I've noticed some states, federal and private resorts asks that I jot down the license plate number when I'm checking in. I can understand they can use it to save lives in vast and remote locations but there aren't too many of those you can reach with an RV anyway. Anyone? Or is it like checking into a motel? I never really understood why they do that either. Is there a database of some sort for these?

Of course there is a data base. May or may not help investigating a crime, but facts help.

It also helps them know what vehicles should be in the park or your motel lot.

I would have to assume that in the event that a problem comes up later they have a way of tracing that license plate for LEO's. I know many years ago my parents owned a motel and resturant and the LEO's that always stopped in for coffee always told them to get license plates in case of future problems. I know most campers aren't going to cause a problme but there has to be a bad one in every bunch. It certanily isn't a problem for me to be asked for my license plate number.

It is more likely that they want to keep track of who is supposed to be in the park. If they know what vehicles are allowed to be there, they can quickly determine which vehicles AREN'T allowed to be there. Usually its not an issue, but if you are creating noise, have too many guests over, etc then its pretty nice to know who has paid to be there and who hasn't.

Why do parks ask for license plate information?

23 Replies

SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Mar 22, 2014
For us it is about 3 things, first for LEOs in event of an emergency issue, verify for our health department another search way in event of a rented or borrowed vehicle, guide LEOs to the registered guest in a vehicle not their own. lastly for us to verify registered guests,identify those not paying for service.
Unregistered visitors add to the cost and liability of the camp, a cost, regretfully that must be passed on.
Harvey51
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Motels should keep a data base. They could offer a discount to repeat guests who don't cause any problems.
barbandwayne
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
We travel in a mh towing a car. I'm never sure if they want the # on the mh or the car. We give them the mh # (***MGS) because its easy to remember...husband says it stands for 'Must Go Somewhere'!
mlts22
Explorer II
Mar 20, 2014
Some places might ask for a VIN to make sure they are 10 years old or newer, but I've not encountered that personally so far. In my experience, CGs ask for license plates to confirm that the vehicle is supposed to be there when looking for unauthorized use.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Mar 20, 2014
sher9570 wrote:
Ocean Lakes at Myrtle Beach not only ask for license # but vin.# too.
Why?

Sher
Probably to make sure the tags actually belong on that vehicle.
hershey
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Its there only to irritate the guy checking in. Makes him walk back to his vehicle to get the tag number and forgets most of it by the time he gets back to the office.
Pogoil
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
Also the campground owner needs it if you destroy their infrastructure, Drive off and pull out their electric pedestal, drive over water hookups, hit a building things like that.

With a plate number they can give the information to their insurance company to get compensation from your insurance company. Seems fair to me.

Pogoil.
Not_a_Clue
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
We go to a county park that requires current registration and proof of insurance at check in.
sher9570
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
Ocean Lakes at Myrtle Beach not only ask for license # but vin.# too.
Why?

Sher
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Mar 18, 2014
The following is a true story: One evening after office hours in Hartwick Pines State Park (Michigan) I saw a RV pull in and hook up, The entire family (A fairly large one) used showers and such,, and then early in the morning before the office opened they left.. of course they never registered or paid the camping fee.

About an hour before they left,, The park manager arrived (Way before the office opened) and inventoried the park, He wrote down ALL the license plates of RV which were not already registered (And likely a few that were).

He then compared his list to the registration list in the office,,, And crossed off those who had paid.. As others registered throughout the morning he crossed them off.

The ones who had, well, let's be honest, ripped off the park.... Well.. the crime is called Defrauding an Inkeeper.. And it is a very serious offense.