School me in public parks camping...

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:
I'm woefully embarrassed to admit that, after 10 years of camping, we have extraordinarily minimal experience with county/state/national parks. We've always done the 'rv park' thing. The kids are older now, however, and the activities and attractions of the commercial park doesn't have the same draw. So, I'd like to begin broadening our exposure. I am, however, utterly ignorant in the matter.

How do you find out what hookups they have and if they take reservations? Does any of this happen online, or is it all still a phone call? Is it realistic to look for parks with full hook-ups, or are those pretty few and far between? Where do I start when I know what area I want to hit? Is rvparkreviews good for these as well, or am I better off looking at other resources?

Don't shame me, it's just not been our bag to date, and I'd like to learn more. I don't even know what I don't know so, please, tell me!

Lot of good advice here;

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
We learned long ago to not be concerned with hookups in public parks. If the issue is hookups, we chose our unit with high capacities, or figureded out a way to maximize them such as more batteries, genny, waste tote, inverter. You must add, NO change your habits to conserve your power and water useage.
Sure, we own and operate a commercial camp with all the frills you needed for the family, Thank you for patronizing private camps when it was your need.
Now its time to cut or at least slim the cord and experience the many other offerings of outdoor hospitality travel. Most public parks do not offer full amenity, limit length of stay, may require purchase of a pass in addition to site fee, and many other variables. Might not be less costly or up your alley if your unit does not have larger tanks, one battery, etc.
The world is now your oyster IF you are the more adventurous and proactive type.


Look at the websites. Call for availability. Best yet, head out to the national forests and BLM lands, any federal land, find a spot. You can stay 14 days free. Check it out usfs.gov blm.gov come to us to refill, dump, launder and shower, perhaps be our guest for a pampered night before or after the experience.

This will require more thought and effort on your part;

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Why be so concerned with hookups?

My wife enjoys camping, but has no interest in going without the comforts that hookups provide - the toilet and shower being at the core of that.

Thom gives more good advice;

Thom02099 wrote:
A lot of good advice given with prior posts. A couple of things to add:

** As mentioned about state parks, check the state park website. You may find that some state parks are reservation only. That has become a trend here in Colorado that a goodly number of state parks require reservations, no walk ins allowed. I frequent the state parks here and noticed the change in the past year or so, from an experiment at some state parks to a requirement at all of the ones that I usually enjoy. All of the ones I go to have electric hookups, common water, and a dump station.

** Twin batteries can usually last a long weekend without the generator. Switching all interior lights to LED bulbs helps in that. I also carry LED lanterns if I don't need to turn on overhead lights. I like to listen to music, the on board stereo/CD player doesn't seem to draw too much electricity.

** As previously mentioned, carrying extra water in jerry cans of some sort can get you through a weekend. I carry a 5 gallon igloo for drinking water and use the on board water for showers/toilet/dish washing.

** The 2 main reservation systems (for SP/USFS/NP) are reserveamerica.com and recreation.gov. There are frequently pictures of campsites at the map level of the websites. Getting to them can be a chore, but can be done. Explore those 2 sites to get a feel for what they offer.

** USFS campgrounds, at least in this area of Colorado and Wyoming, almost never have any sort of amenities. There's the occasional CG that may offer electric at some sites, and even rarer, showers. There may be common water, but rarely are there dump stations. What they do offer is generally spread out campsites, and depending on location, less crowds.

After following the aforementioned advice - I'll inject some of my own - You can Dry Camp - BUT - you just need to learn/Know your limits! My DW also requires a life that does not require sacrifices - so I have learned the limits of the Coach along with Her limits and make sure I stay within those:)

When we travel longer distances we have no issue doing a Wally*Mart stop for a day or two or even three or Four - but by day four we are reaching the limits of the Coach (And the DW) as we normally use it. So we will find a Commercial or Other Parks that has what we need - Dump - Water - Electric - refill and get ready to go again.

If you travel out of season - When Kids are in School - there is a much better chance at snagging one of the full service sites in a State or National Park - they are out there you just need to so a little searching.

Keep asking - Keep learning - we have done this in every way for 50 years and never stop learning.

September and October are IMHO the best months to explore - Pick you site try a few new things and if all else fails - just use the commercial CG's outside the Park you want to visit.

Best of Luck,