Choosing The Right Campground

I’m amazed at how much time we spend researching campgrounds before every trip, and I have a feeling that’s only going to increase as we begin taking longer adventures.

There are plenty of resources available to help with your search. A simple web search, recommendations from fellow RVers, campground reviews, and advice from friends can all help you narrow down your choices.

I’ve also mentioned RV clubs in another article. Many of their affiliated campgrounds must meet certain standards, so some of the homework has already been done for their members.

Since we’re not members of one of those organizations, we’ve developed our own checklist when deciding where to stay. Every trip is different, but these are the questions we ask ourselves.

Our Campground Checklist

• Is this just an overnight stop or an extended stay?
  What we need for one night while traveling is very different from what we’re looking for during a week-long stay.
• Can the campground accommodate our RV?
  We have a 39-foot fifth wheel, and we’ve found some beautiful campgrounds only to discover they have length restrictions that won’t accommodate our rig.
• Are the sites pull-through or back-in?
  If they’re back-in sites, we often use satellite imagery to get an idea of how difficult they might be to access.
• How close are the campsites to one another?
  We prefer a little breathing room. It’s no fun when your slide-outs are only a couple of feet from your neighbor’s.
• What amenities does the campground offer?
  Depending on the trip, we may be looking for laundry facilities, a swimming pool, walking trails, activities, or simply a quiet place to relax.
• What is the cost, and what is the cancellation policy?
  Plans change, so it’s important to understand the campground’s cancellation rules before making a reservation.
• What do the recent reviews say?
  I pay much more attention to reviews from the past year than ones that are five or ten years old. Campgrounds can change—for better or worse.
• How close is it to the places we want to visit?
  Whether it’s hiking trails, parks, museums, or local attractions, location plays a big role in our decision.
• Are groceries and other essentials nearby?
  An on-site camp store is nice, but we also like knowing how far we’ll have to drive if we need groceries, fuel, or other supplies.

Every Trip Is Different

No two trips are exactly alike. Sometimes we’re camping with family or friends, and other times it’s just the two of us exploring a new area.

This checklist helps us compare campgrounds and choose the one that best fits the purpose of each trip.

The “perfect” campground is different for everyone, but by taking a little time to think about what’s important to you before making a reservation, you’re much more likely to end up with a campsite you’ll enjoy.