Hitting the open road in an RV and exploring the great outdoors is one of life’s greatest pleasures. With an RV, you have the freedom to travel across the country while still enjoying the comforts of home. But where you park your home on wheels at night can make all the difference in your RV camping experience. Choosing the right RV campground is key to ensuring you have a fun, relaxing, and safe trip. Here are some tips on how to find the best RV campgrounds for your next adventure.

Do Your Research

The first step is to do some research before you hit the road. Here are some ways to find potential campgrounds in the areas you’ll be traveling through:

Use RV Campground Directories

Some great online RV campground directories allow you to search for parks based on location, amenities, ratings, and reviews. Some good ones to check out include RV Parky, AllStays Camp & RV, and RV Park Reviews. Browse campgrounds along your intended route and make a list of possibilities.

Check State Park Websites

Most states have dedicated websites for their state parks system that allow you to search for campgrounds. These campgrounds, often located in beautiful natural areas, are a nice option for RVers looking for scenic spots. They offer basic amenities and hookups.

Search National Park Websites

For those looking to stay at a national park, check the National Park Service website. Enter your destination and dates and you can see which national park campgrounds have availability. These campgrounds offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Sites book up early, so reserve well in advance.

Use Apps Like RV Life

RV trip planning apps like RV Life allow you to map out your route and see campgrounds along the way. You can filter campgrounds by type (RV parks, state parks, etc), amenities, and price, and read reviews from other RVers.

Talk to Other RVers

Connecting with other RV owners online or in person can provide valuable insight into great campgrounds they’ve stayed at along your route. Check RV forums like irv2.com or Facebook groups to tap into the collective wisdom of the RV community.

The key is to compile a robust list of potential campgrounds for each stop on your itinerary. Having plenty of options will increase your chance of finding an available and appealing campground.

Compare Campground Amenities: RV Campgrounds

Once you have a list of possible campgrounds, take a closer look at the amenities each one offers to see which align with your needs and preferences:

Type of Sites

Make sure the campground has sites that can accommodate the length and width of your RV. Look for pull-through sites if you don’t want to have to back in. See if they have paved pads or spacious grassy areas.

Hookups

Check that the campground has the hookups you require, such as 30/50 amp electric, water, sewer, cable, and internet. Some parks have full hookups while more rustic spots may only have electricity.

Recreation

See what types of on-site recreation are available, like pools, game rooms, tennis courts, hiking trails, or lakes for fishing/boating. For kids, look for playgrounds.

Bathrooms/Showers

Most RV parks have restrooms and showers, some more modern and clean than others. Read reviews or call to get a sense of the facilities. State park bathrooms tend to be more basic.

Laundry

If you need to wash clothes, look for campgrounds with laundromats or washers/dryers hookups at individual sites.

Community Areas

Some campgrounds have spacious clubhouses with seating, TVs, game tables, or kitchens for events and gatherings.

Extras Like WiFi, Cable, Etc.

Check what types of services and extras are offered such as internet access, cable connections, rental cabins, concierge services, clubhouse events, etc.

Prioritize amenities that are most important for your travel needs and style. An angler might look for a campground on a lake, while families value a nice pool and game room.

Compare Costs

Cost is an important factor when choosing a campground. Prices can range widely from $10 for primitive camping in state parks to $100+ for full hookups and amenities at luxury resort campgrounds. Consider:

Base Camping Rate

This covers the use of the campsite and basic amenities. State parks are usually the cheapest. RV parks with lots of facilities tend to be the priceiest.

Hookup Fees

There may be additional charges for electricity, water, sewer, cable, etc. The more hookups, the higher the rate.

Extra Person Fees

Some places charge for each additional adult over 2 people and for children over a certain age.

Special Offers

Campground memberships, weekly/monthly rates, and off-season discounts can help lower nightly rates.

Don’t just look at the base rate. Factor in all the potential fees to compare true nightly costs across different campgrounds.

Check Online Reviews

Reading reviews from other RVers who have stayed at campgrounds along your route can provide insider information you won’t find on the campground’s website:

Cleanliness

Reviews give details on how clean bathrooms, showers, and community areas are maintained. This matters a lot for comfort.

Noise

They’ll note how quiet or noisy the campground is at night. RV parks can sometimes be loud with generator noise and late-night parties.

