The best part of owning an RV is the ability to travel across the country and stop at various tourist attractions, adventure spots, family fun centers and natural parks. Those who’ve been RVing for a long time will probably have their favorite stomping grounds but for newbies, it can be tough to decide where to park when they’re in a new place or even what your options are. There are many different types of RV campgrounds available, so you’ll find a variety of camping accommodations available to you.

We at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs want you to have the best experiences in your campers. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide on choosing a campsite. For more help or to check out our wide selection of RVs, including fifth wheels, visit our locations in Red Deer and Edmonton, AB. We welcome all those looking for RVs for sale in Alberta!

RV Parks & Resorts

If you prefer luxurious accommodations when you travel, you’ll want to book a spot at an RV park or resort. At these campsites you’ll have access to full hookups as well as landscaped, clean campsites. Many RV parks also come with their own amenities, like on-site laundry facilities, pools and even recreational areas. 

These are often safe locations that aren’t too far from a major city or town, so if you need to make a quick trip to a grocery store or feel like eating at a restaurant or just get away from the trailer for a bit, it’ll be easy to do so. These are the most expensive options though many of these places will give you a discount if you’re going to stay longer. 

National & State Parks

When it comes to campsites in national or state parks, you’ll have less luxury and many have optional hookups. They will put you, however, right in the heart of the outdoors. If there’s a natural area you’d like to explore to your heart’s content, try booking a spot at a relevant state or national park. These campsites tend to be a lot cheaper. Just remember that spots at more popular national and state parks will need to be booked well in advance.

Boondock

If you’ve got some outdoor skills and are ready to camp without any hookups whatsoever, you’ll want to try boondocking. This means camping wherever it’s legal to do so. You have to prepare to camp like this and have some sort of strategy for retrieving supplies. The key is to make sure you’re allowed to be on the land you’re boondocking on. Popular boondocking spots include areas controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Biggest advantage? It’s free!

Some Things to Consider

There aren’t any right or wrong options here; it’s more a case of which one you prefer. Do you prefer only the basics, or do you like some extra amenities to make your stay more comfortable? Will you need hookups? Knowing the answers to these questions should set the foundations for where you’re going to stay.

There will be some other important considerations. First, consider the kind of RV you own and see how it plays into your final choice. Bigger RVs, like fifth wheels and motorhomes, need some special accommodations that are available only at RV parks and resorts, including enough space for the rig and a pull-through site so you don’t have to worry about parking hassles. 

Another important deciding factor is your budget. Since the prices of your options vary so wildly, you can select one that best suits your budget. You’ll find that national and state parks have pretty consistent rates, while privately-owned RV parks and resorts can have a big difference in the kind of rates they charge for the same kind of amenities. Some of these places might offer discounts if you intend to stay longer in the area. 

We hope you’ll find this information helpful when you have to pick a campsite! There are some things that can play a part in your decision-making. To learn more, get in touch with our expert staff here at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs. We also have a wide selection of RVs for sale in Red Deer and Edmonton, AB, so if you’re looking for an RV, contact our sales department today! We’re here for all the RV needs of our patrons from Alberta.