What do you prefer? We have been camping for a few years and are retiring at the end of the year. Most of our trips have been long weekends and one weeklong trip a year. Almost all the CGs we stay at are state. We like them because of there rustic qualities. Some have no water at the sight and sometimes the bathhouses need to be updated. Starting next year we are going to do a lot more camping and like to explore different areas. We have to stay within our budget. Just wondering what you all like.

I prefer state and county park campgrounds over private.

Here in Texas, we have an outstanding State Park system. But like you, I'm at that point in life where one (on occasion two!) 3-day weekends each month throughout the year and then the week of Spring Break are our limits. Still need the jobs to pay the bills and keep funding the retirement account!From my experience, state parks have been less expensive and provided more space. The private parks I've been to have looked nicer, but carried a higher price and I've been much closer to my neighbors.If I could retire tomorrow and spend more time in the trailer? State parks would still be my number one choice, can't beat the space, trails, outdoors ... and price.Good luck, keep us posted on your travels.Tom

I choose both. State parks generally provide a more serene setting. Sites are larger and more private. Camping rates are generally cheaper.Private campgrounds provide more amenities,pools,exercise rooms etc.. Sites while smaller may have concrete pads and landscaping. Roads maybe paved FHU sites are generally available vs. no sewers in state parks.Why limit yourself to one or the other. Choose best value based on your needs.Sometimes a pool or full hook up site is desirable. While some places a larger private site is best.There is no just right answer. There are very nice state and private parks available pick the best option in your area. It's always nice to have options/choices.

We in Oregon have a great SP system also. We have a park at Fort Stevens that has over 500 sites, while not full two weeks ago, no site large enough to hold our 5er was available so we went to the KOA across the the road. This was a very nice 100 space park, I will use them again even though it cost a bit more, but will stay mostly in the SPs.

Sticking to a budget, you may have to consider more private campgrounds because they will more than likely have weekly and monthly rates which are much less than the daily rates at government parks. That is why many fulltimers do not stay in state and federal parks. There are stay limits and high daily rates. We do mix it up though because we have some state parks that we visit repeatedly because they are favorites from before our fulltiming adventure started. For us, they are expensive. Lots of nice private campgrounds out there.

State or Private CGs | Good Sam Community

49 Replies

atreis
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
We have a strong preference for state, national park, national forest, provincial, and other public campgrounds. In addition to being less expensive, the sites tend to MUCH larger, more private, prettier, and have easier access to hiking trails.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Nov 01, 2013
alcaracu wrote:
we prefer state campgrounds. we are fortunate here in FL to have a great park system. our bucket list is to hit them all. we have 14 so far having just returned from a great 4 nights at oleno state park. we enjoy hiking with our 2 corgis, and kayking with them also if were on salt water( no gators). our camping season runs from oct. thru mar. anf the only time we're in the camper is to sleep. also the 10 bucks a night for senior FL residents doesn't hurt either. Al, Debbie and the corgis divot and bubba

I have been trying for years to visit every state park in Florida and camp at those that offer it. So far I have hit about 60+ parks but with a 160 I am never going to make it. Florida has a great park system!
monkey44
Nomad II
Oct 31, 2013
BillB800si wrote:
Maybe 1% of the time we stay at State Parks. We've found State Parks draws more of the loud rowdy heavy drinkers. The parks fill up on the week-ends and then there's all the beer cans littering their camp sights.
Private campgrounds offer more amenities- cleaner environment and discipline. Oh I forgot- much safer too!!!

Happy trails,

I expect the state parks you're talking about here are mostly near a heavy populated area. We find state parks in more rural areas do not get rowdy or drunks, generally. Always exceptions tho.

We're just completing a six month Coast to Coast and back trip and never once stayed in a private CG. We use NP, SP, and COE, supported sometimes with the Military CG (must be active or retired military) but find public campgrounds are less expensive and of course, less amenities, but that's how we like it.

One thing you should investigate - the annual pass for seniors or disabled, if you qualify. If not, you can purchase an annual pass which allows entrance and discounts it all national parks and forests, and COE parks. Most COE parks have at least electric and water ... some have FHU ... and the annual pass gives half-off camping - COE parks are one of the best values for camping ... altho not every area has them - almost all are related to power production along rivers and lakes.
Too_Tall
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
I like wbwood's idea. Breaking it down to age, family, RV types, etc.. Don't know if that would entail another post or if it will pick up on this one.
wbwood
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
Dakzuki wrote:
It's no contest. State/National parks and campgrounds are at the top of the list. I have no desire for pools, hot tubs, or being 6 feet from my neighbor.

No kids I take it.
Lantley
Nomad
Oct 31, 2013
paulcardoza wrote:
Highly subjective topic. Everyone has their own likes, dislikes and unique situations.

We are in our coach for 7+ months straight. Full Hookups has become something highly desirable for us, personally. Dealing with totes and dump stations can get old quickly when you are doing it on a steady basis.

We've boondocked, stayed at State and Federal facilities and everything has it's pro's and con's. It all comes down to what each individual prefers.......

I agree scenery and space are nice, however full hook ups are convenient/easy
paulcardoza
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
Highly subjective topic. Everyone has their own likes, dislikes and unique situations.

We are in our coach for 7+ months straight. Full Hookups has become something highly desirable for us, personally. Dealing with totes and dump stations can get old quickly when you are doing it on a steady basis.

We've boondocked, stayed at State and Federal facilities and everything has it's pro's and con's. It all comes down to what each individual prefers.......
Dakzuki
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2013
It's no contest. State/National parks and campgrounds are at the top of the list. I have no desire for pools, hot tubs, or being 6 feet from my neighbor.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
Hybrid camper owner/ 3 season weekend only camper
young kids, dog, canoe, and boat
state parks!
wbwood
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
What would be even better of a survey would be to be able to break it down to ages, people in their camping group (kids, ages, etc), type of camper and maybe a couple other questions. Maybe see if there is a trend based on ages, families or not, type of campers they have...