Have any of you ever gone to a camp ground without your RV and rented a campsite just for the day? We have done this several times over the years. We pay the fee for camping and use the site as we would if camping. Build campfire, cook out, just enjoy being at the campground, then go home at the end of the day. Spent one day a few years ago doing this in the Smokies when we were traveling without the camper.First time I did this was when our oldest grandson was about 2, not quite ready for an overnight stay. Took him to a state park. Today we took 3 of our grands to our nearby Yogi Jellystone, rented a primitive site and the kids participated in the park activites. We fished, did crafts, met Yogi Bear, played Frisbee, went on the "Heyride", built a fire, roasted hot dogs, made s'mores, played at playground. The primitive area was empty except for us, and it was fantastic. Gorgeous weather, beautiful campground, wonderful smells. The 3 year old hasn't camped with us yet and we thought this would be a great introducton. Hopefully next time we take the camper, he will be ready to go!

What a great idea. I wonder if they'd give you a discount if you told them it was just for day use.

Many state parks and national forest campgrounds have PICNIC areas where you can do this exact thing for free. They even have campfire rings to have a fire. We went to a Minnesota state park in Bemidji last fall to watch a friend run a 26 mile marathon where the route went through the park. It was cold that day, so we bought firewood from the park store and had a warming fire as we waited for the runners.

ALot of camp ground also have rules against this too especially in the RV sections. They say you must setup something at all times. Don't know if a picnic basket sitting on the picnic table would work or not. You probably at least have to have the spouse sitting in a folding chair at all times.Some camp grounds have adjoining PICNIC areas where you can do this for a fee...Westmoreland State Park VARoy Ken

On a "primitive" campsite, I would think that you could do this with most State Parks / State Recreational areas without any problems. You don't have to tell anyone you are NOT setting up a tent. You "could" be sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag with no cover! (Primitive ... no water, sewer, or electric hook-ups camp sites). Many times, I've seen tent campers set up camp when they first arrive, then about midnight, fold everything up and go home. I've never understood why anyone would do this, but I've seen it several times in Indiana State Parks. I understand breaking camp and going home when it begins to rain though, seen this more times than I can remember.

Good idea. Around our neck of the woods, your plan could be achieved by using the day use areas that have all the same amenities as overnight camp spaces except you go home when you're done.

"Day Camping" | Good Sam Community

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015
On a "primitive" campsite, I would think that you could do this with most State Parks / State Recreational areas without any problems. You don't have to tell anyone you are NOT setting up a tent. You "could" be sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag with no cover! (Primitive ... no water, sewer, or electric hook-ups camp sites). Many times, I've seen tent campers set up camp when they first arrive, then about midnight, fold everything up and go home. I've never understood why anyone would do this, but I've seen it several times in Indiana State Parks. I understand breaking camp and going home when it begins to rain though, seen this more times than I can remember.
RoyB
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2015
ALot of camp ground also have rules against this too especially in the RV sections. They say you must setup something at all times. Don't know if a picnic basket sitting on the picnic table would work or not. You probably at least have to have the spouse sitting in a folding chair at all times.

Some camp grounds have adjoining PICNIC areas where you can do this for a fee...

Westmoreland State Park VA

Roy Ken
dewey02
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2015
Many state parks and national forest campgrounds have PICNIC areas where you can do this exact thing for free. They even have campfire rings to have a fire. We went to a Minnesota state park in Bemidji last fall to watch a friend run a 26 mile marathon where the route went through the park. It was cold that day, so we bought firewood from the park store and had a warming fire as we waited for the runners.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2015
What a great idea. I wonder if they'd give you a discount if you told them it was just for day use.

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