How do campgrounds really get their ratings?

jmtandem wrote:
We never really know until we get there.

That hits the nail on the head. As an extended business traveler, I had a lot of experience traveling from Florida to Maine and reservations were incompatible with my travel. While I had time constraints, it was unlike those of the weekend warrior. However, I learned early on that while offering less amenities, government parks offered two things I've always enjoyed about the camping experience... natural ambiance and room. Not everyone's cup of tea and that's understandable. Granted, my travel times have been conducive to there being a spot available upon my arrival as a walk-up. Although, I have had to dry-camp nearby waiting for a site to become available. An extreme rarity, but it has happened. I've had only a few rowdy neighbors over the years at a government park. Recognizing more campers generate more trash and unkempt restrooms, I've not seen the degree to which the OP describes and I've been in some rustic campgrounds.

Now, as a full timer, my travel represents about 1/3 per/yr of the miles once logged. I'm also fortunate to domicile in a State that offers 1/2 price camping in excellent SPs to it's senior residents year 'round. The bulk of my travel is in the Spring, Fall and about half the winter months using government parks, especially those honoring the federal or state "geezer" pass. It's far less crowded during those times. A small mom and pop park with a reasonable monthly rate serves me well during the Christmas holidays and summer, affording me lots of time with the grandkids. Either way, without constraints on time and distance, if there's a vacancy, I get a drive-thru without a reservation before making a commitment. Old habits die hard.:)