10 Things You Should Ask RV Parks At Check-In
A campsite is a temporary home base for RVers. Just as with a sticks-and-bricks home, you’ll want to do some research before you move in. Finding out what other RVers are saying about a campground on RV LIFE Campground Reviews will really help with choosing a campground that suits your needs.
Asking some important questions when you are checking in at your chosen RV park could even save your life or the life of someone you love. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 important questions you should be asking the RV park when you’re checking in.
While the answers to some of these questions can be found online before you arrive at the campground, some of these questions are best asked when you arrive at a campground instead. For instance, if there is a concerning level of toxic blue-green algae in the local swimming areas, the information might not be available online, but they’ll know about it when you’re checking in.
1. What’s the emergency plan and where is the emergency evacuation route?
Climate disasters such as wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes have spurred governments to require that campgrounds have policies and procedures in place for any emergency that might occur. It’s up to you to find out what your campground’s emergency management plan is.
No one wants to be caught in a disaster, but not knowing what the emergency plan is can make a bad situation even more stressful.
2. Where is the nearest storm shelter?
It’s never safe to shelter in your RV if there is a major storm or tornado in your area. This is an important question to ask if you camp in areas affected by major storms and tornadoes.
3. Where is the nearest hospital/emergency care?
Knowing where to go in the event of a health crisis will spare you from having to deal with a crisis while trying to find emergency care. It just makes sense to ask ahead of time.
4. Do they have an area veterinarian that they recommend?
If you have a pet with you, you can check on local Facebook groups for recommendations, but the RV park management team might have some great suggestions for a vet, should your dog or cat have an unexpected health crisis.
5. What activities are there to do in the area?
Management and/or reception might have some great advice for local must-see events and activities that will suit your situation perfectly.
6. Where are the best dog parks in the area?
Dog parks can be an amazing opportunity to give your dog a much-needed off-leash romp after a big road trip.
Many RV parks recognize how important it is for dog owners to have access to an off-leash dog park. Some RV parks will even provide a dog park for their doggy guests to run and play. Many times front desk staff will be happy to recommend particularly good local dog parks.
7. Is there blue-green algae present in swimming areas?
Blue-green algae is a toxic algae that is becoming pervasive in nearly any body of water that is close to human habitation. It thrives on the phosphorus used in many detergents, soaps, and fertilizers, which often winds up in bodies of water via run-off or even septic systems.
The biggest problem with blue-green algae for campers is that it makes people really sick. Blue-green algae is lethal to dogs when they ingest it. Levels of blue-green algae can change fairly rapidly, but park staff will probably know if the levels are concerning when you’re checking in.
8. Where is the nearest grocery store/farmers market?
While you can find local grocery stores using Google or RV LIFE Trip Wizard, park staff might be able to advise you to the best places to buy groceries nearby.
9. How much does it cost to do laundry, and can they provide change?
This obviously isn’t a life or death question. However, if you intend to do laundry at the RV park, it’s good to have the correct change ready when you are ready to do laundry. So, asking for change at check-in might save you from scrounging change from between your sofa cushions.
10. Is there a fire ban right now?
You should always ask if it’s okay to have a campfire when you are checking into your campsite.
What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below or on iRV2 forums. Forums such as iRV2.com provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.
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Does the park have an AED? More and more do.
When my neighbor leaves each day to eat they leave their little yapper who barks non stop until they return. Is their a policy for barking ?
That is one of my biggest ‘pet’ peeves. Not just going out to eat for an hour or so, but leaving in the morning for an all day sightseeing tour. As far as I’m concerned it borders on animal cruelty. It’s no different than leaving them in a car on a hot day.
I once confronted the people who did this when they returned. I told them they better hurry up and check on their dog. It had been barking all day and then suddenly stopped. I told them something may have happened to the dog. A look of panic as they ran to the door. The dog was fine and it did not seem to phase them. They did the same thing the next day.
I let the campground owners know about this. Strange, they left the next day.
Why even bring the animal if you are not going to take care of them?????
Are utilities included?!
How does the park handle package deliveries?
What are the hours the gate is open?
Ask for the type of space you would like … close to pool , close to outhouse, site with shade?
Hours for quiet time and whom to call if neighbors break the rules?
Address for emergency services?
Trash pick ups and recycling center?
I would ask – is there any wildlife in or near the park that we need to worry about?
Is there staff on site for any emergency or issues, electrical, water or wacko campers after 6pm?
What kw rate do they charge? We found one Florida campground that added 50% to FPL rates
I would also ask if the WiFi was up and running.
Here are mine:
1. What time is checkout?
2. Have prior guests complained about the electric?
3. Do you pickup trash at the site or where is the dumpster?
4. What is the quality of your water?
5. Am I near a playground?
6. What is quiet time and do you enforce it?
7. Are there ants at the site?
8. Does the site flood after heavy rains?
9. Can I extend my stay if I decide to?
10. Which local restaurants in the area to you recommend?
Good questions. Thank you.
I’m sure there are others but, You Me and The Rv sell a magnetic write in for your refrigerator. It has locations for a erasable marked to fill in with this information and more.
We always lookup this before hand and fill it out. Your campground suggestion can help update that info as well.
Even you site number could be a Big help in a stressful 911 call from your ever changing home on the road.
Nice article!
I ask what the parking for our “A”RV is on. I do not like to park on pavement for our Cummins-DP with a new engine ($10,250 by Flying Wrench + 10.5 months) Leaks engine oil, I do not carry dippers for the Money Pit RV. Gravel or dirt is what I look for to park on top of.
Fix the damned thing, dude! No one likes stepping in your drips or cleaning up the mess.
My only concern about your statement is that it’s ok to leak oil on gravel and dirt which then cause a bigger contamination problem as I gets into the soil easier.
Can therefore be a hazard for people and pets.
Irresponsible. You know it leaks take appropriate action to prevent site contamination from your oil.
Does 911 work. is there cell phone coverage. What is the 24hour emergency phone number for the RV park.
I would ask ” How stable is the electric at the park? “