‘Cost, reservation availability, poor RV quality… killed the camping experience.’

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?

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

The ideal campsite

There are a lot of differing opinions among readers as to what constitutes the ideal campsite. We all have that one site that makes the cost, reservations, and sometimes the hassle of camping worthwhile. What is your ideal site?

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

No ants! And clean!

Cynthia N. doesn’t need a fancy resort. She wrote, “I just want a clean spot, no ants, shade (practically non-existent), and relatively quiet. I’ve given up on Wi-Fi; it’s so complicated at some parks. Often, you can only get one night, then move to another spot, which we won’t do. I hate paying ahead because when you’re older, things out of your control come up, and you lose money.

“If I didn’t own an RV, I definitely would not buy one… camping is expensive, rates are just too high.”

When is a resort not a resort?

Dennis S. stopped at one park hoping for a resort. He wrote, “A ‘resort’ needs to have at least a swimming pool. Stopped at one ‘resort’ that had zero amenities. Sad. Owners only give themselves the title of ‘resort’ in hopes of attracting RVers.”

Seasonal RV resort had more rules than an HOA

Chad M. liked the resort but not the rules. He wrote, “Camped my whole life as a child. Continued as a married adult. Tent, tent camper, 22′ TT, 26′ TT, 29′ TT, 38′ fifth wheeler. Finally went to a seasonal 42′ Cottage Model. Sold in 2020, moved to Florida.

“The seasonal RV resort had more rules than an HOA. Cost, reservation availability, and poor RV quality pretty much killed the camping experience.”

Discovered state parks

Mary S. likes the spacious state parks. She writes, “We started camping in 2016 when air travel became way too hostile to travelers. We are now on our third TT, getting smaller every time. After we decided private campgrounds were getting too expensive, we discovered state parks and never looked back. Sites are spacious, inexpensive, beautiful, and quiet. We’ve been CG hosts for three years and will be taking this summer off to travel.

“Private CGs have evolved into entertainment resorts, forcing them to raise rates and pack as many campers in as possible. Yuck. No thanks.”

Corporate campgrounds ruined their experience

Brandon R. wrote about their frustration. “Been camping all my life. Corporate campgrounds have ruined the experience. Prices are absolutely ridiculous. And that forces people to use state parks. Which in turn, are near impossible to book.”

My ideal campsite

Like a number of our readers, I find the federal, state, and regional public parks my best fit. I like the space, a fire pit, and the feeling of “camping.” I always prefer an electric site and will spend hours finding one with power. And yes, I know we have solar with new lithium batteries and don’t really need power, but a happy husband means a happy wife!

My husband prefers middle-of-the-road, few-amenity, full-hookup sites with lots of people close by to talk with. He is much more social than I am! Neither of us needs a swimming pool, bar, restaurant or a lot of the planned activities of a resort. But I am the planner and navigator, so… we stay at private parks just when we need to get water, dump the tanks, or wash clothes. But when traveling without reservations, it is always easier to find a private campground than a state park.

That said, we have had a great time at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort when renting a privately owned site complete with an outdoor kitchen, sofas and chairs, a fireplace and a bathroom. We enjoyed the clubroom, free real breakfast, and walking paths. Not so hot on the gated community thing, but the resort did have an enormous number of high-end Prevosts, Foretravel, Newell, and Marathon coaches, hence the gate.

One time in Florida, we had a thatched roof shelter, a paved brick pad, and a grill. The only difficulty was that most of the signs were in French! (English in tiny print at the bottom.)

Another private site in an Arizona resort did not stack up as favorably, though. 100% wall-to-wall concrete. Neighbors crammed to the back and both sides. We were at the beginning of full-time RVing and visiting my family. I was so proud to have them all for dinner at our RV. My dad was not impressed and called it a few unfavorable names afterward, but just to my sister.

I do, however, remember the RV “resort” we pulled into with an empty green slime-coated swimming pool and an office with a broken door. It did NOT look like the pictures!

What do you like?

What type of campsite do you like and why? We would love to hear.

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 the most recent Crowded Campgrounds column: Ways to connect to the internet while traveling, and the pros and cons of each option

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