Turned off by campgrounds
Each year, I start looking for new campgrounds either short trips or extended stays and I turn immediately to the internet.
First, I do a search for campgrounds in the area I want to visit. Click on their website for basic info, check for reviews of the park, do a Google earth look at the park and finally try to visit the park.
If the site says last updated in 2013 it is useless. When I visit the website, if I do not see prices posted, I am out of there. Or if their rates are a year or two old, I'm gone. Do their prices indicate taxes in or extra and what are they?
I like to see photos of the campground. Not a bunch of pictures of last year's Christmas party or a bunch of people playing shuffleboard -- I want to see the sites.
Wifi and cable are not priorities since I have my own services. But it would be nice to know if they are available either free or paid.
If they have activities and post a calendar of events it should be current. Showing January's events in the first week of February is a turn-off.
If I am still interested, I start checking for reviews. I don't expect to see raving reviews but helpful info is a must. I like to see pros and cons about the park. The overall condition of the park, the attitude of park workers, condition of the washrooms and laundromat are main concerns. I don't trust the "exceptional" reviews because there is something wrong in every park.
I don't know who does the Good Sam ratings but I don't put a lot of faith in them. One park I stayed in had a 10-10-10 rating by Good Sam but in reality it was more 2-2-2.
A look at the park using Google Earth always gives a good indication of the park. I have no interest in going to a so-called campground that is 90% park model permanent units and 5-6 transient sites scattered all over.
Finally, I drive to the campground for a final inspection and evaluation. I like to be able to drive around the park and if possible, chat with 1 or 2 residents.
Sorry for the long rant. I don't think my expectations are extremely high but if campgrounds want my business, the first thing they better do is make sure their website is current and has the information I need.
First, I do a search for campgrounds in the area I want to visit. Click on their website for basic info, check for reviews of the park, do a Google earth look at the park and finally try to visit the park.
If the site says last updated in 2013 it is useless. When I visit the website, if I do not see prices posted, I am out of there. Or if their rates are a year or two old, I'm gone. Do their prices indicate taxes in or extra and what are they?
I like to see photos of the campground. Not a bunch of pictures of last year's Christmas party or a bunch of people playing shuffleboard -- I want to see the sites.
Wifi and cable are not priorities since I have my own services. But it would be nice to know if they are available either free or paid.
If they have activities and post a calendar of events it should be current. Showing January's events in the first week of February is a turn-off.
If I am still interested, I start checking for reviews. I don't expect to see raving reviews but helpful info is a must. I like to see pros and cons about the park. The overall condition of the park, the attitude of park workers, condition of the washrooms and laundromat are main concerns. I don't trust the "exceptional" reviews because there is something wrong in every park.
I don't know who does the Good Sam ratings but I don't put a lot of faith in them. One park I stayed in had a 10-10-10 rating by Good Sam but in reality it was more 2-2-2.
A look at the park using Google Earth always gives a good indication of the park. I have no interest in going to a so-called campground that is 90% park model permanent units and 5-6 transient sites scattered all over.
Finally, I drive to the campground for a final inspection and evaluation. I like to be able to drive around the park and if possible, chat with 1 or 2 residents.
Sorry for the long rant. I don't think my expectations are extremely high but if campgrounds want my business, the first thing they better do is make sure their website is current and has the information I need.
