What RV Parks might consider..

[Finally]

We have been on the road several weeks, stopping at different RV parks each night. We have paid $36.00 to $50.00 a night to have a save place to sleep. We use rvparksreviews.com to plan our trips.

The park that charged $36.00 led us to our space. A very nice lady on a golf cart. 15 other parks, handed us a circled space and pointed and said "thataway". There you sit in an unknown town, in an unfamiliar state, in a 40 foot motorhome, towing a 20 foot pick up truck. There is NO room for error. The streets/gravel roads wind around 3 or 4 levels. The signs are faded and impossible to read. You can barely read the space numbers. We are in a park like that right now. We just saw an rv'er run over a sewer going the wrong way. We could see how he was confused. This park is $43.00 a night.

There was a long thread on Facebook last night where RV'ers are fed up paying $45.00 a night for just a place to pull over to sleep. In fact, more are boondocking. They think RV parks should adjust their rates for those not there to "enjoy the amenities".

Any RV Park owner should be required to tow a 5th wheel, Travel Trailer, Motorhome with tow vehicle into a large campground with faded "street" signs, and numbers you can't read, give them a map circled, that is down 3 levels, and point "thataway".

We've watched rv's make circles all afternoon trying to find their space. The signs were falling down and faded, so it was impossible to follow the map. RV parks, especially large ones, should have clearly marked street/road signs, and clearly marked spaces. Really, we don't think that is a lot to ask. We think its for their safety, as well as ours.

We do want to support RV parks. Probably should wait a day or two before making comments on anything.

[Mr__Camper]

If that's your biggest concern I wish you continued success and happiness. Don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff).

[timandsusan]

As you RV around the country, we have seen all sorts of solutions to this issue--from park escorts to the wife walking in front of the RV to the site--husband usually drives. I have not asked anyone why they use this or that approach to parking--but I assume some unpleasant experience caused it! Even newer RV parks don't seem to be designed for bigger rigs with toads. Older parks are even worse--built for 24 foot trailers with all the FHU at the rear.

[Laman]

I think in 8 years and dozens of campgrounds I have only been guided a handful of times, ironically if memory serves me right they were actually campgrounds that were very easy to navigate it seemed that they were more interested in watching you pull/back-in for the protection of the utilities than actually helping you find the spot.

I learned a lesson early on (after some totally wrong directions at a KOA), now I get a map and ask them to mark not only the site but the outline the exact route through the campground to that site because I have fought that faded/no sign scenario too many times.

The suggestion to unhook and than search sounds good but not all campgrounds have room for you just to pull the MH over and leave it while you peruse the campground.

I have also asked for and received a discount when explaining that I would be arriving late and leaving early, in fact one time they said just leave what you think it's worth in the drop-box. I left 20 bucks and was thankful.

Again to the OP's question my suggestion is make them mark out the exact route before you leave the office, if they won't head on down the road.

[valhalla360]

We almost never just crash for the night but if we were, a truck stop or walmart would be a good option. Then again there are options cheaper than $36/night if you just want someplace with electicity to crash for the night.

I've had/seen enough bad experiences with supposed local experts that I'll struggle thru parking myself.
- We were staying in a nice place with pull thru spots for a week. Shortly after we pulled in, they led a trailer into the spot next to us. The "local expert" proceeded to stand in front directing him as the side of the trailer slid along a tree. Three days later, the local expert led another trailer into the same site and directed him such they they also slid along the same tree.
- I've had several try to back me in and if I followed we would have hit something (trees, posts, picknick tables).
- The one time we had an issue, the "local expert" decided to walk along with his arm litterally on my open window directing me back. Unfortunately there was a mound the passenger side and since he was blocking my mirror, I tapped the overhang on the truck.
- No thanks to assistance.

As far as parks needing to provide cheap sites, run the numbers some time. When you start adding things up, there is little gain from giving it away too cheap. Also, you have the issue of drawing in the proverbial trailer park trash which runs off the folks who would pay for the nicer spots.

[paulsang]

If we are just stopping for the night, we try to call a few places ahead. We explain we are just popping in for the night, and likely won't be there even 12 hours. Would they be willing to help us with a discount if we choose their campground? Invariably, we get a 'yes' come on in. I have had discounts up to 60% off by simply asking.

We are PA and we try to use that discount above all others.

As for unhooking. Well, if a back in is all I got, and it is $15 for the night, I will happily unhook.

It's a nice treat to be escorted.

As for 'what parks oughtta do'....it's their business. If you are not happy, take your money elsewhere. It's truly that simple.

[Finally]

I think I was clear that the signs were barely readable, and site numbers small and hard to find/see. We are capable of reading maps.


