It’s a hot summer day (ahhhh, doesn’t that sound nice—if only!) and you pull into a new campground. Your site faces the public swimming pool—a welcome amenity on a hot day like today. Do you… jump right in? Do you go dip your toes just to test out the waters? Or do you stay far, far away?
For some, the pool is the first stop after setting up camp. There’s nothing like cooling off in the water after a long drive, especially when the sun is beating down.
Families with kids often find the campground pool to be a lifesaver—an easy way to keep little ones entertained for hours. Others might see it as a chance to socialize, meeting fellow campers while floating around or lounging poolside with a cold drink.
On the other hand, not everyone is eager to dive in. Some campers avoid public pools, preferring privacy or the more natural option of a nearby lake or river. Concerns about cleanliness, crowds, or noisy splashing can be a deterrent, especially if the pool is packed with energetic kids. Then there’s the question of temperature—will it be refreshingly cool or an uncomfortably warm bath?
And let’s not forget the in-between crowd—those who enjoy a quick dip but aren’t the type to spend hours poolside.
Maybe you prefer an evening swim when the sun isn’t as intense, or perhaps you only use the pool if it’s particularly clean and well-maintained. Some RVers even travel with their own inflatable pools, ensuring they can cool off without setting foot in the public one.
After you vote, please leave a comment and be more specific about your campground pool-using habits. Thanks!
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RVDT2860
Thank you for Dustin’s thorough and professional insights and recommendations. I learn something from every article.
Nope, not, never. The same with hot tubs. Gives one the willys.
We camp for the peace and quiet, trail walking, bird watching ect.. We NEVER go to “RV resorts”. The only amenities we look for are electric, water, clean restroom and shower. The “kids” and grandson, on the other hand, LOVE those places! We went to visit them while they were at a “Margaritaville Resort”! OMG! Packed in like sardines in a can. To the articles point, probably a very safe place, but I prefer, trees and grass and wildlife!
Long ago, ’83 while tent camping in Yellowstone, my sleeping bag and Army rucksack were stolen out of the tent. We didn’t leave, but I slept in the car for 2 nights.
I can count on one finger the number of times I’ve used a campground pool.
I haven’t been swimming since December 1967 when i had to pass my Navy Boot Camp swim test. I barely passed. I don’t like the cold water and don’t even go in the water at the beach. I do love being on the water and spent 26 years in the Navy and owned a SeaRay Sundancer245 Cabin Cruiser we used on Lake Michigan for several years. I just hate swimming.
Nope, never stayed at a campground that had one. Lakes, rivers and oceans, yes.
I love to swim but usually don’t have the time as I do both the driving and setting up and cooking the dinner.
When we had our children camping with us we would go in with them sometimes, but it’s been decades now since we’ve been in a campground pool. Most of the campgrounds we stay in don’t even have one, nor do we want to pay more to have something we wouldn’t use.
Most of our travel is snowbird season. It starts and ends in shoulder seasons in the north. No pools open. And funny thing, most of the South, while warm to us, say it’s winter and their pools are also closed.
Maybe once. Usually one glance is sufficient to say “Um—no!”
Doesn’t everyone know what kids do in pools?
Same thing adults do in pools, but not as much.
That’s the answer why I take a cool dip in the nearest river or creek.
And find a bush or tree if out with the bears…
As far as I’ve heard, bears don’t snitch….
I did, when I was 8 yrs old. Three other kids did also, I think it was all a stupid dare or whatever we kiddos did waaay back then. Fortunately it was just an 8′? kiddies pool and some snitch told the mom and we were all 86’d for a week.
Those days… 😉 …..
I’ve seen rug-rats with no diapers in pools along with their furry “kids” no way!
I’ve seen so-called adults thinking they splashing shower water on themselves thinking that’s what taking a shower before entering the pool is enough.
No Thanks…..
I frankly love a good pool scene, most of the campgrounds we stay in with pools, the pool is always clean. The pool staff is always there in the mornings, testing the water and cleaning the pool and deck. Especially love the salt water pools.
Where we boondock, the closest pond is a stock pond. Not something to be swimming in.