How to Choose the Right Campground for Your RV Trip

Not all campgrounds are created equal. The difference between a great campsite and a miserable one can make or break a trip — and with so many options, knowing how to choose is a skill worth developing.

Here's everything you need to know about RV campgrounds.

Full hookup sites provide connections for electricity (30 or 50 amp), water, and sewer. You can run your air conditioner, use unlimited water, and never worry about tank levels. These are the most comfortable and the most expensive.

Best for: Extended stays, hot weather (AC is essential), families with young children, first-time RVers.

Typically electric and water only, no sewer connection. You'll need to dump your tanks at a dump station when they fill up.

Best for: Most trips. The slight inconvenience of dumping tanks is worth the lower cost.

No connections at all. You're running on your battery bank, fresh water tank, and generator (if you have one). Tank management becomes important.

Best for: Experienced RVers, boondockers, anyone who wants a more rustic experience.

Camping on public land (National Forest, BLM) with no facilities at all — no hookups, no bathrooms, no neighbors. Free, remote, and often spectacular.

Best for: Self-sufficient RVers with solar or a generator, people who want solitude and don't mind roughing it.

The most sought-after campgrounds in the country. Beautiful settings, ranger programs, and proximity to the park's main attractions. Reservations open 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov and sell out within minutes for popular parks.

Pros: Unbeatable locations, well-maintained, ranger programs Cons: Competitive reservations, limited hookups, can be crowded

Often as beautiful as national park campgrounds but less crowded and easier to book. Quality varies by state — some are excellent, others are basic.

Pros: Good locations, usually affordable, easier to book than national parks Cons: Variable quality, hookup availability varies

Full-service campgrounds with amenities like pools, playgrounds, laundry, and camp stores. More expensive than public campgrounds but more comfortable.

Pros: Full hookups, amenities, easy to book, consistent quality Cons: More expensive, less scenic, can feel like a parking lot

The Army Corps of Engineers operates campgrounds at lakes and reservoirs across the country. Often excellent value with beautiful waterfront settings.

Pros: Great locations, affordable, often less crowded than national parks Cons: Less well-known, can be harder to find

Always check the maximum length allowed at a campground. Many older campgrounds have sites that can't accommodate rigs over 30–35 feet. If you're in a large motorhome, confirm before booking.

If you need to run an air conditioner, you need at least 30-amp service. Large rigs with multiple AC units need 50-amp. Check what's available before booking.

Some sites are too narrow to extend slide-outs. Look for sites labeled "pull-through" (you drive in one end and out the other) or check reviews for information about site width.

Unlevel sites require leveling blocks and can make sleeping uncomfortable. Look for sites described as "level" in reviews, or bring enough leveling blocks to handle a significant slope.

If you need to work remotely or just want to stay connected, check cell coverage at the campground. Apps like The Dyrt and Campendium include user-reported cell coverage information.

• Recreation.gov: National parks, national forests, and other federal lands
• ReserveCalifornia.com: California state parks
• Reserve America: Many state parks across the country
• The Dyrt: Campground reviews and discovery (like Yelp for campgrounds)
• Campendium: Detailed campground reviews with cell coverage info
• Freecampsites.net: Free camping locations on public land

• Book early: The best sites go first. For popular destinations, book as soon as reservations open.
• Check cancellations: Cancellations happen constantly. Check back regularly if your preferred dates are sold out.
• Read reviews: User reviews on The Dyrt and Campendium reveal things the official listing doesn't — noise levels, site conditions, cell service, and which sites to request.
• Call the campground: For questions about specific sites or conditions, a phone call often gets you better information than the website.

The right campground sets the tone for the whole trip. Take the time to choose well, and you'll spend your evenings in exactly the right place.