We will never unhook for one night unless there's an emergency.

[lj2654]

Yah I see your point re the use of AC. We are OK up to about 90 degrees but then we are also looking for air conditioning.



Wow, I cant stay with no a/c till 90.....spoiled I guess!

[tsetsaf]

Finally... I think your rant was more about being guided to your site? I personally disagree. While I don't necessarily care if they do guide us or not I have never considered that as a part of the camping price. Regarding rvparkreviews I personally hate that website because it does not 1. Have all the parks and 2. I am forced to determine what the reviewer's motives are too. In your case for example you might give the park a 3 because they did not guide you in; that review would be worthless in deciding if I should stay there or not.

In response to all the folks complaining about paying for hookups when they don't need them. By all means please open a park and try to stay in business with the business model you suggest. Good luck.

[John___Angela]

Lantley wrote:

John & Angela wrote:

K Charles wrote:
We have stayed at many RV parks that had a few pull thru sites for just an overnight, some were out in front so you could get out easily in the morning.

We have been to a few that have pull throughs as well but they always have services so they always have to charge for them. I get that but it seems to me they would be losing business to those of us who need no services and just need a pull in spot for the night. Packed gravel, no picnic tables, power posts, water spigots, cable hookups, trees etc etc. We are not camping, we are parking. Maybe a line of small rocks to separate the sites. 70 feet long, 20 feet wide, lighted and controlled. Put a sign on the highway indicating 70 foot overnight pull throughs, no hookups, 20 bucks per night. Who knows, it may work.

Electric would be beneficial otherwise you might as well be at a Wal Mart or truckstop. If its hot out A/C would be necessary.
No electricity means some would be tempted to run their gensets which creates other issues.

Yah I see your point re the use of AC. We are OK up to about 90 degrees but then we are also looking for air conditioning. I think it would depend on where the park is etc. Or, if its hot maybe thats incentive to get a full hookup site. Interesting marketing problem. I don't have the answer but I still think there are lots who would stay in a no hookup site as opposed to the Casino or Walmart thing. Easier access, etc.

[Trackrig]

I don't care if they show us where to park or not, really don't have a preference. If the parking space is further than 50' away, they all provide a map. If you can't find your way around the RV park, how did you ever find you way to the RV park.

When we get to the park, the DW goes inside to take care of the paperwork. I unhook the Jeep, it takes about 3 minutes, then I go inside and join her. If we think there's a need to, we'll leave the MH where it's at, hope in the Jeep and go look at the space. It takes the same 3 minutes to hook it up when we're ready to leave. It sounds like you should do the same.

Bill

[TucsonJim]

We just got back from 90 days on the road and 8,500 miles. I lost count of how many parks we stayed in, but only one offered an escort to our site. However, even with a large truck and FW, we never had a problem getting to our assigned site.

[Lantley]

John & Angela wrote:

K Charles wrote:
We have stayed at many RV parks that had a few pull thru sites for just an overnight, some were out in front so you could get out easily in the morning.

We have been to a few that have pull throughs as well but they always have services so they always have to charge for them. I get that but it seems to me they would be losing business to those of us who need no services and just need a pull in spot for the night. Packed gravel, no picnic tables, power posts, water spigots, cable hookups, trees etc etc. We are not camping, we are parking. Maybe a line of small rocks to separate the sites. 70 feet long, 20 feet wide, lighted and controlled. Put a sign on the highway indicating 70 foot overnight pull throughs, no hookups, 20 bucks per night. Who knows, it may work.

Electric would be beneficial otherwise you might as well be at a Wal Mart or truckstop. If its hot out A/C would be necessary.
No electricity means some would be tempted to run their gensets which creates other issues.

[John___Angela]

K Charles wrote:
We have stayed at many RV parks that had a few pull thru sites for just an overnight, some were out in front so you could get out easily in the morning.

We have been to a few that have pull throughs as well but they always have services so they always have to charge for them. I get that but it seems to me they would be losing business to those of us who need no services and just need a pull in spot for the night. Packed gravel, no picnic tables, power posts, water spigots, cable hookups, trees etc etc. We are not camping, we are parking. Maybe a line of small rocks to separate the sites. 70 feet long, 20 feet wide, lighted and controlled. Put a sign on the highway indicating 70 foot overnight pull throughs, no hookups, 20 bucks per night. Who knows, it may work.

[newman_fulltime]

im sorry i should have said its over yander instead i am sorry

[K_Charles]

We have stayed at many RV parks that had a few pull thru sites for just an overnight, some were out in front so you could get out easily in the morning.