Guest Author - Evanne Schmarder

Just like fashion and food, campers have their own distinct tastes and desires. This especially relates to finding the perfect campsite for your camping style. In order to find a perfect campground fit you must know what you’re looking for. Are you a camping family with little ones along? An active couple looking for outdoor adventures? Retirees that enjoy on-site activities and the opportunity to make new friends?

There are numerous ways to find and research campgrounds. A good place to begin is with one of the national directory company’s Campground Directory. I like Trailer Life but Woodall’s is just as popular. These guides are available by state, region or the whole US of A and come in paper or CD versions. Inside you’ll be able to search your target location. The first thing I look at is the campground’s ratings – the higher the better. You can also find out info such as average site length and width (important if site size tops your “must have” list), RV-easy directions, what hookups are offered, and what amenities (pool, playground, rec hall) are available. If it’s a 55+ park it’ll say so. Last year’s rates are listed – use these as a loose idea of per night camping fees. Some camps have a display ad – check it out for more information. If a website address is offered go there – usually it’s obvious what camper groups they cater to – sometimes you can even check rates and availability.

Local bookstores, Amazon.com or even your local library will have a large selection of RV camping books for almost any area and camping style you might imagine. Some are in story format, some in guidebook format – my favorite.

Once I have a good idea of the parks I’m interested in I mosey over to one of my favorite websites – RVParkReviews. This fabulous site offers real-life camper opinions. Log on, click on the state you’re interested in then go to the city/town. Not every campground is reviewed but the ones that are offer a treasure trove of insight.

To reserve or not to reserve? Again, depends on your camping style. If this is a weekend, a long drive away or a place that you have your heart set on then the answer is a resounding YES. Toll free numbers are usually available. If you have any special requests (near the pool, away from the playground, overlooking the river) now’s the time to bring them up – don’t wait until you arrive or you’ll likely be disappointed. Speaking to the park also allows you to confirm any amenities or activities that you are interested in (is the hot tub working?), local area events or activities (does the rodeo operate this time of year?), and any discount programs they participate in (AAA, Good Sam, etc.).

The moral of this story is the more research you do, the more prepared you are, the happier you’ll be on your RVing adventure. It’s absolutely worth the extra effort.