When choosing an RV park there are many choices available. There are local, state and national parks and there are private parks all over the United States and Canada. The prices run from very very cheap to as much as a nice hotel for the nightly rates.
Some parks, but not all, will over you a discount for the longer you stay. There are also many parks that are in networks that allow for discounts for members. Some of these include Good Sam Club, Family Motor Coach Association, Escapees, and Passport America. In return for a annual fee charge you get a discount on your nightly stays. Most of these have limits on the number of nights discounted so you should always check on their policy.
Any of these organizations can be found on the Internet and include pricing, policies and campgrounds included.
Some RV parks give you one night free if you stay 6 and most give discounted monthly rates. There are even a few that have a sliding downward scale for each month longer you stay. It never hurts to check out the deals online prior to going to an area to decide which park best suits your needs.
I would also suggest you search for any park you are thinking of attending on the Internet. You can get a wide variety of reviews from people who have actually stayed at the park. Just because the park’s advertisement looks wonderful, unfortunately doesn’t mean the park actually lives up to the add.
Something to look for are how close the sites are to each other and how large they are. If you have slides can they easily be extended or are the sites to tight. We have seen sites where no slides were allowed. Also ask how level the sites are. If you are on a slope it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to level your unit. If you have an extra vehicle can you park it at your site or do you have to move it to an extra parking area somewhere else within the park.
Pets are another concern. Some parks allow them, some have size limits and some could care less. Who wants to stay at a park where dog bark and run loose at all hours. Believe it or not there are some like that and we have been there. YUCK!
Another concern for many are the bathrooms. Are they clean and well cared for? Are they maintained on a daily basis? Some parks are horrible while others are immaculate. Taking a shower where the mold is covering the walls is extremely disgusting not to mention unhealthy.
Many folks like certain amenitiessuch as pools, spas, activities, walking trails, dinners and such. Others want just the bare basics with a site and a place to camp. Asking ahead will let you know what to expect. Do you need Internet? Some places have excellent Internet, some none at all and some it depends on which way the wind is blowing. If you need Internet it can be extremely frustrating if your park is not up to speed.
Electricity most parks when staying a month will charge you extra for the electricity and that amount is per kilowatt hour and will be paid on checkout. On daily and weekly rates the electricity is included. Do you need 30AMP or 50AMP. If you need to run A/C or heat you will need 50. Ask as not all parks, especially local, state and national parks have 50AMP sites. There are usually a few in each park, but not always, and most have 30 AMP. Same thing for sewer hook up. Some parks have full hook ups at site while others you will have to go to a dump station located at central location within the park. Some parks also have “honey wagons” which are sanitation trucks that come around and empty your tank for you on a regular basis. Most of these are fee based.
Fire pits. Some places allow for fires others do not. Some have fire rings, or fire buckets while others will tell you upfront absolutely no fires. Some allow you to bring in firewood and others say you must purchase it directly from the park. Again, all of this will be clearly posted but you need to be aware of the choices so as not hit with any unnecessary surprises.
The parks all have clear check in and check out times just like hotels. Plan accordingly so you are not waiting for hours to get in because check in time is late in the afternoon and you arrived first thing in the morning. When that happens the park may have another empty site to accommodate you or an overflow parking lot where you can stay until your site becomes available.
Specific sites can sometimes be requested ahead of time or may be on a first come first serve. When calling a park tell them what you are looking for and ask what is available. You will be glad that you did.
Finally if you are unhappy with the park, do not hesitate to leave. If it is to late to leave that night leave the next morning and look for another. Your safety and health is always your first priority. Most parks are fine but every now and again you will come across one that you will never stay at again. Be sure to go on line and rate the parks, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. You will be helping others and helping the parks maintain certain standards!
