Is it Just Me?? (Campground Websites... Or Lack Thereof)

For some reason, I just don't trust a campground that does not have a website. If I am here, on RVParkReviews, GoodSam, BigRigResorts, etc., and the website link leads me to RVParkList.com (which lists absolutely NO reviews) I'm left to wonder just how interested the CG owner is in maintaining good customer relations? I mean, nowadays, one can set up a site for free or nearly so... Even Old People (like me) would likely have a grandson/daughter, niece/nephew 'Net savvy enough to put up SOMEthing; even if it's just a few photos, their rates and amenities and things to visit that're nearby. Perhaps a couple of testimonials from previous customers. I firmly believe that a good CG owner wants feedback about their level of service. I also believe that, were I an owner, I'd be bustin' booty to find out who posted that negative review on RVPRs and do whatever I could to make it right! Even Google, nosy as they can be, give business owners the opportunity to respond to customer comments and offer to turn that customer around should they have had a bad experience.

Without a website, all I'm left with is the (usually negative) comments from those who have taken the time to post something online... Even then, sometimes that person can be impossible to please, anyway; or have a bone to pick with that particular CG. I have even found myself in the habit of going to GoogleEarth to see what a not-so-well-rated CG's neighborhood is like! I look to see if I can tell if there ARE older, permanent campers parked there! Sometimes, the campgrounds do reflect their surroundings and look like a collection of meth labs. Sometimes, they look like oases of calm amidst chaos. Sometimes, I can't tell one way or the other. Looking DOES affect my choices, though. Not always in a good way.

Sorry to be so long-winded about this. I just get rather passionate about such things when there is such a very, very simple solution to them.

Seeking Advice

NYCgrrl
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
Deb and Ed M wrote:
easy doesit wrote:

As a previous poster commented, I also use the satellite view of google maps and zoom in to get a true idea of the place and surroundings - such as railroad tracks, interstate highways, or cattle feed lots - none of which are ever mentioned on a park's website.

Agreed! Google Earth is my go-to view of where I'm heading.

An "Internet Presence" is a double-edged sword: yes, it helps people learn about and find you; but there are peripheral websites like Yelp and Manta, (among many!) that allow trolls and competitors to publish unflattering reviews; and many people aren't even aware that those are out there in cyberspace. There are actually people called "Internet Image Enhancers" who will make sure you are squeaky clean, but they don't work cheaply.

I can understand folks who simply don't want to wade in the mire that can be the internet - and I'll still give them my business.

Don't know about Manta much(thanks for the heads up!)but when I use sites like yelp and travel advisor I tend to go for a ''majority rules'' type of mind set. I also appreciate and respect more those websites where owners are allowed to give their viewpoint of a situation and the web owners attempt to weed out the trolls and professional web image enhancers. This allows me to ignore the "they were mean to me" posts and attendant websites like www.attisbad.com.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2014
easy doesit wrote:

As a previous poster commented, I also use the satellite view of google maps and zoom in to get a true idea of the place and surroundings - such as railroad tracks, interstate highways, or cattle feed lots - none of which are ever mentioned on a park's website.

Agreed! Google Earth is my go-to view of where I'm heading.

An "Internet Presence" is a double-edged sword: yes, it helps people learn about and find you; but there are peripheral websites like Yelp and Manta, (among many!) that allow trolls and competitors to publish unflattering reviews; and many people aren't even aware that those are out there in cyberspace. There are actually people called "Internet Image Enhancers" who will make sure you are squeaky clean, but they don't work cheaply.

I can understand folks who simply don't want to wade in the mire that can be the internet - and I'll still give them my business.
OldRadios
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
mdcamping wrote:
Was at a campground in VT in 08, one of the nice's places I've been to date. No web site then and still no web site. Barrewood Campground...guess there will be always exceptions....I'm no teckie either. :)

Mike

No web site but they have a facebook page:
Barrewood Campground
Veebyes
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2014
As a big user & contributor to RVPR the site is only as good as the contributors make it.

There are plenty CGs out there not listed on RVPR. There are also plenty of CGs out there which don't even have a website. Very often small towns have small CGs. The only way to find out about them is to go through the town website & look for a page dealing with recreation. There are some gems but they take searching for.
mdcamping
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
Was at a campground in VT in 08, one of the nice's places I've been to date. No web site then and still no web site. Barrewood Campground...guess there will be always exceptions....I'm no teckie either. :)

Mike
GaryWT
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
Just because a link on rv park reviews does not lead to a campground website does not mean the campground does not have a website. Many links are old or the poster type them in wrong.
winnietrey
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
winnietrey wrote:

...But without a decent website, how will people find you in the first place? and actually show up....

Probably the same way we did before Al Gore invented the internet.

Phone book, maps, tour guides, word of mouth, signs.

What are these ancient tools of which you speak? Phone book, what is that? If they are under 30, if it does not come up,on a smart phone,and on page 1 or 2 of google. The business will not be found, by them

As for us old guys, we may use the old ways, but many of us will also go to the website, to check it out further.

Not so much for some place, we are just passing through. But for sure for a place we may want to spend a week with the grand daughter

Just kidding with you about the above, but I do feel the world has changed. And any business without a decent website, places themselves,
at a real disadvantage, with the competion.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
winnietrey wrote:

...But without a decent website, how will people find you in the first place? and actually show up....

Probably the same way we did before Al Gore invented the internet.

Phone book, maps, tour guides, word of mouth, signs.
ncrowley
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
Web sites are very cheap and the web hosting companies have free tools so you can create a basic page or two. 1and1 hosts sites for $5.99 per month that includes an application to build web sites for those with no knowledge of web page building. I think RV parks should have a basic page with their contact information, address, and information about the amenities at the park as a minimum. Although the lack of a web site will not stop me from going to a park, it makes it less likely that I will go there. I figure that if they are a business and do not take the small amount of time and money to have a site, they are not as serious about it as they should be.
Sea_Dog
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
We do not even begin to look for a campground until an hour before we intend to stop.
usually check Woodall's then after finding one that sounds suitable,
close, reasonable,
we then see if it is in the Garmin.

I do not ever recall booking ahead.
As we normally only spend the night,
unless we hear banjo music,
We take what is offered.