There’s something strangely comforting about the idea of parking your home wherever you want, waking up to trees one morning and a beach the next. More and more people have been buying or renting RVs since the pandemic, and it’s also quickly replacing the traditional travel scene.
But before you start imagining campfires and sunsets, let’s ask something more important: Where can you park your RV?
There are a ton of RV parks out there, but not all of them are right. Here’s what you need to keep in mind before selecting one.
Consider the Location
You don’t always want nature views or a place near tourist spots. A good RV park should give you access to the things that you actually need, including:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- A laundromat
- Decent Wi-Fi
- Fast food spots
The key is to look for something that is close enough to civilization and also offers peace and quiet. You don’t want to travel another few hours just to get some food or medical help.
Check the Hookups and Amenities
You’d think that water, electricity, and sewer hookups would be a given, but not all parks offer these amenities.
Always double-check what’s included in your stay. Some parks offer full hookups, while others provide only partial hookups. If these amenities are not essential to your trip, then you’re good to go, but for most RV trips, they are non-negotiables.
Bonus points if the site offers extras like:
- A decent or fast Wi-Fi
- On-site laundry
- A picnic place outside
- A pool or recreation area
- Long-term stay options with discounted rates
Some extras are worth paying more for.
Read the Reviews
You know the drill. Before you pay for something, you look for honest reviews about it.
The same goes for RV parks because pictures can lie. A park might look lush and peaceful online, but turn out to be squeezed between two highways with constant noise.
Look for comments and feedback about cleanliness, security, noise levels, and how friendly the staff is. If everyone says the noise is minimal and the Wi-Fi is strong, then that’s gold. Sort by the lowest ratings when looking at reviews; you could find something there.
Look for Rules
Good RV parks have rules. Great RV parks enforce them fairly.
No one wants to camp next to someone blasting music at night or leaving trash outside their RV. Check if the park has quiet hours, pet policies, visitor guidelines, and the like.
Rules make sure that everyone gets to enjoy their stay, especially when you’re sharing the same space.
Prioritize Safety
Ask about lighting, gated access, and whether the park has staff on the site overnight. Even if you’re in the safest part of town, knowing that someone is keeping an eye out helps you sleep a little better.
An RV is basically your home on wheels. You wouldn’t want to park it in a place with no security or safety measures, just like you wouldn’t leave your home’s front door unlocked in an unsafe part of the town.
