Hi - We are relatively new to RVing and are planning a cross-country family sabbatical next year (Summer and Fall 2017). There are a number of cities and friends we would like to visit, and of course we prefer not to tow our RV in urban traffic or arrive at friends' houses with a 35-foot fifth wheel. :) So as I've been planning our itinerary, I've been trying to locate a decent state park reasonably close to each city/friend we'd like to visit, but that made me wonder... Is it even permissible in most parks to leave an RV unoccupied for a few days (assuming the spot is paid for, no pets are left behind, and we do not exceed the maximum allowable stay)? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

People do it all the time. Once you've paid for your campsite, it's yours if you are there or not. Every state is different, but in Indiana, there is a 14 day rule. You can stay for 14 days and then you have to leave to come back. I think (if I remember right), it's 3 days and then you can stay another 14 days. Something to think about.Also, State Parks will range from about $25 - $40 a night, depending upon which state you're in and what type of campsite you get (electric vs primative vs full hook-ups) Even at $25 a night, I...personally would prefer to sleep in my own camper, rather than the floor or the couch of a family member's home any time. When we visit family in neighboring states, we have THEM come out to the campsite and spend time. They enjoy getting out of their homes and we're not invading their space. Everyone is happy.

Who would know? When we were camp hosts at a SP there was a prepaid reserved specific site on Memorial Day weekend that showed up with a TT on it. We never saw it arrive and never saw anyone there, no vehicle, no chairs or coolers out and I walked all the loops twice a day. It was gone early on checkout day. It's possible they were spending their time at another site but I doubt it.I can only conclude they were doing as you wish to do.

Never had a problem with that. Some have regs like, must occupied but once you are on the site it's occupied.

Much preferred to us when visiting friends and family is to find a nearby campground and stay there rather than someone's home or a hotel. We didn't like having to pack up our clothes and travel stuff and hauling it all in and out. rather just staying in our small secone rolling home. However, unless you need to be connected to facilities, many campground have an area where you can store a rig either short or long term. I would not leave our rig unattended in any public area or parking lot.

Question about state parks | Good Sam Community

Busskipper
Explorer
Apr 24, 2016
brwMT3 wrote:
Hi - We are relatively new to RVing and are planning a cross-country family sabbatical next year (Summer and Fall 2017).

There are a number of cities and friends we would like to visit, and of course we prefer not to tow our RV in urban traffic or arrive at friends' houses with a 35-foot fifth wheel. :)

So as I've been planning our itinerary,
I've been trying to locate a decent state park reasonably close to each city/friend we'd like to visit, but that made me wonder...

Is it even permissible in most parks to leave an RV unoccupied for a few days (assuming the spot is paid for, no pets are left behind, and we do not exceed the maximum allowable stay)?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

First off "Welcome to the Forum" - as you have seen the info here can be spot on, and the earlier post have covered much of what you will need to know.

Just a couple of thoughts to add - Often we have left our unit and flown home - at a couple of the locations, after checking with the staff/owners we have been able to leave the Coach in a location that is more out of the way and at a reduced price.(If you don't ask, you'll never know)

The suggestion that you invite your friends to visit you is also on point, we have never had friends visit that we did not have a great time, and often it is easier for them. knowing the area, to drive home than for us to try to find the RV park after a great night of .......? Once in Phoenix we parked in the Wal*Mart - couldn't find the RV park - and our friends came by for drinks and we went out to Dinner. was so much easier for us, and they still talk about it whenever we see each other.

State Parks and Reservoirs are great but don't forget to check on local municipal parks (Golden Clear Creek is our all time favorite) we only found it 15 years ago by asking locals so once again "ASK" for local insight.

Enjoy your planning and let us know your locations, many here have great Knowledge of the local areas and can help with a ton of local Knowledge (2gypsies).

BOL,
wxtoad
Explorer
Apr 24, 2016
State parks make up only a small fraction of public campgrounds that might be convenient for you. There are thousands of city and county parks all across the country. We have found lots of them using The Ultimate Public Campground Project.

WxToad
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Apr 23, 2016
tomkaren13 wrote:
Alot of State parks do not have site to fit a larger RV. Also need very advanced reservations.

.... and we've found that a lot of state parks DO have sites for our 40' motorhome. No, you won't fit in every one but there are plenty that you will fit.
tomkaren13
Explorer
Apr 23, 2016
Alot of State parks do not have site to fit a larger RV. Also need very advanced reservations.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Apr 23, 2016
An easy way to find state parks is to use http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/

Click on the state you want then to the right of the list of cities they'll have a link to the state parks for that state.
Nunyadamn
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
We do this sometimes. I would say that if your going to leave it for more than a day to let the ranger or host know - as others have mentioned.

Quick note - we left our trailer for just a day (early morning until about 9pm) and when we came back, the fire ring was moved to the site next to us. The people had two. They left the next morning when I saw that it was moved. I am glad I didn't leave anything outside for them to move home with them. Moral to that story is lock everything up, especially if you are planning to leave for multiple days.
pigman1
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Same idea-- In 2011 we took the RV to the southwest for the winter and after traveling around (Quartzsite, Phoenix, Cottonwood, Apache Junction) we checked in to the Famcamp at Ticson's Davis-Monthan AFB. We left the RV at the DM Famcamp's dry camping area and flew to Alaska for two weeks to see the Iditerod Dog Sled Race. Returned two weeks later and continued where we left off. Once we paid our fee, no one cared. And yes, the refrig/freezer worked fine on LP for the entire time. It waited till the next summer to cr@p out.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
It is a good plan. Take necessary precautions when you leave the site unattended. Secure all items, put the awning in and turn off the water.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Apr 22, 2016
Do let the park ranger or one of the volunteer hosts know, that why they don't wonder if you're ok or if something nefarious is going on.
Johno02
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Much preferred to us when visiting friends and family is to find a nearby campground and stay there rather than someone's home or a hotel. We didn't like having to pack up our clothes and travel stuff and hauling it all in and out. rather just staying in our small secone rolling home. However, unless you need to be connected to facilities, many campground have an area where you can store a rig either short or long term. I would not leave our rig unattended in any public area or parking lot.