Turned off by campgrounds

[Dream_Chaser_]

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.

[RGar974417]

More reasons to stay in public campgrounds. We don't need a pool or wifi or a game room. We want big sites,clean restrooms and bueatiful surroundings.We love Forest Service,Army Corps of Engineer ( COE) or some state parks.Most don't have full hookups,but the ones we stay at have electric,water close by,dump stations and nice bath houses.

[icanon]

Dream_Chaser! wrote:
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.

That is exactly what I do.

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.

Totally agree with you.

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.

I believe that some of the ratings are outdated, probably were rated a few years ago.

A look at the park using Google Earth always gives a good indication of the park.

I do a Google Map satellite view of the CG and I seen some places are next to dumps or basically just a parking lot with hardly any trees or grass!

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.

Nope I have never done that, once I reserve I live with it, my mistake, my decision, just grin and bare it! So far I haven't really had any bad experience.

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.

Your right about websites I wish they update them once in awhile.

Happy Camping!!!

[2012Coleman]

OP - are you including state parks in your searches? If not, they may be your answer.

[Alabama_Jim]

K Charles and Cdash speak from experience, wisdom, and reasonableness. Go forth and have camping. Expect the world and be disappointed.

[Old-Biscuit]

Camping is suppose to be FUN..........

[gbopp]

Dream_Chaser. Keep chasing your dream, you'll find the perfect RV Park/ Campground eventually. 🙂

Enjoy your travels.

[kalynzoo]

Not every place is perfect for sure. I do like KOAs as they are usually consistent, the websites are usually up to date, and some KOA campgrounds are outstanding (for my purpose of vacationing).

[DeanRIowa]

I agree with many of your points, but like most things in life, good campgrounds are subjective. Like you, I especially hate when you are looking for pictures of their sites and all you get are party pictures.

I want:

• Clean bathrooms
• Trees
• Reasonable prices
• space
• Peace and quiet(to a point)

I should probably just camp in the backyard 😉

[coolmom42]

I agree that RV parks generally should do a better job keeping their websites up to date, including rates, and pics of the sites would be nice. But many of these outfits have to pay someone to do that for them, which is not cheap.

If you are interested in a publicly-owned campground, go to uscampgrounds.info. This is a great site---you can search by lat/long, city/state. It includes city parks, county parks, state parks, national parks, and US Forest Service campgrounds. It has basic info and links to the campground site. Lots of times the campground web site will have photos.

Once you have the name of a campground, you can also do a Google search for images.

[DutchmenSport]

" I don't think my expectations are extremely high"... um ... yes they are.

If you are expecting a long-term spot to park with these amenities, then yes, you may need some of the answers to your questions to make a decision if you can or cannot live with an available amenities.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a simple campground, then your reaching too high.

I've never gone to a campground previous to scope it out. It's a surprise when we get there. That's part of the adventure. We mostly State Park camp. As long as we have access to water, electric and a dump station somewhere, we're happy.

[gotsmart]

To the OP: Timely website maintenance by parks, in general, is poor. Use a phone and start calling parks of interest to you.

I work outside at a park. It is normal for the office to get all kinds of phone calls each week with inquiries:

What is the check out time?
How many cable channels do you have?
Is WiFi throughout the park?
What are your rates?
How do you handle "after hour" arrivals?
What activities do you have for kids?
What can we do in the area while staying at the park?
What is your pet policy?

The list of questions goes on. If the website and reviews don't satisfy you, call the park, everyone else does - unless "not going camping" is the goal. If that's the case you're all set.

[aguablanco]

While we like a nice site as much as the next person, it is not always about the site with us. How close is the site to major attractions, full hook up or limited, hiking nearby, amenities etc.? I also like an up to date website with rates, however, I always call or email in advance to get a feel of the place. If we want trees/forest we look for a state or national park. I sincerely hope you find what you are looking for.
RichH

[sdianel_-acct_c]

I do exactly the same things except drive to the location because our trips are longer. I don't necessarily make reservations unless it's a weekend, holiday or popular tourist destination, and I always have a second choice in case there are no vacancies. Also I think it's more important if you have a larger rig and/or a toad to plan ahead. This planning also helps us get the proper location and best directions.

[korbe]

Campsitephotos.com seems to be a pretty neat site to see specific park spaces. Not sure how it continues to update and add parks, but I have had good luck on some of the parks I have visited.

[Lantley]

No disrespect intended but your expectations are over the top.