Forum Discussion

dlgobeavs's avatar
dlgobeavs
Explorer
Jul 31, 2020

Trailer length - does that influence spot availability?

Hello All-

My family is new to RV camping, and looking to invest in a new or new to us trailer. We are looking at trailers that vary between 30-35 feet in length.

My question, is whether a 35' trailer will put us in a length category where we start to find limited spots at a typical campground? I know each campground will vary, but generally, does 35' put us in a category where there are limited spots that will accommodate? If so, what maximum length would you recommend to ensure we have the most choices?

Thanks in advance!!

Dave
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    are you talking about commercial campgrounds or some mud hole state parks, etc.? I never had trouble with my 35 ft Class A with toad but I usually made reservations and specified the length required.
    bumpy
  • IDman's avatar
    IDman
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    Yes, you WILL be limiting your choices, especially in Nat'l. Parks, State Parks, National Forest CGs as they are all old. When they were built in the 40s and 50s, people had 16'-20' TT or tents. Commercial RV parks are usually crowded with smaller sites because of the land cost. The more spaces in a park = more income.

    As a first time buyer, you would probably be more comfortable towing a shorter unit for awhile.
  • dlgobeavs's avatar
    dlgobeavs
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    IDman wrote:
    Yes, you WILL be limiting your choices, especially in Nat'l. Parks, State Parks, National Forest CGs as they are all old. When they were built in the 40s and 50s, people had 16'-20' TT or tents. Commercial RV parks are usually crowded with smaller sites because of the land cost. The more spaces in a park = more income.

    As a first time buyer, you would probably be more comfortable towing a shorter unit for awhile.


    Thanks, I sincerely appreciate the input. This is exactly what I was asking about. I'm curious, what length do I need to drop back to, to ensure the most choices?

    Also - I have for years routinely towed a 26' boat, not super concerned with the towing/manuvering around... just want to not limit our camping based on availability.
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Jul 31, 2020
    Few years back I went coast to coast with a 45ft class A DP towing a 28ft enclosed and never had a problem. I always requested a “pull through “. You stay under 60ft you can usually find a spot. I am right now in Pigeon Forge at about 56ft and there are several spots longer still empty.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 31, 2020
    Most commercial RV parks can accommodate 35'
    Most state/federal parks you will be limited to the spots that are sufficient. Some places may have nothing to accommodate 35'.

    Actually anything over 20' to 25' can easily run into issues. It is not always the site but the tight roadways weaving between trees also create limits.

    Generally popular places will have a commercial RV park near by if you cannot find the accommodations within a state/federal park. But honestly I would try to get by with less than more.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    If you have a dozen or so specific campgrounds you expect to visit most often, visit their websites to see what if any limitations they post there.
    While you can usually find a place with most units, if you are going to be in older campgrounds, especially older Government owned campgrounds, longer than 30' can become an issue. At commercial, usually not, as they want every spot filled and will arrange spaces to ensure maximum usage.
  • Sjm9911's avatar
    Sjm9911
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    A 35 foot TT is big and will limit your choices. But if you book places earlier you should be ok. State parks and such, depending will be really limited, at least by me. Backing a 35 footer in will need lots of room.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 31, 2020
    Lots of USFS campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra will not accommodate a 35 foot TT.

    Here’s a chart of California State Park limits...

    https://www.parks.ca.gov/RVlength
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2020
    dlgobeavs wrote:
    Hello All-

    My family is new to RV camping, and looking to invest in a new or new to us trailer. We are looking at trailers that vary between 30-35 feet in length.

    My question, is whether a 35' trailer will put us in a length category where we start to find limited spots at a typical campground? I know each campground will vary, but generally, does 35' put us in a category where there are limited spots that will accommodate? If so, what maximum length would you recommend to ensure we have the most choices?

    Thanks in advance!!

    Dave


    At 35' you will generally be ok. Above 35' you will have some issues. Some of the older RV parks could be limited. State parks in Calif. are limited to 30'. Try to get pull through sites.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025