RV parks/camp grounds

In our part of FL, the definition of a "RV Resort" is Class A's only. ;{

fla-gypsy wrote:
For economy state parks offer the most bang for the buck generally speaking. Everything else is semantics.

I imagine this would depend on the state, I know in Va. I get a much better deal at COE CG's than at the State Park CG's & they are as good or better CG's.
As far as a fixed budget, Passport America works well for us, it gives you a 50% discount at nearly 2000 CG's , we also use Good Sams,which gets you 10%, many private CG's give a discount for AARP,Military, AAA, we also have the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, which is good for 50% at many National Parks, National Forests, COE,TVA & BLM land, (which there is virtually None in the east but lots of it in the West).

There are a lot of differences in facilties from campground to "resort" but what a commerial park, particularly, calls itself doesn't tell you a lot. I've been in campgrounds that have had more facilites than resorts and in RV parks that have not had full RV hookups.

Trailer parks, mobile home parks, manufactured housing enclaves are more for "permanent" residents, but depending on local housing codes may have a number of short term spaces designed for RV hookup rather than permanent hookups for mobile homes.

Places calling tnemselves campgrounds usually have at least a few sites for campers (i.e. folks setting up tents) which may be in a separate area, or may be the same sites made available for RV use.

Whether or not you make reservations depends on where and when you are going. Not all campgrounds take reservations, even some public RV parks do not. But in other places, near cities, popular destinations, or resort areas, the reservations culture is strong and RV sites get fully booked for some dates within minutes of the resevations window opening.

Kailua wrote:
Thank you for the input.
Another question- It seems there needs to be some kind of affiliation needed to stay here or there.
I am a GS member due to my recent RV purchase. Is there any benefits for being retired military or being a veteran? Are there any affiliations that just stand above the rest?

GS gets you a discount from "standard" rate, but there are often many other affilations (AARP, auto clubs, chain rewards programs, club discounts) getting similar deals. It all depends on the individual park.

Military retirees get a lot of good benefits, what matters here would be access to military recreational facilites. In each case access is a local commander's policy, but most of the camping facilities will be open to retirees. Nothing really for veterans, probably because too many of us.

Best bargain I've found is America the Beautiful senior pass, for free admission to most NPS facilities, discounts on camping fees where not run as concession, sometimes waiver or discount for other fees. Similar privileges with U.S. Forest Service, Fisheries and Wildlife, BLM, Corps of Engineers facilities.

State Park annual passes or memberships can be of value where admission or day use fees are high (Texas, Michigan are two cases I am familiar with) but you have to work out cost vs number of visits. Where parks have no admission or day use fees (Missouri, Oklahima, Mississippi I know of) if memberships are offered you need to look at the benefits. Some states have senior discount programs for residents, or resident members, or maybe everyone, but you have to investigate by state.

Passport America gets you discounts up to 50% for some of your stays at member parks. Rules vary by park, and the park locations and facilities have to fit your needs.

Ramp that up to membership in private resort parks, outlay can be high, but benefits great, if the rules and location fit your needs. Most offer membership in a national affiliation, again worthwhile if it fits your needs. Terms are typically so many days "free" (you've really pre-paid) with availability and stay limits. I know one couple who have maintained a single resort membership for years because it fits their catfish harvest needs, but another accomplishes the same staying in Corps of Engineers parks (and they are going for black bass).