RV life is unlike any other form of travel. There's nothing like the thrill of discovering new places to call home every day. However, life on the road comes with a few challenges, and one of them is choosing the perfect site for you and your rig.
Even the most enthusiastic RVers need a place to anchor once in a while, especially with winter around the corner. Choosing an RV site can set the tone for the rest of your stay. That's why we've come up with this guide on how to find the best seasonal RV sites, no matter where you are.
Read on to find out more.
1. Plan Ahead
The impromptu lifestyle of RV traveling is part of the fun, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. RV winter road trips are becoming more popular this year, and that means more people hoping to snag a good RV site. The first thing you want to do is think about what your ideal camping ground looks like.
Are you traveling with family and want to socialize with other travelers? Do you prefer solitude, or perhaps want some space for your pet to run around? This can help you narrow your options and find the best RV site for your needs.
If you're looking to explore specific areas, it would help to look for sites before you even get there. Planning ahead also gives you a more open booking window. This prevents you from having to rush to find a place to stay for your next trip.
2. Expand Your Search
When choosing an RV site, booking platforms are a great place to start looking. Recreation.gov and Reserveamerica.com can help you find public camping grounds and federal lands. However, this is probably where most RVers are already looking.
That means there's a high chance your ideal camping ground has limited availability. One great way to remedy this is to look at the surrounding areas. RVers often experience the most trouble when they look for a campsite in a specific area.
Expanding your search may mean that you'll be a little further from your destination, but you'll have a bigger pool of camping sites to choose from. It also wouldn't hurt to look at RV site apps or camping forums.
3. Talk to Other Travelers
Word-of-mouth is the best way to discover some great products, restaurants, and, yes, RV sites. Only fellow RVers will understand the struggle of finding a good camping spot. Don't be afraid to ask around whether you've been traveling in your RV full-time or for vacation.
If you're eyeing a new camping spot, talk to RVers you know who might have been there. They can share their experience and what they liked or didn't like about their stay. We advise you to take the information with a grain of salt, as everyone has different preferences.
This is also a great way to discover other places and attractions to check out while you're in the area.
4. Consider the Amenities
Everyone is stepping up their RV game, and many units nowadays are self-sufficient with generators and water tanks. If you have such hookups, it's best to look for a camping site that can support such needs. It's crucial to remember that most state and national parks do not offer hookups.
It also helps to consider Wi-Fi access and laundry facilities. Some camping grounds also offer recreational activities, like pools, golfing, and more.
Even if you have a self-sufficient setup, it's worth taking this into consideration. These things will help make your base more comfortable for the duration of your stay.
5. Google is Your Best Friend
If you find a new camping ground that you're unsure of, check if they have a business website. Look for information like rates, amenities, cancellation policies, and pet policies, if any.
Unfortunately, not all RV campgrounds have a business website you can browse through. Fortunately, there's a big online community of RV enthusiasts who love to share their experiences. This is a great way to get more in-depth reviews about a new camping ground.
You may be able to find a full drive-through video of a camping site on YouTube. Photos can be deceiving, and a video can give you more insight into what to expect. This is also a good idea if you have a bigger unit, as some RV sites have very limited space.
6. Don't Forget Your Budget
Remember to have a budget in mind when looking for your next camping ground. Luckily, most RV parks offer discounted rates for extended stays, with the exception of national and state parks. If you plan on anchoring your rig for a few weeks or months, this is worth looking into.
Some RV sites also offer bigger discounts, depending on the season. Premium amenities like pools and activities will also fetch you a higher price. If this isn't important to you, focus on finding a camping site with hookups.
7. Reserve Early
If you're going to a popular location, it's best to make reservations as early as you can. RVers know how difficult it can be to snag a vacancy during the busy season. This will prevent you from getting stranded or settling for a less desirable site.
Calling ahead is also a smart step as it helps you prepare for your move. You can speak to an employee about your rig's length, height, and width and whether they have a pull-thru or back-in site.
Tips for Finding the Best Seasonal RV Sites
RVs offer the thrill of adventure and the comforts of a home all in one package. However, there will be times when you want to settle down for a while and explore a new location. We hope these tips help you find the best seasonal RV sites for your upcoming plans.
Will you be passing by New Braunfels, TX? Canopy Luxury RV Resort offers more than a parking space for your rig. We have full hookups, expansive green areas, full hookups, and more!