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.
Increasing fees for everything!
Thomas G. shares, “What I have experienced is that parks are increasing fees for just about everything. And I am not talking about privately owned campgrounds. From day use fees to electricity, and daily fees, even if you are camping there. Have not seen too much overcrowding unless you are talking South Florida. But not since our friends to the north have decided not to come here.”
Kit keeps expenses down
Kit V. wrote, “As full-timers, we try to keep expenses down & experiences up. We look for areas with historical sites & decent campgrounds. We like locally owned places & I like my full hookups. Dogs bark, kids run & scream. It’s life. As long as it doesn’t happen at 3 in the morning, we’re good. Never had a horrible experience. We try to make the best of every situation. Will keep on doing this as long as we’re able. Big, beautiful country out there!”
Too expensive! Now just a hurricane camper
Sandra H. shares, “The prices per night are expensive. The only reasonable ones are county and state parks. In Florida, the snowbirds book them for the whole winter, and residents don’t get a chance to camp. We only keep our camper for use during hurricanes.”
Carlo wrote about the cost increases for RV taxes, registration, and maintenance
Carlo F. says, “The greatest increase in costs has been for RV registration with ad valorem taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs here in Georgia. Campground fees are next in terms of rising costs, far exceeding official inflation numbers. This is our last year.”
Lock-in site fee is just greedy
Kim C. wrote, “I feel campgrounds that offer a site lock fee, then change the site you booked 6-12 months in advance, are greedy. I won’t stay at a campground that has a site lock fee. I’m also fed up with the increase in costs. My husband and I are seriously considering selling our camper. The camping industry has become greedy and no longer family-friendly. Only in it for the money. Very sad.”
Dena found a nice hotel for less than a KOA tent site!
Dena S. says, “It has become too expensive for those of us on strict budgets. We began camping decades ago, but it has changed so much in those years that it is rare for us to go now. Loud noise, inconsiderate neighbors, THE EXPENSE!! We planned a getaway trip for this November and found a nice hotel for a cheaper nightly price than a tent site without running water at a nearby KOA.
“Reports of people being turned away for older equipment also make us think twice, as our equipment is well-maintained but older than the 10-year rule at many campgrounds these days. We also have a very small unit that would be completely overwhelmed by most of what we see, with rigs so large they qualify as double-wide mobile homes.
“State and national parks are also guilty… a state park we used to visit regularly recently raised its tent sites to $65 nightly. We found we can reserve an oceanfront room with a kitchen at a nearby hotel for $55.
“Camping has entered the Instagram and TikTok world, and prices are now reflecting this. As much as I enjoy a peaceful morning in the woods surrounded by nature, my budget says I must go where I can afford to stay. We currently have the majority of our equipment listed for sale.”
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: Reservations feel like a ‘crap shoot’ for RVers these days
RVT1229b
We are snowbirds and like the honking geese now flying above us, will soon head south. We tend to use the same route and stops for this kind of trip, and make our reservations as soon as we determine our departure date. For several years our most expensive stop was a KOA. The staff are great, but all the amenities are closed. And sadly, it is obvious the park was diverting its revenue into glamping and the traditional RV infrastructure was wearing out with insufficient maintenance. On our way north we spotted another park about 45 minutes from the KOA. The private owner specializes in snowbird migration. FHU for half the cost of the KOA.
We haven’t stayed at a KOA for ages. Many years ago we were members and stayed with them frequently. There are better alternatives for us now.
We recently visited Arches NP in Moab. Several motels advertised nightly rates on their signs lower than the rate at our campground. Still, I would rather stay in our motorhome.
Literally nobody finds a “nice” hotel for 55/night. As someone who regularly traveled for work until recently, if you are paying less than 120 after taxes, it’s a steal for anything that doesn’t have bed friends or pay by the hour.