Campgrounds are changing and evolving, some for the better and some for the worse. RVtravel.com readers discuss their experiences and offer tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.
Readers talk about the 10-year rule
Last week in this column, readers discussed the 10-year rule and how, in some parks, it was even less than that. We will be nearing the 10-year limit on our RV soon, and while it could affect us, we seldom stay in the higher-end resorts anyway.
I have sent photos in the past of an older RV we had, and I suppose I could send a picture of our well-cared-for motorhome now, but I do take offense at the restriction. I understand the desire of RV parks to eliminate broken-down, ragged RVs, but it still seems a bit snooty, at least to me.
Our readers responded with their thoughts in the comments and emails.
Here are a few observations from our readers. These do not necessarily represent the views of RVtravel.com.
Rather stay in a hotel
Randall J. would rather stay in a hotel than pay resort prices. He wrote, “The ten-year and newer rule I’ve seen, I wouldn’t be able to afford anyway. There’s a park on the Oregon coast that charges $126 a night. For that kind of money, I’d stay in a motel. State parks in Oregon only charge around $40 a night. I know it’s harder to get in them, but you just have to plan accordingly.”
Will a 7-year rule affect resale?
John M. makes the point that the 7-year rule could affect resale value. He wrote, “Our coach is four years old, but the 7-year rule will definitely and negatively affect our resale value.
“Rising costs are one of several reasons our RVing days are numbered. Our advice? Get out and see it, experience it, and taste it. You’ll be more complete for it!”
Most parks, even with the 10-year rule, are reasonable
Anthony B. worked with RV parks’ 10-year rule with his 15-year-old RV. He wrote, “We are on our ninth motorhome in the past 40 years and recently downsized from a Class A. We average 15K miles a year and have stayed in most states. While this RV is new, we’ve owned some 15+ year-old coaches. We are happy to supply pictures or answer lots of questions when we book parks.
“We usually call a park when booking. We understand why some parks have these restrictions and don’t judge the owners. As long as their rules follow the laws, I’m good! If a park says ’10 year max NO EXCEPTIONS’, maybe I look elsewhere cause they may be too snooty for me.
“We’ve also stayed in parks we WISH had more rules because some rigs ARE BAD and not MAINTAINED. Recently, while traveling with a friend who converted a motorcycle trailer into an RV, we ran into the ‘no converted trailer’ rule. But after two phone calls and emailed pictures, we got the thumbs up. Very nice park hosts. In my many years and many miles, I’ve found most parks are reasonable. Those that aren’t, I go elsewhere.”
Changed ownership, started the 10-year rule, and raised rates
Edward W. now goes to a state park. He wrote, “One of our favorite RV parks in the Montrose, CO, area changed ownership and instituted the 10-year rule and raised prices a few years ago. Now our favorite RV park in that area is a state park. Our trailer wasn’t 10 years old at the time, but now it’s 11 years old. However, the 10-year-old rule doesn’t seem to come up too often for us.”
“Lots more fish in the sea”
Tony K. doesn’t want to stay in those RV parks anyway and wrote, “I own a 1998 Bounder that’s been stored under cover and meticulously cared for. It looks nearly new. Usually, the RV parks that have such a rule aren’t the kind we are interested in staying at, so it doesn’t bother us. A private business has the right to say and do what it wants. There are lots more fish in the sea.”
Their RV is old enough to drink!
Bob S. writes about the 10-year rule and future plans. “Yes, we have been impacted by the 10-year rule. This year, our MH is old enough to drink. But it looks almost as good as the day it was built. I expect this issue, as well as the extremely high prices of RV parks in popular areas, to persist as long as the high demand persists, maybe even longer.
“We live in the beautiful state of Missouri, but the West is magnificent. What we like best is always living in a nice climate, seeing beautiful landscapes, and unusual wildlife. And, we didn’t expect to, but we have made so many good friends along the way! It is fun to meet up with them in these beautiful places.
“We have been wintering in Apache Junction, AZ, for the last several years. We had to change RV parks recently because our regular park converted to permanent housing for the houseless. We have nothing against the houseless, but we go there to recreate, so we moved to another park focused on RVers.
“Yes, we have been impacted by rising costs. Our favorite place is Yellowstone NP, but the RV park prices have become unaffordable. The only way we can afford it is to go there as workampers. But it is worth it to spend the summer in such an incredible place. Our friends and family ask us how long we will do this and my wife and I have the same answer: As long as we possibly can!”
3-year-old RV is too old! Geez!
Donna P. sent us their experience with a Florida RV park. She wrote, “We’ve been full-timing for a little over five years now. Our Class A is a 2019. When DH made a reservation at a park in FL, apparently our RV was too old, and this was about three years ago. Whaaa? Yes. It’s true. So, he sent a picture and we were ‘allowed’ in. After arriving at this ‘resort’, we laughed because it was just a regular RV park—no pool, no playground for kids, a small clubhouse that needed work, and RVs older than ours. Yep—tack on that word ‘resort’ and you can charge whatever you like.”
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: Is the 10-year rule getting stricter? RVers report a 7-year cutoff
RVT1210
There needs to be RV parks that cater to only RV’s that are older than 10 years,as long as they are in good condition. And do NOT let any snobs in with their fancy DP motor homes.
Hey J B, I resemble that remark. But, you don’t need a DP to be a snob.
Time for all the “leaders” in the RV Industry to really push hard to get this eliminated. At the very least, any place with such a rule, should have a method to submit a photo and be allowed an exception. Especially on short stays (maybe up to 1 or 2 weeks). If every RV Organization raised the issue, told campgrounds they will be kicked out of the organizations, it might change things. Or, of course, the govt could make a law forbidding the 10 year rule. Actually, they kind of already do. Isn’t there a law against age discrimination. Should apply to RV’s too.
The question is, did this evolve from the RV Industry itself? I do not think this is organic. In any way, shape or form.
Thank you for your weekly compilation, Nanci! Have a great week and safe travels!