‘RVing’ or ‘camping’? Does it matter?

RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Most costs across the board have risen. RVing is evolving. Has that changed how people are RVing? Are there still some areas that are crowded with campers? Are people more or less content with RVing?

RV Travel readers discuss their experiences and offer tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.

Definitions of RVing vs. camping

In last week’s column, we asked you for your definition of RVing and camping. We wondered: Is an RV resort still camping? Is staying in a state park in an RV, “RVing” or “camping”?

Some people sent in clear definitions but others were not as defined, and a few didn’t care as long as we did not use the terms interchangeably.

Reader Michelle T. has a very clear definition. She wrote, “Campground: Rustic amenities (pit toilets or plumbed toilets w/showers), if any at all, fire pits, picnic tables.

“RV park: Electric to FHU sites, shower/restrooms, laundry, playground, picnic tables, fire pits.

“RV resort: Has it all. Pool, courts (tennis/pickleball), planned activities, parking lots for sites (not many trees), site amenities, and anything from electric-only to FHU with patios.

“There are a lot of variables with each type, but those are the basics, to me.”

Neal D. defined the difference clearly, too. He wrote, “I’ll take a shot at this, so take it as you take all ‘free’ advice.

“Campgrounds have tenting areas, or allow tents in all sites. RV parks tend to have no tenting or only allow it in a specific area. RV resorts allow no tents and offer amenities beyond a pool, camp store, and dog park. The price for an overnight site is the lowest at a campground and highest at a resort. Safe travels!”

Cheryl B’s. comment was a bit tongue-in-cheek. She wrote, “Campgrounds have campfires, new people, are somewhat private, wooded, and rural. RV parks = trailer parks, and RV resorts = trailer parks with activities.”

Gary L’s pet peeve is using both words interchangeably. He wrote, “To answer your question… if it is advertised as a park or resort, then it is not a campground. From my experience, private equals park/resort, while public (national, state, local park, NFS, BLM, etc.) equals campground. Campgrounds don’t have pools, arcades, mini golf, etc. My peeve is with this publication… establish definitions and have your writers stick with those definitions. EASY.”

Leonard B. doesn’t see a difference at all and wrote, “Zero difference what they are called! Resort, park, or campground, they’re all the same thing. I check the amenities, reviews, and price, and make a decision from there.”

For a lot of you, it is just semantics. RVing or camping can be one and the same.

Others are clear, if it calls itself an RV park or resort, that is what it is. Campgrounds don’t have the amenities.

I camp, albeit in luxury!

I have to agree with Leonard, though. I use the words RV park, RV resort, and campground pretty much interchangeably. And I know a few people wish I wouldn’t! I love camping, traveling, RVing, starting out, and bedding down. I do have preferences on the type of places we stop at and will usually mix them up depending on need and what is available.

No matter what they are called, I have the same excitement when we are packing up the RV. And no matter where “we are going camping,” I am thrilled.

Boondocking in the desert

Last week we boondocked with friends at a wildlife reserve and then on to my absolute favorite place to camp: Quartzsite, Arizona. My great joy is just pulling out in the desert without any hookups, a mile or so from the nearest neighbor. This trip, we added lithium batteries, and boondocking was amazing. That, however, will be another article.

There were hundreds, perhaps thousands of RVs, vans, and cars staying out on the land, and each one may have had a different definition of their time there. For me, it was pure bliss.

Mikal wrote, “A rose by any other name… Call them what you want, that’s what the park owners do!”

These are a few observations from our readers. They do not necessarily represent the views of RVtravel.com.

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: You tell us: What’s the difference between campgrounds, RV parks and RV resorts?

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