Finding the perfect campground to park your RV should be simple. Drive up, plug in and enjoy. If you’re a Canadian Snowbird spending your winters down south, you’ll want to spend the least amount of time and energy researching and choosing where to stay. We’ve taken the hassle out of planning for you with this easy RV Campground Guide.
It’s generally easy to find and compare destinations online and read trusted reviews from fellow campers before you even venture out on the road.
Websites like GoodSam, GoRVing, TripAdvisor, and CampgroundReviews include user ratings and reviews for campgrounds all over North America. You can filter the results to find the amenities that are most important to you, like swimming, internet access, laundry facilities, and more.
If you don’t have a specific location in mind, you can do a top-down search of an entire state to find the most recommended RV parks and campgrounds. If you’re a people person, you might even consider choosing a destination based on who’s going to be there and what’s going on. Jump on Meetup.com to search groups and events in the area.
When on the road, do you prefer to camp in style or are you a no-frills, roughing-it-in-the-wilderness type? Choose your campground based on your desired camping style. Luxurious campsites may provide complimentary barbecues, picnic tables, and even a shared clubhouse to socialize in. More off-the-grid campgrounds (like the ones in National Parks) may trade top-notch amenities for spectacular views: think water and sewer hookups, a fire pit, and that’s it.
Are there any special accommodations you require during your stay? Perhaps you’ll be travelling with a grandchild or young family members; you might want to make sure there’s a safe playground or beach nearby. Or if you have a pet, priority will be finding a campground with a pet-friendly policy and ample space to run around.
Knowing your preferences ahead of time isn’t necessary (especially if it’s your first time RVing), but having an idea of your wants and needs can help tailor your experience for the better.
The goal is to reach your destination safely, but make sure to savour the journey along the way. Sometimes the fastest route is not always the best or most scenic. Build some wiggle room into your schedule for impromptu stops and overnights. Should you come across a town or landmark that you’d like to explore further, you can use an app like RV Life to see if there’s an RV campground nearby.
Online or via an app, you can find the best accommodation for your personal preference with a few finger taps. Scoping out the park in advance of arrival will save you the dreaded moment of realizing the park lacks what you need, like adequate parking space, the wrong number of hookup amps, or the absence of running water when all you want to do is take a shower.
Amperage is the volume of electricity that can be sent at one time. Most RVs come equipped with 30-amp service or 50-amp service. If your RV has a 30-amp service cord, the plug will have 3 prongs and can handle service up to 3,600 watts, meaning you can’t plug in too many things at once. If your RV has a 50-amp service cord, the plug will have 4 prongs, and you can use more electricity—up to 12,000 watts at the same time. Hooking up a 30-amp to a 50-amp or vice versa is completely doable, you’ll just need to purchase an adapter if your amperage does not match that which the campsite offers.
Research what kind of hookups the campsite provides ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Some RV campgrounds provide both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but some only offer one or the other.
Full hookups with electricity, water, and sewer service are ideal, but not always available. There’s no sense bringing oodles of appliances if you won’t have the electricity to power them. Determine what amenities the campground provides before loading up your RV with supplies. Some campgrounds may have on-site general stores for restocking food and toiletries.
Maybe you’re going for an extended stay and don’t want to miss out on receiving your mail. Check ahead with the campground to see if you can forward your mail to them. In a pinch, perhaps you can even send your online purchases there. Don’t assume: always call ahead to make sure.
Pat yourself on the back for a drive well driven. You’ve made it, you have everything you possibly need, and squabbles were squashed along the way with happy sights and timely stops. Crack a beer, toast some S’mores, and enjoy the escape from reality you deserve.
Many Canadian Snowbirds will take to the skies, roads, and lakes to escape to the sunnier south this year. Don’t tell the others, but we think RVing is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to go. Before you cross the border, make sure your travel insurance is in order. Contact your travel insurance representative to find the best plan to fit your road tripper’s needs.
We strongly recommend that you purchase coverage before departure. Although some of our insurers will cover you if you are already on your trip, they may exclude any pre-existing medical conditions, limit the amount payable on your policy or impose a large deductible.
