We recently visited a campground where the owner/manager asked an unusual question: What do you look for in an RV campground? No owner or manager ever asked that before, so his question sparked my interest.
Here’s the thing: RVing campers are a mixed bag. Some want organized activities and luxury accommodations. Other RVers simply want a quiet site and starlight.
Here’s what I suggested in answer to the campground owner’s question. See if you agree and then add your own ideas in the comments that follow.
Don’t change, just maintain
My first suggestion centers on infrastructure. Level out the unlevel RV sites. I don’t mind if they’re not paved. I just want the sites to be reasonably level. Also, please make sure the electrical, water, and sewer systems are safe and dependable.
The most important amenity?
A surprising number of RVers rank internet access among the top amenities when choosing a park, according to a KOA report. For many people, “camping” now includes working or streaming television from the RV. For that, folks need dependable Wi-Fi.
Note to RV campground owner/manager: If Wi-Fi is sporadic or non-existent, be absolutely clear about that on reservation sites. Wi-Fi is not a necessity for me, but many RVers need it.
RVers’ expectations
Most guests don’t expect a five-star resort, but they do expect functional basics done right. That’s according to a recent report by Newbook (a booking resource for campgrounds). I’d have to agree.
Clean, modern restrooms and showers indicate that owners genuinely care about their visitors. Newbook also reports that comfort extras like good shade or site privacy, secure pet spaces, and a tidy laundry room have been shown to boost repeat bookings. (I appreciate them, as well.)
Other suggestions
Here are just a few additional thoughts that I’d share with RV campground owners. See if you agree with my suggestions.
• Campground signage. We’ve often driven right past a campground entrance, because a leafy tree limb or untrimmed bush covered the sign. Other times the RV camp sign was too small or faded to clearly read. Prominent, easily visible RV site markers should be posted near the camp roadway, as well.
• Camp roads. RVers care about their rigs. We don’t appreciate dodging potholes, large rocks, or other obstructions. Dirt roadways stir up lots of dust that a load of gravel might prevent. (Just sayin’.)
• Late arrivals. It happens. We always plan to arrive at our RV campground by midafternoon. However, we occasionally roll in after dark. It’s really nice when a lighted bulletin board outside the camp office welcomes us with overnight payment instructions and clear directions to our assigned campsite.
• Grounds. Not everyone is a gardener or landscaper, but RVers appreciate the effort that keeps the campground grass mowed, trees trimmed, and sites cleaned in anticipation for RVers entering the site.
• Prices. Please price your campground to align with the amenities you offer. If a small, well-maintained camp charges reasonable fees, RVers will find them. Over and over again.
• Rules. Post only those rules you are willing to enforce. Otherwise, RVers become upset when lights, noise, and dog poop aggravate their stay. (Trust me on this.)
Lastly
You can’t please all of the campers all of the time. Find your campground “lane” and stick to it. Just make sure to keep what you offer in tip-top condition.
What additional advice would you like to offer campground owners/managers? Tell me in the comments below.
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RVT1237
I am often road weary when I get to the campground. A simple and friendly check-in is appreciated.
Separate RVs with dogs from others. I am so tired of listening to yippee dogs left unattended in RVs or tied up outside. Every dog owner thinks their animal is the exception to the rule. When dog owners check in give them doggy bags to collect their poop. I once had somebody tell me her 3 little dogs only left little poops…. again the exception to the rule. Also your dog off leash you are out. How many times have I heard “oh he wouldn’t hurt a fly”?
I agree with all your statements except for making anyone with a dog all camp in the same area. Owners should enforce the rules regarding dogs. You don’t obey and you’re out should be the solution. Just because I own a dog, I shouldn’t be forced to be surrounded by people who don’t follow the rules
Sam, we non dog owners feel the same way, we shouldn’t be forced to be surrounded by dog owners who don’t follow the rules. I would be willing to spend more to stay in a dog free loop.
It’s the same with kids. There’s no reason for them to be running around and screaming at the top of their lungs, or running through others sites, or playing ball near other sites, or riding their bikes with no regard to people driving or walking.
