Wagon Wheels RV Park in Dyer, NV. –Diane
“The 10-year rule is pathetic. They’re just trying to sell new RVs.” How does a 10-year rule at an RV park relate to selling more RVs?
The quality that you get for buying a new RV at today’s prices is what prohibits me from buying new. Our 2015 Jayco has proven its self to be reliable and, as a matter of pride, it is maintained in excellent shape. At 72 I don’t intend to “upgrade” to accommodate the 10 year rule. I believe optics and length-of-stay were behind the 10 year rule. If they won’t consider a picture, or that our stay is only temporary, we just won’t do business. Darn shame. We have never left a campsite worse for wear.
Many parks I have recently looked at only care about rig age on long term stays. Short term stays, I have not even been asked. And buried in the fine print, recent photos may be required for long term stay.
For SDW, we took a 3-month trip to Alaska in 2013 without any advanced reservations. But we do the same today because we are “travelers” in our late 70s, not “campers”. We live and travel throughout the West, staying in state, county, and city parks; COE, USFS, BLM, and Natl. Rec. Area cgs.; Indian casinos with hook-ups; and an occasional Passport America RV park, rarely making reservations more than a few days before arrival. We also frequent FC-FS cgs. (yes, they do still exist in the West) and are equipped with solar, Li batteries, an inverter, and a generator to enable us to dry camp or boondock when needed. We have never made a reservation months to a year in advance and never will!
I’m with you Steve. My wife and I are travelers, to me camping is in a tent. We never book months in advance and there’s plenty of great boondocking and weather out here in the West.
Nancy,
The 10 Year Rule just tells me the RV Parks I need to stay away from. We have a 2016 Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS and it looks as good as it did the day I drove it off the Dealer Lot! I have no use for RV Parks, or Campgrounds that are going to base my stay on the age of my RV. That is ludicrous and insulting! I don’t need that in my life!
The 10 year old rule is there to prevent RV Parks from looking like or becoming encampments. There’s no secret obligation to RV builders to drive more new unit sales. Park owners don’t want junk in their yard anymore than the rest of us.
American society has created the homeless mess…many are just trying to keep their heads above water while the rich snobs with their fancy motor homes hog up RV “resorts” and campgrounds. So much for helping your neighbor.
No disrespect JB but the RV and Park owners I’ve encountered are not “rich snobs”. To the contrary, most are salt of the earth people who have given a hundred times more charity than they’ve ever taken.
Yeah, there’s some folks out there whose only charity is themselves but folks like that don’t exist not just amongst the givers but the takers as well.
Safe travels
If the 10 year rule starts to keep me out of too many parks, I’d sell our RV and just stop RVing. But so far, it hasn’t been a problem. We have a 2006 Winn Aspect 26A, keep it in good condition and in 2019 we had all the swirl decals removed then painted same design but changed the color scheme.
I’m very confused at what the 10-year rule is. Did I miss something in the article? Sorry if I did. I’m new to this newsletter.
Sorry, Roger. That’s when an RV park or campground won’t allow an RV in that is 10 years old or older. I’ve added that explanation to the post, because I’m sure you’re not the only one who hasn’t heard of that before. Thank you for asking! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
The entire RV atmosphere has become nothing but a huge rip off to us working class folks. How many working folks can afford a $300,000 motor home or a $100,000 fifth wheel toy hauler to appease these campground rip offs?
Why don’t they use the 10-year rule if staying over a certain number of days? They can use the rule depending on the appearance of the rig when they arrive.