In recent years, the RV Parks and Campgrounds industry has surged in popularity as more people vacation at RV parks, RV campgrounds, and RV resorts across North America. But, for those who are new to RV adventuring, knowing at least the basic differences between the three campsites will be very helpful when deciding which way to go so that you can choose what will best suit your wants and needs.
Key Differences
Mainly the difference between RV parks, RV resorts, and RV campgrounds are the amenities and facilities they offer to their guests. RV resorts offer the most comfort, entertainment, and luxury compared to RV parks. RV parks have all the essential needs, just enough for a decent stay. And, if you are leaning toward being close to nature rather than comfort, an RV campground would be your best bet.
RV Parks
What Is an RV Park?
Usually located in town or just outside of one, an RV park often provides long-term opportunities to RV users in a more traditional camping setting.
RV Park Amenities
Most RV parks provide full hookups for water, electricity, and sewers. An RV park has basic amenities like laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, showers, and restrooms. Water activities can often be found in RV parks. Pools are always popular, but some take things up a notch by having a splash pad or lazy river in their RV parks. RV parks are commonly privately owned and usually well-managed.
How Much Do RV Parks Cost?
The nightly rates can go anywhere from $20 to $70, depending on the location and season.
RV Resorts
What Is an RV Resort?
An RV resort is often in a desirable, popular location or even on a beachfront property with sites spaciously spread out and surrounded by landscaped green space, and well-lit at night. In short, if you want a luxurious camping experience, an RV resort is the best choice.
RV Resort Amenities
Much like a fine hotel, an RV resort can possess many similar luxury amenities such as hot tubs, tennis courts, golf courses, fitness centers, clubhouses, on-site laundry, and even massage therapy. Each pad has a wide patio that is nicely paved and buffered by a well-maintained landscape for privacy. Full hookups for your RV are always provided in RV resorts.
How Much Do RV Resorts Cost?
In terms of pricing, RV resorts usually range from $100 and up a night. A little pricey compared to RV parks and RV campgrounds, but you will surely enjoy what you paid for. Expect to follow more rules because RV resorts are regulated, but it is for guests’ safety and security.
RV Campgrounds
What Is an RV Campground?
Unlike RV parks and RV resorts, an RV campground is closest to “living in nature.” If Wi-Fi is available, it won’t have the same efficiency as at an RV park or resort! However, part of the joy, when you're in nature, is to be somewhat unavailable.
RV Camp Locations
An RV campground with its enclosed forested sites and narrow, winding roads will ensure you feel off-the-grid. Typically, you will have more privacy as the campsites are spaced further from each other compared to RV parks and RV resorts. RV campgrounds usually offer sites for tent camping as well.
What To Expect From an RV Campground
Many RV campgrounds take advantage of whatever natural features the campsite has to offer. A lake or a similar water body nearby provides campers with swimming, boating, and fishing facilities. Some RV campgrounds modify their pond area to install an inflatable water park. Along with that, many campgrounds are in areas where guests can enjoy hiking and biking through wooded trails and forests. Some offer bicycles, boats, and kayaks for rent.
RV Campground Amenities
Due to its rustic setting, basic amenities are sometimes available but not too reliable. Don’t expect to find basic hookups for your RV. Also, make sure to check ahead of time if your RV will fit because most RV campgrounds can only accommodate small to medium sizes. Roads, paths, and camp spots are usually unpaved to preserve the natural setting of the ground. A picnic table and a firepit are usually provided. Regarding water, electricity, and dump stations, you may have to confirm in advance because not all RV campgrounds provide those. The nightly rate can be inexpensive with a cost of $30 and below, especially at state park campgrounds.
Which One Is Right for Me?
First of all, make sure that your RV size would fit on the site. Next: What are your needs and desires for the type of vacation you want to take? The best advice to manage your expectations is by doing some research about RV park layout and design.
The following are some of the important things to check before deciding where to go:
- Amenities. Are the activities you are looking for offered at the campsite? Are you sporty, outdoorsy, a nature lover, someone who is an enthusiast of all things related to water activities, or do you want all the luxuries during your stay?
- Essentials. Are you the type of person who is flexible or do you want every part of your vacation to be as convenient as possible, especially in terms of hygiene?
- Rules and regulations. If you are planning to bring your pets, make sure that they are allowed. Another thing to check is the quiet hours, especially if you are a human lark who wants to sleep early or a night owl who wants to have a good time late at night.
- Location. Do you prefer an accessible location close to home, or are you fine doing a little road trip away from your usual environment to have the feeling of disconnection? You may want to consider the proximity of the campsite as well as the places to visit outside of it.
- Reviews. Checking what fellow campers are saying about the campsite based on their experiences will be very helpful to your decision-making. Look for their comments about safety, cleanliness, facilities, activities, etc.
- Photos. Most of the time visuals say it all. Many RV parks, RV resorts, and RV campgrounds provide pictures captured around the site on their websites. By browsing through those images, you can have a feel for that place and decide if that works great for your liking.
FAQ
- Do RV Campsites Require Reservations?
The quick answer is NO. Not all RV campsites require reservations; there are still a few that accept first-come-first-served arrivals. If you don’t reserve ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, you will find yourself hopping from campsite to campsite hoping that the next one does not have a sign on the entrance saying it is full.
- What Does the Word 'Standard' Mean Regarding Campgrounds?
A standard campground offers the essential amenities and facilities for campers. It is in between a rustic and luxury type of campsite wherein you can still connect to nature while having access to conveniences.
- What's the Difference Between an RV Park and an RV Campground?
RV campgrounds offer a rustic experience of camping compared to RV parks. You can find the basic hookups for your RV’s electric, water, and sewer in RV parks but not in RV campgrounds.
- What's the Difference Between an RV Park and an RV Resort?
RV resorts have everything beyond just comfort. You will find all the basic needs for a comfortable stay in RV parks but not the luxury the RV resorts offer.
