Which campsite do you normally choose, a pull-through or back-in?

When you choose a campsite online to book (or however you book your sites), do you usually try and book a pull-through campsite or a back-in? Do you have a strong preference either way?

Of course, we’re sure it depends on what kind of RV you have and how easy it is to maneuver, but perhaps there are other reasons, too. Back-in campsites may give you more privacy (sometimes), but pull-through sites may be larger (again, sometimes).

Pull-through sites are often the go-to choice for RVers with larger rigs or those towing additional vehicles. They eliminate the hassle of backing up entirely, saving both time and the potential frustration of trying to position your RV perfectly. They’re also a favorite for those who prefer quick and easy setups, especially for short stays where convenience is key.

On the other hand, back-in sites often appeal to those who value a more traditional camping experience. These sites are sometimes tucked away in quieter corners of the campground, offering more shade or a sense of seclusion. Backing in might take a little extra effort, but many RVers feel the trade-off is worth it for a more peaceful stay.

Another consideration is the layout of the campground itself. Pull-through sites are frequently positioned along the main roads, making them more exposed to passing traffic and noise. Back-in sites, while trickier to access, are often part of loops or quieter sections of the campground, where you’re more likely to feel immersed in nature. For some, that added serenity can make all the difference.

Oh, yes… Back-in sites are usually less expensive than pull-throughs.

After you respond, please tell us why you answered the way you did. We’d like to hear. Thank you!”

##RVT1201b

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Comments

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41 Comments

Evie
1 year ago

I prefer pull through. Since I am the one guiding my husband in it just makes it easier especially if there are trees and the sites are not real wide.

S B
1 year ago

We don’t have strong preferences, but back-ins are usually more shaded and private.

Tom
1 year ago

It usually depends on length of stay. If it’s an overnight stay – pull-thru.

Notch
1 year ago

It depends if I’m passing through, pulling a toad, or staying a while. It DOES matter one way or the other, but if I use total days at a location as a descriminator it’s back-in.

Dale
1 year ago

I’ll choose a pull thru, if we are just passing through. I want a back in on the perimeter, if we are staying for a while.

yelaroc
1 year ago

If I’m going to be in the area for several days, it doesn’t matter which type of site since I will be unhooking the toad anyway. However, if it is just overnight, then I prefer a pull-thru so I don’t have to unhook and rehook the car.

MartyS
1 year ago

It all depends on the quality of the RV park and site (if individual site choice is an option). I try to research as much as I can to find the nicest available site when I am making a reservation. I have a 36′ 5th wheel I can get into anywhere…however sometimes I tandem tow a motorcycle trailer that gets me near 60′ in total length and a pull thru is necessary.

KenG
1 year ago

I prefer pull-in sites when available. The front end of a Class A DP is your window, and when parked, a nice lakeside view or other scenery is more aesthetically pleasing than a view of the campgrounds. Pull-in sites also feel more private, with the entrance to our coach being furthest from the road as opposed to the closest. Unfortunately, we generally only get pull-in sites at resorts, but have found them at a few state parks. Places like KOA where squeeze as many in as possible, I prefer the pull-through sites as it give me options when departing. There is always that guy with his lifted F350 and bully syndrome who likes to park his little pickup truck so it blocks roads.

J B
1 year ago
Reply to  KenG

Or a lifted Dodge POS with straight pipes at all hours of the day and night.

DAVID
1 year ago
Reply to  J B

At least Chevy diesels are quieter. You can always hear those Furds and Doges..

Tom E
1 year ago

I put don’t care because the site preference depends on whether we’re traveling or arrived at our destination. When traveling we have reserved pull-thru site and many a time we don’t need to unhook and drive off in the morning. Once arrived and we’ll stay several days, weeks or months, it really doesn’t matter.

Joel L
1 year ago

We have a 30′ TT with the dinette in the rear with lots of windows, so we prefer back ins for privacy and views.

Darla Van Alphen
1 year ago

We leave the pull thru for newbies who can’t back up…lol. The back in also are a little more private and we find that they are a little less expensive

DAVID
1 year ago

Myself and others have spent some amount of time having fun watching the new kids trying to back in.
We then try to help them and this seems to make some get mad when they don’t listen to us.
Oh Well…..

J B
1 year ago

Whatever is left over from the people who reserve 6 months to a year out….which needs to stop.

