Are you thinking about parking your recreational vehicle for the season and becoming a “permanent” or extended-stay camper? Selecting the right campground is about matching your needs with a community of similar-minded people who value the things you value.
In a country that boasts thousands of campgrounds, there’s one that’s the right fit for just about every camping style. You can save time and money by doing your homework before going online or jumping in the car. Ask yourself these questions:
How does my family like to spend their free time? What do they enjoy most?
If your family would rather hike, fish or explore the forest, a campground with a crafts center and game room may not be a necessity. Look for what honestly matters to you. Camping is about enjoying your recreational time and recharging your batteries. The most popular campground in your neighborhood might not be the place to hang your hat for the summer Look instead to where you’d choose to “build” a second home.
What will it “cost” me to camp?
Decide what you are willing to spend in time and effort as well as dollars. Some campgrounds will require you to mow and trim your site every weekend, or volunteer to lead the charge in campground- sponsored activities. Others will charge you for special events, recreation or services. Some require no upkeep of site. Most charge additional fees for drop-in guests or exact penalties for late payment of fees. The bottom line is that seasonal stay camping is usually value camping that offers 24 hour recreation for less than you pay to take the kids to the movies. But it’s not a value if you drop by your camper only once a month to maintain the recreational vehicle. Read your lease carefully. Know what your responsibilities will be and what you can expect from the campground. If you’re not certain, ask.
How do I know if a campground is the right fit for my family?
Start by doing all the research you can about the campground’s history, policies and regulations. Drop by for a visit. If clean restrooms matter, the time to check them is during or after a busy weekend. If friendly personnel and campground security is important, stop at the front desk and measure how you, a stranger, are treated. Secure a day pass to walk through the property and ask seasonal campers what’s good and what’s not about the campground. Remember, one man’s meat is another man’s poison, so ask questions and listen carefully. Check out ratings and read what guests have to say. You might take some opinions with a grain of salt, but you should still honor your hunches by checking things out for yourself. Finally, when looking at policies and rules, ask yourself honestly: if these were applied to my family, would I willingly comply? Rules are not just for others, but for you, too.
What’s the biggest advantage of becoming a seasonal, or extended stay camper?
Other than saying seasonal camping is excellent economic value, campers will tell you that life-long friendships are formed when families take the time to sit around the campfire and relax in the presence of folks who enjoy similar lifestyle choices. Cooking together, lounging by the pool, walking pets and even gathering kindling in the woods bonds us to each other, especially when you have the same camping neighbors week after week. Not hassling with packing and unpacking, not stressing over weekend traffic or the uncertainty of learning the ropes in a new setting are often mentioned by moms and dads who want to maximize their free time by returning to a camp site “ready to use” whenever a free day or two becomes available.
Seasonal, extended stay camping is not for everyone. But during tough economic times, it’s an especially good value.
In a country that boasts thousands of campgrounds, there’s one that’s the right fit for just about every camping style. You can save time and money by doing your homework before going online or jumping in the car. Ask yourself these questions:
How does my family like to spend their free time? What do they enjoy most?
If your family would rather hike, fish or explore the forest, a campground with a crafts center and game room may not be a necessity. Look for what honestly matters to you. Camping is about enjoying your recreational time and recharging your batteries. The most popular campground in your neighborhood might not be the place to hang your hat for the summer Look instead to where you’d choose to “build” a second home.
What will it “cost” me to camp?
Decide what you are willing to spend in time and effort as well as dollars. Some campgrounds will require you to mow and trim your site every weekend, or volunteer to lead the charge in campground- sponsored activities. Others will charge you for special events, recreation or services. Some require no upkeep of site. Most charge additional fees for drop-in guests or exact penalties for late payment of fees. The bottom line is that seasonal stay camping is usually value camping that offers 24 hour recreation for less than you pay to take the kids to the movies. But it’s not a value if you drop by your camper only once a month to maintain the recreational vehicle. Read your lease carefully. Know what your responsibilities will be and what you can expect from the campground. If you’re not certain, ask.
How do I know if a campground is the right fit for my family?
Start by doing all the research you can about the campground’s history, policies and regulations. Drop by for a visit. If clean restrooms matter, the time to check them is during or after a busy weekend. If friendly personnel and campground security is important, stop at the front desk and measure how you, a stranger, are treated. Secure a day pass to walk through the property and ask seasonal campers what’s good and what’s not about the campground. Remember, one man’s meat is another man’s poison, so ask questions and listen carefully. Check out ratings and read what guests have to say. You might take some opinions with a grain of salt, but you should still honor your hunches by checking things out for yourself. Finally, when looking at policies and rules, ask yourself honestly: if these were applied to my family, would I willingly comply? Rules are not just for others, but for you, too.
What’s the biggest advantage of becoming a seasonal, or extended stay camper?
Other than saying seasonal camping is excellent economic value, campers will tell you that life-long friendships are formed when families take the time to sit around the campfire and relax in the presence of folks who enjoy similar lifestyle choices. Cooking together, lounging by the pool, walking pets and even gathering kindling in the woods bonds us to each other, especially when you have the same camping neighbors week after week. Not hassling with packing and unpacking, not stressing over weekend traffic or the uncertainty of learning the ropes in a new setting are often mentioned by moms and dads who want to maximize their free time by returning to a camp site “ready to use” whenever a free day or two becomes available.
Seasonal, extended stay camping is not for everyone. But during tough economic times, it’s an especially good value.
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