I’ve read that some camp grounds do not accept RV longer than 30 feet give or take. If that’s true, how much does that actually get in the way of finding camp sights? Is it really a consideration when buying a RV? I’m looking at a 34 foot class A for general travel all around the country.

Depends on where you want to camp. Where do you want to camp? Many California state parks...you’re too long. Many USFS campgrounds on the Eastern Sierra...you’re too long. Olympic NP “Most campgrounds have RV spaces limited to 21 feet or shorter. Some campgrounds have lengths up to 35 feet. More information available per campground at the park Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations, or by the campground links below.”

It really depends where you are and what sites are available. In many cases, it is not a significant detriment. In some others, it may very well be a significant constraint.That being said, if you are looking for sites with hookups, you will generally have no trouble at all finding large enough ones; it mainly is a problem in older, often public, campgrounds which were laid out before large RVs were common. Many of the Vermont state parks are examples; in quite a few only a fairly small percentage of the sites will accommodate a 35' RV, and if those few sites happen to all be reserved or taken, you're out of luck.My motorhome is 32' bumper to bumper and, while it has been a limitation a few times, I have never been unable to find a suitable site when I wanted one, though I have had to be a little bit flexible a few times about where I wpuld go. On the whole I wouldn't worry overly much.It's also true that, no matter how big or small your RV, there will be some sites you just cannot use; and naturally the larger the RV, the more sites you won't fit in. There isn't really one length where it suddenly stops fitting, but a gradual progression. (Probably the biggest single step down in availability occurs when you go from a tent, and hence can use any walk-in site, to using an RV of any sort that must have drive-in access.)

I think 34' would be okay most of the time. Several years ago we had a 33' motorhome. We preferred state parks and were able to fit in most of their sites. Part of the reason was because with the 4' overhang in the rear, we could back in and fit in a 29' site if need be. We also didn't have any issue navigating the roads in the parks at 33'. With the current 40 footer, we have to pick and choose which parks we can navigate and less sites available at this length, but we like the extra roominess in the 40', so we deal with less availability.We do have a 24 footer that we use in older forest service campgrounds when the 40' just wouldn't cut it. I think you will be fine with a 34 footer at most campgrounds though.

I'm 40' and never been turned away. With my truck hooked up I'm more like 58' and still never been turned away from a campsite.

Well, if you are trying to fit into 'tent' sites, then yes, even my little 22' TT won't fit in most of those spaces...But, if you are talking an RV park, or even state park "RV" sites, then you should not find any problems. If they do ask what size rig you have, then there could be issue with fitment but that's the reason they ask first.The old national parks were not made for modern day RV's, so they may have more restrictive sites depending..So, in the end.. There is no real answer to your question other than getting the RV you want and then deal with where you want to go.. Or if where you want to go is more important.. Find that out and adjust your RV to those specs.Good luck!Mitch

How much does 30+ feet actually effect ability to find space

25 Replies

Gjac
Explorer III
May 28, 2019
It really depends on where you want to camp, RV parks are no problems however if you want to camp in a NP like Glacier or Yellowstone it is really a numbers game. There are some sites that will accommodate 40 ft MHs most will not, so if you plan your trips well and stop early enough you may find availability. The advantage of a shorter MH is that you will find more sites available to you. Most NFS CG's usually have larger sites and are less crowded than the NP's and can usually accommodate larger MH's.
tropical36
Explorer
May 28, 2019
Aftertheloop wrote:
I’ve read that some camp grounds do not accept RV longer than 30 feet give or take. If that’s true, how much does that actually get in the way of finding camp sights? Is it really a consideration when buying a RV? I’m looking at a 34 foot class A for general travel all around the country.

Probably the least of the issues you'll encounter along the way.
In fact, you're more likely for wanting to move up to a larger unit, if anything.
Just give it a lot of thought for buying your last one first, is all I'm saying here.
JaxDad
Explorer III
May 27, 2019
It’s been my experience that the potential problem is usually the person in the front left seat.

I’m being completely serious when I say that I’ve been asked, numerous times, to help people get their rig to a GAS PUMP.

If they can’t get to a gas pump, I can certainly believe they’d have issues in narrow park lanes and tight spots.
lfeather
Explorer
May 27, 2019
I owned a 36'motorhome for 12 years and never had a problem finding a space. This includes state and federal parks.
cvbdsl
Explorer
May 27, 2019
Yankee Clipper wrote:
Executive wrote:
Keep in mind it's not the size of the PAD that's important. Rather, it's the size of the ROADS getting to the site. You don't bend in the middle like a fiver or a bumper pull so those posters with a 40' trailer differ from those with a 40' motorhome. That said, west coast is more forgiving than east coast. We're 45' and found we fit in most State and Federal parks. At least those WE want to stay at. YMMV....Dennis

X2. Also, one piece of advice I got that helped avoid a lot of trouble is to keep an eye on the tree bark as you go into a park. Crunched trees indicate a really narrow access point

X3 - started with a 36' then 38' then 40' (actually 42) and now a 42" (actually 43' 11"), never a problem in the northeast (Canada and US). Of course I do look for "Big Rig Friendly" so no issues. I might have to travel an extra few miles but always find one within my intended driving range.

Chris
crawford
Explorer
May 23, 2019
I HAVE A 34.4 NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM sorry caps locked on.
Yankee_Clipper
Explorer
May 22, 2019
Executive wrote:
Keep in mind it's not the size of the PAD that's important. Rather, it's the size of the ROADS getting to the site. You don't bend in the middle like a fiver or a bumper pull so those posters with a 40' trailer differ from those with a 40' motorhome. That said, west coast is more forgiving than east coast. We're 45' and found we fit in most State and Federal parks. At least those WE want to stay at. YMMV....Dennis

X2. Also, one piece of advice I got that helped avoid a lot of trouble is to keep an eye on the tree bark as you go into a park. Crunched trees indicate a really narrow access point
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 22, 2019
20 years ago I made the mistake of believing the 36’ Max for public CGs and during the summer we stay mainly in USFS CGs that do not take reservations. As you can see below I got a chuckle out of your question and that’s why I posted.m
I do get stares when I pull in as most big rigs are afraid to.
discovery4us
Explorer
May 21, 2019
We don't stay in pay to play campgrounds very often but length has only been an issue in one park in Ventura, CA. The issue we have found is width. By the time we put our slide out and the neighbor puts his slides out doesn't leave much breathing room.

State and Federal campgrounds have not been an issue with PADS but rather as Executive said the issue has been with the ROADS or access to the pad.

I am 36' with the MH but I typically have a 20' TOAD or 20' trailer that needs wide turns.
RLS7201
Explorer II
May 21, 2019
I find some campgrounds on the west coast have length limits. MY 33' MH has a decal under the drivers window that says "30W". Don't ask, don't tell.

Richard