Seasonal camping is a great activity for busy families needing quick getaways but can’t travel far and often because your camper is always there and ready to be used. But how does one find a great campground for seasonal camping? Here are my best tips for finding a great seasonal campground.
Search Online Campground Directories
There are a host of good campground directories online that can help you find a campground in the area you’re looking for one. This is a good first step before you start making the drive to visit these campgrounds to make your decision. A couple of popular directories are:
GoodSam.com – Find RV Parks & Campgrounds
CampsitePhotos.com – Campground Directory
GoRVing.com – Find A Campground
Location, Location, Location!
When choosing a campground as a permanent home for your camper the most important thing is location. You want it close enough to be able to visit frequently but far enough away that it doesn’t feel like you’re camping out in your backyard.
If you can find a campground in scenic areas or close to attractions you enjoy then all the better but sometimes a quiet campground away from all the hustle and bustle is just as good. It really just depends on what you enjoy more. Families with kids often like having a campsite near theme parks or other attractions while older couples might like the peace and quiet.
Utility Hookups
My advice is to pick a campground that has access to all the bells and whistles. While all should have water and electricity at every spot, not all have sewer hookups. Having to take your waste to a dumping station or paying someone to take it occasionally can be quite a burden. Having a permanent hookup is worth the little bit of extra expense it may incur.
Food and Amenities
Having easy access to food, whether groceries or restaurants is also something to consider. Is there a grocery store nearby or a well-stocked campground store? Are there restaurants in the area for those days you just don’t feel like cooking? Do you have convenient access to a laundry mat, a gas station, a pharmacy, and a hospital?
These are all things you should take into consideration when choosing a campground where you will be spending a lot of your time. Sure, some of these things you could probably compromise on but there are some you may not be willing to.
WIFI Access
In this modern age, you have to consider access to the internet. Whether it be for work, keeping in touch with family, or just entertainment; it’s always nice when a campground has you covered and you don’t have to jump through the hoops of supplying your own internet access.
That being said, WIFI access supplied by campgrounds usually isn’t on the same level as having your own setup. Speed, security, and constant availability are common struggles with the public WIFI in a campground.
Campground Rules
What a campground does and doesn’t allow can certainly be a bonus or a dealbreaker. I find there is a delicate balance in a campground having loose enough rules to allow you to make your campsite relaxing and feel like home. You also don’t want a campground that allows anything and everything.
An example of this might be a campground that allows you to build a deck or put a shed is fantastic as these things can make your seasonal camping experience more enjoyable and home-like. However, a campground that has no rules might allow building projects that look trashy or allow loud music and parties all night long.
Campground Activities
If you want more than just sitting around a campfire at your campground then look for one that hosts a whole list of activities throughout the year. Many campgrounds make this a major part of their attractions by offering meal gatherings, games for kids and adults, contests, etc… Some even go as far as putting on large events like concerts and firework shows.
Beyond events, you should also just look at what the campground has to offer. Do they have a lake for fishing, a swimming area, a playground, a miniature golf course, and hiking trails? Being able to leave your campsite for further entertainment is a real bonus at a campground
Conclusion
Choosing the right seasonal campground can be nearly as important as choosing a home but by following these few tips, hopefully, you will be able to find the right campground for you where you can begin to make memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
