Are You Having Issues Making Reservations During This RV Boom? Here are 7 Tips to Help You with Smooth RV Park Reservation.
RV camping is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, offering the freedom to travel with the comforts of home. However, getting started can be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to making RV park reservations. With the rise in RV popularity, securing a spot at your desired RV campsite can be challenging.
This guide will provide essential tips and techniques to make your RV park reservation process easy and overall RV camping experience enjoyable and stress-free.
What is RV Camping?
RV camping involves traveling and living in a recreational vehicle, which provides shelter, sleeping arrangements, and other amenities. It’s a blend of adventure and comfort, allowing you to explore various locations without sacrificing the conveniences of home.
Understanding Types of RVs
The first thing you need to know is the type of RV you own or going to rent for RV camping. Knowing your RV will help you in smooth RV park reservation. There are 5 different types of RVs:
- Class A Motorhomes: Large, luxurious RVs with ample space and amenities.
- Class B Motorhomes: Compact and easier to maneuver, perfect for solo travelers or couples.
- Class C Motorhomes: A middle ground between Class A and B, offering a balance of space and drivability.
- Travel Trailers: Towable units that come in various sizes, offering flexibility and comfort.
- Fifth Wheels: Large, towable units with a bi-level design, providing extra space and luxury.
Understanding your RV Requirements
RV Type and Size:
When making an RV park reservation, it’s essential to “Know Your RV” to ensure a smooth and suitable booking experience.
First, understand the type and size of your RV, including its class (A, B, C, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, etc.) and its exact dimensions (length, height, and width).
This information is crucial as it determines whether the park can accommodate your RV and what specific sites will work for you.
Hookup Needed, Slide-outs and Awnings Requirement:
Another important thing to consider for a smooth RV Park Reservation is the requirement of hookup and slide-out. Be clear about your hookup and slide-out and awning needs.
Identify if you require a 30 amp or 50 amp electrical hookup and whether you need freshwater and sewer connections.
Knowing whether your RV has slide-outs and awnings, and the space they require, will help you choose a site that can fully accommodate your setup.
Planning Your RV Trip
Research RV Parks When planning your RV trip, selecting your RV Park is a crucial first step. Choose locations based on your interests, such as scenic national parks and serene state parks deliver more basic and natural experience. Conversely, private parks often charge higher fees but provide a wider array of services. Consider your preferences.
You can also use various online directories and website to reserve RV park like Campendium, RV Park Reviews, and Good Sam Club. These sites provide useful information and reviews about different RV parks reservation policies. Likewise, you can count on travel blogs and various forums.
You can also visit the RV park website for reservation and direct information about aminties they provide which can help you in RV park reservation.
Trip Duration Decide on the overall length of your RV trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a week-long vacation, or a months-long adventure, knowing your total travel time helps in planning your route and activities.
Activity Planning Align your stay duration with the activities you plan to do at each location. If a park offers numerous trails, sightseeing spots, or recreational activities, you may want to extend your stay to fully enjoy these offerings.
Different Types of RV Park
Public Parks: These parks are typically managed by government agencies, such as national, state, or local parks. They are often situated in scenic locations and provide a more natural, rustic experience. Amenities may be basic, and sites might not have full hookups.
Private Parks: These are owned and operated by individuals or companies. They often provide a wider range of amenities, such as full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and recreational activities. Private RV parks can be more expensive, but they usually offer more convenience and comfort. They might also be more flexible with reservations and availability.
Full Hookup Sites These sites provide water, electricity, and sewer connections, making them ideal for long stays.
Partial Hookup Sites Offer either water and electricity or just electricity, requiring you to manage waste and water usage more carefully.
Dry Camping (Boondocking) No hookups are available, so you’ll need to rely on your RV’s self-contained systems for power, water, and waste management.
Making RV Park Reservations
Start Early Popular campgrounds can book up months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Start your reservation process as early as possible.
Use Online Reservation Systems Websites like Recreation.gov and ReserveAmerica.com allow you to search and book campsites at various parks and campgrounds. Utilize filters to find sites that meet your specific needs.
Call the Campground Directly: If you’re not finding what you want in the online inventory system, consider calling the campground or resort directly. Sometimes they reserve inventory for call-in reservations or might have a waitlist.
This method also serves the purpose if you have specific questions or special requests that you want to discuss with the staff.
During the call, you can confirm availability, choose your dates, select the type of site you need, and make any necessary payments or deposits.
Be Flexible with Dates If your desired dates aren’t available, try putting in different dates. For example, if you wanted six nights but they aren’t available, try booking night by night. Sometimes, you might find availability for some nights and not others. Piecing together reservations can help you get at least part of your stay booked.
Off-Season RV Camping Off-season RV camping is a great alternative when peak-time campsite availability is an issue. Consider traveling in off-peak time to find booking availability in your preferred campsites.
Set Up Notifications Use websites like Campflare or apps like Campnab to receive alerts when a previously booked site becomes available.
Understanding the Cancellation Policy
Know your RV campgrounds’ cancellation policies. Many parks have a set policy, and if people can’t get a refund unless they cancel at least seven days prior, that’s when you should check for last-minute openings.
Mark target dates on your calendar based on cancellation policies to snag those last-minute reservations.
Understanding RV Parks Etiquette
Respect Quiet Hours Most campgrounds have designated quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 6 AM. Keep noise to a minimum during these times to respect fellow campers.
Leave No Trace Follow the Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after yourself, disposing of trash properly, and minimizing your impact on the environment.
Be Considerate of Others Keep pets on a leash, avoid walking through other campsites, and be mindful of your generator use.
Bonus Tip: Expanding Your Search
Sometimes, we fixate on one place and forget there are other great options. If your desired campground is full, expand your search. Look for other campgrounds or sites in the area. We wanted to stay in Acadia National Park but couldn’t get the sites. By expanding our search, we found a better option nearby with full hookups and great access to surrounding attractions.
Also, consider apps like Harvest Host, Boondockers Welcome, or Hip Camp. These offer unique RV camping experiences on private properties, farms, wineries, and more. Use these resources to find amazing camping opportunities outside of traditional campgrounds.
Conclusion
RV park reservation during this RV boom can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll increase your chances of securing a spot. Plan ahead, be persistent, call directly, be flexible with dates, understand cancellation policies, and expand your search. By putting in the effort, you can easily reserve RV park and enjoy fantastic RV adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if an RV park can accommodate my RV?
To ensure a smooth reservation, know your RV’s type, size, and dimensions (length, height, width). This information helps determine if the park can accommodate your RV and what specific sites will work for you.
What hookups and amenities do I need for my RV?
Identify if you need a 30 amp or 50 amp electrical hookup, and whether you require freshwater and sewer connections. Also, consider if your RV has slide-outs and awnings and the space they require when choosing a site.
How do I choose an RV park?
Research RV parks based on your interests. Public parks, like national and state parks, offer a more natural experience, while private parks provide more amenities and comfort. Use online directories, travel blogs, and forums for reviews and information. Visit park websites for direct details and amenities.
When should I make an RV park reservation?
Start your reservation process as early as possible, especially for popular campgrounds that can book up months in advance during peak seasons.
What if I can’t find a reservation at my desired campground?
Consider using notification services like Campflare to alert you of cancellations. Additionally, be flexible with your dates or look for alternative campgrounds nearby.
Can I bring pets on an RV camping trip?
Yes, many campgrounds are pet-friendly, but it’s important to check the specific pet policies of each campground. Always keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
What apps can help me find unique camping spots?
Apps like Harvest Host, Boondockers Welcome, and Hip Camp offer a wide range of unique camping options on private properties.
