Tent only camping

Im thinking of tent only sites at CGs Ive been to, but the parking spot where you'd place RV isnt where you would pitch a tent and otherwise looks like any other site? Walk to tent sites I can see more a no-no. As too using a tent only site really depends, a staffed park Id get ok first. (thouhg I've noted no shortage of tents in RV only sites)

To add, I think a big difference is where you're camping. My post above refers to California for the most part and at FS and COE public campgrounds. Private campgrounds are different as are campgrounds in other regions (as can be seen by the above posts).

Generally speaking, most of the FS and COE campgrounds in California have "general sites" that accept tents and/or RVs. These do not have any hookups. The campground often has a specific loop with tent only sites (if there is more than one loop in the campground). Occasionally, there will be an "RV loop" that offers at minimum electric hookups (rarely in FS campgrounds, more likely in COE campgrounds).

Coastal campgrounds are more likely to be divided by "RV sites" and "tent sites" with no "general sites" - that's because there is less privacy between sites and more views to disrupt with a rig. Forest campgrounds are more likely to be "general sites" mixing tents and RVs.

General speaking, it depends on a lot of factors but I have done it without problems in NP campground here on the east coast. The general rule is if it's a site directly at the each individual parking area, you aren't taking the last tent site, you don't plan on running a generator and the sites cost the same, it's okay especially if the RV sites are limited and you they are close to filling up while the tent section has a lot of sites available. I was told it was a definite no-no if it's a hike in tent spot with combined parking lot (even if the parking spots were individually marked). In between and it's anyone's guess. However, I always try to ask before occupying and if I can't ask always try to take an RV site.

Confusing - yep.

Are you thinking of staying at a "tent only campground" at times? Or just want more options for finding a last minute one-night campsite at a standard campground?

Generally speaking, many tent only sites are set up where you park in a parking lot and then walk a short distance to the campsites. In these areas, you will probably not be OK with camping there as you will technically be camping in the parking lot (and there won't be any extra space between vehicles). For a quick overnight, you might be OK depending on the host.

For those with their own parking pads, often the "livable" area of the campsite (where you can set up chairs, campfire, etc.) is often set apart from the pad either by a short climb or hike. Again, for a quick overnight stay, you probably will be OK. For longer stays, it may not be that conducive to camping out of an RV (you'll be making that short climb/hike every time you want something - versus tent camping where it's all up there).

As for technical rules, it depends on the campground and the other campers. In a tent only campground, you are much more likely to get called out on it. In a combined campground, it will more likely depend on your neighbor tent campers - if you annoy them, they will complain and you'll be asked to move/leave; if you play by their rules, they will leave you be.

I have a 21ft C and I camp a lot at public campgrounds (FS, COE, etc.). I can honestly say that I haven't seen a tent-only site that I would have preferred over a general site. I can fit into the smallest of the general sites (tent or RV) and have always found one with a great view, privacy from other campers, etc. While I can fit into the tent only sites, they never offer anything better than the other sites and often offer less (no views of the water, etc.).

I recently made a bunch of reservations for a trip to California state parks. Many of their sites are "Tent Only." I've also seen this at USFS camps, where tents get the nice shady sites by the stream and RV's are out in the field in the hot sun, not exceptions for small RV's. I was asked by rangers to leave groups I camped with at two California national parks because park policy was absolutely no RV's at group sites; I had to buy a site elsewhere and walk back to the group site to be with my friends.

The other side of the issue is that my tent camping family members are often not allowed to camp with me in the RV sites. Some RV parks do not allow tents at all.

Can't we all just get along?

The issue is apparently not vehicle size, it is vehicle type. The solution of carrying a small tent in your small RV and pitching it at the Tents Only site is apparently not acceptable in these places.

KOA's have let me camp in their tent areas. I cannot remember whether they say Tents Only or whether they are just designated as primitive or no hookup sites.

Many parks have a tenting area that is grass or other ground cover and an additional parking area for the vehicle. You would likely NOT be welcome to park your car or van on those tenting areas. Doing so would subject the area to ruts, to any noxious drippings from under your vehicle such as oil and grease etc. Nobody wants to pitch their tent on top of sludge from the underside of a vehicle.
You may be able to stay in your car in the parking spot, but that will vary by establishment. Many places just say no because to many people sleeping in your car reeks of homelessness, which is not an image businesses want to project onto their customers.

We used to put our pop-up and our first hybrid on tent sites. The sole criteria is that you have no need for any type of hook ups, ie. electric & water. You should have no trouble using "tent" sites.

I do not think you will have any problems. I have parked my van in camp spots that did not have any hook-ups. I have not seen a site marked "Tents only". I have done this at KOA's, military and NM state park campgrounds with no problems. In fact many of the spots had a car or van and no tent. Some had tents and some, like me, did not. I have even parked my 5er in a no hook ups site and stayed for a week waiting for a W/E hook-up site to open up in the first come first serve sites.