I Just Don’t Get Commercial RV Parks

[slowmover]

Where is the commercial park? In a city MegaRegion? (See that map)

Or far away and between those?

West of IH35 to the Sierra Nevada, or east past the Mississippi? (See nighttime satellite map of US).

Worst, in the Bos-Wash Corridor? (See that map).

Population density explains most all differences. Common sense settles expectations.

At the least, be generous in your thinking about full hookup parks. Use everything as it’s a time for cleaning, re-supply and repairs. If you even ONCE ask for references or advice keep at it till you find the owner or manager. They’ll know. That more than pays what you think is a premium.

Local knowledge

That was the traditional exchange in return for your money.

It also extends to the other map overlays. Geology, Zoology, Ornithology, etc. So read up. Know how to listen.

.

[Isuzusweet]

This weekends adventure with a couple Classic moho's....

First pic is where we stopped for lunch by the river........
Second and third pic is where we camped that night..........yes, the rigs didn't move one inch.
The next night we camped on the waterfront at Golden Lake Ontario and then spent the next day at Algonquin Provincial Park.

Three nights, no fees (except park day permit of $17.00) or noise. Nobody ever tells a Classic motorhome to move on...you can't camp here in the Great White North.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[sajohnson]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

This weekends adventure with a couple Classic moho's....

First pic is where we stopped for lunch by the river........
Second and third pic is where we camped that night..........yes, the rigs didn't move one inch.
The next night we camped on the waterfront at Golden Lake Ontario and then spent the next day at Algonquin Provincial Park.

Three nights, no fees (except park day permit of $17.00) or noise. Nobody ever tells a Classic motorhome to move on...you can't camp here in the Great White North.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Very nice!

Looks like an AS or RV ad.

[bibbs]

I call them CRAMP grounds. Hate them.

[sajohnson]

Originally Posted by bibbs

I call them CRAMP grounds. Hate them.

Good one!

[DMP54]

Still working. Although we would rather camp in state parks when we can, a large heavily-treed commercial park in central FL saved our skin during Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. We got a site at the last minute for both of those disasters, and left with not a scratch either time. Electricity out for a week at home, never lost it in the RV park. That slightly higher fee was paid with a thankful heart!

[LittleLucy]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

I just posted a pic of the guy next to me in a state park campground that just fired up his own leaf blower. I could not believe it.

I had that happen last month —— but he pulled in around 6:30 AM and started the leaf blower soon afterwards. Not very neighborly at that time of the morning.

[sajohnson]

Originally Posted by LittleLucy

I had that happen last month —— but he pulled in around 6:30 AM and started the leaf blower soon afterwards. Not very neighborly at that time of the morning.

I'm surprised he didn't have an "unfortunate accident".

So the park did not have quiet hours?

I can't imagine bringing a leaf blower on a road trip, but if I did it would be our EGO brand cordless. It works very well and is a lot quieter than the typical 2-stroke blowers.

[LittleLucy]

The park has quiet hours but the State Park ranger was still sleeping I get that he may need to spruce up a bit but it was loud and early. He best be glad it was a fishing and not a hunting trip. It did give all the neighbors something to talk about and bond over later in the day.

[rd tighe]

We have an Airstream we don't need a rv park just a place to park

[sajohnson]

Originally Posted by LittleLucy

The park has quiet hours but the State Park ranger was still sleeping I get that he may need to spruce up a bit but it was loud and early. He best be glad it was a fishing and not a hunting trip. It did give all the neighbors something to talk about and bond over later in the day.

I've witnessed a lot of inconsiderate behavior, but in all seriousness, that is like a scene out of a movie!

The idea of using a leaf blower is pretty crazy to begin with. No offense to anyone who does, it just seems strange to me. We live in the woods so I have plenty of leaves to deal with at home!

Then to fire it up at 6:30 AM?!

I wonder if he carries a chain saw for spontaneous crack-of-dawn tree pruning?

Then of course there is the daily air horn test...

Unbelievable.

[sajohnson]

Originally Posted by rd tighe

We have an Airstream we don't need a rv park just a place to parkAttachment 319709

Amazing what Photoshop can do!

Just kidding -- beautiful photo and an ideal campsite!

[DBinSD]

Originally Posted by rd tighe

We have an Airstream we don't need a rv park just a place to parkAttachment 319709

Where would this be?

[Xplore]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

And I think that there’s a kind of cultural difference between those with smaller bumper hitch trailers and those with larger fifth wheels and motor homes. It would be interested to read a study about the various social dynamics done by a professional sociologist.

Very well said. This past weekend my wife and I were the only ones having breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Not complaining because since everyone else was away or inside, it was nice and quiet.

[Alex AVI]

We have limited experience with this since we have only had our ClassB Interstate less than a year. We have only camped in NV, UT, AZ, CA, CO. We have stayed in national parks, state parks, commercial parks. Our experience to date seems to be that the closer those parks are to heavily congested population centers, especially in Cal, the worse the parks are (with regards to space) regardless of commercial or not. But there are always exceptions. NV and UT generally have excellent state parks and national parks. Lots of space and not expensive.

St. George, UT - Sand Hollow - state rv park, fully booked campground, full hookups, paved roads & pads, attended a major Ironman Triathlon event, could hardly see or hear your neighbors. Fantastic location on top of a hill.



