As promised, here is an overview of how we search for the campground that best suits our needs for the next adventure, the criteria we use as a guideline, where to find our reviews of campgrounds and other information you may find useful.
Length of Trip?
How much time do you have?
Because of our circumstances with an aging parent, at this time it is our plan to spend seven (7) months traveling and stick to the eastern US with the thought that we can quickly get back home, if the need arises. We will spend the winter months in Central Florida in a townhome/villa while our Motor Coach is in storage and getting services, repaired, etc.
Where are you going? How do you decide?
We plan to visit 1-2 states thoroughly per 7-month season so that if we are never able make it back to the area, we can wholeheartedly say, we saw that state!
We research that state to determine the best activities that interest us, such as:
– kayaking and canoeing flat water, including overnight camping trips
– rafting anything with whitewater/rapids
– day hiking
– backpacking, usually only 1 – 5 days on the trail
– biking off-road and rails-to-trails, we tend to stay away from road riding
– local attractions that the state/city is known for, etc.
– local cuisine, we tend to only frequent local restaurants with a 5-Star reputation
The process on choosing the best of the best activities will be posted in another blog later.
Type of RV – booking and planning ahead
What you are traveling in/with is an important consideration and will have significant impact on which types of facilities best work for you.
We have a 44′ Class A Motor Coach. Because of our comfort level with our rig we opt not to boondock but plan ahead and reserve at an adequate campground/resort. This requires us to plan far in advance. Mike researches and plans the next vacation one year in advance.
Campground/Resorts very tremendously with scheduling requirements. Some you can book 12+ months out, some will only let you book 9 – 12 months out. Because of the ever increasing number of RVers hitting the road, there are lots of people competing for sites. If you don’t plan/book ahead you may likely have to settle for a place to park your rig, which could be an undesirable location. Planning ahead, will often win you a spot that is scenic, secluded or whatever fits your desires and needs.
Once you’ve chosen your area based on activates and attractions, we look for a campground/resort that is within a 1-hour driving distance from the pulse of where we will be exploring.
Campground/Resort Websites
The following sites allow you to input your specifics to properly accommodate your rig, your vehicle and anything else you may have in tow.
Note: We have memberships to several different RV programs. Why different ones? It aids in confirming information, some provide details others do not, compare the reviews, different discounts that add up, etc. We don’t like to leave any stone unturned that may lead to unexpected surprises, if we can help it. There will always be surprises, you will eventually encounter reaching a campsite to scratch your head trying to figure out how the reviews got it so wrong. We find the the more research that you can do to avoid the unexpected surprises is best.
- Good Sam provides a membership program that will search for campgrounds, provides a 5% discount for participating locations as well as discount programs for fuel, propane, Camping World and other participating vendors.
- Passport America provides a search engine to aid in campground research, as well as a 50% off one night site rental with participating locations.
- RV Trip Wizard is a membership required site that maps your route as well as aid in the search for an adequate campground/resort, gas stations, Wal-Marts (sometimes used for overnight stays as well as shopping), Sam’s Clubs (for gas), etc. This site is particularly helpful with the mapping feature but also allows you to search for sites meeting your criteria within a mileage radius. Their reviews, ratings and pictures are very helpful, too.
- All Stays is a membership required site that is similar to RV Trip Wizard but allows you to narrow search criteria by Ratings but does not provide pictures. We mostly use this site to confirm what RV Tip Wizard is telling us.
- Google Maps is our #1 go to for car traveling and also proves helpful for RV Campground searching. We map our “activities” on Google Maps and that visual helps us decide which area to begin the search for campgrounds. Google also does a very good job of providing reviews and pictures of campground up for consideration. Plus you can use the earth view and zoom in to actually see the campground layout.
Understandably, you do not have to use all of these sites but they all have different features and varying information and perks that will aid in your research. You must figure out which works best for you at the time.
How do you pick the best Campsite/Resort?
- Narrow your search by ratings. We select only 4 Stars and above, to start.
- Specify your search for the amenities you desire. For instance:
- Size of RV
- Type of Site: pull through vs back-in vs pull in
- Water
- Electric (15 vs 30 vs 50 amp)
- Sewer
- Discount Membership participation
- Read reviews carefully and thoroughly.
- Look for pictures. We depend on pictures to make our decision. If pictures are sparse and older, we take that as a sign to move on to something else.
- Call and speak to on-site personnel to ask questions.
- This is when we will inquire about preferred sites, sites with a view, site with added privacy or spacious sites as often times this is not shown/explained on websites.
- Reserve early!
Mike’s Reviews
When looking for a site as well a reviewing a Campground/Resort, these are the top categories that Mike looks for:
- Access Roads getting to the campground/resort
- Roads within the campground/resort
- Level Sites
- Foundation: gravel, asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt
- Amenities: Bath Houses
- Amenities: Laundry Facilities
- Amenities: Pool and Hot Tub
- Office Hours
- Friendliness of Staff
- Wifi and cable tv
You can follow Mike’s campground reviews here: Campground Reviews
For all of our Photography, you can find us on Fine Art America, here.
For more timely adventure updates, you can find us on Instagram .
Dream Big – Travel Far – Live Well
Nspired Adventures 