RVer says, ‘Goodbye, Florida’ — $150 to camp on grass?

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.

Campground membership bought in 2010 pays off

Bill M. has a campground membership that saves them money. He shares, “In about 2010 we purchased a campground membership that admittedly was expensive.

“We now have it paid off and it continues to provide insurance against price hikes—this is nice in these strong inflation times. Also, because we have that membership we can have access to other campground organizations that can save you money.”

Care to share the membership, Bill?

Sky high prices and undisclosed activity fees!

Sandra H. tells us about a resort that is now charging activity fees. “Sun Resorts is charging a daily activities fee at some resorts and failing to disclose when making the reservation. We never use their ‘activities’ but they force you to pay it anyway. The campground was not full when we were there in the spring. I don’t even wonder why. In addition to the activity fee, their prices are sky-high. Guess that we will not go there anymore.”

Upper Peninsula of Michigan prime summer destination—Make reservations!

Jim J. is lucky enough to have a house in Michigan’s prime camping destination. He warns people to make reservations. “Our stix & brix is located in a prime summer destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You will find vacancies at either end of the camping season, but you better have reservations well in advance for July and August. We have seasonal friends from our winter location in Texas who visited this summer, no reservations. Fortunately, my wife’s family has had a rustic summer-only lake cottage for several generations where we could park the RV and supply 20A. No potable water (we bring it) and no sewer (outhouse).

“They had a great time and plan on making reservations for next summer. They now ‘get’ the situation. Seemingly everybody wants to be here in the same 7-8 week period. We hear the complaints—”Expand the number of sites!” “Hire more people!”

“But expanding campgrounds isn’t cheap. Private campgrounds have to pay year-round for those sites generating revenue for only a few weeks. And you better be prepared to pay major wages to entice a worker to give up a steady job for those peak weeks when you might need the extra help.

“This is still a great place to camp at other times of the year. If you don’t like the crowds and you are able to come on either side of those few peak weeks, you will still have a great experience. Otherwise, make your reservations before everyone else has already done so.”

Whoa! $150 a night for a grass site? No sewer?

Frederic D. is not going back to Florida. He wrote, “We went to Florida last winter and the worst place was Miami Everglades Campground. $150 a night for a site on the grass (and no sewer). The Keys, too, were expensive but at least special. We will never go back to Florida even if the people are nice. I think campground owners are killing the business everywhere. There is gonna be a LOT of rigs to sell soon.”

Can’t predict the future

Steven M. writes that he can’t predict the future like some folks can. “Reservations are great for people who can predict the future. I unfortunately can’t, so a good system that refunds your money if you have to cancel should be fair for the camper and campground.”

Know when the window opens

Larry L. mentions popular campgrounds where demand outstrips supply. He wrote, “We had hoped to camp at Great Sand Dunes National Park this summer but couldn’t get reservations. It’s incredibly popular and we love going there, so I can understand that demand far outstrips supply. However, we have had little trouble reserving elsewhere. Just need to know when the window opens and get the reservation booked ASAP.”

Attitude is key!

Rick D. has found plenty of sites. He writes, “Not having any trouble finding campgrounds to stay in from east to west coast and north and south. Indeed, have seen plenty of empty spots at campgrounds. National parks tend to be full but we’re too big for them anyway and there are plenty of options just outside of them.

“Everything changes. Attitude has a lot to do with whether that’s bad or good. Rising costs aren’t impacting my behavior or choices at all. Still find plenty of places to stay at reasonable prices.

“Frankly, I don’t think parks are hard to find. This year I haven’t even been challenged over holiday weekends. We were in Arizona for Memorial Day, Colorado for the 4th, and Acadia for Labor Day.”

Wishes he knew the answer

George T. remembers camping as a kid and always finding a campground. He writes, “I remember camping as a kid when we would head off in a direction and stop wherever we found a campground. Once we went from Texas to Seattle for the World’s Fair and found a campsite less than five minutes from the fair.

“My wife and I have been camping for the last 43 years and have seen a lot of changes, mostly in the ability to get campsites. Nowadays we have to plan at least two or three months ahead to get a site. And as many have mentioned, there are a lot of reserved sites left vacant. Wish I knew the answer.”

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: ‘Trucks and RVs are so expensive we have no money left to camp!’

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