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.
Notes from Nanci
Once again, thanks for all the emails this week. There was a common theme about the type of campsites people like and are booking. And the emails this week definitely moved away from RV resorts, both for expense and overcrowding.
Personally, I will always book a state or county park if available. I like more space and nature. But they are hard to book if I’m not booking way ahead.
I am good with just electric, but, of course, full hookups are nice! Water is not as important if we don’t have sewer. We have a 100-gallon freshwater tank, and if we hook up to water, we just fill up the gray water tank too quickly anyway.
My husband likes full hookup sites always! So when traveling, we usually try to get full hookups and a pull-through so we don’t have to disconnect the tow car. If we have an extended stay somewhere, I will, just for him, search out full-hookup sites.
As I mentioned last week, our son was having surgery this week. The nine-hour operation was extremely difficult but successful. He now has an impressive incision from groin to ankle and a lot of recovery to do. Thank you for all the well wishes.
So… What type of campsite do you like best? Are you finding increasing costs at private and public campgrounds? Fill out the form below and send me your thoughts.
Brenda has never, and will never, stay at an RV resort
Brenda B. says, “I would never and have never camped in an RV resort. That is not my idea of camping. National Parks are usually reserved way in advance and are way overcrowded. I’m just circling back to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountains now that fall is near. However, I’ve always been able to find a National Forest campsite or dispersed camping. I just left a camp 10 minutes from the Mammoth entrance to Yellowstone. I also do overnights in Walmarts, rest areas, and truck stops. I think many people are tied to resorts because they are not off-grid ready.”
Mary likes state, national, and COE parks only
Mary S. writes, “It’s state parks, NPs, and COEs all the way for us. At some point, we’ll try Harvest Hosts and boondocking. Private campgrounds are crowded, overpriced, and junky (permanent sites).”
Small, family campgrounds, please!
Clayton K. shares, “I go for the small family-style campgrounds that have 40 or fewer sites. These sites may not have all the amenities, but they are quiet and well-kept. Maybe have good places to eat close by. I would recommend checking out Cleo’s Village. They have a couple of great reviews and are a Harvest Hosts and Passport America membership site.”
Joy at Harvest Hosts
Suvane B. says, “This is the first year we’ve used Harvest Hosts. What a joy! Safe place to spend the night. If it’s a restaurant, we have a great meal; if at a brewery, it’s great drinks’ if it’s at a rescue farm, we sometimes get great veggies and help a rescued animal, and still a safe place to sleep. It’s been a positive experience.”
Jolinda steers clear of private RV sites
Tent-camper Jolinda C. writes, “We enjoy tent camping and have found some beautiful spots this year. Sorry to see so many campgrounds cramming in RV sites. We steer clear of those.”
“Maybe you are camping in the wrong places”
Randy G. says, “If you are camping around inconsiderate people, maybe you’re camping at the wrong campgrounds or the wrong time of year. We stopped using private campgrounds because they are more crowded; your rig is parked next to another rig, and they are expensive. We pretty much stay at state or federal parks. We usually camp in the spring or fall and avoid weekends. We go in on a Sunday when most people leave and leave on a Thursday or Friday. This works for us and we generally have peace and quiet most of the time.”
Planning ahead = requirement
Dana H. comments, “While we are weekend warriors, we try to camp once a month. It seems that planning ahead is a requirement, at least in the State Parks in Texas. You can find a site at some not-so-popular parks. It is not a problem with us, as I need to clear days off ahead, so planning is a must. We have not experienced the problems others have stated in past articles. Hope this is not a trend.”
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 offer tips and share frustrations about camping in these times
RVT1227b
I notice at a lot of Pa state park campgrounds have very few campers during the week. Stayed at a ACOE campground and it had some vacant campsites. Started filling up on Thursday. If you want elect, sewer and water then it gets harder to find an open campsite.
I live in Tennessee, and we camp only at our state parks. Most are well maintained, quiet, have shady and well-spaced sites, and have good hosts. Most sites have water and electricity, but sewer hook-ups are less common. The resort parks like Fall Creek Falls and Henry Horton are more developed and are more crowded. Our favorite is Cumberland Mountain State Park, and Tims Ford is good, too.
Should you visit Harrison Bay State Park, area A (loop A?) is the best for longer RVs. Many of the sites in the other loops are pretty unlevel. Also, is easiest to navigate there from the south or west via Highway 153 to the Highway 58 exit. Using the Ooltewah exit (#11) on I-75 requires one drive Hunter Road to Highway 58. Hunter Road has numerous curves and hills, low and narrow shoulders, and lots of impatient drivers. If coming from the north on I-75 take Paul Huff Parkway exit (#27) and then Highway 60 west to Highway 58 and south on it. Safe travels!
Our [few] negative experiences have all been with private parks/resorts and we only use them if traveling in the east where campgrounds are few. We love our Pacific Northwest state parks, COE, and BLM areas though!
Thank you for the compilation, Nanci! Thank you, too, for news of your son’s lengthy and successful surgery. Have a great week and safe travels!