RV Park Reservation Guide
- Rebecca Smith
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Whether you crave a rugged, self-contained escape in the wilderness or a high-end RV resort, the options are limitless. Choose from budget-friendly public lands, rustic nature retreats, or pampered luxury parks featuring pools and exclusive discounts. To secure your spot at popular destinations, be sure to reserve well in advance.
Key Characteristics of a Rustic RV Park:
Natural Setting
Minimalist Amenities
Basic Hookups
Privacy
Featuring natural surroundings
Scenic public lands RV parks offer unique advantages:
Public Lands (BLM) and (USFS) lands.
State & National Parks
Developed to Primitive
Scenery & Access
Long-Term Visitor Areas
Luxury RV resorts provide comfort and premium amenities:
Premium Sites
High-End Amenities
Clubhouse & Services
Exclusive Atmosphere
Active Recreation
After considering these park types, think about how your personal preferences, budget, and travel style fit into the options. Carefully weighing your needs ensures you find the ideal RV park for your trip.
Key Considerations for Choosing Your RV Park:
Travel Style & Atmosphere: Do you want to mingle at a community event, social, resort-style park with extensive amenities (pools, clubhouses), or prefer the privacy of a secluded, natural setting for peace and quiet?
Family/Pet Friendly: Ensure the parks setting and overall feel aligns with your expectations by checking for family- and pet-friendly amenities (playgrounds, pet parks, community activities) and reviewing regulations on noise, pet policies, and site maintenance.
Budgeting for Trips: This Vacation Budget Calculator helps you factor in daily, weekly, or monthly fees. Private parks often cost more but offer more luxury, while public lands (BLM, National Parks) are often cheaper or free.
Essential Amenities: Prioritize your "must-haves" such as full hookups (water, sewer, electric), Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and pet accommodations.
Location & Accessibility: Select parks close to attractions you want to visit to minimize driving time. Also, consider the size of your RV, as older campgrounds may have restrictions.
Reviews and Logistics: Research, read online reviews on platforms like RV Park Reviews, and book in advance to secure spots, especially in high season.
How to Reserve:
Public Parks:
Reservable via Recreation.gov (Federal) or state-specific websites such as ReserveAmerica, Allstays, Campendium, Spot2Nite, Campspot, and KOA. To reserve a site, start by creating an account on the relevant website. Next, search for your desired park and dates, select an available site, and follow the prompts to enter your details. Once you review your reservation, complete your booking by paying online. You will usually receive a confirmation email with details about your stay. This straightforward process makes it easy for first-timers to secure a spot.
Private Parks/Resorts:
Bookable through park websites or third-party apps like The Dyrt or Good Sam, Harvest Hosts, or Escapees. When choosing among private parks, compare key factors such as location, nightly rates, amenities offered, and site types. Check recent reviews and ratings on booking platforms to learn about other RVers' experiences and see photos of the park. Reviewing the amenities lists—such as Wi-Fi, laundry, restrooms, pools, or dog parks—can help you decide which park will best match your needs and comfort preferences.
Enroute/Overnight Sites:
Specific sites in parks offer designated enroute sites where RV travelers can arrive late and depart early without a full reservation. These spots are first-come, first-served, and payment is made at an on-site kiosk. Look for enroute sites on park websites, such as Hipcamp, The Dyrt, Spot2Nite, or check Recreation.gov for federal park options. Expect limited amenities, often just a level parking spot without hookups, so plan to be self-sufficient for your short stay.
Additonal Types of Reservable RV Parks:
KOA (Kampgrounds of America): Offers hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, and activities for kids at many locations.
Membership/Club Parks: These are private networks, such as Thousand Trails or Passport America, that provide members with significant discounts or free nights at participating campgrounds in exchange for annual membership fees.
Memberships can be a great value for frequent travelers who spend extended periods on the road or prefer to stay within a particular network.
To maximize your RV budget, pick memberships that actually fit your travel style. Good Sam is great for general discounts, while Thousand Trails is best if you hit resorts often, and Passport America specializes in 50% off deals. For something more unique, try Harvest Hosts or Escapees. Just remember to check site availability and crunch the numbers to ensure the savings outweigh the sign-up cost.
Extended Stay/Mobile Home Parks offer monthly, seasonal, or long-term sites with amenities such as full hookups (30/50 amp), Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities, frequently used by professionals, retirees, and snowbirds. Monthly rates range from $635 to over $1,250, often including utilities or charging on a metered electric rate, with notable locations.
Key Extended Stay & Mobile Home Options
Monte Christo Communities (Western US): Offers manufactured homes and RV spaces for rent in CA, NV, OR, and WA.
Thousand Trails (Nationwide): Provides annual sites at locations like Lake George (NY), Moody Beach (ME), and Pine Acres (NH), with rates for annual sites starting from approximately $3,540 to over $10,000.
BoaVida Communities: Focuses on affordable manufactured homes and long-term RV sites.
PacShore Communities (CA, FL, KY): Offers manufactured homes and RV resorts in states like California, Florida, and Kentucky.
KOA (Nationwide): Offers dedicated long-term RV camping lots with amenities for extended stays.
At the end of the day, your RV park serves as the basecamp for your adventures. Choosing the right spot means balancing the convenience of hookups and amenities with the desire for scenic, peaceful surroundings. From joining exclusive membership clubs to finding that hidden rustic gem, planning your site is the first step toward making lasting memories. Take the time to research, book early, and choose a destination that fits your style. Pack your bags, prep your rig with our essential checklists, and hit the road to experience the true freedom of RVing.
Happy Glamping!
I have found that some RV parks restrictions the age of a unit in their area. However, if you contact them in advance and they are willing to accept photos of your rig, they may make acceptions. There are some very nice ans well kept older rigs out there that look nearly brand new.