Selecting the perfect campground or even a campsite for an RV can take some detective work, I know. Here’s a list of some helpful things to consider whether you’re planning a camping trip months in advance or winging it last minute.

When selecting a campground or even a campsite there are a few tips that can help even last minute. Use websites to find out about hookups, driveway length & pull throughs. Google maps/earth is great for predicting shade, privacy and great views, road quality, National forest boundaries and campsite positioning. Last minute sites- cancelations, forfeited sites, equestrian sites and show up at check out.

Using park websites and guides to find campsite details

Hookups & amperage

Whether you’re staying at an RV park, a public or private campground you’ll most likely want to know about available hookups.

Electric hookups can come in 30 or 50 amps so you need to have a handy converter with you. Bigger rigs with dual A/C units will most likely want a 50 amp site in the summer.

Always know where your next water source is so you can plan accordingly. Maybe it’s the mom in me but this one seems the most important, so does cleaning it. (Here’s how I do that)

Does the campground have a dump station? Be sure to map the closest one out and include it on your route.

Type of parking pull through or back in

Most campground maps will show if the site is a regular back in drive or a pull through. Pull throughs are much easier if you’re towing a trailer but usually run right next to the road. Back in sites can offer more privacy but are trickier to maneuver into.

RV length

Don’t forget to include the length of your trailerand your tow vehicle. Tent sites are just that, tent sites. Unless you have a truck camper or campervan don’t even think about trying to squeeze into a tent only site.

If your RV is towing your car you may need to leave it when you check in to free up some space at camp.

Cell service/Wifi

I’ve found quite a few campground websites now include cell service ratings. Some even include ratings for different carriers. GREAT! It’s nice to be able to google that mushroom the kids found or plan more of your trip.

Perhaps this sounds like a crazy thing to think about on a camping trip but some folks need to catch up on some occasional work. I personally like to download new videos to YouTube for the littles to watch while offline cruising to our next destination. I even make a hot spot and swap out games on the kid’s tablets to keep things fresh… and quiet. Lol.

Pricing & available discounts

Scout out prices. Are there any discounts available to you? AAA, senior discounts, park passes? It never hurts to call ahead or check. Sometimes discounts can be substantial.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor can be a helpful guide when looking for photos or looking for answers to common questions. Reviews can be an invaluable resource and offer ideas for near by activities.

Use Google maps or Google earth for camping

Finding shade, privacy or views

Set your map to satellite mode and zoom on in! Really get in there. Are there trees that might offer shade during the summer months or privacy from nearby campers? Is a particular site situated so that you may have a great view… and not of the dumpsters? Hey, it happens.

Find forest or BLM land for boondocking

Dry camping in the wilderness can’t be beat, sometimes it’s your only option when the campgrounds are full. Google maps makes it easy to help identify when you are on forest lands. Be sure to save your map/route for offline viewing incase you lose signal!

Road quality, paved, dirt

Use these maps to identify road conditions such as dirt roads or 4×4 routes. Sometimes that might be what you want depending on your vehicles capabilities. Boondocking is great but only if you can safely turn around or not get stuck on a narrow, high clearance road. UGH.

Low over passes, steep grades and turn arounds are good to know about too. Even at a campsite you might find there is plenty of room to maneuver your trailer that you otherwise wouldn’t see on a regular non-satellite map.

Proximity to camp amenities

It’s great your RV park or campground might have a pool, horseshoe pit, play ground or hiking trails to name a few… but how close do you want to be to those amenities? Perhaps you want some peace and quiet or you want to be able to keep an eye on the kids, these are things to think about. Do you really want people cutting through your camp to get to the bathhouse? Probably not.

Planning outings? Try to find a campground closest to your destinations to make it more convenient for you. Shops, restaurants, fishing, amusement parks, beaches, hiking trails… keep it as easy as possible to get to where you want to go. It’s time to relax mama!

Doors and awnings facing into camp not away

Google maps satellite mode is great for getting a closer look at a potential campsite. Aim to keep the campsite on the passenger side so your camper door opens out into your site and not the street. Perhaps this means running your hookups under your rig or pulling straight in (which means you can’t disconnect unless you’re in a pull through site.)

Why aren’t ALL campsites set up this way? Because some campgrounds have sites that are meant to be booked side by side with friends so that your awnings can all face a central camp. How fun!

However you park remember you’re there for a reason. Don’t miss out on great views even if that means being at a wonky angle so your bedroom window faces the mountains.

Tips to finding a campsite last minute

Check Recreation.gov for cancelations

Campgrounds can get booked out months and months in advance but did you know cancelations are updated weekly? That’s right. Keep checking on your desired destination and it’s possible someone changed their mind and freed up a site. One day or 2 weeks, If it means getting to stay at your dream campground it’s worth watching closely.

ReserveAmerica.com is another helpful site.

Camp hosts

Oh, the ever so helpful camp hosts! These guys and gals can be a lifesaver. They know who canceled and when, quite possibly for other campgrounds nearby too assuming they are run by the same entity.

Typically if someone does’t arrive within the first 24 hours of their reservation that site is no longer theirs and their reservation is forfeited. You wouldn’t know it because of the reservation placard attached to the site. If you don’t see so much as a cooler in the campsight, there’s a good chance they’re not out fishing but instead missed their reservation. Check with the host!

Equestrian sites

In Utah we came across some packed campgrounds (thanks to someone missing their reservation we snagged a site!) but we were pleased to learn that the campground reserved for equestrians actually opened up to first come first serve after a certain time. I want to say it was 6 or 7 PM. Great tidbit to know since I never would have thought to ask since we don’t have a horse!

First come first served

Show up at check out time to snag a spot first come first serve. The early bird catches the worm. Wandering into your destination in the late afternoon can pose some problems. Sure you had a beautiful day out exploring but you may be searching for the nearest forest land or Walmart to spend the night. Ha! Although, sometimes it’s worth it.

If you haven’t already launched your trip, touch up on this quick safety inspection (How to prepare your RV for travel) so you can hit the road stress free. Yahoo!

What was the BEST VIEW you’ve ever had from your campsite? LOL what was the WORST? Go ahead, you can show us! We can laugh or cheer together. Tag @mamas.little.camper on Instagram and come say “Hi.”