how do national parks measure the length of a 5th wheel?

I always tell folks when doing the camp-hosting thing u really have to check out the sites.now its all happy-camping.

Been camping since the mid '70's. Never once have I been asked about the length of my rig. As long as you can fit into a site and not stick out even a little into the roadway you'll be fine.

VirgilJ wrote:

Sturgeon-Phish wrote:
When we were planning our trip out west last year we ran into this same thing. Measure tip to tail or spare if that is the longest point. No way hooked up. Most older national parks are not set up with a lot of sites much over 30'. Know when you are planning to be there and register as soon as possible as most especially the popular parks fill up fast.

When regestering get as big as you need and if not available ask about nearby campgrounds.
Jim

Thanks! We're looking at 5er's and mhs tomorrow, but a long way from buying. Way to much to learn!

You are not alone. I am four years out from retirement.
I've checked on the NP and some SP Camp grounds, not all but a few. The Fifth Wheel length i have settled to look for is between 30' to a max of 35'. Still researching for more information. There is still a lot of information out there to help guide you to understanding what will be involved in RVing with a Fifth Wheel, or if you go with a Mh.
Best of luck in your search.
Scott

We have found that the posted length of the site does NOT reflect the true status of the site. It does not matter, some are longer (by as much as 15 feet) to smaller. And the bullards are put in the weirdest places. I don't have an answer for your dilemma, experience is the best. Some times your own personal experience. Or the experience of another camper.

Sturgeon-Phish wrote:
When we were planning our trip out west last year we ran into this same thing. Measure tip to tail or spare if that is the longest point. No way hooked up. Most older national parks are not set up with a lot of sites much over 30'. Know when you are planning to be there and register as soon as possible as most especially the popular parks fill up fast.

When regestering get as big as you need and if not available ask about nearby campgrounds.
Jim

Thanks! We're looking at 5er's and mhs tomorrow, but a long way from buying. Way to much to learn!

When we were planning our trip out west last year we ran into this same thing. Measure tip to tail or spare if that is the longest point. No way hooked up. Most older national parks are not set up with a lot of sites much over 30'. Know when you are planning to be there and register as soon as possible as most especially the popular parks fill up fast.

When regestering get as big as you need and if not available ask about nearby campgrounds.
Jim

bgum wrote:
They don't. They simply ask the owner.

I've never had them do even that. But if you reserve a site and you cannot get into it or are too long, then you will lose your money and they will not move you to a longer site. If they have one which they probably don't. The rangers will look at your unit as they make their rounds and let you know if you are too long, usually a wheel off the permitted area. That includes your TV.

Yosemite is really critical on this, they only have a few sites that you can get a 5ver into.

BK

They don't. They simply ask the owner.

thanks for your response! I'm concerned about the entry points (pay stations) at the Parks. I know some parks limit size of rig that comes into the park. That is the measurements that concern me. Also the camping spot measurements...I didn't even thing of the stay hooked-up or not hooked-up. Lot's to learn!

The same way most of us do, with a measuring tape!!

Sorry, couldn't resist that. The length of the site is stated. If you want to keep your tow vehicle hooked up or sitting underneath the RV, you will need to find a site that is as long as your entire setup. We usually find a site that will fit our fifth wheel and then park our truck alongside.

If the website lists the site measurements, that is even better.

Get the site that will closest fit your needs. No reason to get a huge site, leave that for someone that NEEDS it.

We have a 35' fifth wheel and usually get a site that is around 50 feet, if possible.