Our readers discuss their feelings about the present-day camping

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.

RV costs are so high—hotels are easier, cheaper and more convenient

Kevin P. is staying away from private campgrounds and finds hotels cheaper. He answers our questions and shares, “What are my pet peeves? No-show reserved sites and campground hosts not opening a site after the 24-hour no-show policy.

“Are rising costs affecting my camping style? Yes, RV operation costs have gotten to the point that hotels are easier, cheaper, and more convenient. I’ve moved towards not using commercial/private campgrounds.

“Do I have a favorite campground or RV park? In Western states, state or federal fish and wildlife parks are becoming my favorite.”

Should be a non-refundable deposit for a reservation

Steven M. shares this advice: “There should be a deposit for a reservation and it should be non-refundable. I plan on using a tent. Plenty of spots everywhere.”

Have to be on the waitlist for a site

Victoria P. replied to the questions at the bottom of this column, too. She wrote, “Am I finding campgrounds booked up or is finding a site not a problem? Yes, locally. Have to be on waitlists.

“What do I like best about RVing? Getting away from the city lights and noise.

“What are my pet peeves? Dark sky and campers with EVERY outside light on.

“Are rising costs affecting my camping style? We’ll boondock more.

“Do I have favorite campgrounds or RV parks? State and federal, city parks.

“What is the most memorable experience I have had RVing? Waking up at Rockhound Park in New Mexico… epic view.

“Do I have any tips or secrets to share? Be flexible.”

Lots of empty sites and one RV resort offered 50% discount

Diane M. is seeing more empty sites. She wrote, “Took a two-month trip from CA to FL. Attend Daytona 500 and stayed at the track for 10 days. Stayed at RV parks for two weeks before, and one week after. Noticed they were never full. A change in the 21 years that we’ve done this.

“Now we’re on the West Coast. Several months ago we got an email from an upscale RV resort we stayed at in 2023 offering 50% off in-season sites. Seeing a number of empty sites. On the trip out, nothing was full.”

Times have changed

Bull A. asks, “What crowding? Almost every campground I see is vacant. Times have changed. Everyone went south!”

Always boondock

Janis B. writes, “We never have any problem with campgrounds as we always boondock.”

Transient workers

Barb F. offers her experience with transient workers at RV parks: “In regards to transient workers, our experience was a mixed bag. At one park, workers were friendly, took care of their sites. These workers, we noticed, had their families with them. They go where the jobs are. At another campground, the area for workers was pretty rough: junk lying around, not clean, and they would race through the campground, not obeying speed limits.

“Workers living at the campgrounds were at places that are open year-round. I can understand that workers help the campground maintain a steady income. It may be good if the managers or owners of the park did a better job policing the areas.”

Sold large RV and kept a teardrop

James L. beats campground crowds with a tent and a teardrop camper. He writes, “We sold our larger camper and kept our modified teardrop. It’s 6’ x 8’ and will fit in tent sites. We have stayed at private campgrounds and paid less for tent sites. We can be self-sufficient and do not have any problems getting comfortable. Although in our 70s, we still have our tent and will take cross-country trips tent camping. We are flexible and enjoy it either way.”

Epic RV dream trip

Kathryn C. wrote to us about their amazing RV trip. “We camped from Kentucky to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, then back to Kentucky via New England this past summer. 7K miles, 36 campsites, two duds. Research! Best trip ever! Dutchmen Atlas 3172RLKB, 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins. Two people, one dog. (Quoddy Lighthouse, Maine [Pete’s Dragon])

Editor’s note: We love to hear about your amazing RV trips! It is such an opportunity to travel vicariously and dream about our next RV travels. 

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: RVers report good, bad and ugly about their campground experiences

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