Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you stay at an RV park. We recently stayed at the Sun Outdoors Old Orchard Beach resort in Maine, and it was a great way to try RV camping without committing to a big purchase.
Don’t Think RV Resorts, RV Parks, & RV Campgrounds are the Same
Camping in an RV can mean many different things to many different people. Likewise, there are many different types of campgrounds and resorts to choose from.
- Campgrounds can be pretty basic, especially in state and national parks. You may have a concrete slab, a grill, and electricity hookups, or you might not. You might just have a dirt slab to park your RV. Be sure to read the fine print before you book a campground!
- RV Parks are a step up from a basic campground. You’ll likely have a level spot for your RV, plus some hookups for electric and water and possibly even sewer hookups.
- For the ultimate RV glamping experience, look for luxury RV resorts. These are often a lot like hotels with the amenities offered. Many of them have swimming pools, playgrounds, laundry rooms, WiFi, a general store, and more. RV resorts are really geared towards RVs, so you’ll have a nice level spot to park your RV, plus all the amenities.
Don’t Arrive Too Early or Too Late
Just like a hotel, RV resorts have check-in and check-out times. Unlike hotels, not all of them staff the front desk overnight. So, if you are arriving early, you might have to wait to pull into your spot. To be on the safe side, don’t make plans for your first day, assuming you can drop off your RV and head out. Likewise, if you are arriving very late, you may want to call ahead to see what the policy is. Some RV resorts will leave you a packet on the office door, while others may prohibit late-night arrivals so as not to disturb other guests.
Don’t Be Shy With the Staff
For the most part, the staff at resort campgrounds are super helpful; they are often like a front desk and concierge all rolled into one. They may even help you troubleshoot issues with your RV or help you get settled into your new site. They can also give you local tips and tips on what routes may or may not be appropriate for your size of RV.
Don’t Forget to Get a Map of the Resort
Some RV resorts are huge, with sometimes hundreds of sites. Not only will a map of the property help you find your way to your site, but it will also help you find the nearest restroom, laundry room, or other amenities. They often also have valuable information on the map, such as the WiFi or bathroom password, and discounts for local businesses.
Don’t Forget to Follow the Rules
Your RV resort map will probably also list the rules of the park that you need to be aware of. Most campgrounds and RV parks have quiet hours. Many of them also have rules about guests, overflow parking, and the use of amenities.
For dog owners: while camping with your dog is great, make sure your dog is a good neighbor to your fellow campers. Barking dogs can ruin a good night’s sleep, and stepping in dog poo is the worst.
Don’t Expect a Hotel Vibe
Hotels are often set up for business travel and vacation, so they don’t always feel like a relaxing place. Resort campgrounds are all about leisure travel; everyone is there to have a good time, and the amenities are there to help you make the most of your vacation. Don’t be surprised if your campground neighbors pop by to say hello and share their food or drinks; when has that ever happened in a hotel?
In fact, some RV resorts have long-term renters as well. Not everyone is just passing through or on a week’s vacation. Snowbirds love to drive their RV south for the summer and set up camp at an RV resort for several months. You’ll know these folks by the personalization of their campsites, with items like lawn decorations, outdoor furniture, bird feeders, etc.
Don’t Expect “Cheap” Camping
You might think camping is a cheap way to vacation, but resort campgrounds can often command similar prices to a hotel. In most areas, a basic tent camping site will start at around $30. An RV resort can charge $100 or more, depending on the season and the location. When it comes to RV camping, you really do get what you pay for.
Don’t Forget to Do a Trial Run in Your First RV
If you’re brand new to the RV world and haven’t done it before, don’t wait until you arrive at an RV resort to figure things out. Don’t even wait until vacation to figure it out. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration by doing a trial run close to home, maybe even in your driveway! And then, an RV Resort is the perfect destination for your first camping trip because you’ll have all of the amenities (and staff and neighbors) to help you out if you get in a pinch.
Don’t Forget to Do Your Research
Like hotels and airlines, RV resorts can vary quite a bit. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell a good RV resort from a bad RV resort. Some spots may advertise themselves as RV resorts but are more like mobile home parks with mostly permanent residents. Read reviews, compare amenities and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many RV resorts have size limits, so if you have a really large RV, you want to make sure you can park your RV there.
Don’t Expect Tent Camping at All RV Resorts
A lot of RV resorts don’t even allow tents; they are just for RVs. Some RV parks or campgrounds will have a separate area for tents, while the most rustic campgrounds are better suited for tents. It can be pretty hard to drive a tent stake into a concrete slab! If you plan to have a tent to sleep in, or are traveling with tent-camping friends, make sure you are staying at a place that allows tents.
Don’t Think RV Resorts are Just for RV People
Many RV resorts also offer rental units, so you don’t even have to own an RV to stay at an RV resort. Maybe you’re thinking about buying an RV and want to see if it’s the lifestyle for you. Maybe you’re planning a camping trip with friends or family, but not everyone wants to camp. RV resort rentals can range from basic sleeping cabins to a fully-equipped RV or home. If you are renting on-site, make sure you know what’s included so you can pack things like linens and utensils if needed.
Don’t Forget a Laid Back Attitude
After the initial setup, camping is meant to be relaxing. You’ll likely be surrounded by families, with kids on bikes, people grilling and enjoying a beer, and just chilling in general. A laidback attitude will go a long way in helping you enjoy your RV vacation. Unlike hotels, a lot of RV resort guests will stay around the campground all day, enjoying the amenities, so it really is a more social experience.
Don’t Speed!
Most RV resorts have very strict speed limits, and it’s important to adhere to them. Think of the RV resort as a big playground or school zone, where a kid can run out into the road at any minute. A 5mph speed limit may seem ridiculous, but you’ll be glad for it when your kids are riding their bikes through the campground.
Don’t Rush Your Setup
Remember the old adage “measure twice, cut once?” The same theory applies to setting up your RV. Don’t rush it because once you are set up, it’s a huge pain to change anything about the way you’ve parked.
Don’t Forget to Explore the Surrounding Area
While the amenities of your RV resort may be enough to keep you on-site for your entire vacation, don’t forget to explore a bit. RV resorts are usually built in places with a lot of tourist attractions, so chances are, there are some pretty cool things to see near your RV resort.
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Don’t Pass up the Shuttle
A lot of RV resorts offer a shuttle service to nearby attractions. Not everyone pulls a car behind their RV, so getting around when your only vehicle is anchored to a site can be difficult. Even if you do have a spare car, using the shuttle is a great way to keep that laidback vibe going. No stressing out in traffic or driving in circles looking for a parking space!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with RV resort camping. With the amenities, laidback vibe, and friendly neighbors, it’s a different way to travel. We definitely plan to take more RV trips in the future! Want more summer travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: