In the March 16 issue of the RVtravel.com newsletter, editor Chuck Woodbury offered 15 tips for choosing a site in a campground or RV park. For example, before settling into a particular campsite he advised to “check to see if the ground is covered with bird poop. If so, then birds likely roost at night in the tree above,” which he notes is not good for your roof.
He also suggested to check whether a tree above a site “has nuts or pine cones that squirrels will chew then drop when finished (right on your roof with a loud thud!).”
But he undoubtedly missed some pointers that perhaps you can provide. Please leave a comment. We’ll put the best of them together into one article in a week or two.
Read all RULES at each campground or On-Line. They all vary so don’t assume. Generator hours, pets, Check-Out times, etc.
See if your slides can open without hitting trees, other RV’s etc.
Always look for dead trees close by. They could be deadly if they fell onto you or your camper. There are many dead ash trees because of the emerald ash borers in our area.
If you don’t have reservations, make sure you get to your RV park choice by 4PM (Happy Hour). Many parks fill up by 7 PM.
Check area to make sure no flooding could occur if a heavy rain happens so you do not have to move suddenly. This happened to our friends so passing this on.
All good suggestions-EXCEPT- nowadays, you pretty much have to make your reservations 6 months to a year in advance, sight unseen. But sometimes you get lucky…
Superb list Chuck Several others submitted good suggestions too Thanks much!
One other thing is to make sure if there is an incline in the site to have it in your favor so the sewage does not go backwards. Just had this issue on the last trip. Beautiful park but it was a hassle for the drainage.
I don’t even bother backing into a spot unless I first plug in my Progressive EMS shore power protector so I am not wasting my time.
I don’t get out every month, but have found 3 places including one KOA where the electric was bad.
Choosing a site next to a restroom may seem convenient, but be ready for a continuous flow of foot traffic day and night as well as lights shining in your windows making sleep difficult.
They are all good ideas but we would have to choose a site when we book and just go off the campground map or are assigned a site, so we don’t have any control to do these suggestions
1-Before pulling into a site get out and look at the ground..just to make sure the previous occupants didn’t leave any bottles on the ground that blend in nicely with the ground.
2-If you have the option to choose your spot. Pick one that is close to the bathhouse (if you are going to use it on a regular basis) but not too close so that you hear everyone coming and going at all hours of the night.
If Wifi is important to you, make sure it is available throughout the park and not just at the office or community center. If cable TV is important to you, ask if it is included in the price and not a perk you need to get from the cable company at an additional cost. Just because the park advertises Wifi and cable does not mean it is included in the fee.
I always ask if the water supply is treated and tested. Most BC Provincial parks have their water tests online. Private RV parks vary, some will be on city water, but if not it’s worth asking. One place we stopped at had a “boil water advisory” that was not immediately obvious!
You may want to avoid those pine trees in very hot weather. We parked under some pine trees for about 10 days and ended up getting about 100 drips of that sticky goo on the roof, awning and front of the trailer. If this happens to you, try methyl hydrate (alcohol) or Goo Gone for cleanup. Just test on an inconspicuous area to see if affects the paint job.
We ask the park manager “Does it ever Flood Here” we live in the Hill Country of Texas.
I think that your list very good. You hit on pretty much of all the things that my wife and I keep in mind when we ask about our sites.
Before I pulled into the site just now, I checked for reasonably level (fixable) and checked the shore power. No sense doing all that leveling only to need to move to clean power.
Picking a site: while you look in and around the bushes, be sure there is not a homeless encampment residing in there. Especially if you are within walking distance of all-night shopping facilities.
Very useful. Thanks