NOTE: We’ve changed the name of this column from Campground Crowding to Campground Comments and Concerns. We like this name better, and think it encompasses much more of what is covered here. Please continue to submit your comments about crowding in campgrounds, and any other campground comments and/or complaints you may have. Thank you!
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Has that changed campgrounds? 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.
Good campground ownership and cancellation policy
Richard W. sent us info about a good cancellation policy. He wrote, “Just a follow-up on nice campground ownership. Coastline RV Resort in Eastpoint, FL, has a policy of canceling within their requirements, so your money is always available to schedule a different visit. You don’t get it back, but you don’t lose it either.”
Complain, complain, complain
Richard T. believes this “Campground Crowding” column has run its course. He writes, “Overcrowding is being overstated. I think this topic has run its course in the RVtravel.com newsletter because it isn’t news anymore, it has become a complain, complain, complain section. In the last 4 years, we’ve covered 34 states (overnight minimum) from coast-to-coast and Canada to Key West and we’ve never witnessed anywhere near the kind of things voiced on this piece.”
Editors note: Richard, I agree! Crowding isn’t what it was during COVID and just after, unless you’re trying to get into a state or regional park on the weekends. I am asking all you folks to send some positive news too: What RV parks and campgrounds are great? What are the things you like about RVing? What places are your favorites? Any tips and tricks that work for you?
Please read my essay coming in tomorrow’s newsletter about this, too.
Nice and welcoming
Penni S. is very happy with their summer RVing. She wrote, “We did a lot of traveling and camping this summer with one cross-country trip. We found the campgrounds we stayed at to be very nice and welcoming. We did not feel they were overcharging—most times the prices reflected the amenities offered. We did book ahead but a big change in plans called for cancellations (we only lost one deposit) and had no problem rebooking. We were very happy with our summer adventures! The photo included was taken at Christopher Run in Virginia, a beautiful campground with a very helpful staff.”
Mom-and-pop campground owner speaks
Christa B. reminds us that inflation affects everyone, not just campers. She writes, “As a campground owner, our costs have skyrocketed. Inflation affects everyone, not just campers. Our property insurance, taxes, electric, mortgage, propane, fuel, repairs, and so on increased just like everyone else’s. We also have to make a living, which is hard without raising rates. Everything costs MORE. Guests want superior WiFi, spacious sites, activities and so much more, but don’t realize our pocketbooks can’t afford all of that without raising rates.
“If campers keep complaining then eventually all the mom-and-pop campgrounds will sell out to corporations that will charge double. Maybe try to tell campers this instead of just focusing on the costs going up. Not all campgrounds are full. Look at mom-and-pop campgrounds with high reviews before spending $100 at a corporate campground.”
No problem finding sites as long as willing to pay
George M. reflects on their 60 years of camping. He writes, “Having camped regularly since the ’60s, we have a reasonable perspective on camping/RVing. We have used private, state, and national parks for all that time. Primarily in the West.
“As with all, we have noticed significant changes, some good, mostly not as good. A gross generalization would be that smaller private camps are trying their best. Allowing long term to help meet their bills, while only increasing their rates to stay in business.
“Larger corporate parks are another story. Little to no improvements (significant deferred maintenance), the allowing of long-term stays (with seemingly few to no rules [maybe enforcement] on what is allowed in site or how it should be maintained), and dramatically increased rates.
“A couple of examples: A KOA in Colorado: we had to move our 32′ fifth wheel for the neighboring camper to pull his 30′ fifth wheel out to leave. Sites laid out in the ’60s/’70s with no improvements?
“A very recent visit to a park near Yellowstone that was nice enough but certainly not outstanding. Rates three years ago were $75-$100, this Sept., $150-$200, ouch…
“Found no real issues with overcrowding this year as long as you were able to pay, and/or accept less-than-wonderful sites. The exceptions were Washington, Oregon, and Idaho State Parks, which to the greatest extent were absolutely beautiful large sites and wonderful staff. Would never hesitate to stay at any one of them. My two cents (ten cents using the KOA price model).”
Now, some questions for you:
- Are you finding campgrounds booked up or is finding a site not a problem?
- What do you like best about RVing?
- What are your pet peeves?
- Are you seeing more permanent and seasonal RV parks?
- Are rising costs affecting your camping style?
- Do you have favorite campgrounds or RV parks?
- What is the most memorable experience you have had RVing?
- Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share?
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: ‘Now, RV parks are catering to a richer and more spoiled clientele’
##RVT1180b
I have to agree about the large corporate owned parks. These companies buy out Mom and Pop campgrounds and then do no improvements or maintenance. We stayed at two different Sun Resorts, one in Cape May NJ and one in Jacksonville FL. Both looked really nice on their websites, but those pictures were only for the sites right near the office and pool. The pictures showed paved sites with large grassy areas. Ours were nothing but weeds and mud. Plus, both showed immaculate bath houses. Out of the three in Cape May, only one was open.
