There's a close-by commercial RV resort we've stopped using because they implemented a damage-deposit policy for people renting RV sites...$500...fully refunded when, after checkout, the rented site is inspected and found to have no damageAbout the policy: Apparently a renter backed over a utility pedestalAbout the resort: It's an owner-occupied operation...mostly mobile homes, but owners of 'empty' sites can put them into a rental pool administered by the resort management on a standard rental-rate scheduleThe question: Is this customary? We mostly state park camp, so not usually an issue...but we'll use local commercial places for 'weekend getaways'...and will use commercial places when most convenient as overnight stops when en route to elsewhere...Don't want to be on the road and get a 'we're going to hold $500 of your money' surprise at checkin

I do not know if its customary! I will say I have never seen anything like that. I am sure there must be something written in the sign in sheet people sign about damage to the property. If I had to stay at a place like that I would do a pre-site inspection with the owner taking pictures and writing down every scratch, chip, etc on everything.With that said, move to a different place

Never heard of this and I'd almost certainly not stay there. Just raises a flag to me.

I've never seen it. We stay at a lot of State and Private Campgrounds; a few I'd say are a bit pricey, but never one ran into something like that. But I also avoid any parks with a lot of mobile homes in the first place.

Maybe the RV park has your name and history in their computer. Your reputation has caught up with you, as you often post about "problems" you have while RVing.

(tried unsuccessfully to send this as pm to IDman...posting public)Not sure what you mean by 'often post about problems'....and, if I DO tend that way, it's kind of the nature of the beast...people more likely to post about 'the service here was awful--steer clear' than 'the service here was great--i highly recommend it'We don't know each other, and certainly I'm not owed anything...but we like this place and would consider going back but for this new policy...any chance, if I provided the phone number, you could call and check if it's still in place and across the board?

Are damage deposits at parks customary? | Good Sam Community

craig7h
Nomad II
Apr 12, 2021
I do not know if its customary! I will say I have never seen anything like that. I am sure there must be something written in the sign in sheet people sign about damage to the property.
If I had to stay at a place like that I would do a pre-site inspection with the owner taking pictures and writing down every scratch, chip, etc on everything.

With that said, move to a different place
camperfamily
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
Never heard of this and I'd almost certainly not stay there. Just raises a flag to me.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Apr 12, 2021
I've never seen it. We stay at a lot of State and Private Campgrounds; a few I'd say are a bit pricey, but never one ran into something like that. But I also avoid any parks with a lot of mobile homes in the first place.
IDman
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
Maybe the RV park has your name and history in their computer. Your reputation has caught up with you, as you often post about "problems" you have while RVing.
trailernovice
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
(tried unsuccessfully to send this as pm to IDman...posting public)

Not sure what you mean by 'often post about problems'....and, if I DO tend that way, it's kind of the nature of the beast...people more likely to post about 'the service here was awful--steer clear' than 'the service here was great--i highly recommend it'

We don't know each other, and certainly I'm not owed anything...but we like this place and would consider going back but for this new policy...any chance, if I provided the phone number, you could call and check if it's still in place and across the board?
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2021
no
BB_TX
Nomad
Apr 12, 2021
Never encountered that before, but no surprise that some do it. For the reason that someone can easily damage a pedestal, or water faucet, sewer hookup, table, grill, etc. and drive off without telling anyone. I would not let it bother me.
phillyg
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2021
Nope, never requested, nor would I ever do it.
Darryl_Rita
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
Wouldn't want to camp in a mobile home park. Extended stay parks use different rules than weekend parks.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2021
Never seen one or paid a damage deposit. and we stay at parks ranging from $20-$140 a night!