A Checklist for Campers
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What questions should you ask before booking a campsite? Before getting stuck in a campground that’s not what you expected – or worse, a campsite that won’t accommodate your RV, or your pets, etc. – make sure you know what questions to ask. We only know this from experience. Though we haven’t had any major issues, we have been stuck in a few tight spots that didn’t have some of the amenities that we happened to need at the time, like laundry facilities!
What hookups are available? This one may be obvious, but I still always make sure that we’ll have the expected hookups available when we arrive. Verify that electric hook-up meets the requirements of your rig (30 or 50 amp). Make sure there are sewer hookups if you need them; otherwise a dump station on site so you can empty tanks before leaving the campground, or empty tanks into a portable tank and take to the dump station. We use this tank:
Are Generators allowed? If there are no electrical hookups, find out if campers allowed to run a generator. Some campgrounds do not allow generators due the noise level of some.
Pets. There can be some restrictions on size or breed of dog, and total number of pets. Dogs that bark a lot can also get you kicked out of a campground.
Is the campsite I choose guaranteed upon check-in? When choosing a specific site, is it a guarantee that you will be assigned that site upon arrival? Public campgrounds typically have an online reservation system which assigns a specific site that will be guaranteed to be available upon your arrival. Private campgrounds, however, often do not guarantee a specific site and will assign one to you when you arrive. You may not like the site that they choose for you! We have been in several sites that really don’t accommodate our fifth wheel and truck and leave very little room for relaxing outside. We have learned to ask if a campsite number is guaranteed or not.
What is the size / length and width of the site? If a campsite is guaranteed, ask for the site size to ensure that you can fit comfortably.
Look at photos of campsites if possible
This is becoming more possible as more places add photos and even virtual tours of campgrounds. We have found that it’s more likely to be available for state campgrounds, but some public campgrounds are listed on sites like campsitephotos.com or campgroundviews.com. Note that a membership is required to use campground views, but you can also book your campsite directly through their website once you have chosen it.
Are sites shaded or open sun? Parking your RV in the hot summer sun on a concrete pad isn’t ideal. Find open sun sites for the winter months, and those nice shaded sites for the hot summer.
Are sites grassy or paved / gravel? This is a matter of preference. When we first started camping I really preferred a grass only site, but now I like a paved area as well as some grass. We’ve been in some grass only sites that get rather muddy after a good rain, and it creates a pretty good mess. Having concrete or gravel to park on but a grassy area where you can set up your chairs and/or table is perfect.
Cancellation policy? This is usually stated online, but ensure that you know and understand what your cost will be – if any – in case you need to cancel.
Check-in and check-out times? Also find out if there is a latest arrival time. You may not be allowed in after a certain time or may need a gate code if arriving after hours.
What is included? If you do have hook-ups, make sure that there are no extra charges. For example, some campgrounds charge extra for electric service and meter your usage. Other amenities may cost extra. Some charge extra for using facilities like a swimming pool or a clubhouse.
WiFi? Is service near the office only or at each site? Are there times when it is slow? Is there an extra charge for WiFi?
Cell Phone Connectivity? Verizon, AT&T, etc., service if you need it. I need Verizon for work, so I always ask what the service is like at the campground. We also check the rating on RV Trip Wizard / RV Life.
Laundry facilities? You may not need to do your laundry if you are a weekender, but for full-timers this becomes a necessity. As an alternative, check for laundromats in the area.
Are campfires allowed? For us, camping just isn’t the same without a campfire. It seems that public campgrounds almost always include a fire ring at each campsite, but private campgrounds aren’t as likely to allow a campfire.
Is firewood available on site? If campfires are allowed, is firewood sold on site? Bringing firewood with you from state to state isn’t allowed due to the possible spread of invasive pests, so make sure you can obtain some locally.
Is the swimming pool operational and will it be open when we’re there? If you are looking forward to using the pool, note that even though some campgrounds promise a sparkling clean heated pool, that may not be the reality when you arrive. “Closed for repairs”, “Closed for the season”, and other reasons for closure (“we can’t get pool chemicals”), are common. We have also seen plenty of promises that a pool is heated, but then found that the water is icy-cold. Maybe heated by the sun?
Are there recycling bins? Oh, how I have missed having recycling bins available right at our campground. This was the standard in Wisconsin, but not so much in other states.
Are there discounts? Clarify what the discounts are and what information is required to get the discount applied. We use Good Sam discounts whenever available, and also Passport America.
Bathrooms ….. if you don’t have your own bathroom in your RV, find out what the bathrooms and showers are like. Are there flush toilets? If you can’t deal with vault / pit toilets (I cannot), this is another thing to check on RV Trip Wizard/ RV Life, Good Sam reviews or Campground Reviews. We’ve been at campgrounds that have beautiful bathrooms and showers; however, we’ve been at a few that I would not go anywhere near!
All of these things may not be important to you when camping, but we hope it helps to get you thinking about what your perfect camping experience is! Happy Travels All! Share your camping experiences with us below!