When it comes to picking a place to camp, everyone has their own idea of the perfect campsite. Some travelers love the convenience of full hookups, paved pads, clean bathrooms, and maybe even a pool, clubhouse, restaurant, tiki bar, or dog park nearby.
Others would rather leave all that behind and settle into a quiet, rustic spot surrounded by nature, where the only sounds are birds, wind, and the crackle of a campfire. Which one speaks to you?
Campgrounds with lots of amenities can make life on the road easier and more predictable. You know exactly what you’ll get when you arrive—clean showers, reliable electricity, and maybe even a social scene where neighbors become instant friends. For some, these comforts are a big part of the joy of RVing, letting you relax and focus on the fun.
On the flip side, rustic sites have a charm all their own. There’s something magical about being tucked away in a forest or by a quiet lake, far from traffic and crowds. No schedules, no frills—just pure, peaceful solitude.
Of course, some of you enjoy a mix and seek out quiet spots most of the time, but indulge in a few amenity-packed campgrounds for the convenience or social opportunities.
So, what about you? Do you love the convenience and creature comforts of full-amenity campgrounds, or do you crave the peace and simplicity of rustic sites?
Take our poll and let us know. And we know you might like a combination of both every now and again, but in general terms… which one?
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- Do you get more exercise at home or when RVing?
- What’s going on your perfect hot dog?
- At what age do you think ‘old age’ begins?
- How often do you boondock more than a mile away from another RV or building?
- How confident are you in your ability to troubleshoot RV repairs on the road?
RVT1239b
I like full connections for laundry day but that’s it. Having a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, and organized activities just isn’t for me.
Electric, water and sewage hook ups I’m good. I don’t need all the other stuff plus it tends to draw less entitled folks and unruly children. Plus the upside is cost is usually less for your site. It’s nice to have a small camp fire, hear the whippoorwill and crickets. That’s camping!
If more of us prefer rustic sites, why do “they” keep making more and more rv resort parks?
Because more and more RV’rs want resorts (a five star hotel setting), not campgrounds.
There should also be a choice for nice quiet campgrounds with basic amenities. Pool, store, nice clean restrooms and maybe a playground for the kid’s.
Perhaps because this poll is not a true scientific poll, but only reflects the opinion of those whom subscribe. My guess is, the average reader here is quite mature and is not camping with their children/families.
Quiet rustic… so long as it has firm level sites with full hook up and non-rutted roads.
In other words, what I like is the resort-like site infrastructure, but without all the amenities we never use or the carnival atmosphere.
None of the above. I prefer quiet campgrounds with good utilities, long level pull through sites, and easy access.
The only amenity we want is electricity and a good public bath and shower facility. Dish washing sink is appreciated if available.
If I wanted resort amenities I’d go to an actual resort hotel.
We definitely do not need or want to pay for a bunch of fancy facilities. Minimum, though, is 50 amp electric. For stays of more than 5 days, water and sewer when possible. But we do carry a porta-tank to transport black/grey to a dump station, if needed.
So if “rustic” means no hookups, that’s not us except for perhaps a quick overnight when AC isn’t needed. We like state, county, and local parks for the most part. No frills…just a clean site with electric and water/sewer when possible.
While I prefer quiet, rustic campgrounds, I have problems fitting in a lot of them. That’s because I have a 45 ft diesel pusher and tow a 22 ft. enclosed car trailer. Most of the rustic campgrounds are older ones and were never designed for the big behemoths that some of us drive. We have found that state and county fairgrounds have larger sites and many areas that host riding and rodeo events will offer sites as well.
When we traveled with our young son we looked for playgrounds and swimming pools. Now that I’m about to turn 81 the quiet campgrounds without a lot of amenities [that causes a much higher camping rate] are no longer important.
Just water and electric, with a dump station if no sewer
Give me a pit toilet and a hand pump for water. That is the best.