State parks, private campgrounds comparison
snow
pop-up this summer. Which is preferred campgrounds?? KOA and the private
campgrounds or State Parks??? Any opinions appreciated. Right now we are
mixing it up with some KOA's, privates and state parks. Going to camp 38
nights total, so should see a variety.
lfm
the private RV parks.
Private RV parks will have hookups, laundry facilities, showers and will
usually have a pool, kids play equipment, some activities, etc. Sites tend
to be small.
Public parks might have hookups and will probably have showers, but that is
usually it. What they will have is larger, more beautiful sites in more
beautiful locations. They will also be less expensive, and fill up faster.
Last fall we took a 23 day trip around AZ and NM. We split the time between
RV parks, and campgrounds. It was a wonderful trip - enjoy yours. I hope you
are going to take your popup out as often as possible before you go!
Laura
"snow" <dles...@prexar.com> wrote in message
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Turn Key
or "Corps") parks tend to be more consistent. Also, if there is something
wrong, you have someone to complain to. Turn Key
KM
When we are going on a vacation with the intent of going sightseeing and
using our camper as our base point (or "motel room") we stay at state parks.
When we are going for a camping weekend and are going to set up camp and
stay put at the campground, we stay at a private park because they will
usually have entertainment, lots of things for the kids to do, etc. They do
cost more and that's because of all the extra amenities.
However, we have camped at state parks for the sole purpose of just camping
because of the great hiking, beaches, bike trails, etc.
So, I guess in summary what I'm saying is: if you have a destination in
mind and intend on seeing the sights in a specific area, stay at a state
park - its cheap, you'll have the shower/toilet facilities and that's
probably all you'll need! Why pay the $25+ for a private campground unless
you are going to hang out at the place?
kris
"snow" <dles...@prexar.com> wrote in message
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Nbander
I grew up going tent camping in state parks and we (my brothers and I) slept on
the cold hard rocky ground without any complaints. We swam in the oceans
without lifeguards, played in the streams and drank the water without knowing
any better, went hiking in the woods before hiking was trendy, got lost, found
our way back to the campsite, climbed rocks, made campfires and never ever knew
the meaning of "planned activities." We didn't have tacky lights shaped like
hot dogs hanging from anything, we didn't have groovy propane grills. If we
were hungry, we found a stick and stuck hot dog on the end and put it in the
campfire. Now that's a vacation..
The campsites were HUGE and private and that's what I assumed camping was all
about . . . . . until. . . . .
I bought a pop-up last year and went to a private campground for the first time
figuring -- oooh cool -- hookups.
The blatant ugliness of it all still disgusts me to this day. The term
"camping" has truly been bastardized.
At the end of the last camping season, after having coaxed all of my
multi-phobic girly-friends into trying camping with the promise that there'd be
"cable tv," I have sworn off private campgrounds, with their sardine-style
campsites, their annoying rules, their amazing lack of green trees, the
disgusting ponds which they claim you should swim in, and most of all ----- the
seasonals, which is the most ridiculous eyesore I have ever seen.
By the way, my five year old daughter tells me she "hates camping" and would
rather go to a hotel with daddy (who by the way, also hates camping).
'Just my opinion. I'm sure you'll hear others.
Denise
2001 Isuzu Trooper
2001 Coleman Westlake
Turn Key
I) slept on
the cold hard rocky ground without any complaints. We swam in the oceans
without lifeguards, played in the streams and drank the water without
knowing
any better, went hiking in the woods before hiking was trendy, got lost,
found
our way back to the campsite, climbed rocks, made campfires and never ever
knew
the meaning of "planned activities." We didn't have tacky lights shaped
like
hot dogs hanging from anything, we didn't have groovy propane grills. If we
were hungry, we found a stick and stuck hot dog on the end and put it in the
campfire. Now that's a vacation.."
Good gravy! You mean you lived through all of this! Who'd of thunk it!
: )
I think I pretty much understand where your coming from. Give me a nice,
quiet state park any day! Turn Key
Jim Redelfs
"snow" <dles...@prexar.com> wrote:
> I am new to camping this year and my family is going cross country in an
> pop-up this summer. Which is preferred campgrounds?? KOA and the private
> campgrounds or State Parks???
What *I* prefer is probably not what YOU would likely do better with.
Since you are new to camping - period - you may feel more secure,
comfortable and confident if you book reservations in well-rated
campgrounds.
Taking-off on a cross-country trip is NOT the way to start camping.
In a private campground, there are always attendants/owners that are
usually quite helpful in the event of a breakdown or the information
needed by a newbie to continue their RV journey.
I prefer public campgrounds for the more spacious and private sites they
usually have compared to the private counterparts. The compromise is
often no electric hookup and any store is MILES away. A private
campground, while more densely populated, always offers AT LEAST an
electric hookup and usually many other amenities. Most importantly,
they take reservations.
Get a copy of Trailer Life's Campground Guide and study it carefully.
With some good planning, you can enjoy a nice trip with few surprises.
Good luck and have fun!
:)
JR
KDSHYD
"correct" answer. In short, since 'the people', with their collective "deep
pockets" own state parks, they can often have "dibs" on the best, most scenic
spots. Because of the upkeep attendant to the typical commerical operation,
state/fed. sites often have limited hookups. Commericial campground run the
gamut from palacial to less than double yuck. They pretty much always have full
hooks though. My practical counsel is to have a plan where you go state/federal
on some days (where you might have to camp "dry") and, then, alternate with
commercial campgrounds--if for no other reason than to use the hookups to
recharge your battery.