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DaveRVman's avatar
DaveRVman
Explorer
Jun 20, 2020

Do most parks check/copy your ID? (Victims of ID theft)

Well long story short, my wife was a huge victim of identity theft about 5 years ago. It was terrible. We haven't traveled too much in RV's (many many years ago) and were curious.

We are very paranoid about RV parks in general copying and getting our ID cards such as drivers licenses etc. copied or giving them the info.

How many parks do this? My wife is like "NO" on showing anybody ID (except authorities and of course or the bank). If it's "Joe Blow's RV park there is NO way she'd show her ID.

I'm just curious of how many parks really want or more to the point DEMAND ID from their guests? Is it every park? Or do most parks generally just let you pay and go in?

I know it's varied but would appreciate some insight.

Like do COE parks demand it? Or city parks?

What is the typical "check in"?

Also I do know that many of you haven't probably ever had a problem... We never thought it would happen to us.

50 Replies

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  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Nomad
    Jun 20, 2020
    Second Chance wrote:
    A few National Forest campgrounds require ID at check-in. We also have to show our military IDs whenever we use a military FamCamp - whether it's on or off base. Once or twice a year we stay at a "mom and pop" campground (usually off the beaten path) where they don't take credit cards. If we don't have enough cash, I'll write a check... but have never had a problem with it. As stated above, credit card payments are still the safest. Most ID theft happens on-line or with electronic payment instruments these days, but your bank or credit card company usually offer pretty good protection against fraud and theft.

    Rob
    X2, when we use the Fed parks,(which is most of the time) and show the Senior Pass, they ask for ID, I guess to confirm it's you using the pass, but have Never had them make a copy of it.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2020
    Hundreds of parks stayed in - I can not remember any asking in the last few years for ID just the credit card
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jun 20, 2020
    Credit card here. And off hand can't remember ever being asked for an ID where they actually made a copy of it.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2020
    A few National Forest campgrounds require ID at check-in. We also have to show our military IDs whenever we use a military FamCamp - whether it's on or off base. Once or twice a year we stay at a "mom and pop" campground (usually off the beaten path) where they don't take credit cards. If we don't have enough cash, I'll write a check... but have never had a problem with it. As stated above, credit card payments are still the safest. Most ID theft happens on-line or with electronic payment instruments these days, but your bank or credit card company usually offer pretty good protection against fraud and theft.

    Rob
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2020
    Credit Card payment is always best. I have never had a campground/park/resort make a copy of my license but I have had a couple of them ask to see my ID. It never left my hand and I always hold it with most info covered up and just my name showing. That's all they have wanted to see just to make sure I am who I say I am when checking in. I think reputable places are looking out for their customers too. It wouldn't look good for them to have identity theft be an issue with reviews playing a big role. It's bad for business.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2020
    I will show my real ID but will not allow copies to be made.
  • DaveRVman's avatar
    DaveRVman
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2020
    IB853347201 wrote:
    We stay mostly at KOA's or highly reputable private parks. Have never been required or even asked to show ID once.
    We always pay by credit card. Are you trying to pay by check?


    Credit Card. So do you just pay online and then just check in by telling them your name?
  • IB853347201's avatar
    IB853347201
    Nomad II
    Jun 20, 2020
    We stay mostly at KOA's or highly reputable private parks. Have never been required or even asked to show ID once.
    We always pay by credit card. Are you trying to pay by check?

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