Campgrounds have been a popular place for generations of adventurous families to make priceless memories. However, many of them could benefit from an upgrade or two. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The amenities you desire or demand are very different from what we do. A recent post inspired us to form the ultimate campground upgrades wishlist from RVers. Let’s dive in!
A full-time RVer recently asked the community for some input for a speech he’ll give to a group of campground owners. He works in the outdoor hospitality industry and hopes to use the opportunity to help owners and RVers. With over 200 comments, the post generated quite a buzz.
Camping has become popular, and many facilities want an advantage. The input users can help these campgrounds to invest in amenities that users want or need. They’re only wasting their time, money, and energy if they invest in features that guests won’t use.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking into scheduling a few trips this year, be sure to read How to Pick the Best Site in a Campground before booking!
As you might assume, there were some common themes. However, there were a handful of surprises that caught our attention. Like most online discussions, some people were more passionate about their opinions than others.
The post was in a full-time RVing group, and many comments reflect it. What full-timers need or expect in a campground differs significantly from those who camp recreationally. Some have very high expectations. They are okay with paying a premium for luxuries that allow them to enjoy their RV to the fullest.
Camping has changed dramatically over the years. As a result, what RVers want from campgrounds these days also differs significantly. Here are some of the most common requests we noticed from what the RV community wants to see for campground upgrades.
The most common request from RVers was for campgrounds to provide more space. Numerous commenters shared how they would love to see sites with room to spread out. Many facilities, especially RV parks, maximize profits by squeezing as many sites as possible into an area. While this may pad their pockets, it leaves guests feeling cramped and crowded.
Unfortunately, making larger sites means management will have to increase rates. However, as mentioned, some are okay with paying a premium to stay comfortable. They’re happy to fork over cash in exchange for the increased privacy.
Campers typically don’t age well because of their design and the materials used. As a result, many up-scale locations prohibit rigs older than 10 years old. While some will make exceptions, this can be a hard-and-fast rule at some facilities.
Numerous commenters shared how they’d like to see the elimination of the 10-year Rule. Some owners have rigs that are 10 or 20 years old and still look phenomenal inside and out. However, they’re unable to stay at some resorts simply because of the age of their recreational vehicle.
Many RVers bring their pets along for their adventures. Another popular request was for more pet-friendly amenities for their furry friends. These include pet washing stations, play areas, and walking paths. Pet-friendly amenities make it easy for owners to ensure their animals get the exercise they need while traveling.
In addition, many non-pet owners would love to see increased waste disposal options for pet owners. Trash receptacles and waste baggies for guests to use help everyone. We’ve seen far too many campgrounds where owners could have done a better job of picking up after their pets. In many of these situations, waste cans and baggies weren’t available for guests.
Over the last several years, remote learning and work have become more common. As a result, many individuals and families are taking advantage of the opportunities to travel the country. However, the WiFi at most campgrounds can feel like you’re reliving the dial-up internet days. It’s far from the blazing speeds that most people enjoy these days.
Many would love to see campgrounds invest in upgrading their WiFi networks to truly high-speed connections. They want to be able to stream shows, do video conferences, and stay connected with others. This is especially important in remote areas where cellular networks may be unavailable.
One easy upgrade users requested was for campgrounds to enforce their rules. Typically, campers agree to the rules when making reservations or checking in when arriving. However, like many commenters, we’ve discovered some parks do a terrible job enforcing them.
While most people don’t need much policing or hand-holding, some that push the limits. Noisy neighbors and other rude behaviors that often violate the rules can ruin the experience of others. Some campgrounds need to enforce the rules they’ve already established to help ensure everyone remains happy campers.
With so many resources available, there’s no excuse for campgrounds to have crummy websites. Resources like Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly make it easy for anyone to make a decent-looking site. However, it’s more than just using fancy pictures and looking good.
An outdated campground website can be incredibly frustrating for RVers. Commenters would love to see facilities update their websites regularly to ensure the information on them is as accurate as possible. This includes the status of the campground facilities and their rates.
The final requested campground upgrade on our wishlist is landscaping. Some RV parks and facilities are nothing more than concrete. This is primarily because it’s easier to bulldoze everything when creating infrastructures. Unfortunately, some opt to maximize space by excluding plants from their plans or budget after construction finishes.
Including landscaping helps increase privacy and provide a more natural look. Many individuals want to spend more time in nature to help them escape everyday life. Having lots of trees and greenery can be helpful.
While RVers have spoken, we’ll have to wait to see if campground owners will listen and respond accordingly. The competition between facilities is growing, and management must do whatever they can to convince guests to win business. However, if they listen to what customers want, they should have no trouble staying busy.
What campground upgrades are on your wishlist?
