Advice for RVers: 6 Pieces of Information to Bring to your Next Campground Check-In
10-18-2017
Author: in Henley's Happy Trails
Check-in procedures vary greatly with campgrounds. Some simply require a payment before setting off to a site; others take down every bit of information from driver’s license number to vehicle insurance. Whether you are making reservations over the phone or stopping for the night after a long day’s drive, it’s always a good idea to have all of your traveling information together as a reference for check-in at any campground. This makes for an efficient, less time-consuming ordeal, allotting more time for some much deserved R&R.
As a camp host at a number of campgrounds, I have seen customers armed with some sort of folder containing pertinent travel information. This is something my husband and I have gathered and created ourselves. We don’t make any extra trips to the RV now to retrieve other items requested by the campground. In our packet, we make sure to include the following six pieces of information...
RV
In an effort to get customers into the optimal site, the campground office will ask about things like your RV’s length, number of slideouts, and amperage (30 or 50). Be prepared to give information on possibly all of the following: the type of rig, year, make/model, license plate number,and even color. Some campgrounds may request proof of insurance for liability purposes. (One too many customers backing up into an electric meter or sideswiping a building can get costly.)
Some campgrounds have restrictions on ages of RVs and will only admit those ten years or newer. Some will accept older rigs if they are in decent condition. They’ll turn customers away if their RV appears damaged or hazardous.
Additional Vehicle(s)
Just like the RV, campgrounds want to make sure they can also accommodate the number of vehicles for each party. Sites are typically created to fit at least one RV and one vehicle, whether the two remain attached or not during the stay. These sites may be designated as pull-thru or back-in; if backing up into a site is not desired, make sure to request a pull-thru.
Additional vehicles, besides the towing or towable, may be an added charge depending on the business. Overflow parking is usually available for these extra cars and/or cargo trailers in another area of the campground, if not near the assigned site.
Regardless, make sure to have info on your vehicle(s) including make/model, year, color, license plate number, and proof of insurance. This may seem extreme, providing all of this information for both RV and cars, but it’s simply a security precaution. Business owners and employees want to know who is on property at all times.
Occupants
How many people are joining you on the stay? Some parks charge extra for each occupant over two. Others just make sure the number of occupants doesn’t exceed fire code regulations per RV.
If you plan on having visitors over during the day or for an evening dinner, be sure to let the front office know. Again, the campground likes to be kept in the loop. There may be specific rules pertaining to visitor parking and curfew hours.
Pet(s)
Campgrounds are typically pet-friendly, but they may have certain stipulations on breed and quantity. We’ve noticed that some campgrounds have restrictions on breeds that include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Boxers and German Shepherds. If in doubt, call in advance to check.
Contact Info
After gathering RV travel arrangements, receptionists will ask for the routine contact information: name address, and best number to reach you on the road. If you’re making reservations over the phone, they may ask for an email address to send a confirmation letter.
As a security measure, upon arrival, some campgrounds may request to make a copy of driver’s license(s) for one or all adult occupants. I have seen this practice in large, transient cities like Las Vegas or with customers that plan to stay put for several months.
Discount Cards
Finally, who doesn’t like a bargain? Nowadays, RV organizations are popping up out of the woodwork and offering all kinds of discounts for travelers be it merchandise or overnight stays at campgrounds all over the nation.
Some popular groups include Good Sam, Escapees, and Passport America. Other companies like AAA and AARP are accepted as discount options. Customers can enjoy discounts as high as 50% off for the night! Make sure to have your discount card handy so it can be validated and applied at check-in!
Of course, campgrounds are not all operated alike and the requested documentation will vary. It‘s always a good idea to call in advance, especially if this is a campground you plan on staying at for an extended amount of time or the only available property for miles around. If there is any doubt that you may be turned away, (i.e., year of RV, pet breed, number of vehicles), it’s important to clarify so you can make alternative arrangements.
As a camp host at a number of campgrounds, I have seen customers armed with some sort of folder containing pertinent travel information. This is something my husband and I have gathered and created ourselves. We don’t make any extra trips to the RV now to retrieve other items requested by the campground. In our packet, we make sure to include the following six pieces of information...
Related Read: Advice from a Camp Host to RVers
RV
In an effort to get customers into the optimal site, the campground office will ask about things like your RV’s length, number of slideouts, and amperage (30 or 50). Be prepared to give information on possibly all of the following: the type of rig, year, make/model, license plate number,and even color. Some campgrounds may request proof of insurance for liability purposes. (One too many customers backing up into an electric meter or sideswiping a building can get costly.)
Some campgrounds have restrictions on ages of RVs and will only admit those ten years or newer. Some will accept older rigs if they are in decent condition. They’ll turn customers away if their RV appears damaged or hazardous.
Additional Vehicle(s)
Just like the RV, campgrounds want to make sure they can also accommodate the number of vehicles for each party. Sites are typically created to fit at least one RV and one vehicle, whether the two remain attached or not during the stay. These sites may be designated as pull-thru or back-in; if backing up into a site is not desired, make sure to request a pull-thru.
Additional vehicles, besides the towing or towable, may be an added charge depending on the business. Overflow parking is usually available for these extra cars and/or cargo trailers in another area of the campground, if not near the assigned site.
Related Read: Choosing the Right Tow Vehicle: Understanding Weight
Regardless, make sure to have info on your vehicle(s) including make/model, year, color, license plate number, and proof of insurance. This may seem extreme, providing all of this information for both RV and cars, but it’s simply a security precaution. Business owners and employees want to know who is on property at all times.
Occupants
How many people are joining you on the stay? Some parks charge extra for each occupant over two. Others just make sure the number of occupants doesn’t exceed fire code regulations per RV.
If you plan on having visitors over during the day or for an evening dinner, be sure to let the front office know. Again, the campground likes to be kept in the loop. There may be specific rules pertaining to visitor parking and curfew hours.
Pet(s)
Campgrounds are typically pet-friendly, but they may have certain stipulations on breed and quantity. We’ve noticed that some campgrounds have restrictions on breeds that include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Boxers and German Shepherds. If in doubt, call in advance to check.
Related Read: RV Travel Tips for Pet OwnersOther than that, like any other establishment, owners are expected to keep their pet(s) on a leash and pick up after them immediately. Nobody likes stepping in a pile of you-know-what.
Contact Info
After gathering RV travel arrangements, receptionists will ask for the routine contact information: name address, and best number to reach you on the road. If you’re making reservations over the phone, they may ask for an email address to send a confirmation letter.
As a security measure, upon arrival, some campgrounds may request to make a copy of driver’s license(s) for one or all adult occupants. I have seen this practice in large, transient cities like Las Vegas or with customers that plan to stay put for several months.
Discount Cards
Finally, who doesn’t like a bargain? Nowadays, RV organizations are popping up out of the woodwork and offering all kinds of discounts for travelers be it merchandise or overnight stays at campgrounds all over the nation.
Related Read: 5 Best RV Clubs to Join for New RVers
Some popular groups include Good Sam, Escapees, and Passport America. Other companies like AAA and AARP are accepted as discount options. Customers can enjoy discounts as high as 50% off for the night! Make sure to have your discount card handy so it can be validated and applied at check-in!
Of course, campgrounds are not all operated alike and the requested documentation will vary. It‘s always a good idea to call in advance, especially if this is a campground you plan on staying at for an extended amount of time or the only available property for miles around. If there is any doubt that you may be turned away, (i.e., year of RV, pet breed, number of vehicles), it’s important to clarify so you can make alternative arrangements.
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Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
