Asking Questions Before Reserving an RV Space Saves Headaches

Is there availability? 

Internet searches make finding an RV space easier than ever. Over the last couple years interest in traveling has increased so accommodations can be harder to find. However, through all our travels we have never been unable to find a place to stay the night. Arrangements are easier if I plan a head but sometimes a change in plans forces us to explore immediate options. 

Simply by querying my iPhone, "RV parks near me," usually something readily available. My go-to apps are Passport America (PA)and Harvest Host (HH). Leave a message if you are interested in learning more about either.

Between these three resources, success is almost always assured. 

What is the price? 

When calling to reserve a space ask about available discounts. It simplifies the process to know what you qualify for before making contact. We are seniors, teachers, and members of Good Sam (GS), Passport America (PA), AARP, and Harvest Host (HH). There are other memberships available. You simply need to decide what meets your preferences. Also, veterans, first responders, and state residents often receive discounts. 

What amenities are available? 

When staying for a short period or just overnight, don't pay for what you will not use. Think about what is important to you and investigate based upon your needs.

• Bathrooms and showers
• Laundry facilities 
• Campfires 
• Picnic tables
• Propane available on site

What is the quality of the amenities?

Read the reviews from former guests. They are often painfully honest about uncomfortable stays and positive when they depart content. Be sure to read several because people who are disgruntled are more likely to write a review and some consumers are difficult to satisfy. After reading, reviews weigh the comments that are repeated and valid.

I hate it when the resort advertises a pool that is not open, a hot tub that is warm, or any number of other amenities that are inadequate. Sure you can't ask about everything but if there is one that you are especially excited to use or in need of ask questions. 

Does the park offer onsite entertainment? 

RV parks cater to different age groups. Consider what is available prior to reserving. If you are only pulling in late at night and leaving early the morning then a park with the bare essentials may be all that is needed. If an extended stay is planned you may reserves a spot with a pool, games, bike paths or any one of a multitude of activities. I guarantee the more amenities, the greater the cost. 

Several times we have stayed at parks that have entertainment on sight for an evening. We love this because we can sit outside with our neighbors, enjoy the music and make some new friends. Last summer a fold music group who was camping in the park played an impromptu gig. It was awesome. 

Sometimes a casino offers some fun. While other times a state campground offers beautiful hiking trails. When the children would travel with us a playground and pool when possible would help them release energy after a long day traveling. 

Considerations: golf, hiking trails, lakes, swimming pools, hot tubs, shuffleboard, game room, movie rentals, horseshoes, basketball court, pickleball, bike paths, playground.

Is the facility animal friendly?

Dagney and Cisco our Yorkshire terriers travel with us. Kari our oldest daughter, camps with her mastiff and two St. Bernards. Kat, our youngest, takes her two bulldogs. All have different requirements. My dogs yip and yap when they see other animals so we make sure to not park near a dog park or nobody is happy. The larger dogs need space to stretch out.

We have seen quite a few cats that travel with their families and once even met a lady in the park who had a pig. She shared that some places do not accommodate her pet so she has to ask each time she makes a reservation. Some RV parks do not welcome animals and some allow a maximum of two. Knowledge is powers so know what to ask. 

Electrical hookups

Sites come in 30- or 50-amp service. If the RV has two air conditioners, 50 amps is necessary. Sometimes to same money you might choose to not have any hookups. Many units are self-contained; we can usually go 3 days without resources. 

Can a arrival or departure date be altered? 

Ask if dates can be changed, extended, or cancelled. Sometimes when traveling the unexpected happens. A mechanical problem can change a schedule and weather has more than once prompted an early or late departure. 

Are some spaces leveler than others? 

If you have ever slept in a slanted position, especially when you share a bed, you immediately understand the value of having a level area to park. Many refrigerators will not cool adequately if they are not level. Slides can stick and may not extend if the ground is too uneven. It is always frustrating when struggling to with level the rig and the empty spot next door is more accommodating. Asking allows you to consider the options and come prepared with levelers if needed. Actually, from our experience most need some leveling, so come prepared.

Location? Location? Location?

What is the purpose of the stay? If you are planning to attend an event, tour or sightsee, ask about how far you will need to travel. It is also advised to ask about best or worst travel times. Rush hours can be harrowing and we once planned to attend an event unknowing that we were staying near a stadium the night of a big game. Traffic was horrendous and we were late.

If you desire isolation, examine a map of the park. Consider the size of the lots and number of spaces. If you desire to be near the water ask if you can see the water because maps are deceiving and inaccurate. If you are not self-contained ask about restrooms and showers. Do you wish to be near the playground? Dog park? Garbage? What seems close can require a good hike. What seems far away can be an annoyance. 

If during our stay we are planning to be spending time outside, Randy always assesses if the awning will provide shade. Sometimes it's the little things that make a stay pleasant.

Is there room for extra vehicles?

There was a time I assumed all RV parks allow the parking of a vehicle in tow. Not true. Some charge additional fees and others simply do not have the space available. 

Are pull-though sites available? How do they compared to the back-in sites?

The value of this feature depends on the size of your rig and your parking abilities. In our case, my husband is an excellent driver and has little trouble backing. However, just the thought of having to direct him into a space increases my anxiety as this story shares.

Guiding My Spouse as He Backs the RV Stresses Me Out

We have noticed that sometimes the pull-through sites are in less desirable areas of the RV park. We found ourselves near the rear of the park with little landscaping when the back-in sites where next to the water and surrounded by trees. When I examined the spaces, it made sense because it would have been impossible to create a pull-thru site near the lake. If I had asked about this, we probably would have chosen a back-in spot. 

Is sewer available at the site or will we need to use a dump station?

Some areas do not provide this amenity. Be sure to plan ahead and know the size of your black and grey water holding tanks. Also, be aware that often the level gauges are not precise do not depend on them to strongly. Know where the dump station is located. When planning to hook up to sewer at your site, inquire how long a hose is needed be informed of proper connections. It is suggested that you have a second hose for extended length.

Is there transportation available?

Some resorts offer transportation to nearby attractions. This is great if staying in a motorhome without a tow vehicle. Also consider availability of buses, trams, Ubers or Taxis. It can be relaxing to leave the driving to someone else for a change.

Is there internet? Does it work?

If this amenity can be important for long-term stays and when the whether is poor so ask what is available. My husband loves the Golf Channel, and it is not usually included. Weak reception is common so just because they have it available does not mean it will be assessable. It may be necessary to have a booster, antennae or cable to hook to the RV park service.

In our case, we have Dish TV in our home. To add it to our RV, the cost is only $5.00 a month.

Are visitors welcome?

We were surprised to be told when staying at one resort that visitors were not welcome to use the amenities. The plan was to have friends with children eat dinner and play in the pool before we knew about this restriction. Also, more and more RV parks charge a fee for visitors and often visitors must leave the grounds by a certain time in the evening. Consider asking before booking if you plan to have guests.

Do an inventory of your desires and needs. You can't ask all the questions above but you can determine what is important to you. If you don't ask you will not know.