In Jacksonville the closest one was full of mold and only 1 shower out of 4 was operational. The staff totally ignored our complaints.
Corporate greed has kicked in all across America. Those phony ads advertising city slicker RV parks are akin to a McDonald hamburger (E coli included) showing a big fat juicy burger…yet when you buy one it looks more like a pancake.
Is it “corporate greed” that demands patty flippers be paid a minimum of $20 per hour?
Said differently, is it “corporate greed” that leads people to demand entry level, low skill high school jobs pay a “living wage” for a family of four?
Sorry JB, it’s not the corporations that think menial jobs that require menial skills merit living wage pay and benefits.
It’s the growing number of citizens who lack any meaningful talent to sell but still need a six figure salary to pay off their credit card debt, Starbucks tab and student loan for their comic art degree….
Gee Vince got an axe to grind? Where are corporations forced to pay $20 an hour to fast food workers as starting pay? Perhaps your referring to California? And where will $20 an hour support a family of four? Do I think a starting position with no skills or work history merit $20 an hour? Maybe if their shoveling BS.
Well, Gary, during Covid, my favorite restaurant went to a kiosk ordering system because they could not find servers. In talking with the owner, he went up to $15 an hour for servers and cooks and still could not get them. Not finding cooks for that wage, had him on the grill himself. I am not in California, but the low wage state, Florida. AND sorry but there are a number of families that live on $20 an hour. I do not necessarily agree with Vince S final statements, but the essence of his statement is all too true in my experience.
I think $15 an hour is a fair minimum wage. It’s all relative, when I started working well over 50 years ago (15yrs old) minimum wage was $1.35 and I got $1.50 as a dishwasher. That equaled 3 gallons of gas or 3 packs of cigs. Today Gas is $4.50 and cigs are well over $10. I feel sorry for folks who can only earn $20 an hour and have to support a family of 4. I don’t see how that’s possible in any state. Isn’t this topic supposed to be about corporate takeover of RV parks? I fully support the mom and pop RV places and I understand inflation. I no longer go to koas. The most I ever paid to camp was in a parking lot RV Park in February in Florida keys almost $300 a night, never again.
Well, Gary, I guess that I had forgotten that the topic had morphed into corporate greed by the time I’d gotten this far down the article and comments. When I was 15, I didn’t know that there was a minimum wage, but I do remember that I got 6% interest on my savings account. I feel so sorry for kids today (anyone 40 and younger), trying to get started. As to corporate RV parks, I will hunt down a mom and pop or spend a night in a farmer’s lane.
No axe grinding here Gary but trying to illuminate the evolution of expectations. Your reply actually helps, sorry you got so many downvotes.
Government, corporations, family nor one’s neighbor owe a person the means to support their chosen lifestyle.
Just because life costs money doesn’t mean the lowest wages should cover the debt regardless. That creates self-service lines, automation and offshore sourcing my friend (aka unemployment for the unskilled).
Likewise, just because one places a low value on campsites doesn’t mean it’s “corporate greed” because it’s more than they want to spend.
It’s like saying casinos are greedy but the gambler isn’t and he’s owed better payouts.…
Thank you! “Corporations” are what drive success for all of us…We have to get back to people actually earning a living and being proud of what they have accomplished and not simply complaining about everything!…and expecting someone else to take care of them!🇺🇸
I concur with Christa B. I would much rather support a mom & pop RV park, rather than stay in an overpriced corporate park.
I thought Christa’s comments were spot on. It’s nice to hear from a mom-and-pop CG owner. Our favorite Finger Lakes Region in NY had to raise their rates this year by $5 per night because their expenses increased so much. Many of the things Christa mentioned like taxes, insurance costs, and higher utility costs are a direct effect of policies of the Federal Gov’t and how they affect small businesses nation wide.
There is no campground crowding and people have the money to do what us important to them.
Its time to either rv or sell, but quit complaining.
We made reservations at this RV park a few months back. Our reservation was for the end of October 2024.
The park policy was to prepay the reservation, which is not a big deal as many state parks do the same thing.
We had to cancel our reservation with 8 days’ notice due to a death in the family.
When we contact the RV park to let them know their response was “Too Bad No Refund”. They said their policy is minimum 20 days’ notice to cancel and they will still keep 20% of the reservation fee just for their inconvenience, never mind our inconvenience.
Another example of campground owner greed
Richard, what is the name and location of this RV park so that we can avoid it?
Nanci: I think it is good to change the name of this article. It now more reflects the information of use and hopefully less complaining and more positive info – like Christa B’s statement. Good to see and realize there are two sides to the coin – as long as rate increases remain “reasonable” to the market, they will be acceptable to most. The gougers who blame inflation and higher costs and raise their rates by $50. to $100 a nite will soon go by the wayside.
Thank you, Nanci! Have a great day and safe travels!