Trying to get some friends of ours and their kids to go with us on an upcoming trip over Spring Break. We total nine people - which isn't a problem as the right sleeps 10 easily. However, all the campgrounds we are contacting (Fort Lauderdale area and Sarasota area) will only permit a maximum of six people per site. One campground said it had to do with fire codes - but I don't see why that would factor in. Does anyone have any insight into this logic?

It may well be fire codes, or similar restrictions. Government regulations do not always make logical sense.In some cases I think it has to do with sanitary codes; the sewage system and bath houses are sized for a certain number of people, figured at x per site, and they're not permitted to have more than that per site. I think in most cases it's just the management (be it public or private) not wanting to overcrowd sites and to avoid problems with rowdiness, excess noise, etc.Perhaps you can book two adjacent sites, maybe putting a tent on the other one if they require some structure there.I recall a funny story here posted not too long ago about a larger party camping together over two campsites and a rather disagreeable ranger. They were eating dinner at the picnic table (all in one campsite), and the ranger informed them that it was too many people on the one site and some of them would have to move to the other site. Undeterred, they picked up the two picnic tables, put them side-by-side at the boundary line between the campsites, and continued their dinner. The ranger was not amused at this solution, but couldn't do anything about it, particularly as all the other campers were enjoying his discomfit. I wish I could find that thread....

imagine every campsite occupied with 10 people each. It's that scenario that the max limit is established. It's conceivable that a group or organization would reserve several spots co-located and max out the spots with 10 people, overloading the facilities as well as disrupt the other campers. So just reserve two spots, stretch out and enjoy!.

Are you looking at commercial or USFS CG? Many USFS CG (as well as National Parks) have group sites, specifically for such situations. Nearly every place I've seen or been to, at least here in Colorado, have a 6-8 person limit/site. No explanation as to why, just that limit. But with the option of a group site, usually in a seperate or different loop, with a higher limit. If you're looking at commercial, I'm sure some of the park owners that are on the forum could give a good reason as to why a 6 person limit.

JoeTampa wrote:Trying to get some friends of ours and their kids to go with us on an upcoming trip over Spring Break. We total nine people - which isn't a problem as the right sleeps 10 easily. However, all the campgrounds we are contacting (Fort Lauderdale area and Sarasota area) will only permit a maximum of six people per site. One campground said it had to do with fire codes - but I don't see why that would factor in. Does anyone have any insight into this logic?[/quote]Most likely it's called Spring Break.JMHO,As if all didi it it might just be a LITTLE Crowded.

Why don't you call the campground and explain the situation? Maybe they can work out a solution. If not try somewhere else.

Limit of six people per site? | Good Sam Community

DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
It may well be fire codes, or similar restrictions. Government regulations do not always make logical sense.

In some cases I think it has to do with sanitary codes; the sewage system and bath houses are sized for a certain number of people, figured at x per site, and they're not permitted to have more than that per site. I think in most cases it's just the management (be it public or private) not wanting to overcrowd sites and to avoid problems with rowdiness, excess noise, etc.

Perhaps you can book two adjacent sites, maybe putting a tent on the other one if they require some structure there.

I recall a funny story here posted not too long ago about a larger party camping together over two campsites and a rather disagreeable ranger. They were eating dinner at the picnic table (all in one campsite), and the ranger informed them that it was too many people on the one site and some of them would have to move to the other site. Undeterred, they picked up the two picnic tables, put them side-by-side at the boundary line between the campsites, and continued their dinner. The ranger was not amused at this solution, but couldn't do anything about it, particularly as all the other campers were enjoying his discomfit. I wish I could find that thread....
Ski_Pro_3
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
imagine every campsite occupied with 10 people each. It's that scenario that the max limit is established. It's conceivable that a group or organization would reserve several spots co-located and max out the spots with 10 people, overloading the facilities as well as disrupt the other campers.
So just reserve two spots, stretch out and enjoy!
.
Thom02099
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
Are you looking at commercial or USFS CG?

Many USFS CG (as well as National Parks) have group sites, specifically for such situations. Nearly every place I've seen or been to, at least here in Colorado, have a 6-8 person limit/site. No explanation as to why, just that limit. But with the option of a group site, usually in a seperate or different loop, with a higher limit.

If you're looking at commercial, I'm sure some of the park owners that are on the forum could give a good reason as to why a 6 person limit.
Busskipper
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
JoeTampa wrote:
Trying to get some friends of ours and their kids to go with us on an upcoming trip over Spring Break. We total nine people - which isn't a problem as the right sleeps 10 easily.

However, all the campgrounds we are contacting (Fort Lauderdale area and Sarasota area) will only permit a maximum of six people per site. One campground said it had to do with fire codes - but I don't see why that would factor in.

Does anyone have any insight into this logic?[/quote]

Most likely it's called Spring Break.

JMHO,

As if all didi it it might just be a LITTLE Crowded.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
Why don't you call the campground and explain the situation? Maybe they can work out a solution. If not try somewhere else.
Cobra21
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
Lots of campgrounds have what they call group sites, which are for larger parties of people. See if any have these for you or get 2 adjacent sites.
Brian
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 06, 2018
I wish they would enforce that rule here.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2018
DrewE wrote:
It may well be fire codes, or similar restrictions. Government regulations do not always make logical sense.

In some cases I think it has to do with sanitary codes; the sewage system and bath houses are sized for a certain number of people, figured at x per site, and they're not permitted to have more than that per site. I think in most cases it's just the management (be it public or private) not wanting to overcrowd sites and to avoid problems with rowdiness, excess noise, etc.

Perhaps you can book two adjacent sites, maybe putting a tent on the other one if they require some structure there.

I recall a funny story here posted not too long ago about a larger party camping together over two campsites and a rather disagreeable ranger. They were eating dinner at the picnic table (all in one campsite), and the ranger informed them that it was too many people on the one site and some of them would have to move to the other site. Undeterred, they picked up the two picnic tables, put them side-by-side at the boundary line between the campsites, and continued their dinner. The ranger was not amused at this solution, but couldn't do anything about it, particularly as all the other campers were enjoying his discomfit. I wish I could find that thread....

This. There are reasons.

YOUR group may be quiet and not disturb anyone.... but you could just as well be a group of 10 college kids.

I would not care to be camped next to that many people crowded into one site.
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Mar 06, 2018
Our EPA licensed wastewater fields are limited by maximum daily inflow based on the number of sites and comfort station fixtures they serve. If each site were occupied by 4 persons average, it would be maximized.
The impact of foot and vehicles on one site by so many will do serious wear to the grass, the extra water and electric usage are other reasons for limiting one site occupancy. Other camps may have their own reasons.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 06, 2018
JoeTampa wrote:
Does anyone have any insight into this logic?

Reserve two adjacent sites.

Some day you will have the pleasure of camping next to a rowdy bunch of 15 people in one site....

Only exception might be two parents with their own children only (single family unit).

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