Big Family Camping – Where to Camp

Camping with a big family can mean big fun! But it can be a little more complicated than traveling small. Some campgrounds limit the number of people in a campsite. Others charge by the person. That adds up quick when you’re camping with lots of kids or family. Here are our tips for big family camping and where to camp.

Start with your destination.
Are you planning a vacation near a popular tourist destination or a national park? Inside some parks (or right outside), you may find the most restrictions. Many seasoned RVers tell you not to buy a rig bigger than 32 feet. Well, that’s tough when you need extra sleeping space. So, instead of limiting your space, consider where your rig will fit for the best cost.

When looking around popular spots, look for the following criteria in a campground:

• Big rig friendly – If you have a big family, chances are you’re bigger than a 30-foot camper.

• No limits on people per site – This is another qualifier for big family camping. No one wants a $30/night stay to equal $60 or more per night because the campground charges extra.

• Tents allowed – Got a smaller rig? Good! But if you have an extra teen or two, a tent makes sense for some extra sleeping room. Check the campground rules about tents on RV sites.

Think outside the chain campgrounds.
Lots of the chain campgrounds limit the number of people per site. They charge per person over two. Some of this may be local ordinances. Some of it may be related to strain on energy/waste resources.

If you’re looking for camping options that aren’t so restrictive, think outside the chains. Check out local campgrounds, state parks, and national forest campgrounds. Less popular options or campgrounds that are a little further away from attractions may accommodate a less-than-common family size.

The downside of these campgrounds is that they can be less family-friendly or there may be fewer families in the park. If you’re full-timing with kids, this could be a problem for the more social kiddos. However, if it means you get to stay close by to a place you really want to visit, it may be worth it for everyone.

Don’t ask. Don’t tell.
Sometimes, campgrounds only care about your rig size, slides or lack thereof, pets, length of stay, and hookup needs. Interestingly, I rarely get asked how many kids I have when I make a reservation. Most campgrounds want to know if they can accommodate your rig. They aren’t overly concerned with your number of rug rats. If they don’t ask, don’t tell. You may be surprised.

DO ask about more little peeps.
So, if you’re struggling to make the reservation online, pick up the phone and call someone. Explain that you have a kid more than a 6-person limit. Ask them how they handle an extra person. Can you pay a higher rate ($2/day or such) or an electric surcharge (often found in county, state, and federally managed campgrounds)?

It’s worth calling to see if you can negotiate a rate or exception.

Consider booking two campsites.
Camping somewhere cheap? Consider booking two sites. One of the cool things about state parks, national forests, and county parks is that you can select your campsite ahead of time. Need more space for more folks? Book two spots. Consider a car-camping setup (rooftop tents, car-sized air mattresses, and extra tents. With two sites, you’re not breaking the rules!

Look for buddy sites and double sites.
These sites are designed for camping with friends. A double site is often double the cost (think $54 instead of $27/night), but it gives you a place for your whole family that fits the rules. We’ve had friends do this at state parks and national forests. It also means there’s more room to spread out. Campfire anyone?



Try Boondocking a Few Nights

We’ve met families on the road who have converted some interesting rigs into a large-family camper. They often boondock because it’s simpler for their families to avoid over-the-limit drama.

Boondocking can mean many, many things. It can mean stopping at a Walmart, Cabella’s, Cracker Barrell, BLM land, National Forest, power-plant districts, or anywhere that allows “free camping.”

You’re not going to be glamping or have electric/water hookups, but you may have more luck with finding a spot for your large rig and family. Lots of families do this out West near the national parks and monuments. You can often find great spots right outside or within a short drive of your targeted destination.


Large family camping is a challenge, but when you think outside the standard RV park, you’ll find places to camp and memories up and down the road.