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.
Many of our readers write about camping mid-week or during the shoulder season. We are now officially off-season with schools starting up and the temps cooling down. Our job as camp hosts has lessened immensely as the park has thinned out and only the hardy, die-hard campers return on the weekends. We are mainly filled with snowbirds passing through to warmer climates or going home after Labor Day.
Soon, the evenings will be too chilly to sit around a campfire, and the sun will set earlier. The leaves will change with glorious colors, then drop, scatter, and rustle when we walk through them. We will retreat to the RV and catch up on missed movies until it is “Camp host on duty” lights out.
When is your favorite time to camp?
Dennis goes camping after the “crazies” have gone
Dennis G. writes, “My family has camped at the same campground for five generations, a few miles from the small town where my Italian immigrant grandparents settled, mother and uncles were born, lived, and worked. It was dirt then, just tents, then bumper pulls and truck campers … Now everything is paved, like Disneyland.
“Fly fishing for native trout was always great, until otters took over the river flowing through it. A magazine ‘discovered’ this special place, and disrespectful tourists started arriving shortly afterwards. That was the end of serene camping; hello, late-night college rowdies. Most hosts eventually quit, not wanting a policeman’s job.
“It’s still a special place for us and we go back every year, after the crazies have all left, just to show our kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids how camping should be done!”
“Being particular has its costs”
Neal D. writes, “So far, so good. Nearing the end of a lengthy RV trip and our experience has been good. Did sometimes pay more than we wanted to get the utility combination we wanted, or the approximate location we wanted, but being particular always has its costs. Presently sitting by a river with water and power until Tuesday.”
“Don’t have to look hard for the blessings”
Chuck K. shares, “We all have differing experiences, and, like most, our expectations have changed over time. 25 years ago, 500 miles a day in a Class A wasn’t awful; now 300 is my limit in order to continue enjoying our RV leisure time.
“At one time, we enjoyed more primitive parks and sites; now we enjoy the resort experience more. Connectivity is now an important item versus 25 years ago, when a campfire was all we needed.
“We have spent hundreds of nights on our rig post surgery, two months at a time, for eight consecutive years, in our own space for better healing. For that alone, owning an RV has been a blessing.
“I don’t have to look hard to find the blessings the RV lifestyle has afforded my wife and me, but I do have to look hard to find the downside of it.”
Other animals poop, too!
Sandy F. shares, “My husband and I are full-time RVers. You have to be flexible and prepared to find the way to enjoy each new campground. Some are best enjoyed by spending a lot of time exploring the sites around them! We continue to find a large majority of campers friendly and respectful. Side note: Other animals besides dogs poop. While we sleep, curious creatures like to come sniff around and, yes, poop in your campsite.”
Issues? Find another camp!
Mikal H. writes, “We just completed a 6-week trip from MN through PA, staying mostly in public camp facilities, including one county park in IL, one state park in NY, and three state parks in PA. Every park, including the few private ones, had numerous open sites every day. As a non-resident senior in NY and PA, a 50-amp electric site was $31, and FHU was $41.
“Never saw a dog off leash or heard one barking incessantly, and rarely saw poop. All camps were quiet. Maybe those with so many issues need to look for different camp facilities.”
No negative comments here
Michelle T. says, “Other than dogs and unruly kids, I do not relate to any of the negative comments about RVing. I won’t bore you with the things we do to make our experience the way we want it (not enough space for the words), but it’s not rocket science.”
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 fed up with others complaining so much: ‘Stay at home or live with it!’
RVT1125b
As to Mikal H finding many open campsites in state parks, just got back from a NY state park where 3/4 of sites were empty. I went to park office to find all the sites were reserved. Common practice to book months in advance only to cancel at the last minute. This practice needs fixed.
Actually, Tom, I had a conversation with the staff who told me they were concerned as they were only running about 50% occupany/paid sites thru the normally busy summer period. That revenue loss directly impacts them.
Can’t talk to all NY parks, but this one didn’t fall into the “booked but no show” category. I have no doubt that is an issue in some parks, though.
Just curious;
Are you seeing less Canadian RV’ers?
Not sure about “campers” but many of our Canadian friends are not returning to our winter home in Texas. They are staying in Canada for the winter.
We have traveled and camped together from Winnipeg to Vancouver in Canada, and 49 states of the U.S. for the last 55 years. Experiences have been memorable! Curve balls from advancing age and health issues have changed things a bit, yet we keep on going – now more likely to spend a night in a motel versus a campground. RV’ers are a great community.
Thank you for the compilation, Nanci! Have a great week and safe travels!