You could find the best campground with the most beautiful scenery only to discover it isn’t all its cracked up to be. You might find yourself, for instance, in a lakeside lot only to discover you are right next to the public beach access and there is more noise than you were hoping for or people walking through/past your site, often leaving little privacy.

Though there are little hiccups that could happen on any vacation, there are ways to help ensure you find a campsite that best fits your needs and vacation preferences. The key to a great RV trip is all about planning. The more planning you do, the more you can be sure of what you are in for and that your vacation will be just as you hoped.

Some tips for finding the best campsite

  • If you don’t already have an assigned campsite when arriving at your campground, ask to see a site map and drive around to see all of the open RV spaces to help find the best spots.
  • Arrive as early as possible. The later you arrive, the more likely it is that the best spots will be full.
  • Pick a spot at least 200 to 300 feet from the water
  • Find a site that will allow you to set up your outdoor areas away from other campers, hiking/walking trails, and public access spots.
  • Look for a spot that allows the morning sun in. It will help you bound out of bed to start your adventures and keep you cool in the evening when you hope to come back and relax.
  • Try to avoid sites in tall grassy locations. They tend to have large amounts of insects and other pests.
  • Avoid campsites at the bottom of cliffs with loose rocks.
  • Make sure the site has enough space for you to comfortably set up all of your items.
  • Consider potential hazards during storm season.
  • If the weather is expected to be rainy, consider camping in a flood free zone.
  • Ask yourself how far you want to be from the campsite bathroom and amenities if the campground has these things.
  • Don’t try to create your own perfect campsite by moving/rearranging nature such as moving large rocks around. You could end up causing damage to the landscape.
  • Avoid camping on or near a ridge, especially in inclement weather because you are more exposed to the elements.
  • If you are not a fan of insects, especially mosquitoes, consider a campsite further away from the water or a marshy area as there are many bugs who love a moist climate.
  • In rainy season, try to find a site with good drainage. You don’t want to be stuck in large puddles!
  • If camping at a golf resort, be mindful of staying right on the edge of the course. At some point grounds maintenance crews will be doing work (loud lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.)
  • If you are camping with little ones, look for a spot away from a busy road.

With a little bit of planning and thinking about each scenario you may encounter, it will help you to find the best campsite to fit your RV camping needs and lifestyle comforts.

For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!