Zion National Park, UT - Zion River Resort, commercial rv resort, fully booked campground, full hookups, gravel spot backs into river & trail, summer break, peak season, many amenities including restaurant, huge playground, clubhouse, organized family activities, surrounded by trails, river walk, close to town and Zion entrance. Super clean, excellent staff.



Caliente, NV - Echo Canyon - state park, fully booked campground, full hookups $25/night, gravel roads, gravel spots, nearest neighbor 100 yds away in one direction, 1/4 mile away the other direction, our own private concrete picnic table/pad with solid roof structure and great view




San Diego, CA - Campland by the Bay Resort - commercial rv resort, fully booked resort, paved roads, level pad, dirt & grass areas included in very deep spot, fenced on both sides separating neighbors, groomed and cleaned before check-in, bay view, tents allowed in your own spot. Major amenities included - private, secure, & gated campground, private beach, full blown grocery store, restaurant, bar, ice cream shop, arcade, concert stage with live band/entertainment. It is tailored for families (caters to families with kids - we have a grandson who enjoys it here). We literally never left the campground for days. Biggest drawback - expensive. After all, this is congested and pricey San Diego area.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

-- snip -- But there is just no comparison between those venues and commercial parks.
-- snip -- a camping experience with the possibility of a campfire, the smell of burning wood
-- snip --It’s always cheaper as the state parks are around $30.00 and the NFS and BLM parks are around $10.00 with the senior discount.
-- snip -- your Airstream, like mine, is self-contained.
-- snip -- Are commercial RV parks meant for MoHo’s and non-commercial Parks meant for trailers? -- snip --

There would be very little similarity between State/BLM and commercial parks as most are in place for considerably different purpose.

Been to a lot of commercial parks who encourage camp fires, but with a controlled protocol. Some even produce their own camp fire experiences. Many state parks exclude camp fires as the hazard of fire has recently accelerated.

Our experience is that state parks are more like $40 and the camping experience was not no nice. First one - lots of foxtails for the dogs to dodge. Second one had only hydrant water - our self contained trailer is not set up to transfer from such - a challenge that was not appreciated. The third - was in Missouri and quite enjoyable, so not all bad. Our experience in COE is quite the opposite. FHUs available and at $10, who could complain.

So, no. Commercial parks are intended to serve all RVers who want a stop for the night with full service, just as motels and hotels provide our fellow travelers such. Many of those parks are available for $30-40 and the ones that cost $50 are often good value due to location.

If you don't get them, don't use them. They serve a purpose for those that do. Not all are created equal, so moderate your expectations. Best advice - do not book for multiple days until you know you want to stay. No refunds, you see.

The small town city parks are not something we have found. There was a very nice park in the center of a small Missouri town that would make a very nice stop over. It even had outlets on the lighting for 120/20 service, but there was no indication that camping was encouraged. We have seen a couple of city RV parks that were simple back in parking spaces. Not inviting at all. But we'll keep looking for the ones that are, because they sound like a perfect opportunity for a wonderful small town USA experience. Post them here if you find one. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...-142789-8.html

Travel safe and collect those smiles. Pat

[gypsydad]

Interesting thread...guess I wonder about how adventurous most folks really are and why they complain about RV parks when there are so many options? I have a friend with a Class A MH who will not boondock...sometimes pays $80/100 per night just to plug in; that to me, is like a Wallmart parking lot...with no privacy whatsoever. We stayed in Pachanga in Temecula with a friend with his 5thwheeler who says they stay there all the time! $120/ per night min; they pick you up in a golfcart taxi and take you to the casino! That's not why I bought the AS--to pay top dollar at a fully developed money pit...we can stay in the hotel for not that much more, if we want that type vacation! (sorry, I'm off my meds!)

We do use RV parks sometimes only to overnight while waiting to get into a BLM, State or National park spot. We have boondocked for free several times with great "luck" at several sites. Seems when you pay for a RV park type site in a popular location, you can easily get a "parking lot" type experience for $30-70/nite...pays to know where your going early in the day (little research anyone?) and decide when you want to arrive if you like to avoid these "surprises" when you get there. Think about it; we all paid good money for a nice AS with self contained capability; why not use it when you can!

Here are a few places we have stayed recently that were free or below $10/night. First is Arches next to Rio Grande (think~ $7/nite); next is just outside Borrego Springs (free), third is just outside Capital Reef (free), and fourth is outside Regis, MT on Clarkfork river...(think "Eagles" swooping down to catch fish by your campsite".

The last 3 pics are Banff- Two Jacks Lake ($22/night), Whitehouse campgrounds right on Lochsa River, Idaho ($7/nite) and Swift current at Many Glacier ($11/nite) (senior passes help)

[Mansderm161]

You found some really nice spots. Thanks for sharing

[Alex AVI]

Ooops, I forgot one - Commercial rv park in Colorado. Not going to broadcast where it is. It is one of the hidden gems of the area, you just have to find it like I did, get off the highway I-70 and venture the roads less travelled And it's a KOA!

[HHPJ]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Oh, and aren't the "first come, first served" public campgrounds a great idea?
Get up at 4am so you can sit in line half the day like a chimp begging for a treat?

Man, that’s too funny.