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CAMPGROUND GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
10 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR
RV-ING MORE AFFORDABLE
1. Schmooz with your insurer(s) and warranty contracts. Loyalty pays but it works both ways. Review, compare, question. You may save by bundling all insurance policies (homeowner, boat, motorcycle, RV) s with the same agent or company. However it also pays to look at ala carte pricing, especially for specialty or unusual coverage like the antiques you put in storage. Warranties are a minefield. Keep in mind that some maintenance steps must be observed to keep a warranty valid.
2. Shop around for storage options. Temperature-controlled, highly secure, easy access storage is always best but it’s pricey. Yet more companies are now entering the RV and boat storage business. A new location might offer an introductory rate for the first year. Your campground may have a storage program. If zoning laws allow, a pole barn addition to your property for RV storage may add to your home’s value.
3. Don’t forget the RV during gift giving occasions. When asked what you want for your birthday or anniversary, hint that many RV parks, including state parks, sell gift certificates that can be used for overnights stays or merchandise at the camp store.
4. Before committing to a campground reservation, know the full cost. Little phrases such as “plus taxes” can add as much as 24%. The reservation fee itself is probably non-refundable and other surprise fees are hopping on board everywhere. Watch for things like a one-time or daily pet cleaning fee, a resort fee (covering use of the pool and fitness center, for example), a non-refundable cleaning deposit or overtime rates when you don’t check out on time.
5. Are rates based on two adults only or...? Do you pay extra for guests or kids? Is it extra to park your boat trailer? To pitch a tent next to the RV? Note that some states require a yearly permit to enter a state park. This is in addition to daily entry fees and camping. Look into annual permits and/or discounts for state residents, seniors and first responders
6. Read campground rules in advance. They are usually on the website. Rules may require things you must sign for when checking in, such as a liability waiver or a large hold on your credit card. Know what fines and fees apply for violations of absurd, unexpected missteps. For example, there may be a fee for arriving without reservations. Violate quiet hours or dark sky regulations and there may be a fine. If you’re evicted for breaking a rule, there is no refund. Also, refunds may be denied even if you have to leave early because of a medical emergency.
7. SHOP SMARTER FOR camping clubs and memberships. A 50% discount on nightly rates isn’t worth it if you have to drive 200 miles out of your way to use a member campground.
8. Trust, then verify. Good or bad, take campground reviews with a grain of salt. I will never trust Yelp again. Who decides what's good or bad, and what are their qualifications for making judgements? Some reviews are "first time golly" raves from a writer who never camped before. Others are pay-offs for a free night.
9. Make your own meals. Learn more about outdoor cooking and managing in a tiny kitchen. In addition to the higher costs of food and labor, restaurant meals (including take-out) carry a hefty tax, usually 6-10%, plus tip and perhaps a service charge. See https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com.
10. Join every free Rewards or Loyalty system you find. If there is a fee, however, consider carefully when you’ll use it enough to be worthwhile. Is the program full of gimmicks? Does it result in floods of spam? Do points expire? Many campgrounds are changing owners these days. Are the points transferable?
CAMPGROUNDS; GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
This breaking news is from local sources and may be premature or incomplete. It's presented here so you can follow the story as it develops. No endorsement of any RV park is implied. Listings are by state or province.
FUTURE CAMPGROUNDS, RV PARKS
Sterling, North Dakota is another new place where you can soon find a Love’s Travel Stop. It’s expected to open by this fall with overnight spots for RV’s, a dog park, fuel and vehicle supplies. Eat, shop, shower. Other outlets in the complex will be the trademark Love’s Fresh Kitchen, a Godfather’s Pizza and a Subway, Get updates at Loves.com.
SCUTTLEBUTT
East Knoxville, Tennessee is said to be getting a large new sports park that will also have an RV park. Construction could start soon.
Jackson, Mississippi city officials have voted NO to a massive casino complex in town that would have included a hotel, restaurants and an RV park.
In San Luis Obispo, California, the 750-acre Toro Coast Reserve, formerly an oil storage facility, has been purchased by a conservation group that will develop it with a campground, dog beach, trail system for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians and other features for outdoor recreation.
Roswell, New Mexico has approved a plan for a new 3.3-acre campground with up to 50 RV sites. This is just the first step, and there is some local opposition, so stay tuned.
CAMPGROUND UPGRADES
Since your last visit, these RV parks and campgrounds have expanded or improved in some way.
Historic Harmels guest ranch resort, known as Harmels on the Taylor in Almont, Colorado is expanding with new housing, guest cabins and 35 RV sites. Come here for renowned trout fishing in well-stocked streams. Vacation amenities include a laundry, Wi-Fi a playground, restaurant, lawn games and horseback riding. Dating back to the 19th century, the facility once served miners on their way to the Tin Cup in search of gold and silver. (970) 641-1740
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Rose Trail Campground is a waterfront county park in Cherokee, Alabama.. It’s open now for the summer season after upgrades. The park has full and partial hookup RV sites, a dump station, hiking trails, a pavilion, piers and boat ramps, bathrooms and showers. Monthly rates are available. (256) 904-1742
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