Over the past 10 years since we purchased our Fun Finder, we've stayed at a lot of different places. We have boondocked at casinos, camped at KOA's, stayed at state parks, parked it at RV Parks. There are places that make our hearts sing and some that make it sink just a little. So, what makes a great camping spot for us?
-Easy Access and Good Signage - Nothing worse than narrow, winding, unpaved or unleveled roads with tree branches hanging way down. It's nerve wracking enough when you're over 40' long truck and trailer, you're bouncing in your seat and you're envisioning everything in your "house" rolling around. You come to the end of the road and don't know which way to turn; there's an embankment on both sides of the road and you have no room to turn around should you need to. No campground signs. This sucks! Luckily, this hasn't exactly happened to us, but we have experienced bits and pieces of this scenario.
It is so important to have good signage to direct RV's where to check in as well. Most campgrounds do. Some have so many signs, like Yogi Bear Campground in Mill Run, PA, you have to pull over and park just to read them, too much information. The only park we did not have a physical place to check in was - yup - you guessed it - Lazy K. Ted came down to see us as we set up camp. Upon arrival, we had to call at the entrance?? to this - ahem (clearing my throat) campground and were told what site we had been assigned, how to get there and he'd be by to see us at some point. I actually had no problem with that; it was just a culmination of events.
-Professional and Friendly Staff - Let's face it, when you're dealing with the public, you have to be somewhat of a people person. A hello, a smile 😊, a welcome - goes a long way, especially to travelers who may have been on the road for a long stretch. Easy check in, a printed map of the campground which gives locations of trash, bathhouses, pool and information on other amenities - should be provided. KOA - please don't tell me you're out of maps and make me bring a copy up on my phone. We don't necessarily need an escort to our site but sometimes it has been helpful. It's also nice if there's a stocked store with a variety of basic foods, snacks, beverages and helpful items like batteries and RV supplies. Now if you really want to get on our good side, having free coffee available is a bonus! I don't want to have to compete with a phone for attention when I'm waiting to be checked in or feel like I'm interrupting a personal conversation between two staff members. Be attentive, be professional and be kind!
-Ease of Maneuvering Through the Campground - Again, wider, paved or graded roads, no sharp turns, no low hanging branches, clearly marked roads and campsites. This should be a given. A level campsite is a godsend - but we've encountered our fair share of not. A concrete slab is not a necessity; raked gravel okay. A pull through site is always the best option but as long as a back in is easy (without having to work around trees or inconsiderate campers parking their trucks along the road) that's okay too. We've only encountered one pull-in site in our camping history. That meant the nose of our truck went in first towards an embankment. Made it a bit difficult to get our truck out. Can you guess where that was? Yes! Lazy K! But we have had other memorable experiences we won't soon forget - and not in a good way - King's Holly Haven RV Park in Pigeon Forge, TN. The only way to describe this place was like a congested parking lot. Not fun. I have the utmost admiration for Charlie, getting us out of there with vehicles parked along the sides of the road and the absolute minimal room to turn. These are the instances you are holding your breath until you are out and back on the road.
-The Site - Spacious, level, a buffer in between sites, picnic table. That's all we need. We have stayed at many nice places that included decks overlooking water, gas grilles, fancy firepits (Stone Mountain Park, GA - I am thinking of you!); some less desirable but most experiences have been positive, or we make the best of a temporary situation. Trees can be both wonderful and problematic. While it is nice to have shade on a hot day or that little extra privacy between neighbors - leaves and branches on the roof and bump out can be an issue. In autumn, the falling of leaves, acorns can actually be quite noisy when hitting the roof as well as getting jammed into the bump out; we always make sure to get the ladder and check before sliding in. A firepit can be nice, if positioned properly at a site. The worst scenario is having your neighbors pit so close to your rig, the smoke goes right into your windows (Hey - KOA Hot Springs, AR - move the firepits!) But honestly, thinking about it, nothing ruins a stay at any campground more quickly than inconsiderate people - drunks, loud music or conversation during quiet time, dogs barking, fighting, bright lights. (Tohickon Family CG - you made 3 out of 5) Any well-run campground has zero tolerance for these scenarios, and I appreciate a park with enforced rules.
