The busy summer camping season will soon be in full swing. Many serious campers made their reservations back at the beginning of the year. If you forgot, or just decided to add in a last-minute trip, you could be out of luck at the most popular campgrounds in this area. Don’t despair… all is not lost! You can plan a great trip and even avoid the busy summer camping crowds. Here are 4 tips and tricks to help you out:
1. Avoid Popular Destinations
Two destinations (that) draw campers more than any other: beaches and national parks. If you want to avoid the summer camping crowds you will want to avoid staying at campgrounds that are located right next to these types of destinations. You can still enjoy these same destinations by staying a little further away. The peace and quiet of a more remote campground can make the extra drive to get to the beach worth it during the busy summer season. And while many national park campground spots are already booked, there are usually two or more RV parks just outside the park entrances that still have spaces available.
Another trick is to look for a campground that is located in the middle of several different areas that you want to see. You can take day trips to see everything you want, and retreat to a quiet spot at night.
2. First Come First Served Campgrounds
If you have not yet made reservations, but want to stay at a campground, try a “first come-first served” campground. There are some campgrounds that do not take any reservations, and quite a few of the state or national campgrounds which keep a block of sites available for guests on a “first come-first served” basis.
If you don’t have a reservation and you want one of these sites, it is important that you show up early… early in the day, and early in the week. Many times all of the sties will be taken before noon during the busy season. If you can manage it, plan to show up at these campgrounds on a Sunday when many campers are headed home. In fact, we have heard that the best day to snag a site in this way is early on a Tuesday. However, getting a site like this is never guaranteed. Make sure you have a backup plan!!
3. Give Boondocking a Try
Have you thought of avoiding the campgrounds altogether? Avoid the crowds completely by boondocking (or dry camping). You will give up the amenities offered by campgrounds, such as a pool, playground, and restrooms, but with a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, you might find you don’t really need any of that. If you are looking for a peaceful place to sit and relax, you can find it. If you are looking to go hiking in the day and enjoy other outdoor activities, you can find it. Boondocking will usually allow you more privacy than you find in a campground. However, boondocking is a learned skill. If you have never dry camped before, take the time to learn and plan your boondocking days. Check out these tips to get you started.
4. Travel During Off Times
Let’s face it – most of the summer is going to be busy at many campgrounds. But, there are some times that are busier than others. Campgrounds will be flooded with people that are looking to celebrate the 4th of July at most popular destinations, for instance. That means the week before and the week after the 4th can be busy, but then everyone heads home. The week after the popular holiday weekends can be great times to miss the crowds at campgrounds.
Schools around the country will be back in session anywhere from the beginning of August to the week after Labor Day. If you don’t have children, or they are grown, the month of May, the end of the summer and the months of September and October are great times to go camping.
Make it Happen
Don’t let crowded campgrounds keep you from heading out in your RV this summer. Try one of these 4 alternative camping strategies to make the best of the busy season. If you aren’t the proud owner of an RV yet, stop in to one of our locations to find a huge selection of new and used RVs for sale to meet your traveling needs. Don’t let summer pass without enjoying the benefits of your very own RV.
