The 7 Things you need to know before you make Campground Reservations
Before you pick up the phone to make your campground reservations make sure you have the correct information to get the best camping site for you.
Size: Know the entire length of the RV. You will also need to inform them if you are towing a camper or driving a motorhome. If you are driving a motorhome and towing a “dinghy” vehicle, ask if there is parking at the site for an extra vehicle. If you are towing a “dinghy” vehicle using a tow dolly, ask if you are permitted to park the dolly at your site.
Electricity: You will need to know what type of electrical connector your RV has. Sites typically have a 30 amp electrical box. 50 amps are available in many cases, but you may need to ask for it specifically. If your RV has a 50 amp connector and the campground only has 30 amp spots you may be able to use a reducer from a 50 amp connector to a 30 amp connector. In most cases the campground store will sell the reducer you need, but you may want to purchase one ahead of time. Using a reducer will diminish your electrical amperage feed to the RV and you may not be able to run all electrical appliances.
30 Amp RV Connector (3 Prong 120 Volt)
50 Amp RV Connector (4 Prong 240 Volt)
“Hook ups”: Hook ups pertain to the connections you want or need at the campground. Typically there are primitive campsites with no hook ups, sites with partial hook ups, and sites with full hook ups.
- A primitive site will not have electricity, water, or sewer. There are typically bath houses and restrooms close by. Rates are less than sites with hook ups. Generally you will find mostly tent campers in these areas.
- Partial hook up sites typically have electricity and water. In some cases there may be electricity only. Some campgrounds have only primitive and partial hook ups available. There will be a common dump station available. Your RV will have to be moved to the common dump station for holding tank service.
- Full hook up site consist of water, electricity, and sewer. Many campgrounds now include cable TV and phone connections as well. (Sometimes cable signals in campgrounds are weak due to numerous connections causing very poor or no reception)
Pull through: A pull through site is simply a site that has an entrance on one endand an exit on the other allowing you to drive through without backing the RV. Pull through sites are typically located at the center of the campsite rows.
Special needs: Be certain to ask before reserving about any special needs you may have. Whether you need to be close to a facility, or want to be near or far away from the swimming pool, be certain to ask ahead.
Satellite TV: Satellite TV requires a clear view to the southern sky. I have stayed at many campgrounds and have found very few that have this “clear view”. There is almost always an obstruction. Ask when reserving about a site that can obtain a satellite signal if you would like to use your satellite dish.
Privacy: Be certain to ask about privacy if it’s important to you. Many times campgrounds have areas for children, swimming areas, and more private areas.