Safety

Recent safety incidents or theft problems will be mentioned to help identify potentially unsafe campgrounds.

Service

You’ll see comments on how friendly, helpful, and responsive the campground hosts and staff are. Good service increases the camping experience.

Value

Reviews state whether the campground was worth the nightly rate, or if it was overpriced for amenities and condition.

Go beyond just star ratings and read detailed reviews. Look for consistent themes in multiple reviews to identify the highest-quality campgrounds.

Check for Site Availability

Once you’ve identified a few potential campgrounds in each destination, check if they have open sites for your travel dates.

Call the Campground

The easiest way is to call the campground directly and speak with a staff member about site availability for the dates you need. They can check their reservation system during the call.

Check Online Listings

Many campgrounds list open dates on their websites or sites like RV Parky. Enter your date range and see if any sites are available.

Use Booking Platforms

Major campground booking platforms like Campspot and ReserveAmerica display real-time site availability if the campground uses its reservation system.

Inquire About Waitlists

If the campground is full, ask to join their waitlist. Sites often open up as people change plans. Let them know you’re flexible on-site type if that helps.

Have Backups Ready

Just in case your first choice is booked, have alternative campgrounds ready to check for openings so you’re not scrambling to find somewhere to stay.

Booking early, at least a few weeks in advance, can help secure sites at popular campgrounds during peak season. Have some flexibility on timing and campground if needed.

Compare Site Specifics

When booking your site, take a look at the campground map to understand the site’s specific location and attributes:

Site Surface

Sites may be paved, gravel, grass, dirt, sand, or a combination. Choose what suits your preferences.

Site Size & Shape

Make sure the length, width, and shape of the site fits your RV and tow vehicle or trailer.

Shade & Privacy

Look for sites with mature trees for shade and visual barriers between sites for more privacy.

Views

Scan for sites with waterfront, mountain, canyon, or other scenic views if available.

Surrounding Sites

See what types of rigs are in nearby sites, like big motorhomes or trailers. Look for compatible neighbors.

Access Roads

Check the ease of accessing the site on internal roads. Tight turns onto small sites can be tricky with larger RVs.

Slope

Assess the steepness of the site, as too much slope can cause leveling challenges.

Paying attention to these details will help select the most functional and appealing individual site for your needs.

Read the Campground Rules

Before booking, take a look at the campground’s rules, policies, and restrictions:

Noise Curfews

Most campgrounds prohibit loud noise after certain hours, usually 10 PM or 11 PM. This helps maintain an environment where everyone can sleep.

Generator Hours

Use of loud generators may be restricted to certain time windows, like 9 AM to 5 PM. Avoid campgrounds with no generator noise limits.

Pet Policies

Many campgrounds have rules on the number of pets, leash requirements, pet waste clean-up, and leaving pets unattended. Make sure their policies work for your furry travel companions.

Campfire Regulations

If you want to have campfires, confirm that the campground allows campfires and follow their guidelines on fire pits, firewood collection, extinguishing fires, etc. Many areas prohibit campfires during dry seasons.

Parking

Some campgrounds only allow 1 vehicle at the site. Make sure they can accommodate your RV, tow vehicle, and any additional vehicles.

Departure Times

There are usually set check-out times (11 AM for example). If you need a later departure notify the office in case they can extend it.

Access Hours

Some campground gates are locked overnight, so you may be required to arrive by a certain time.

Visitor Policies

Many campgrounds limit the number of visitors you can have at your site per day or require visitors to register and pay a fee.

Site Condition

Review any rules about keeping your site neat, not damaging vegetation, proper waste disposal, etc.

Understanding the campground’s guidelines will help ensure you choose one that fits your camping style and preferences. Ask questions if any rules are unclear before booking.

Reserve Your Site

Once you’ve chosen the perfect campground and site, it’s time to make your reservation:

Book Early

For peak season travel, book your site 4-6 months in advance if possible for the best selection. Holiday weekends fill fast.

Know Cancellation Policies

Some campgrounds have flexible cancellation policies while others have strict cut-offs for refunds. Factor this into reservation timing.

Pay Deposits

Many campgrounds require 1-2 night non-refundable deposits at booking. The balance is usually paid at check-in.

Request Confirmation

Make sure to get a written confirmation of your reservation with your site number and check-in instructions.

