Need Reference Book for Finding Campgrounds

Phil and/or Sue · 02-21-2003, 08:39 PM

I would like a reference book that lists campgrounds with descriptions, and maybe even ratings. I found three at the bookstore, and wanted to know anyone else's opinion.

Now I know how hard it is to get opinions from some of you, but please try.

I found three national books: Trailer Life, Foddors (spelling?), and some other one which I didn't write down (which lists just their favorites).

I liked the Trailer Life one, but it seemed that half of the pages were covered with ads. The color state maps were nice though.

Please let me know what resource would be a good one to keep for use in trailering various areas of the country. Thanks.

john hd · 02-21-2003, 08:46 PM

i know this isn't a book, but it is a good site to find all that uncle sam has available.

http://www.recreation.gov/

maybe you could print pages you like and make your own!

john

davidz71 · 02-21-2003, 08:53 PM

Woodall's is available through campingworld.com as is the Trailer Life. I've been thinking about purchasing the Woodall's but would also like input from the forum. Also check out www.rvparkreviews.com for another slant.

davidz71 · 02-21-2003, 09:00 PM

John,
You just reminded me of www.reserveusa.com where I made my reservation at the park and had my electrical problems last May. I've been on their site lately and as soon as my friends decide if they plan on camping the weekend before Labor Day weekend then I will make my reservation through that site. My kids go to school on Labor Day while I am off. I just don't understand this all year school stuff. I thought is was supposed to be good but you can't even take a holiday together.

john hd · 02-21-2003, 09:44 PM

craig

sorry i remind you of your electrical problem!

was it me or my avatar?

john

davidz71 · 02-21-2003, 10:15 PM

No, I've been to the recreation.gov site before and just happened to think about the other one since you could search all over the US. Now your avatar, maybe there was something going on in my subconscious mind!

Pahaska · 02-21-2003, 10:38 PM

Actually, I usually get a better idea of the RV parks from the ads than I get from the listing. Many of the ads have little maps that are a lot easier to follow then the word directions in the listings. Also the ads tell a lot more about what is nearby and what is available at the RV park.

Of the 3 guides, I prefer the Trailer Life Guide. I get one about every two or three years since they don't change much. Take the ratings with a grain of salt, though. They are pretty rough and often out of date.

Please don't fall for the Trailer Life CD. I did and it is a disaster. I should have returned it, instead, I just pitched it in the trash. I thought it would essentially be the guide on a CD; instead, it is a very poor map program with the campgrounds patched on.

markjoandall · 02-22-2003, 06:18 AM

I'm with John Irwin,

We've been using Trailer Life for nine years now, we buy a new one every year for discounted price because we also belong to the GoodSam club. We've used the cd and also agree with John, it was c--p. I like to use the MicroSoft Mapping program because many campgrounds are also on the program. You have to look to trailerlife for the rating system.

wallybyam · 02-22-2003, 08:56 AM

Crap is allowed.

Bruce

Pahaska · 02-22-2003, 09:15 AM

Quote:

I like to use the MicroSoft Mapping program because many campgrounds are also on the program. You have to look to trailerlife for the rating system.

I agree. I have that one on my laptop because it all fits on the hard disk neatly and I don't have to carry the CD. It maps well and there are a lot of campgrounds and other points of interest. The laptop goes with me on every trip of any substantial length.

53flyingcloud · 02-22-2003, 10:01 AM

Just wanted to say that there's several others that, might be of interest..
One is KOA..You know you see them everywhere~! Not too bad, price wise and, most often can be found just off any major highway exit.
Another one that I use alot~ is Coast to Coast. Which, for me, works out to be the cheapest. I can usually stay at CC for 6$ per night.
The others mention are excellent sources as well..
John, you should've hung onto that CD..Never know when you'll need a 'sun flasher' to signal for help...lol
ciao

**overlander64** · 02-22-2003, 07:40 PM

I have had good success with Rand McNally TripMaker software and its campgrounds plug-in for a number of years. In addition, I always carry a current KOA diretory as well as Trailer Life and Woodall's. To reduce annual cost, I update my software and KOA directories every year; and alternate purchasing new Woodall's guides in odd years and Trailer Life guides in even years. So far, I have been able to locate a campground every time I have needed one along my route. I have been utilizing this method since 1995.

Kevin

**jcanavera** · 02-22-2003, 08:15 PM

My mix of reference books are the Trailer Life Campground guide, AAA camping guides for specific states, and the KOA directory. I also usually do some Internet searches on the locals where I plan on visiting. Between these sources I can usually find something. Sometimes though with the best of research we still get surprised.

Jack