Camping Styles

It seems every time I arrive at a new destination I have to explain to my family what type of place I’m in. They seem to be very confused by all of the options, so I figured I would summarize the differences between the camping styles and options. Personally I am a huge fan of National Parks and Nations Forests, with boondocking and State Parks being a close 2nd and 3rd choices. I am finding that RV resorts are not my cup of tea.

RV Resorts

RV resorts are places such as KOA, Thousand Trails and other independently owned campgrounds that typically offer more than just camping. 

Here is a list of common amenities at RV resorts, there is usually programming provided as well such as BINGO or holiday decorating, arts and crafts, etc

Clubhouse ∙ Billiards / Game Room ∙ Fitness Center ∙ Golf / Mini Golf

Basketball / Tennis Courts ∙ Horseshoes ∙ Softball ∙ Volleyball

Swimming Pool / Hot Tub / Spa

Creek / Lake / Canal / Ocean ∙ Boat Dock / Marina ∙ Boat Rental ∙ Fishing

Nature / Hiking Trails ∙ Biking ∙ Picnic / BBQ Areas

Shower Facilities – throughout the campground

Playground ∙ Satellite TV ∙ Wi-Fi ∙ Dog Park ∙ Laundry Facilities

Pros: Obviously all of the “things to do” are a plus for those who will participate and use the facilities.  I find the resorts to be usually occupied by families with children or elderly people/retirees who enjoy all of the amenities and programs offered.  Feeling of community, being surrounded by lots of people. Power 30/50 AMP, water, sewer.

Cons: Usually much higher priced than any other type of campground unless you are a member or stay long term.  Some of these places cost from $40 –$ 120 per night!  I listed it as a PRO as well, but for me being surrounded by lots of people is a con.  I enjoy peace and quiet and would prefer not to see my neighbor’s rig. Much smaller campsites with less space between campers = little to no privacy.

National Parks

These places are managed by the US Department of Interior and National Park Service, and are iconic when it comes to natural unspoiled beauty.  National Parks are my personal favorite.  I support them because they are our public lands supported with our fees and tax dollars.   They offer access to lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and dark skies.

They are less expensive than RV Resorts but that’s because they don’t offer the same type of amenities.

You can expect bathrooms, possibility showers – maybe with hot water, possibly electric hookups but not always, water throughout the campground, dump station to empty sanitation tanks, ranger station nearby, visitor center with a gift shop and maybe a restaurant. Most sites offer picnic tables and fire rings and sell firewood at the campground for your convenience and enjoyment. Also there is typically a place where ranger programs take place, maybe a small stage, or a large fire-ring or some type of gathering place with seating.

So that’s very basic, however if camping in an RV I can hold enough clean water in my tank and have enough gray and blank tank capacity to last me a week.  I also have solar, so I don’t need to hook up to electricity to have lights or change my electronics every night. 

Pros: Surrounded by absolute beauty.  Once in a lifetime experience.  Dark Skies. Large Campsites with trees for privacy in amazing settings.  Very reasonably priced – usually $14 – $28 per night. Close to lots of epic hiking and biking.  Wildlife. Photographer’s paradise.  Easy reservation and cancellation process through Recreation.gov.  More diverse crowd with lots of hikers and tent campers. No dog or breed restrictions in the campgrounds (unlike most privately owned RV parks)

Cons: Lack of hookups at many campgrounds. No phone and/or internet service. Remote – Long drives to get there. Can be crowded during peak visiting months.  Hard to get reservations – need to plan months in advance to get one.  No dogs on trails. High prices for anything available in the park such as gas or firewood. 

State Parks

State parks are more common than National Parks and are managed by states as name suggests.  State parks are in my opinion almost as beautiful and unique as National Park, cost about the same $14 – $30 per night but often times offer more amenities for the money. 

Pros: Less crowded than National Parks.  Reasonably priced.  Usually have electric and water hook ups.  Offer dump stations.  Bathrooms / Showers.  Can have long and extensive biking and/or hiking trails.  Wildlife.   Sketchy internet possible depending how remote.  Possibly Dark Skies.  Remote.  Tent campers.

Cons: Can be more remote and difficult to get to.  Depending on states budget, they can have deteriorating infrastructure within park boundaries such as old bathrooms, bad roads, scary condition of fishing piers, un-maintained trails.

Local Parks (city/county)

City and County parks can be just as nice as state campgrounds, but sometimes they are just a park with RV parking spaces with no amenities.  They can be good places to spend time or just spend the night passing through town. Prices range from free – $25 per night.  Personally, I’ve only stayed in 3 city parks and 2/3 were amazing, one was just a free overnight parking by a park.

Pros: Good way to spend the night if needed. Generally closer to towns and cities than National and State Parks.  Free or low priced.

Cons: No consistency – amenities can be a hit or miss, even as basic as bathrooms or dump stations. 

Boondocking

Boondocking is a term used by RVs for camping without hookups.  It can be done in many different ways, usually it’s free.

Parking Lot Surfing – I’ve done this many times if I’m passing through a town after a full day’s drive and I just need a place to spend the night.  Usually I don’t want to continue to drive to a more remote area and pay a fee just to sleep.  In this case I will pull off the expressway and sleep at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Love’s Gas stations, etc.  You just must ensure it’s okay to park there or you will get a knock in the middle of the night and will have to move.  I use an app called Allstays that helps me find overnight places to park.

National Forests/BLM – This can be in designated campgrounds or completely dispersed camping. I have done both and really enjoyed it. It’s managed by Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Usually free or for a very low nominal fee, even if free may require a permit, stay limits apply.

Rest Areas – Not ideal since they are right off the highway with lots of noise from traffic and semi’s running their engines or generators all night long. But a good options if tired and need to catch some zzz’s. Depending on state you can stay anywhere from 4 – 24 hrs.

Harvest Host – this is not completely free as you have to be a Harvest Host member, but once paid for annual membership you can stay overnight at local farms, wineries, orchards or golf resorts. There are no hookups and RV needs to be fully contained. It’s a better option than Walmart parking lot of Cracker Barrel. The hosts hope you will stop in and support the business by purchasing a bottle of wine or whatever they make.

Moochdocking – Friends or Family’s driveway or land.

Pros:  FREE or low priced overnight camping

Cons: Can be noisy.  Can be very bright all night from parking lot lights. Can be illegal depending on municipality rules. No hookups (water, electric, sewer)