Dear editor:
We are full timers and have read your discouraging article about crowded campgrounds. My wife is so concerned about summer availability, with occasional hookups, that she’s talking about camp hosting all summer long and only traveling in the winter. We are in a large truck camper. I believe we can find something easier than someone who has a fifth wheel or a class A. Please tell us it is so. —Bryan and Corrina B.
Dear Bryan and Corrina,
Yes, campgrounds and RV parks are more crowded than ever, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find them. It depends, I think, on how much work you’re willing to put into securing reservations that fit into your travel plans. With a truck camper, you will certainly find more available spaces than with a big fifth wheeler or motorhome.
If you enjoy primitive campgrounds (those without hookups), you’ll probably find plenty of places to stay, and often in beautiful locations. The idea of sitting in one place as a camp host certainly has merit, but I don’t think it’s the only way to go. If you are passionate about moving around with your RV, as many of us are, you’ll find a way. —Chuck Woodbury, editor
Size really counts. We are at 28’8″ and fit almost anywhere. Many older State parks are size limited. Saw a listing yesterday for a max length of 20′. The Big Rigs are almost restricted by
length to using the various reservation systems. Wal-Mart cannot be that much fun.
My wife and I own an RV park. We are located in a resort mountain town on the side of a mountain. Most of our large spaces during the summer are booked well in advance. People with smaller units generally have no problem getting a reservation with minimal advance notice except for major holiday weekends. I wouldn’t worry too much!
In my experience there are hundreds of volunteer positions available that provide hook-ups in exchange for filling a volunteer position. The need is nationwide and vary in length of time from 1 to 6 months. Numerous skill sets are needed. Check volunteer.gov for state by state listings. Very rewarding experiences.
We have workcamped for several years and use Volunteer.gov. Great site! However, many parks are cutting back, particularly if you are not a camp host. Our summer gig was cancelled this year due to park limitations/closures. Have applied for several others but, most parks are now looking at 2021 assignments. Camp hosting, cleaning and maintenance are definitely the most sought after…but keep in mind that they are also the most challenging, especially with more and more new campers who don’t understand campground etiquette. We fully intend to go back to workcamping, but probably not until the “new normal” levels out a bit.
Hosting would be an option however consider the between what my wife and I describe as traveling and hosting. The former being spending several days to a week at one location before moving to a new location. Using the time to visit and learn the area.
Hosting means a routine with set hours in a single campground. Little time to spend out of camp. Time to read and relax with interruption for duties and campers. This has been our experience.
Each is a different experience. For us traveling is our preferred although a stint hosting has been a welcomed relief from the stay at home Covid-19 restrictions