-Hook Ups - Access to electric, water and sewage hook ups should be in good working order, easily accessible. The best location for hook ups on a back in site, is at the rear of the campsite. We actually only encountered this once - at Tohickon Family Campground - and I really liked how all the wires and hoses were hidden behind our trailer. Looking at a sewage hose ain't pretty. But reality is - everything should at least be off to the side and convenient to attach to your rig. Our worst hook ups were at Ben Franklin RV Park in York, PA. It is a small park in need of some TLC. The site we were assigned had a couple of issues; the water spigot leaked and there was no one we could call to fix it. The site itself, sloped in the back where the sewage hook up was located; we could not reach it with the hose and could not back up closer due to the incline. In the end - we just filled our tank with water and self-contained until it was time to leave; at that point we moved our trailer and flushed out our tanks before getting back on the road. There is usually a solution for every situation and if this has been our worst experience, we are doing pretty well so far!
We did have one situation which was a concern: the quality of water. It had not been an issue prior to our stay at Lazy K. Their water was so rusty, in a matter of hours, it had stained the inside of our toilet. Thankfully, we always carry bottled water, and it was necessary to use for cooking or drinking during our stay. Although we camped only two days, Charlie made sure he flushed the tanks really well when we got to the next campground. Perhaps we should look into water filtration; many campers swear by them.
It's always a bonus to have good cable TV or any TV and WiFi -especially for long term camping. It is rare we have both or really good service on either. Currently, we have WiFi at Bay Hide Away but absolutely no TV service at all - not even local. This is probably due more the age of our trailer vs what is actually available. Although we are not big TV watchers and really only like a few shows - we do like the option of being able to tune in, in the evenings when we're in for the night. So as an alternative, we watch Netflix, YouTube and a few other channels. We also have a bunch of DVD's on hand (for the no TV situations) and I have been borrowing movies regularly from the library as well. Yes - there is always the option to get satellite service or traveling TV service for a price; I just don't feel we need this yet. For us, it's just relaxing entertainment.
-Amenities - Short term camping vs long term camping require different needs.
For short term, I am generally not interested in activities offered by a campground - though we may participate in bingo or a movie night, if offered during our stay. I'm usually more interested in on-site laundry, a store and sometimes a bathhouse. We have actually been to two campgrounds that provided free laundry - but most do charge, and that's okay, as long as they don't price gouge. If we are just staying a night or two and don't plan to unhook our truck, being able to pick up an item or two we might need at a camp store is really convenient. - 90% of the time - it's ice cream! A really nice bathhouse - and I have to say, some have been spectacular - is a great option. Having unlimited hot water, great pressure, space and not having to clean my own shower - is a big attraction for me!
Bay Hide Away
For our long-term winter away - I look for a campground first and foremost that has really great reviews. I really read those reviews to get information, look at the campground layout, photos and check out the website and Facebook page. I am looking for activities - like games, bingo, get togethers. A community space is a must; pool is a nice add but it's usually not quite warm enough (unless the pool is heated). Charlie and I are quite good at keeping ourselves occupied with our own interests. However, Skyline Ranch attracts the best community! We had a wonderful time with a great group of people! This is what really makes this campground great!
Skyline Ranch - Bandera, TX
Dinner
An attractive, well-maintained campground is important and having the owners on site is always a positive since they are invested in the care and running of the park. Walking paths, animals, nature - all important to us plus the items listed in short term camping - apply here as well.
-Location, Location, Location - The United States is so large and diverse; every state or region has its own dialect, foods, music, style. It has been an adventure choosing areas generally not mainstream but different, interesting, exciting with lots to investigate. We still have a lot of this country to discover - particularly the north, central and western regions; that trip is in the works for the spring of 2024.
For winter camping, I am looking to the south for the milder temperatures. We shy away from areas like southern Florida; much more congested during the winter months but also extremely expensive; we prefer less people and need to keep within our budget. Even in the south, we can get a cold spell for a week or two - mostly at night. If the sun is out on any given day, it warms right up. There's nothing better than wearing shorts and a tank top in December.
There was a lot to do in Texas. We enjoyed taking overnight trips to different cities, meeting up with friends, family and visiting places we had only read about. We met people from all over and it was a great first year experience. Although we were greatly tempted to return, I chose the Gulf Coast for this year for several reasons. The beach and water, the casinos, and the distance (a little closer to home). What we both particularly like about this area is the proximity of things to do, shopping, and beach - all within a very short distance. We love just being able to pop into a casino in the evening or middle of the day, when we just want to go somewhere. Food is available 24 hours. And it is so beautiful! (There - I said it again!)
Next winter ('23/'24), the plan is to stay home, preparing to leave in the spring for our Midwest and northern trip. The dreaming, the planning is a big part and excitement of the adventure- the traveling is the reality of the dreams coming to fruition. Never stop dreaming!
