About RV Parks And Campgrounds

Just as RV popularity and variety have multiplied in recent years, so too have RV parks and campgrounds. From the humble, minimalist campsite to resort-style parks complete with nearly every possible amenity, there's an RV park for everyone. Just as each person has a different idea of what makes the perfect vacation, each individual RV park offers a different experience, be it close to nature, 5-star luxury or somewhere in between. Take the time to research online before you arrive to make the most of your visit and to be sure that you find a place to your liking.

Boondocking

Also known as dry camping, wild camping, or more officially, dispersed camping. Boondocking is a popular way to see the great outdoors and to reconnect with nature. Although it does not involve a campground or park, it does consist of authorized camping, often on public land. It is either free or for a very low fee and there are usually no amenities whatsoever. Boondocking is a great way to relax, although it does require some forward planning, especially as many locations might be quite some distance from shops, garages and civilization in general. You will need a power source and it's recommended to check network coverage for your phone and internet prior to setting up. It is also helpful to park near a water source and to either take bottled water for drinking or to use a water purifier. A lot of RVers boondock when they need to make a convenient stopover en route to their destination park or campground.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are basic sites where both traditional tent camping and RVs can be found. They are often small, with very basic amenities but very reasonably priced. It's often worth calling ahead to check availability and whether there would be enough space, especially if you have a large RV. While some campgrounds have more facilities than others you may at best get a dry hookup, that is power, no water, with restrooms and washing facilities provided on site. Even so, campgrounds provide a big step up from boondocking and in your RV you're going to be much more comfortable than the campers in tents. Campgrounds are a great way to stop over for a short period at a very reasonable price, you can enjoy being close to nature with minimal distractions and not have to worry about generating power.

RV Parks

Built to accommodate motorized and towable RVs, RV parks offer all of the essentials you could need for long or short-term RVing. However, do be aware that the standards between RV parks can vary hugely, with some not too dissimilar from RV resorts, while others may only offer partial hookups. Once again, it's recommended you check up online or call before you arrive. Most RV parks will offer some amenities, a shop, laundry room, easy access to trails, a clubhouse and Wi-Fi, however some may provide only the bare minimum, depending on the area. Likewise, prices vary accordingly.

RV Resorts & Glamping

The surge in popularity of RVing has seen a rise in the number of upmarket RV resorts. These resorts charge much more but offer a true vacation experience both for adults and children. Your average RV resort will likely offer kid's activities, games rooms, live entertainment, sporting activities and classes, swimming pools, lakes, kayaking, fishing, bike paths and so on. They may also offer a shuttle to nearby tourist hotspots and be able to organize further amenities upon request. RV resorts can be great for short or extended stays depending upon your budget and how long you like to settle down for.

Amongst the highest-rated RV resorts an increasing number now cater to the growing percentage of RV owners who want a 5-star hotel experience on their RV vacation. This new style of luxurious camping has been coined 'glamping', short for 'glamourous camping' and for good reason. An RV resort in this category will in all certainty feature everything you could expect from a standard RV resort, plus extras such as spas, restaurants, 18 hole golf courses, coffee bars, hair and beauty salons, water parks, art classes and concierge services. This, of course, comes at a price and some more traditional RVers might see it as detracting from the RV lifestyle itself.