It’s trip planning time! You’ve picked a great location, scoped out some sightseeing locations, and reserved your RV rental. But there’s one major question still on your mind: “How do I find RV parks near me?”
These days, finding the best RV campgrounds seems like it would be as easy as doing a quick online search. But before you jump in too quickly, you need to know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your search and find the best RV camping for your group’s needs. Read on to learn more!
How to Find an RV park
Once you’ve nailed down a location, you’ll want to explore all your options for RV campsites. Let’s say you’ve decided to visit the Grand Canyon. Your first big decision is whether you want to stay on-site at the national park’s public campgrounds or down the road at a privately operated RV park.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to each choice. Staying on-site can make for a truly memorable vacation — plus, you’re already where you need to go when you wake up in the morning! Public campgrounds generally offer more affordable RV park rates than private campsites, too.
On the other hand, private campgrounds typically have more amenities, such as pools, laundry facilities, grocery stores, playgrounds, and more. For that reason, if you’re traveling with kids or with a large group, it might make more sense to find a campground with all the bells and whistles. There is also a new category of campsites unlocked by Hipcamp, where you can book RV-friendly campsites on private property. This is a new and unique way to find RV parks all around the country.
Campgrounds near me
Now that you’ve narrowed down the type of RV sites you’re looking for, it’s time to find your ideal campground. Try doing an online search for something like “RV camping near me,” “RV parks near me,” or “RV camping near Grand Canyon.” Google will then populate a map with all of the available RV parks in the area so you can get a sense of their locations and read some reviews from other campers.
Don’t forget to click through to the photos so you get a visual of the campgrounds before you make a decision. You’ll also want to see if the campground offers full or partial hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. If you’re traveling with a pet, remember to check if the RV park is animal-friendly, since many campgrounds have a strict no-pets policy.
RV camping checklist
After booking your trip, it’s time to start packing! The blessing and curse of RV travel is that you can bring a lot with you, but be cautious about overpacking since every item you take is more weight on your camper’s load. Many RV rental companies include basic essentials like pots and pans, bed linens, and towels, but be sure to verify this before you leave. Some people also feel more comfortable traveling with their own sheets and pillows, so if that’s you, that’s fine too!
If you have a few weeks to prepare ahead of time, consider picking up some other essentials for your trip, such as a compact, pop-up trash can or quick-dissolving toilet paper that’s made specifically for RVs. Some travelers also like to pack an outdoor rug and chairs to convert their outdoor space into another living room. Add some bistro lights and the beverage of your choice, and you’re in for a great night!
Best RV parks
One last piece of advice: Don’t forget that there’s no such thing as the “best RV park.” There’s only the best RV park for you. Reading reviews is important for vetting campgrounds, but it’s not the be-all, end-all. Some people prefer a more tranquil, rustic vibe at an RV campsite, while others are looking for updated facilities or family-friendly activities. The key to planning a great RV trip is knowing yourself (and your travel group!) and identifying your top priorities for a campground. Happy camping!
