Camping for Minors

You have a drivers license. Shave and wear a clean shirt. Nobody will check your age. Just stay out of the bars.

Get a Greendot debit card in your own name. Dad can add $200 a day to keep you topped up toward $2000 max, and no risk on his credit card. Add funds from bank account online.

CG's have a minimum age limit?

If you go to a camp ground to camp and their aren't a bunch of you, you'll be fine.

I doubt anyone will ever check your age, unless you try to buy a car or an "adult beverage."

The advice for a prepaid credit card or a debit card in your own name is good advice. Leave your Dad's card at home. Less hassle all around.

I gather you are tenting, so your don't need full hookups. I'd look for state, county, city or national parks for cheap campgrounds. Corps of Engineer campgrounds tend to be great, too. You might also consider a Federal interagency annual pass. My recollection is that they are like $80 a year, but get you free admission and half-price camping fees at COE and national parks. Think the whole summer for $8 a night. You are too young for the Senior Lifetime pass ($10 at age 62 -- best $10 I ever spent!), but still a great bargain.

If you have a smart phone, get one or more of the camping apps for it to help you find campgrounds. The Allstays app costs a few bucks, but has more locations with less info. There are other free ones, including one for federal facilities that links directly to the reservation system and can check for open sites. These apps are for both Android and iOS devices.

Almost any bank that issues credit cards will issue a "supplemental" card, that, in your case, would be credit card with your name on it, but as an extra card on your Dad's account. That will make paying for things a lot easier.

If, as was stated above, you look clean cut and responsible, use those rarest of words amongst young folks, "ma'am" and "sir" you likely won't have a problem.

If anyone starts into the 'you're too young routine' keep your cool and your manners, but remind them you're just looking for a SAFE place to spend the night. We all forget the little stuff sometimes.

Enjoy the trip!

Have your Dad ask his credit card provider to issue a supplemental card on his account but in your name. The advice about a debit card is not good advice. When refueling, most card processors will put a hold for several days on several hundred dollars just for one tank of gas. You will be without funds quickly! With a credit card in your name matching your driver's license, your being polite and well groomed, you will doubtfully have any problems. Should any campground refuse service to you, just tell them you wanted a safe, secure, and clean facility to camp, and obviously this isn't it, so thanks for doing me a favor!

Thank you everybody for your posts! Do CGs allow for paying up front by cash? I feel that is my best bet since I would like to use cards as little as possible. Otherwise, do you think I could just get them to swipe my dad's card and they wont ask for my ID?

Age should not be a problem at most places.Just mind your manners,have fun and enjoy your camping time. Some places do not like cash,want a credit card for check in. If you do find a place that says no to you camping,just move on down the road.

During out workcamping time,we have seen a few 16 year old check in.We had to ask for ID to make sure they were 16 or over.Actually they were better behaved than some retired people.

Post about your trip and post the campground reviews on rvparkreviews

CampCav wrote:
Thank you everybody for your posts! Do CGs allow for paying up front by cash? I feel that is my best bet since I would like to use cards as little as possible.

I don't think you will ever find a place that doesn't accept cash. Then you can use an ATM card along the way to replenish your cash supply. The ATM will never question your age!

I would NOT carry lots of cash with me on a camping trip! Get the prepaid card in your name and leave Dad's card at home. I agree that most parks won't check age. Enjoy your trip! Be safe.