One of the most important skills to develop as a new RV traveler is to learn how to pick the right campground or RV park. Sure, you can check listings and reviews out online, but what if you’ve got no signal or there’s no online listing for a campground or RV park where you are?
Then there’s the important information you need to know like what type of electrical service a park or campground offers, what amenities they offer, the largest RVs they can accommodate, what their hours are and whether they have any vacancies. To help you find the right campground or RV every time, here’s some tips for first timers on what you need to know.
Tips and Tricks for New RVers: Finding the Right Campground or RV Park
Decide on What Type of RV Campground or Park You Are Looking For
Assessing your needs vs. wants when it comes to choosing an RV park is essential. Do you need laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, or cable TV? Heated swimming pool? Does your RV need a 50 amp electrical hookup (not available at all parks)? Map out your perfect RV park requirements on paper, then compare to what’s available. That way, when you have options to choose from, you don’t get more or less than you need.
Set a Budget
Once you have your ideal park written out on paper, you can set a budget for what you can afford from your wants and needs. If you are camping near a destination like an amusement park or national park, the amenities of your RV park may not be as much of a priority. However, if you intend to spend most of your time in the RV or doing things at the RV park, then you will want to budget more for those extras.
Location Location Location
The most important factor for any place you decide to park and stay is going to be how far it is from your desired activities and destinations. You may prefer RV camping out in a more secluded area that has a quiet natural setting, but if that means spending more on fuel to run to and from the grocery store that’s 30 minutes away, you may want to rethink things. Look for parks close to your desired destination for your vacation, but not so close it’s too noisy or high traffic for you.
Check Out Your Prospective Park’s Online Presence
The better the website and social media presence, the better quality the RV park. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but there is a strong connection between a professional online presence and a successful, well run business. Additionally, the more detailed the website, the more detail oriented they tend to be about their facility.
Good luck on your first RV adventure, and remember to prepare in advance for what type of park you want to stay at so you can find the perfect fit for you and your budget every time.
