RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. 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 tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.
Here are a few observations from our readers. These do not necessarily represent the views of RVtravel.com.
State parks not always funded by taxpayers
Bill D. points out that many state park costs are paid by usage, not taxpayers. He writes, “I know for a fact that two of Arizona’s neighboring states, New Mexico and Colorado, are 100% funded by usage fees and not a dime of taxpayer dollars. Arizona is likely the same and the agency that runs their parks is very glad to have the money regardless of what state it comes from.”
Still haven’t figured out Florida’s Pinellas County campground website
Catherine R. reports how difficult it is to make reservations in Florida. She said, “Hi, maybe write an article on how difficult it is to make a reservation at Florida County Parks, specifically Pinellas County. A friend and I, each on our own tablets, have been trying for several HOURS to figure out and make a camping reservation at Fort De Soto Campground. It’s among the worst, most confusing, circular, non-informative, and frustrating websites we’ve ever encountered. Other Florida county sites are also terrible. And we still haven’t figured it out!”
Does anybody have any tips for Catherine and her friend?
Pet peeve is limit on pets
Wayne B. writes about his pet peeve: a campground limit on pets! He says, “I’ve not found overcrowding to be an issue in areas I normally visit. Except for the Northeast, I can usually make reservations easily. My biggest pet peeve is this: the severe pet number limits create problems. I have three small dachshunds and cannot visit Alabama State Parks due to their two-pet limit. Leaving them home is not an option since buying an RV was predicated on wanting them with us. Campgrounds should have some flexibility built in to vary that rule. They have the right to ask you to leave if your pets create issues. Over 20 years with my dogs and not a single complaint. Get with it campgrounds! Alabama… Oh well, it’ll never happen.”
Greedy park owners
Kevin B. mentions how weekly rates are high and difficult, particularly for retired people. “All it is is greedy park owners! I think $475 a week is a little much when you’re retired. Normally stay three months, but can’t afford it anymore. I found another park for half the price. Plus, parks want the next year’s deposit from you before your stay is over. No way! Last year we gave it to them on the day we left. Greed! Next year will be better! Safe travels.”
RVing is now for the wealthy
Brianna H. says high prices have ended her RVing. She writes, “Like everything else, price gouging has made enjoying my RV experience impossible. I’m selling my Keystone Premier and will just take the loss. RVing now is for the wealthy. It’s become the American way.”
Are campsites shrinking?
Tom L. has noticed how small campsites seem to be now. “I think that in general, the biggest changes I’ve seen are the reduced size of campsites. Barely enough room for the camper and even more often no room for the tow vehicle. People don’t camp to be crowded, but cramming in a few more campsites into an already too-crowded RV park will keep most from going back…”
Making full payment when booking, less likely to be no-shows
Scott L. mentions that paying ahead could cut no-shows. “If you pay at the time of booking, you are less likely to book without the full intention of showing up. No refund less than three days notice in advance. Cancellations will also allow last-minute reservations to become available. If you don’t show up or call after 24 hrs. of your reserved time, your spot can be re-rented and the campground keeps the money.”
Advice for overnighting at truck stops
Keith S. drives big rigs in the summer to pay for increased costs when snowbirding in the winter months. He writes, “We have become Snowbirds and have no problem getting a site in various parts of Florida every year. This year, the site in the Keys is costing about $700 more for the month than two years ago.
“Although we are retired, I work during the summer driving big trucks part-time. That pays for our winter break. I travel mostly on weekends and use Truck Stops for our layovers. There is plenty of parking and security, especially at TAs, and running my generator is never a problem. I use my points to pay for two reserved spots or about $20 for the night. You even have bathrooms and showers and restaurants. We use apps to find sites and read the reviews. Make it an adventure!”
Love sitting around a campfire but miss the days of just packing up and going
Roberta S. remembers the old days of just packing up and going camping. She writes, “I have been camping for many years from tent to travel trailer. I am now 69 and still love the outdoors—there is nothing like sitting in front of the campfire at night and listening to the sounds of the wild and, of course, my morning coffee in peace.
“But I do so miss the days when we could just pack up, head up north, and pick out a spot when we felt like stopping. I feel those days are gone because so many places have nothing open to stay at. I hate making reservations too far ahead because of weather conditions. But we still will head on out as often as we can still do it…”
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: Major camping platform charges hidden fees when booking
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Nanci, I have not been out this year as much as years gone by, but I noticed so many RV’s keep getting bigger, more slides, more stuff. The campsites haven’t changed unless you find a new campground. When I towed my Aliner, I had plenty of space that folks with big rigs want to store their stuff on my site. With our Airstream, we still have plenty of room, but the rig next to us has three A/C units so the owners can watch television inside. Actually I think folks with dogs should have their own side of the campground, far away.
For Ft Desoto – from the parks and recreation website you will only see available sites based on the site you choose. Use the grid view versus list view. That is the best way to search/filter is include “next date available.” Site status is color coded. If it meets your needs, book it. You may need to establish an account if you are trying to book, otherwise how would they know if you are a resident? Its not a hard process. We Pinellas county residents have a one month advantage in making reservations (8 vs 7). Sites book up fast, especially the waterfront ones -because (thankfully) no dogs allowed in that section. Making reservations is ez peezy. Just did it without issue.
“RVing is now for the wealthy”…no bull there. I have seen prices across the board go up exponentially the last 10 years on anything from a popup tent camper to a Tiffin MH. I have seen RV parks turn into so called RV Resorts and prices go up accordingly…to suit the wealthy as their class thinks anyone less than them does not belong there. America is fast going to the dogs and it is we the people who have caused it.
Yes we have! So what now? Do you want another round of the same but with a feel good vibe or will put you put yiur foot on the brakes, and reverse course. It’s really quite simple. Either way, you will have to hold your nose but at least one is results oriented. I prefer to hold my nose in favor of an actual policy based in math, not vibes.
Cheers JB. Safe travels.
Less controversial artlices like this!
Thank you, Nanci! 🙂 Have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
We are currently on a month long trip in our 5th wheel; Toronto to Winnipeg. Sure it is expensive to travel in an RV, but isn’t that what we all signed up for?
I get it that some people can no longer afford the increased cost, however I cannot afford a new Gulfstream jet either. Perspective please.
As Mick Jagger sang, “You can’t always get what you want.”
Actually, I think the best days for camping are right now and as cheap as it has ever been. I am retired and bought the lifetime Senior National Park pass. I pack my tent, air mattress, and sleeping bag on my Harley and head to beautiful campgrounds any time I want and never have issues getting a spot. Usually cost $15/night. Of course, my idea of camping is the same as “the good old days”. I don’t drag a hotel room on wheels behind me. Happy Camping!
You sir are truly camping…the rest of us are RVing. But, you are wrong in stating camping is as cheap as it’s ever been…it’s a lot more expensive. If you had camped in the 60’s/70’s you would know that!
Prices are sure going up at the Utah State Parks. Generally $35 a night for dry camping and $45 a night for partial hook-ups. $20 a night for an extra vehicle. A lot of the campgrounds have been remodeled to add additional sites so now the sites are right on top of each other. Sad.
Advice for Catherine: Subscribe to Campnab. They’ll notify of site availability and even reserve a spot if you want them to. So put your tablets away. https://campnab.com/
Since May 30th, we have logged just over 6,300 miles. Been thru 2 Canadian provinces and 8 states with Oregon still ahead of us. We have had little trouble getting spots and didn’t even book labor day until 4 days ago. I’m not saying it’s all good everywhere but for us, it has been better than 3 years ago and hopefully will continue in that direction. 🌴🤙