The biggest problem is with the kids and dogs parents!
I live in the Northwest and have recently purchased a much larger RV. The campgrounds I’ve visited as of late were built in the 50’s and accommodate much smaller RV’s.
Relocating that bolder at the entrance of my site, or even trimming the tree that hangs over it would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve been refreshing my memory on boondocking where I can get in & out.
I hate finding trash and cigarette butts around my site!
I always check our site before we leave to make sure nothing is left behind.
This is more of a suggestion for designing new campgrounds. Most people sit outside in the late afternoon to evening. Hottest part of the day, of course. That means, if not necessary for a view, I want a site where the right side of my RV, the area where we sit outside, faces anywhere from SE to NE. That way I am shaded from the hot Sun by the RV and the awning does its best job. I’ve always been disappointed by how few sites are oriented this way.
Thanks for the great article. A couple of points:
Having a level site is more important for a motorhome than a trailer or 5th wheel. Many motorhome manuals say you should not have the wheels off the ground, especially the rear. Campground owners should take the type of rig into account when allocating sites. Keeping trees trimmed is important, especially on the roads to and from the camp site. We all tend to look out for pot holes, rocks and bushes, so it’s easier to forget the height of our rigs.
John, I am a 5th wheel owner and a level site is just as important for us…wheels should never be off the ground in my humble opinion. I agree with all your other comments. When we are having to focus on dodging potholes, rocks, etc., we do forget to watch out for that low branch that could rip the roof.
Dodging potholes, etc.
Yes! How many million recreation hours and sunsets are wasted with leveling chores, because campgrounds can’t be bothered hiring a dozer for a day to correct problem sites?
Gail, IMO you are 100% correct when rating a short-stay RV park.
We migrate semi-annually N-S. One KOA (our most expensive stop) has a clean functional bath house (+++), but is obviously putting their revenue into glamping. The traditional RV sites’ infrastructure is wearing out and the unpaved roads are slightly rougher each stay (- – -). The drive distance is about right, so we are looking for a competing stop in the area.
We’ve been full timing for 4 yrs, and I’ve kept records of every stay, marking it “keeper”, “meh” and “NO”. I reviewed the NOs after reading this excellent article. My rejections were usually about potholes, road clearance (either above with trees, power lines; or below with bumpy roads leading to bottoming out the 5th wheel), tight turns, difficulty backing in, landscaping features in the way. Some woody campgrounds need to remove a few trees many people hit. If you have a “don’t hit me” sign on it, it’s probably time to remove that tree! Your list is a very good one! We bring our own internet, but appreciate the Park’s internet when ours is doesn’t work.
I agree with everything others have said. We appreciate level sites, well-maintained showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. I would like campground management to kindly enforce rules of courtesy. We have stayed next to RVs who left their bright outside lights on all night long, ruining the night sky darkness. I’m a professional dog trainer, but still I expect others who aren’t to at least manage their pets’ behaviors, clean up poop immediately, and curtail endless barking. And pay attention to their volume levels when watching TV outside.
Very well-said, Gail!
Regarding Highway/street signage: sometimes local ordinances dictate the size and placement of signs. We had this experience on our last trip in Texas. Stayed at a very nice newer park that we drove by twice due to the small sign well off the roadway. I mentioned this to the owner when we checked in. She said the location and size was all they could do because of the local sign ordinances, and that they had been pursuing a variance for a larger sign closer to the road without success for quite some time.
Perhaps the suggestion to the park owners would be to include more info to guests when they make a reservation; let them know in advance that their sign is small, and give more info about other landmarks or distance (“we’re a 1/2 mile past the Dairy Queen, look for the Hopkins Cafe sign…”)
I called a park a very long time ago to make a reservation and the owner said don’t believe your gps directions. She said listen to what I’m about to say, other wise you will spend two hours backing up to get back to the main highway …. If you’re lucky! I probably will never forget that conversation.
Drive down this road and turn left when you see the mule.
I like “maintain” as a great answer. If the campground is overpriced, overgrown or otherwise not my type, I would’ve driven past it versus chatting with the owner.