Join Rewards Programs

Enrolling in campground loyalty programs can provide discounts and accumulate reward points for free stays.

Booking ahead ensures you have a site waiting and gives peace of mind that an important detail of your trip is handled.

Arrive Prepared

When check-in day arrives, come prepared to make the registration and set-up process smooth:

Have Paperwork Ready

Bring your reservation confirmation and payment method if the balance is due. Some parks require vehicle registration.

Arrive On Time

If the campground has set check-in hours, plan to arrive accordingly to register and get settled into your site while there is still daylight.

Review Site Map

Use the campground map to remind yourself of your site location and the registration building, dump station, etc.

Follow Check-In Process

Park your RV in designated areas during check-in. Some campgrounds escort you to your site.

Ask Questions

Inquire with staff about park guidelines, hours, wifi access, best local attractions, and any other questions.

Plan Site Set-Up

Based on site terrain and hookup locations, have an RV site set-up strategy so you can get parked and stabilized efficiently.

Arriving informed and at the right time will make for a smooth transition into campground life on day one.

Embrace Campground Life

Once you’re all settled into your phenomenal campground, it’s time to relax and enjoy the RV lifestyle:

Attend Events & Activities

Check calendars for potlucks, ice cream socials, movie nights, crafts, organized hikes, and other fun campground events to meet fellow RVers.

Walk or Bike Around

Pack a picnic lunch and spend an afternoon wandering the campground, exploring trails, and seeing who your friendly neighbors are.

Visit Local Attractions

Check out interesting spots near the campground the staff recommends like museums, galleries, historic sites, and area parks.

Eat at The Campground Cafe

Sit down for a homestyle breakfast or dinner at campground restaurants and get to know new friends over shared meals.

Schedule a Campfire

If campfires are allowed, gather around a glowing fire with s’mores, stories, and campfire songs.

Follow Campground Rules

Be respectful by keeping noise levels down, adhering to generator hours, cleaning up sites, and obeying pet rules so everyone can enjoy.

Finding community and connecting with nature are some of the simple but profound joys of camping.

5 Key Tips for Finding Great RV Campgrounds:

1. Do thorough research using online directories, apps, and forums to identify highly-rated campgrounds in your destination areas.
2. Compare important amenities like site types, hookups, recreation, and facilities to find campgrounds suited to your needs.
3. Read recent customer reviews for insider information on cleanliness, noise, safety, service, and value.
4. Call or check campground websites for availability on your travel dates, and book early for the most options.
5. Carefully select the best individual site based on size, views, location, terrain, and surrounding sites.

FAQ About Finding RV Campgrounds

What are some indicators of a high-quality RV campground?

Positive signs include clean, modern bathrooms, welcoming staff, spacious sites, recreation options, strong WiFi, and recent customer reviews mentioning cleanliness, safety, and good value.

Top campground brands known for outstanding facilities and service include Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, RVontheGo.com, and Thousand Trails.

How early should you book an RV site?

Ideally 4-6 months in advance for peak season travel, especially for popular destinations like National Parks. For more flexibility, try booking 1 month out for off-peak trips. Holiday weekends fill up 6+ months in advance.

What should you ask when booking a campsite?

Key questions: What type of site surface is it? Does the site fit my RV length? Are there clear campfire regulations? How strictly is the noise curfew enforced? Is the bathroom clean? What is there to do at the campground?

Should you buy campground memberships?

Memberships like Thousand Trails, RPI Club, and Happy Camper that offer discounted rates and extra perks can provide savings if you camp often. But evaluate costs vs. benefits if you only RV camp occasionally. Do the math before committing.

How do you know if an RV site will be level?

Ask when booking if the site is level or gently sloping. Once on-site, use leveling blocks and pads to make minor adjustments. Go slow and check your RV’s leveling indicators. Severely unlevel sites can cause appliance and plumbing issues.

Conclusion

Finding amazing RV campgrounds takes some research and planning, but is worth the effort. The campground you choose can have a huge impact on your overall travel experience and enjoyment. The ultimate guide to RV Camping in Big Sur, California meticulously navigates through the selection process of RV campgrounds, emphasizing the importance of location, amenities, service, cost, reviews, availability, and site specifics, ensuring you choose a spot that not only meets your needs but also offers a chance to create lasting memories in some of the most beautiful and well-equipped parks.