The best side of camp hosting… and the worst

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. RVtravel.com 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.

Back in Minnesota and beginning our work as camp hosts

We are back at our summer home-away-from-home in our RV in Minnesota after my Arizona trek to check on the remodeling of our house. It is chilly here—about a 40-degree difference from Southern Arizona! I think I am going to have to buy warmer clothes. Oh, well…

We start our camp host gig this week, and we are both oddly looking forward to it. Who thought we would miss work? We really miss the people we have come to know over the past five or six years, both staff and the regulars who visit, camp, hike, and bike in the park. We have made deep and lasting friendships with the people who live near the park and those who camp here several times a year. After patrolling the 270 sites in a golf cart, we settle down with a big campfire and greet the people walking by.

And the work? It’s not so bad: checking if folks are in the right spot and have paid reservations, answer questions, and unlock cabin doors when people get locked out. If you haven’t tried being a camp host or park volunteer, it may be something you could enjoy.

Now, the dark side of camp hosting…

Jim H.: “We grew up camping and raised our kids as campers. We always wanted to do campground hosting after we retired to help keep the parks for the next generation. After six years, this October will be the end. We didn’t retire to be abused, cussed at, and generally treated like crap.

“Campers today have no respect for rules and just feel that they can do whatever they want. They’re special. People have expected us to be their babysitters while the ‘adults’ sit around and get drunk all day. Had a 2-year-old riding a bike at 11 p.m. at night with no headlamp. Took him back to his parents, and they said he was supposed to be watching his sister. Found her wearing nothing but a diaper, in the road, 20 sites away.

“Another big pet peeve is outdoor movie screens or lighting up your RV like an airport to say, ‘Look at me!’

“RV sites are easy to come by if you reserve early. Last minute? Forget it. The worst part is not getting backed up by park management. They want you to inform people of the rules, but they let them keep doing it. Actually had two campers pointing guns at each other over an argument. Had sheriff’s dept, state park rangers, and NP rangers there. After all was said and done, both parties were allowed to stay. Unbelievable.

“Canceling a reservation if you are not going to use it really ticks people off. People come in and see open spots, but if the reservation isn’t canceled, by law, we can’t rent them.

“In all, camping has changed a lot. Respecting others can go a long way. We will continue to camp, but during the week when kids are in school. Hosting? No more.”

“Never been to a perfect campground”

Erik P.: “I see many people complaining about dogs, bathroom cleanliness, and unfriendly people. I get it. People who live in a stick-and-brick home complain about the same things.
Camping in an RV is camping in an RV. It’s not going to be perfect. RV sites are close together, and campgrounds can be messy, especially in the high season. If you don’t want to be near people, camp in federal lands; plenty of space if you wish.

“A few last thoughts: I have never been to a perfect campground! Never had sunshine all day, no kids, dogs, other campers, golf carts, electric bikes, pool to myself. Maybe it’s out there, but I haven’t found it. Lighten up, say hello to your neighbors, talk about your rig, and have a sense of humor. Be patient and kind. Help if you can. Lastly, have some fun. After all, you would not go camping without having a good time.”

Tom wants people to quit complaining and “value what they have”

Tom Y.: “I wish people would not complain and value what they have. For my 80th birthday I completed a 7,500-mile trip around the country from North Carolina, to Seattle, to Anchorage (via Delta), and returned home to North Carolina via Salt Lake City, Vegas, Oklahoma City, and Vicksburg, MS. I visited 25 states with no advance reservations, except Alaska, and had a wonderful trip. Got to see sites in this beautiful country most people will never have the opportunity or take the opportunity to see, met some wonderful people, including RV park managers, and I am ready to go to the Balloon Fiesta in a few weeks. Not all who wander are lost. Life is good!”

Bill is not so much a happy camper anymore

Bill A.: “Been RVing for 20+ years. It’s not fun anymore. Turned 78 this July and I am tired of driving a 35′ Class A with a tow vehicle behind it. The prices of the campground and the 10-year rule are killing the RV lifestyle for older individuals with older RVs. Ours has been parked in Silver Springs Resort for the last three years. Just isn’t the same as years past.”

Tim has sold his RV after 42 years of RVing

Tim G.: “After 42 enjoyable years of RVing, I’ve sold my RV. First a Bethany pop-up, then a Jayco 24′ TT. Next was my first 5th wheel. Bought four others. Every one but the Bethany was brand-new. The last 8–10 years have been bad. Kids riding their bikes between us and the campfire, neighbors partying until 2 a.m., loud music from a boombox. It wasn’t a low noise level of people having fun; it was hard to talk to the person next to me! Now 80 years old, I want to relax and enjoy life, not wear earplugs and worry about a lawsuit because I ‘let’ their kids ride through my campsite. Life isn’t what it used to be.”

Now, some questions for you:

• Are you finding campgrounds booked up or is finding a site not a problem?
• What do you like best/least about RVing?
• What are your pet peeves?
• Are you seeing more permanent and seasonal RV parks?
• Are rising costs affecting your camping style?
• 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: ‘I gave up on camping because there are too many inconsiderate people’

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