About RV parks.

RV parks are campgrounds which cater primarily to RVs and motorhomes. Some also offer tent camping as well. RV parks are strategically located throughout the country for very good reason. Many are located near tourist attractions, national parks, lakes, streams, rivers, beaches and in areas of natural beauty. Many RV parks are located along major highways, freeways and country roads in route to interesting destinations.

RV parks range in size from as little as a few camping spaces to large parks boasting well over one hundred spaces. Each RV park may offer a variety of amenities, facilities and services. The vast majority offer hookups which may include water, sewer and electrical power with up to 50 amp service. Often tent campers reserve RV spaces with hookups for power and water while camping.

Prices range from free to $50 or more per night and vary based on seasons. Generally speaking, supply and demand sets the fees in conjunction with included services and amenities.

Some RV parks have RV spaces tightly grouped and crowded while others are spread out with plenty of room to spread out a bit. Motorhome and RV spaces may be set up as pull-through spaces while others are back-in slips. The larger your RV the more likely you will prefer the pull through spaces. Some RV parks have creeks, rivers or lakes in or adjacent to the park. Many offer designated play areas for the kids.

Other RV park amenities and services may include:
- Self-serve laundromats
- Showers
- Rest rooms
- Wireless internet
- Payphones
- Grocery store
- RV services
- Firewood
- Pet areas
- Dump stations
- Trash receptacles
- Fishing or boating
- Swimming pools
- Propane
- Gasoline or diesel fuel

Additionally, based on proximity to attractions and tourist areas, some campgrounds offer services like shuttles, off-road tours and bus tours.

How to reserve a RV Camping space.

It's always a good idea to make rv space reservations in advance, especially during peak vacation seasons and on holiday weekends.. If you are familiar with the park you can reserve a particular space, if available. Before reserving a space at a new park, ask lots of questions to help the park host place you in an area that meets your needs. Some want quiet solitude. Families may want to be near the play areas and swimming pool. Proximity to showers and rest rooms may also be important.

When arriving at a RV Park without a reservation.

Like motels, many RV parks have "vacancy-no vacancy" signs posted. In the case of national or state park campgrounds they typically post a sign when the park is full.

When the park office is open to greet you.

Most RV parks have a park host at the office when you arrive. They will help you choose an available space that best meets your needs.

When arriving at a RV park after hours.

While there are slight variations to the system, most campgrounds use the same process for late arrivals. Always stop at the campground office first to review their specific requirements. They generally have their details posted for selecting and paying for a RV space.

In some cases a list of available spaces are posted. If not, late arrivals can drive through the campground looking for empty spaces. Each space is numbered. If the space is reserved and therefore not available it will be posted at the campsite, generally with names and dates of the party holding the reservation. Once you find an open space that meets your needs, return to the office with payment and space number and place it in the night depository. Some RV park hosts allow you to return in the morning and pay once the office opens.

Pets are welcome in most RV parks.

Rules for pets in the park are generally posted and/or included in the paperwork provided in your welcome packet. Basic rules of pet ownership apply with consideration for other campers. If you are camping in an area where bears occasionally visit, be aware that if your dog barks it will likely agitate the bear and increase the possibility that the bear become aggressive.

RV park tips

If you plan to take advantage of laundromats, showers, firewood and other items for sale, be sure to have plenty of quarters and small bills handy. Change may be hard to come by in a RV park and most purchases are self serve.