Copyright Janet Groene 2026. To ask about rates to reprint Groene content, email janetgroene@yahoo.com
FIVE TOP COMPLAINTS ABOUT
RV PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS & RESORTS
and how you can protect yourself
1. Crowding is inevitable in RV parks. It simply isn’t practical for builders to run electric, water and sewer lines miles into the wilderness for separate sites. Hookup sites are in closer clusters. If you have a large rig with multiple slides on both sides, some sites simply aren’t ready for you. Know dimensions of your RV in feet and inches, slides extended, then check the park’s website to find the best site for your rig.
The standard height measure for most RV’s is a maximum 13' 6". If you what a tree-shaded site, know the campground’s own standards for tree trimming.
2. Noisy neighbors. Before making reservations, check out the park’s rules for quiet hours and generator use. Some resorts party hearty into the wee hours, You will probably be asked to sign a list of rules on check-in. Know your rights and obligations.
3. Showers and bathrooms. If you rely on public facilities, heaven help you. While most parks do a fantastic job at keeping things sparkling, these facilities are only as clean as they were left by the last user. Check three or more ratings online to get an general overview, then hope for the best. For myself, I'd rather wipe down a wet bath in a smaller RV rather than "take the path to the bath".
4. Water pressure and quality. Protect your RV with a water pressure regulator. This prevents blow-outs to your plumbing. Add filters for better taste. If you travel often in hard water areas, consider installing a water softener.
5. Laundry machines can make for nasty surprises but it's also a big plus if the park has a large, clean laundry with lots of washers and dryers. In fact, some families tell me they do all their laundry at the park before leaving for home. Always check to see that washers and dryers are empty and clean (no crayons or stray red socks) before adding your clothes. It's a small thing, but you might call ahead to see how you'll pay: tap, coin or other. You may need rolls of quarters, and not everyone carries them these days.
Bottom line: before making reservations, know exactly what you are getting at the time you will be there. (Seasons vary.) Get specifics about Wi-Fi, phone overage, rates including fees and taxes, power hookup (EV charging, 20-30-50 amp service?), rules, restrictions and your site’s size, shape and location of hookups.
WHEN TRAVEL EMERGENCIES HAPPEN IN YOUR RV
SURVIVAL FOOD HANDBOOK is a guide to survival when you're Out There and out of fresh provisions. It's written just for RV travelers and campers who have limited storage space.
Whether it's fridge failure, or you're broke or quarantined or weathered in, stuff happens. See provisioning information, lists, tips and recipes made solely with stowed foods from supermarkets (not those expensive doomsday rations). Plan your personal three-day standby pantry with familiar, affordable staples for travel, home, boating and camping.
Kindle or paperback, it's a great gift idea for yourself or a friend. https://amzn.to/3mIfryC
RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS;
GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
Below find current news breaks from our local sources. They are FYI, not reviews nor ads. It's up to you to follow up as the story develops.
NEW AND FUTURE RV PARKS
The newest Love’s Travel Stop is in Gretna, Florida in the Panhandle between Lake Talquin State Park and Tallahassee. It’s off I-10 Exit 174. It has EV charging stations, a dump station, three RV parking spaces and four RV hookup spots, fuels, dog park, showers, food including fresh foods, Arby’s and Dunkin’, and a full inventory of supplies. While you're in the area, visit historic hamlets Havana and Quincy nearby.
EVENTS
On Independence Day In 1776, St. Augustine, Florida was a thriving Spanish city. Now restored, the old city will feature free Birth of American walking tours every Saturday in July. Reservations are required. Daytime RV parking is permitted at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility (adjacent to the Visitor Information Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive). A designated oversized lot is at 3 Riberia Street, where daytime RV parking is free (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and overnight parking is available by permit only. See CityWalksStAug.com or call (904) 825-0087.
CHANGES, NEW OWNERS, UPGRADES
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground, Chattanooga, Tennessee is now a member of the Open Roads hospitality group. The campground has RV sites, Wi-Fi, a dog park, swimming pool, playground, hiking and biking trails and access to guided cave tours. See OpenRoadResorts.com for codes to summer discounts.
Here's more good news for campers who love caving. A massive campground expansion and improvement is underway at Carter Caves Resort State Park, Olive Hill, Kentucky. New in the campground is a large and modern camp store, bathhouse, ADA campsites and upgraded sewer and electric campsites. The park has a welcome center with gift shop, a restaurant, rock climbing, gem mining, paddles[ports, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts and guided cave tours. See parks.ky.gov/
In Bremen, Georgia the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort has a new 57,000-gallon water park with four slides, water cannons and blasters, family pool, electric boat rides, live entertainments and more. The resort has 225 RV sites, planned activities, dance parties, gem mining, wagon rides, mini golf, a café’, cabins, glamping and tent sites.. See details at campjellystone.com/georgia/jellystone-park-west-georgia/ .
The Las Cruces, New Mexico KOA has been upgraded to KOA Holiday status. Check out the new features including Patio Suites.
DID YOU KNOW?
* KOA Rewards Program members also get Rewards perks in Australian KOA’s. See KOA.com/
* FMCA rallies are a whale of deal. Enjoy several days of learning, live entertainment, good fellowship and just plain RV fun. You don't have to be a member. Sign-up is available to non-members at a slightly increased rate and a space available basis. Regional rallies go on all year. The next big national convention is in Georgia in March, 2027. See FMCA.com/
SCUTTLEBUTT
Please say it isn’t so! The new parking fee in the RV park at the Deschutes County, Oregon Expo Center is reported to be a whopping $1,500 per month.
The latest in the Yacht Yenta cozy mystery e-books brings widow Farley Halladay closer to the answer of her husband's death.
Read the six cozies in any order as Farley copes, cooks and solves crimes with the help of her wacky cast of characters. You'll laugh at her frailties; cry with her as she grieves. Find it on Google Play and other ebook formats and also on Kindle, https://amzn.to/3wcf6ao
Be the first to hear of new campgrounds and parks, new features, changes good and bad. This blog posts every Friday. See you next week.
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