If you advertise hook-ups, maintain their operability. If you advertise a horseshoe pit, maintain it. If you advertise Bingo Thursday and Taco Tuesday, follow through but don’t charge me for what is intended but doesn’t exist.
All that said, my number one requirement is the sites MUST be reasonably level.
No RV exists that is more functional unlevel than level. If a park can’t maintain this minimal requirement, the solid gold toilet on display in the clubhouse is meaningless…
I ask rv owners b4 arrival in October and November to please blow off the leaves. When it applys. We want FULL hookup! Then what is their Cancelation policy! Not like one place in Elijay ga you pay one day deposit and if cancel 7 days b4….No refund just 3 months to use it ! Hard to do in that short period!!! Needs to b 1 year!
To Gail Marsh,
Sometimes, we stop just for the night and don’t use anything but electric and cable (oi available), and would like to see the site priced accordingly.
Yes, yes, yes. Lower price for electric only!
When you stay at a hotel – do you ask for a lower rate because you’re not using all the hotel offers? Campground nightly rates are a combination of all of the park’s expenses plus a profit margin (business can’t stay open without a profit). It’s easy for campers to estimate how much a park is making but have no idea how expensive it is to just “maintain” a campground. I’ve never understood why campers expect MORE from campgrounds than they do hotels or other hospitality businesses.
With all the complaints and requirements I read in all the posts make me think:
Most of you should stay in a Hotel/Motel instead of a campground!
Space between campsites is a must! Privacy is appreciated!
Space between sites or sites that are cleverly laid out to maximize privacy are lovely! Always appreciate parks who can do that! ❤️
I would appreciate a campground that has a separate area for Senior or singles wanting a quiet place to relax. Hate hotels because of all the door banging, yelling and running. That’s why I try to camp during the week when most families are working. I understand that even some adults can be loud and inconsiderate.
Clean, maintained, and quiet – that’s it.
We have only stayed mostly at State Parks or COA campgrounds, so level is usually not a problem. We don’t mind if there’s no internet or TV. I have plenty of CD’s and DVD’s if I need to be entertained. Kinda nice to be away from all that stuff. My main concern is simply dogs. Too many dog owner believe every square inch of the campground is their precious pup’s personal outhouse! Even after “cleaning up” there’s still residue we don’t want to step in or smell. And yes, they DO bark all day when you’re gone! My wife got bit on our last trip because their owner let their horrible, mean mutt loose and he ran straight up to my wife, while we were standing on our site across the street.
Use recent pictures of your park in the advertising. Please state about how many full timers live in the park and if possible put overnighters in their own area. A lot of full timers have multiple vehicles and make it hard for overnight guests to get their units in their spot.
Good details on their website, like if the wi-fi is pretty poor, would be nice to know in advance.
Also, and this is a big one, and applies to nearly every RV Park/Campground, start putting some sort of hold down in your electrical pedestals. Most people use an expensive Line Monitor/Disconnector (the kind you plug into the pedestal, then your cord into that). And most use a cable lock down. The most common pedestals have nothing to put that cable thru, that really secures it. If someone unplugs the device, and just lifts it up over the pedestal, they can unplug your cord and steal the device.
Level sites, space to open the awning and slides and still be able to walk between units. Sewer drops that aren’t uphill from the RV. Good maintenance of amenities you advertise ( fire pits, picnic tables, BBQ pits, etc.). Proper drainage on sites.
Yes, there are many “RV Resorts” that you are practically on top of your neighbors. Like if your slide is out, a person can’t even walk between one RV and the next one. And on Sewer connections, ones that actually have a threaded top, so our adapters can actually screw into them.
A level parking or at least semi level parking spot is at the top of my pet peeves. My reviews always mention try leveling Rv sites. Dogs and campfires aren’t an issue with us. Children running through our space isn’t that big of a deal, no parenting comes to mind
All the reasons stated below is why I don’t go to campgrounds. Rather sleep on a busy street to avoid the entitled.
My simple request would be MORE hooks in the shower stall area 🙂
Level sites are great!