Bob
1 year ago
Reply to  J B

We make our reservations 5-6 months ahead of time. Only because we are usually guaranteed a site. Campgrounds fill up fast!

Primo Rudy's Roadhouse
1 year ago

We, normally, use a back in site because pull through sites are not usually available. If pull through sites are available, sure, why not use them

Jim Johnson
1 year ago

When frequently moving, pull-through. If I am going to stay at least several days or longer, it really doesn’t matter as I am more willing to spend the time to back in and un-hitch.

MattD
1 year ago

Back-ins have a little more landscape and scenery.

Lonewolf
1 year ago

Even though we travel with our motorhome towing our Kia on a dolly I voted back-in site. They are often less expensive per night than pull-through sites. Additionally, back-in sites are generally bigger too. Both are especially true at chain-type campgrounds such as KOA, Encore, Sun, etc.

Thomas D
1 year ago

I chose pull thru. I’m a fairly good backer upper but I don’t want to spend a lot of time backing in if I don’t have to. In most cases we’ll be gone in the morning. When we reach our destination then it’s time to back in. In Yuma one time I backed in where few had ever. Had a bunch of full timers standing around watching and clapping when I got my 30 ft fiver in place.

Neal Davis
1 year ago

Thank you for the question, RV Travel! Usually it does not matter (and that is how I voted) because we’ll be using the car to visit the area around the campground. Typically, it is easiest (and less in the way of others) to unhook at check-in. Once the car is removed, then I can back-in about as easily as pull-through. The exception is when we are overnighting en-route somewhere. In that case, pull-throughs dominate to avoid unhooking the car. Have a great weekend and safe travels!

Bill
1 year ago

I checked “don’t care” but in fact, it depends. If I’m going to be there for a while, I’d prefer a back in, particularly if it’s cheaper. But if I’m traveling and driving longish days, I’d prefer a pull through so I can get underway faster in the morning.

Bill
1 year ago

Oh, sometimes i’d prefer a pull-in, back out site if the view is better from our DP windshield. That’s what our site in Florida Grande is.

James A LaGasse
1 year ago

I prefer the back in because our door is in the back and that gives us a little privacy when we just want to chill.

CeeCee
1 year ago

We prefer a pull-thru but won’t pay extra for one. It also depends on whether we are staying 1 night (pull-thru) or multiple nights, when a back-in is just fine.

Cancelproof
1 year ago

Pull thru on travel days and a back in at the destination.

Donny
1 year ago

When traveling north or south for a few months we are 65′ length (40′ mh and 22′ trailer) so prefer a pull-through as back-ins usually aren’t long enough and don’t want to unhook for one night. If we use our 24′ mh for sightseeing and staying multiple days, it doesn’t make any difference, which is how I voted.

Valerie
1 year ago

It is more about the appeal of an actual site, as hubby has no issues with either. Many back ins often have more privacy and we like that!!

Allan Jones
1 year ago

Pull through for overnight, back in for longer stays.

Keith
1 year ago

This question presumes that you have a choice. Sometimes not . . .

Rich
1 year ago

If our stay is less than 3-days we prefer a pull-thru but our stay is longer a back-in is OK.

Roy Davis
1 year ago

I generally look for a pull through site when booking, especially when not staying for long. I have a 45 ft Diesel Pusher and usually tow a 20 ft enclosed car trailer. I will drop the trailer in a parking or overflow area if I need to but can back in with the trailer attached.

Dennis G.
1 year ago

We actually enjoy back-in sites, but pull-through sites are just fine. We do not tow anything with our 30′ class-a, and use the rig to sightsee. Both my wife and I get up super early, so finding good parking spots are generally not a problem.

Brian Nystrom
1 year ago

We prefer shaded sites in the woods, which are generally going to be back-in. With 24 1/2′ Class B+ rig, backing in is easy.

Chuck B
1 year ago

Depends on whether it’s a one night stay

John the road again
1 year ago

Back-ins tend to be cheaper, bigger and more private. I have no problem backing our 29-foot travel trailer.

Kelly
1 year ago

Back ins are usually more private and will choose a back in.

scott
1 year ago
Reply to  Kelly

same here…like the isolation

John S.
1 year ago
Reply to  Kelly

They mostly don’t have a premium price attached. That affects my choice.

DAVID
1 year ago

If Ninja, my Samurai is following me and I’m only spending the one night, it’s a pull-thru for me.
Otherwise drop him and go for the quietest spot, if it’s a back-in.