Trying to decide on whether or not to purchase-DECISION

[Crowe]

Looks like the RV bug has bitten us again. Found a 5th wheel we love and are ALMOST ready to pull the trigger. Issues keeping us from doing so:

1. Lack of site availability. From posts on here and doing my own research it appears sites are hard to come by. Don't want to purchase a unit then not be able to use it.

2. Possible resolution to #1-seasonal site if we can find one. Have contacted a campground we have loved in the past to check on their availability. As long as we can remove the trailer "at will" to go elsewhere we are leaning toward this. Which leads me to #3...

3. The dog. We aren't the kind to just sit at a campsite. We like to go exploring, hike, canoe, kayak, etc. Haven't found a cg yet that allows you to leave your dog at the site unattended, even if in the unit. I don't have any real issue with that because nobody wants to hear a dog bark all day but it does cause us some logistical issues. So, now onto #4.

4. The dog part deux: We have a wonderful boarding facility that's part of our vet's office. Our concern is not wanting to use the unit because we don't want to board the dog that much. Don't misunderstand me-we will take him weather and activity permitting but it's weighing heavy on our minds because during hot summer months he most likely won't come. Also we do plan on getting a puppy in July (assuming the breeding took).

My gut feel is that within the next year or two some of the availability issues will alleviate themselves when things (hopefully) get back to more normal and people are involved in regular activities once again.

Just kind of rambling but definitely open to any thoughts, other than "if your dog is quiet no one will know if he's there". Rules are there for a reason whether or not we like them. Thanks.

[rexlion]

Primo destinations, such as popular state and national parks, will be hard to get into. Other places should still be reasonably okay.... that's my guess.

The pet dilemma might be a more formidable barrier for you, from the sound of it.

[agesilaus]

1. Lack of site availability. From posts on here and doing my own research it appears sites are hard to come by. Don't want to purchase a unit then not be able to use it.

OK in 10,000 miles last summer and 2500 miles this spring we have failed to get our first choice cg twice, once outside YNP and the second time this spring we got caught by the snowbird northern migration in the Florida panhandle. And we got second choice both of those times.
Our usual tactic is to call a couple of hours ahead when we want to to stop for the night. Otherwise no problem.

My theory is that this over-crowding situation is occurring in:
1) National Parks which have closed campgrounds. Most cg were closed in YNP last fall for example. And NP are always hard to get into
2) The locked down states: NE, Atlantic, and left coast plus NM. Where the government has forced cg to close or greatly reduce the number of sites.

As for dogs, you can rarely take dogs on a NP trail and then it is usually a trail around a cg or visitor center.
Some state parks allow dogs on their trails, NM seems to for example. BLM and NF trails are no problem generally. Get AllTrails and that will tell you the dog status of the trail.
I don't know anything about seasonal cg.

[ferndaleflyer]

I find the lack of camping space to be non sense. In the past year we have been from central PA to South FL and about every where in between covering about 10,000mi and have never been anywhere we could not find a camp ground or resort as some are called. Just went down to FL for 3 weeks and found no shortage of spots. As for the rest of your concerns---we have no pets!

[Crowe]

2oldman wrote:
1. Equip your rig to dry camp. Solar, batteries, inverter, and be able to carry your own water. I think you'll find it much easier to find spots in no-hookups CGs, or just a wide open space somewhere.

Most if not nearly all new campers are strictly hookup folks.

Not interested in this. Just not our style.

[2oldman]

1. Equip your rig to dry camp. Solar, batteries, inverter, and be able to carry your own water. I think you'll find it much easier to find spots in no-hookups CGs, or just a wide open space somewhere.

Most if not nearly all new campers are strictly hookup folks.

[Fizz]

One thing I hate is the "I shoulda" feeling after missing out on something I was really interested in.
Around here just about anything outdoorsy gets snapped up faster than you can find them.
I have on order in for a new boat that might come in June maybe September, who knows. I almost walked out but the "I shoulda" stopped me cold, I gave a downpayment.

[midnightsadie]

things will never ever be like the old days ,a virus can,t be killed it keeps changing to another form. things will improve but never will it be the good old days.buy the camper enjoy while your own personnal life lets you.

[Lwiddis]

Not rambling. TY for sharing your thoughts. A smaller RV would help you find more camping spots.