Hi - We are relatively new to RVing and are planning a cross-country family sabbatical next year (Summer and Fall 2017). There are a number of cities and friends we would like to visit, and of course we prefer not to tow our RV in urban traffic or arrive at friends' houses with a 35-foot fifth wheel. :) So as I've been planning our itinerary, I've been trying to locate a decent state park reasonably close to each city/friend we'd like to visit, but that made me wonder... Is it even permissible in most parks to leave an RV unoccupied for a few days (assuming the spot is paid for, no pets are left behind, and we do not exceed the maximum allowable stay)? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

People do it all the time. Once you've paid for your campsite, it's yours if you are there or not. Every state is different, but in Indiana, there is a 14 day rule. You can stay for 14 days and then you have to leave to come back. I think (if I remember right), it's 3 days and then you can stay another 14 days. Something to think about.Also, State Parks will range from about $25 - $40 a night, depending upon which state you're in and what type of campsite you get (electric vs primative vs full hook-ups) Even at $25 a night, I...personally would prefer to sleep in my own camper, rather than the floor or the couch of a family member's home any time. When we visit family in neighboring states, we have THEM come out to the campsite and spend time. They enjoy getting out of their homes and we're not invading their space. Everyone is happy.

Who would know? When we were camp hosts at a SP there was a prepaid reserved specific site on Memorial Day weekend that showed up with a TT on it. We never saw it arrive and never saw anyone there, no vehicle, no chairs or coolers out and I walked all the loops twice a day. It was gone early on checkout day. It's possible they were spending their time at another site but I doubt it.I can only conclude they were doing as you wish to do.

Never had a problem with that. Some have regs like, must occupied but once you are on the site it's occupied.

Much preferred to us when visiting friends and family is to find a nearby campground and stay there rather than someone's home or a hotel. We didn't like having to pack up our clothes and travel stuff and hauling it all in and out. rather just staying in our small secone rolling home. However, unless you need to be connected to facilities, many campground have an area where you can store a rig either short or long term. I would not leave our rig unattended in any public area or parking lot.

Question about state parks | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

brwMT3
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Thank you!
WE-C-USA
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Never had a problem with that. Some have regs like, must occupied but once you are on the site it's occupied.
stickdog
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Who would know?
When we were camp hosts at a SP there was a prepaid reserved specific site on Memorial Day weekend that showed up with a TT on it. We never saw it arrive and never saw anyone there, no vehicle, no chairs or coolers out and I walked all the loops twice a day. It was gone early on checkout day. It's possible they were spending their time at another site but I doubt it.
I can only conclude they were doing as you wish to do.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
People do it all the time. Once you've paid for your campsite, it's yours if you are there or not. Every state is different, but in Indiana, there is a 14 day rule. You can stay for 14 days and then you have to leave to come back. I think (if I remember right), it's 3 days and then you can stay another 14 days. Something to think about.

Also, State Parks will range from about $25 - $40 a night, depending upon which state you're in and what type of campsite you get (electric vs primative vs full hook-ups) Even at $25 a night, I...personally would prefer to sleep in my own camper, rather than the floor or the couch of a family member's home any time.

When we visit family in neighboring states, we have THEM come out to the campsite and spend time. They enjoy getting out of their homes and we're not invading their space. Everyone is happy.

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Question about state parks

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