top of page
Airstream Campground2.png


Campground
TIPS

FINDING YOUR CAMPGROUND

Campgrounds are no different from hotels or AirBnB’s when it comes to finding one that fits your needs in the right location. It all starts with a clear understanding of your own personal requirements and criteria. This result is often built up of 3 different components and typically requires you to compromise on some of it unless you are extremely lucky.

 

Here’s what to consider:

 

  • Location

  • Preferred Camping mode

  • Budget

Location

By far the primary component to consider is the location of your campground. Is your trip aiming at visiting local attractions or historical sites then you probably don’t want to be 100 miles away from it. When you plan on having a beach vacation you will have the same judgement to make. Location is one factor that definitely impacts the nightly rates of a campground so this might be the first compromise you have to make.

 

Preferred Camping Mode

Back to basics, boondocking or going for a full-blown Glamping experience. It all makes a difference as this will define the amenities and utilities offerings you are looking for in a campground. When you are looking for the glamping experience you probably want something closer to a 5-Star hotel offering opposed to the back-to-basics camper who is not looking for luxurious comfort and not shy of some level of survival mode.

This is the second component you probably have to compromise on because you can hope for things to be available, but they might just not be there and leaving you with a limited choice.    

 

Budget

Campground rates are defined by supply and demand, location, amenities, quality and of course seasonal influence. The rates can vary from around $ 25 a night to rates of $ 150 and higher. Rates are also depending on the location within the campground. Camp spots close to amenities or the beach or any other attraction might be more expensive. The way you can access your camp spot, the type of underground, the utilities, any other extras like a fire pit, pic-nic table or gazebo and other factors can impact the nightly rate as well.    

 

State Parks vs. Private campgrounds

State Parks are a great alternative to private campgrounds. There are hundreds of State Parks that are managed by the Department of Natural Resources of Michigan. State Parks are a favorite destination for many campers and rates typically vary from $ 25 to $ 60. However, given this attractive alternative, reservations can only be made under 6 months in advance and many parks are sold out pretty quickly.

State Parks also have limitations for duration of your stay and restrictions like no alcohol allowed on the State Park grounds.

​

FINDING A GOOD CAMPSPOT
ON THE CAMPGROUND

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Level and Spacious:

    • Ensure the site is relatively flat to allow for easy leveling of your RV and provides enough space for your needs, including a tent, awning, and other equipment.

    • Make sure you’re not parked under trees that drop things that can dent your trailer.

    • Park your trailer within the reach of the utility’s connections. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out your water connection hose is 3 ft short.

    • NOTE: Always take a level with you and verify if the trailer is level before cranking the stabilizers down. Do not use your stabilizers to level your trailer. They are not meant for jacking up a trailer and will rather bend the chassis instead. Leveling the trailer is done by adding level plates under one of the wheels for crossways leveling and using the tong jack for longitudinal leveling.   

 

  • Utilities:

    • Look for sites with reliable hookups for water, electricity (with adequate amperage), and sewer connections.

    • Electrical connection – most camp sites offer 15 and 30A connections and some add 50A connections to it. The required amperage is depending on your trailer and the majority can operate on the 30A connection. 50A connections are typically for larger RV’s that have more than one HVAC unit and/or a washer-dryers on board. It is recommended to use a surge protector to make sure your trailers invertor and batteries are protected for overvoltage and potential surges. When a campsite offers basic utilities, the electrical connection is often the first one over a water connection and a sewer connection.

    • Water connection – some camp sites offer city water connections; other sites might have local wells instead. It is always wise to use a water filter and boil water before use in food and drinks. You can use a water hose with build in heat traces when temperatures hover around freezing point. A water connection provides you with an unlimited source of water supply opposed to having to rely on the onboard freshwater tank which typically only holds 25-35 gallon. The biggest difference in comfort is that a water connection allows you to take showers. Showering from an onboard freshwater tank would require you to fill up the tank quite often. A water connection is typically the second utility that is offered on campgrounds.

    • Sewer connection - Camping trailers equipped with a toilet have an onboard black tank aka sewer tank. This tank captures and holds the waste until it is disposed at a dumping station. When a campsite offers a sewer connection then the drain connection of the black tank can be connected to the sewer connection of the campsite. The black tank will now function as a pass through and not collecting waste. This significantly enhances the comfort as it will function as any other toilet in a residential home without having to worry of emptying the black tank. Many campsites but not all of them offer a dump station. This is a drive through station with a water and sewer connection. The trailer is positioned with its sewer connections close to the sewer and water connection of the dump station. The black tank can now be filled with water and dumped. This rinsing process is repeated a couple times until the dumped water shows clear.  

    • Wireless network – Some campgrounds offer free or paid wireless network access. Most camping trailers have TVs with a streaming device that need a wireless network to operate. An often-observed issue is that campground wireless network is quickly saturated and becoming slow due to increased streaming services and high definition video.

    • Cable Television – In rare occasions some campgrounds may still offer a cable connection. Surprisingly, most travel trailers still have a cable TV connection.

 

  • Clean and Well-Maintained:

    • A well-maintained campground with clean facilities (bathrooms, showers, etc.) is of course a plus.

  • Accessibility:

    • Consider the ease of access to the site, especially if you have a larger RV or need to maneuver a trailer.

    • Some spots are drive through and very easy to position your trailer in the right place. Other spots require you to back in your trailer. You probably need a spotter to make sure your operation runs safely.

    • Some campgrounds offer buddy spots. These spots have room for 2 trailers facing each other with the front side so it an excellent option for socializing with your buddy friends.

  • Privacy:

    • If privacy is important, look for sites with natural buffers like trees or bushes, or those that are set back from other sites.

​

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS

  • Proximity to Amenities - Consider the proximity to attractions on the campground, restaurants, and other amenities that are important to you.

  • Scenic Views - If you value scenery, look for sites with views of mountains, lakes, or forests.

  • Quietness - If you prefer a peaceful experience, choose a site away from busy roads or noisy areas.

  • Safety - Ensure the campsite is well-lit and has a good security presence.

  • Pet-Friendly - If you're traveling with pets, make sure the campground allows them and has designated areas for pet relief.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

  • Check for Restrictions - Be aware of any restrictions on RV size, age, or other factors that might apply to the campground. Some campgrounds maintain a 10-year rule meaning RV’s older than 10 years are not allowed.

  • Read Reviews - Before booking, read reviews from other RVers to get an idea of what to expect.

  • Book in Advance - During peak seasons, it's essential to book your campsite in advance, especially if you have a specific location in mind.

  • Pack Accordingly - Make sure you have everything you need for your stay, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and any necessary adapters or hoses.

  • Fees and Paid services - Some campgrounds offer additional paid services for entertainment/activities like bike and go-cart rentals and other things. It is depending on the campground if a service is paid or free.ed in the owner's manual.​​

​

bottom of page