Forum Discussion

maria_bettina's avatar
Jun 29, 2022

Pop-up Truck Camper Peeps - question for you...

I see "tent only" campgrounds/campsites sometimes, and I wonder if a Pop-up TC would be welcome. Many times the camping/tent site is away from the parking strip. So that isn't something that would work for me. But sometimes I can't figure out why a particular site is tent-only because it looks like the RV site right next to it.

I know some campgrounds are very specific. I want to say Jenny Lake in Yellowstone is one. My understanding is they don't want to block the views with tall rigs.

I have called other campgrounds and so far all have accepted truck campers in "tent only" sites "as long as the camper fits" (length and height). Ok, maybe it's been only like 2 campgrounds that I've called.

I am going to call Kings Canyon/Sequoia NPS (California) tomorrow to see about Atwell Mill Campground. Has anyone camped there (or Cold Springs Campground) in a Pop-up TC?

My question is what has been your experience with tent-only sites? Do you ever use them? Have you been turned away ever?
  • Just use the Truck Camper Rule of Convenience: When the situation calls for it, it's a "truck with cargo." When the situation calls for it, it's an "RV."
  • Some national parks won't allow any type of RV in the Tent Only spaces. You will need to call the reservation services to make sure.
  • Some say tent only because they have no hookups. I've seen a few that there's not enough overhead clearance or length for an RV.