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. RV Travel 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.
A “crap shoot”
Dolores U. writes, “We have had a membership at a campground for over 20 years. The campground was a private membership, but was recently sold to a large group. Reservations are now required for all stays, different from the previous owner. We were told there would not be any permanent sites; a recent notification has changed that. Our maintenance fees are frozen per our original membership contract.
“Making reservations is a bit of a ‘crap shoot’ in reserving a site that is suitable for the size of our rig. Calling the reservation number, requesting a specific site/sites, is not available; the operator makes suggestions for available sites, and we tell them it’s not long enough, as we have been longtime members and know what sites will work. One good thing is we don’t have to worry about holidays. You request a time frame, and if a holiday is in there, you don’t have to worry about it; it’s just part of your stay.”
Overcrowding is a real thing!
John S. writes, “Overcrowding is a real thing, and unfortunately, we live in Sevier County, TN, gateway to the Smoky Mountains. So, unlike most places, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are always packed unless it’s Dec.-Feb. and way too cold to camp.
“So all our camping destinations we’re gonna have to make a drive to, and always have to make reservations far in advance. No newer campgrounds offer shade, just a wide open field in direct heat, no comfort. Things are really changing in the camping world.”
Kids might be back to school, but…
Lorelei V. told us, “Not much change in Oregon. Everything, even state and national forests, are full, even after kids are back to school. If I want a particular space, I need to reserve six months out, for sure. The coast is especially busy. I’m referring to campgrounds, not RV parks, which I don’t use.”
No issues in Canada!
Valerie C. says, “We have a 2007 35-ft. Brookside 5th wheel that we bought used. We fixed up the interior and handled a small leak or two. We have only camped in Canada so far and have not found any problems. We’ve paid between $55 and $68 a night for six nights, and the seventh night is free on full-service, 30-amp sites. We have a dog and a cat, and we have never been asked about the year of the trailer. And it actually looks brand-new. Most places have rules regarding noise, and so far nobody has broken them. We are grateful for our trip.”
Campgrounds are more focused on self-contained RVs
Shelley M. reports, “More permanent people in the West. Less focused on providing toilets and showers. More focused on the all-enclosed motorhomes. Less for the campervans and tenters. Costs in the West are $60 to $75, up to $120 a night. The difficulty of making reservations on Reserve America makes it difficult to book overnight stays. Overall, it’s more stressful.”
Camping etiquette? Completely gone
Shelby V. says, “No camping etiquette. It’s completely gone. This was common knowledge ten years ago. We never encountered such an issue before. It is also impossible to book any site for more than two days at a time. It is frustrating.”
TJ answers our questions below
TJ G. answered our questions at the bottom of this page:
“Are you finding campgrounds booked up, or is finding a site not a problem? Planning and timeliness are required to navigate reservation systems, but we have rarely been unable to get a spot we wanted.
“What do you like best about RVing? I can destress enough to read a book in its entirety without distraction.
“What are your pet peeves? I detest the RV manufacturers that put decorative LEDs on their products, and owners who leave them on all night long. People who haven’t learned to be considerate of others.
“Are rising costs affecting your camping style? Not with any significance. We have researched RV parks where their prices are shocking, but we can always find nearby alternatives that are more reasonably priced. I save a ton by maintaining and repairing my RV myself.
“Do you have favorite campgrounds or RV parks? British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.”
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: How RVers find their perfect campsite in changing times
RVT1228b
Amen on the pointless and excessively bright LED lighting that serves no practical purpose beyond saying “Look at me! Look at me!”. Mostly on the front caps of newer 5th wheels. Stop it! If I wanted to camp on the Las Vegas Strip, I’d go there!