If you’d like to learn about the different types of RV campsites, here is an explanation of the 3 types of RV campsites based on what I’ve seen.
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1. No Hookups Campsite
I believe that most people are familiar with a no hookups campsite, they are campsites with no water, electricity, and sewer hookups. So, you’ll need to stop at the campground’s water spigot to fill up your water tank. And, you’ll have to stop at the dump station to release your grey and black tanks. RV campers refer to these types of campsites as “dry campsites” and they are typically the most plentiful, least desirable to RV campers, and are the cheapest to rent, usually less than $50 per night. But, the upside of these types of campsites is they can be more secluded, which helps enhance your camping experience because your surrounded by nature versus other RVs.
2. Partial Hookups Campsite
A campsite with partial hookups has one or more utility connections, for example a campsite may have a water spigot and electricity, but no sewer. Based on what I’ve seen at campgrounds, this combination is the most common. So, when you leave the campground, you would typically visit the campground dump station and release your grey and black tanks before you get on the road. Partial hookups campsites are typically more desirable than dry campsites and cost more too.
3. Full Hookups Campsite
A campsite with all three hookups (full hookups) is typically the most desirable for RV campers. It’s the most stress free way to go RV camping because you don’t have to worry about your tanks filling up or running out of water or electricity. These days many people have added solar to their RV or they have generators, so running out of electricity is not as big of a deal as running out of water. The downside of full hookups campsites can be the higher nightly rental fee and sometimes the full hookups campgrounds can look like parking lots, with sites located close together, and sometimes they are separated with some grass and/or dirt.
Other Considerations
Some other things to consider regarding campsites, if the majority of the campgrounds you plan on visiting with your RV don’t have sewer hookups, then you’ll want to discuss grey and black tank size with the RV dealership to make sure the tanks are big enough to accommodate your family on your camping trips.
Most campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. Fire ring presence depends on the local government, some cities/counties don’t allow campgrounds to have fire rings because of high probability of fires. But, I’ve seen campgrounds allow campers to bring their own portable portable campfire equipment, but usually the equipment has to meet certain requirements, check with your campground before your visit. Below is the portable fire pit we store in our trailer and primarily use in the Santa Cruz region because campgrounds don’t have fire pits.
Best Choice Products 22in Fire Pit Bowl – https://amzn.to/3pVTvyj
Also, campgrounds typically have guidelines regarding max width and length of RV for specific campsites. Note, if your RV has slides, then you’ll need to discuss the width of the RV, with the slide(s) out, with the campground when making your reservations. So, you’ll want to take into consideration the size limits of campsites at your favorite campgrounds when you’re buying your RV.
I hope you learned something new from my explanation of the 3 types of RV campsites. Happy camping!