5 Tips for Picking the Best Campsite in an RV Park

Aug 6, 2021 | News

5 Tips for Picking the Best Campsite in an RV Park

By Morgan Wilder

Camping in an RV park is an excellent way to take in nature’s wonder and make lifelong memories. For some, the amenities that many RV parks offer make camping less stressful than boondocking or dry camping, especially when you’ve got the kids in tow.

A successful camping trip in an RV park isn’t hard to accomplish, but if you get stuck in a less-than-ideal campsite, you could be in for a challenging stay. Unfortunately, some campgrounds don’t give you the option to choose your own site, but many of them do. Read on for some tried and true tips on how to choose the perfect campsite in the RV park and make the most of your vacation.

RV parked under trees at an RV park.

Park Delta Bay | Isleton, CA – Photo by: reno

Decide What Perfect Means to You

The most important piece in choosing the perfect campsite in the RV park is knowing what “perfect” means to you! For example, are there lights in the campground that stay on all night? Will this annoy you, or will it help you feel safe?

Do you or your little one(s) love fishing and want to be riverfront or near the pond? Or conversely, does being near the water simply add worries about your kids’ playing unsupervised? If the latter is the case, you’ll probably have more peace of mind knowing you’re far away from any bodies of water. If you think you’ll be needing the bathroom facilities often, you might want to stay near them, as campgrounds can be large and the walk to and from the bathroom can get tedious if you’re too far away.

Other than logistics, think of what you want your trip to feel like. Maybe you’re looking to hide away in nature and get some quiet solo time. If this is the case, look for an end spot; that way, you’ll only have one neighbor (assuming the end spot isn’t near a road or driveway). On the other hand, maybe you’re outgoing and want to make new friends. If this is you, being in a central location would be fun. No matter what tops your list of priorities, there’s sure to be a spot on the campground that’s perfect for you.

Kid running along a beach next to an RV.

Jolly Roger RV Resort | Marathon, FL – Photo by: Wilma’s Keeper

Use a Good Map

Want to be by a pond? Close to the bathrooms? As far as possible away from other campers? You’ll need a detailed, overhead view of the RV park to best choose your campsite.

On Campendium, switch the map view to “Satellite” and zoom in to get a feel for campsite location and terrain. For the most detailed look, find your campground’s map online and compare it side-by-side with the Satellite view. This will allow you to match up site numbers to the aerial imagery. Reading through our community reviews can also help you identify the best sites in the campground. Go ahead and call the campground and make the reservation at the specific site, if applicable.

Two RVs parked in large RV spots.

Mt Hood Village RV Resort | Welches, OR – Photo by: skyler

Stay Within Your Limits

All of the campsites in RV parks are a little bit different from each other in size and layout. Some require backing in, others are pull-through, and some you can park head-in. Know your comfort level. If you don’t like backing up your camper, look for a pull-through site. If you want to nestle into the trees for privacy, a pull-through site isn’t going to be for you.

You should also be aware of all your RV or camper’s dimensions, as well as the campsite dimensions. Make sure that the site is wide enough to accommodate your slide-outs and any vehicles you are towing. Moreover, make sure the site is long enough for your camper. It would be very disappointing to show up in a full campground and realize you won’t fit in the only site left.

Bus with several RVs in the background parked in Zion National Park.

Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort | Springdale, UT – Photo by: Vicaribus

Reserve Early

Imagine this: You’ve spent a lot of time researching the campground, looking at satellite views and maps, and you’ve found the best campsite in the RV park. You call to make the reservation to find out that the site is booked or worse, the campground is full!

Mitigate the disappointment by calling the campground early, as soon as you decide to go on your trip. This way, you can speak to a campground employee and discuss your rig’s specifications (length, width, and height) and see which sites are logistically feasible. Reserving early is the best way to secure your perfect campsite and avoid any major last-minute change of plans.

Check the Site Upon Arrival

When you get to your chosen campsite at the RV park, do a good inspection of the area. Make sure there isn’t anything on the ground that could put a hole in your tires, and check for things like overhanging branches or power lines. You’ll also want to head back to the campground office if you have any concerns about fitting in your spot, so they can either work with you to fit or re-assign you to a new spot. Some campgrounds also offer assistance when you back in, as another set of eyes on the ground.

Before you go through your entire RV setup checklist, double-check the amperage of the electrical hookup to make sure it’s high enough to support your RV’s needs. Also, make sure the water’s running at pressure, and the sewer hookup is in working order. If the campsite needs any maintenance be sure to report it immediately.

Wrapping Up

Camping in an RV park is an easy and comfortable way to get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy yourself in nature. Each RV park is different, with a variety of campsite sizes, campsite amenities, and park features. Follow the expert guidance above to ensure you’re picking the best campsite in the RV park for you and your family.

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