Best Questions to Ask When Picking a Campground

Camping at a new campground can be an exciting venture or a complete nightmare depending on what you are looking for. Camping within a few hundred miles from home is not too difficult to adjust to but when you are traveling to a different state you should call ahead and ask a few questions before you reserve your camp spot.

What Amenities Can We Expect?
There are many amenities available at campgrounds, from cable TV to Wi-Fi. When calling ahead ask what amenities are included in your camping fees and which amenities, if any are an extra charge. Laundry facilities and hot showers are sometimes offered at a small fee and are located on the grounds. More often than not, campgrounds also have sewer, electric, and water hook-ups.

How Far Will My Campsite Be From Other Campers?
Whether you are camping alone or in a large group, you will want to know a little about your surroundings. If you want to camp with a larger group of people and want to be as close together as possible, call ahead and reserve a section. If you want privacy with your special someone, ask for a site a ways out of the way.

What Time is Check Out?
I typically think of a late check out as a bonus when I stay in a hotel but it can come in handy if you are camping too. If you are camping near a beach you may want to spend the day playing and head home in the evening. If the campground you choose has a check out deadline, ask if you can leave your coach parked while you play. This allows the campground to be vacated but gives you a day parking pass.

Can I Build a Campfire?
I don’t know about you, but my children do not even feel like we are really camping if there is no campfire. S’mores are a main food group on our camping trips, so you can imagine one of the first things I ask is if campfires are allowed. Hanging out in front of the RV with our chairs circled around a lantern with no marshmallows is not my family’s idea of fun. Be sure to ask about any and all fire restrictions.

Related Read: Campfire Construction 101

Is There a Quiet Time and Is It Strictly Enforced?
Quiet time means a lot of different things to different people. Some campgrounds have a “quiet time” rule of 9 or 10 pm. This means that after certain times of day loud equipment, like generators, cannot be running. Be sure to ask the campground officials what their “quiet time” means, what time it starts, and if it is strictly enforced.

Related Read: Road Rules: RV Campground Etiquette

Are Pets Allowed?
Having been to many campgrounds, I personally have never been told that pets are not allowed (except maybe 10 foot long boa constrictors). However, there are usually plenty of rules for animal owners to follow. Most sites want dogs on leashes and cats to stay inside your coach. Ask if there are any pet rules and be sure to adhere to them.

Related Read: RV Travel Tips for Pet Owners

Other questions may come to mind like:
Are there any planned activities?
Where is the nearest shopping center/grocery store?
A recommended a local restaurant?
Where is the closest hospital/ER?

Related Read: Medical Emergencies while Camping – Are You Prepared?

Ask all of the questions you need to before making your choice and remember you can always pack up the coach if you do not like what you see once you arrive. Do not allow your family to stay where they will not fully enjoy their time together. After all, camping is supposed to be fun. Happy Trails!