This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy.

10 Things That Can Ruin Your RV Park Experience

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Not every campground deserves a five-star rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds. Some are run-down, dirty, and not maintained very well. Others have a staff who aren’t friendly or welcoming at all.

We don’t really ask for much as RVers, and we’re not always expecting a five-star resort with luxurious amenities. But these ten simple things can make all the difference.

1. The customer service was horrible.

RV parks

Nobody wants to deal with rude employees at any business. Greet us with a smile. Offer us free coffee when we check in, maybe. But also, be well-trained and knowledgeable about RVing, the park and local area, and all of the amenities offered.

Sign up for the newsletter today!

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

× logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Do It Yourself RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

2. It’s in a bad location.

RV parks
Photo by Yellowstone National Park on Wikipedia

Is the park right next to a major highway? Or in an area that’s known for a high crime rate? Location is one of the most crucial factors when choosing an RV park. It can make the difference between hearing cars passing by all night to getting a good night’s sleep.

3. The sites are unlevel, narrow, and difficult to pull into.

RV parks
Photo by Big Dude’s Eclectic Ramblings

Pulling (or backing) into a narrow site can be challenging, especially if it’s on uneven ground. It’s always a plus when parks offer spacious sites on paved level surfaces. And if you can find a spot in the shade? Even better.

4. There’s trash everywhere.

RV parks
Photo via It Starts With Me

Camping in a place littered with trash and cigarette butts is just gross. The facilities and RV sites should be regularly maintained and free of garbage laying around.

5. Off-leash pets were roaming around.

RV parks
Photo by RV-A-GOGO

Letting your pet run off-leash at an RV park is not usually a good idea. Even if you’ve trained them well, dogs are naturally tempted by everything at a campground: people, other dogs, cats, and wildlife like squirrels. It also puts you at a higher risk of a dog bite-incident, and the chance they may pick up a disease like rabies.

6. The sites are way too close together.

RV parks

When sites are crammed together, privacy is pretty much non-existent. Staying in a crowded lot is only OK when it’s in a prime location (like next to baseball stadiums). But usually, it’s much nicer to have some space between you and your neighbors.

7. There’s no WiFi…or it is offered, but you have to pay extra for it and the connection is spotty.

RV parks
Photo by Good Sams Club

Back in the day, WiFi wasn’t much of a necessity. But now, being able to connect to the Internet is essential, especially if you work on the road. It’s even more frustrating when WiFi is offered but the spotty connection makes it impossible to even log on to your e-mail. For a more consistent connection, look into a booster like the WiFiRanger.

8. The shower facilities aren’t up to par.

RV parks

They don’t have to be spa-quality showers. But it really makes a difference when the facilities are pristine and there’s more than enough hot water. It’s even better when showers are actually included in the overnight rate, instead of ones that are coin-operated.

9. They charge hidden fees.

RV parks

Do you have to pay an extra fee for your pet? Or for an additional vehicle? Anywhere you stay should always be up-front about all of the fees that are going to be included in the final cost.

10. Other campers were way too loud.

RV parks
Photo by Roverpass

When you just want a quiet weekend trip, nothing will ruin your experience faster than a group of campers partying right next to you. Of course, it’s not the park’s fault. But it does help if they’ll address the noise, especially after it’s gotten late.

Do any of these bother you? What are some other things that can ruin your RV park experience?




Leave a Comment

Welcome! Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be kind and respectful.
  • Keep comments relevant to the article.
  • Avoid insults, threats, profanity, and offensive remarks.
  • Refrain from discussing gun rights, politics, or religion.
  • Do not post misleading information, personal details, or spam.

We may hide or remove comments at our discretion.