Campground vs RV Park

[TdogKing]

I camp, I travel, I stay in RV parks , I stay in dry campgrounds , I boondock. I do whatever I need I feel like I want to do. I'm a RV'er !

[Gary RVRoamer]

I think you are right that there are different styles of RVing, and that "camping" vs "traveling" is one convenient way of describing it. I just can't agree the the sign out front, i.e. Campground vs RV Park is in any way indicative of the prevalent style in that park. Or even that there is a prevalent style among the guests there.

I'm staying in an "RV Resort" right now. Probably half the people here are staying 2 months or more, many of them all season. The other half come and go, staying a few nights or maybe a week. Some of the seasonal people are just enjoying themselves, while others work in the area for the summer.

[Falcon190]

Originally Posted by adamfolger

After 43 yrs of straining my wifes love for me, I distract her with traveling to and fro.

I'm now pretty sure that my marriages didn't last cos there wasn't enough "to and fro". I will make sure there is next time! Thanks for the unintended advice and a hearty laugh!

[spritz]

Oldhiker,

I agree with you and several others, all the way around. When I drove semi's over the road there were a lot of places I wanted to stop at but couldn't at that time. But after having to quit working @ age 56 because of a bad back and a few other ailments I can now go to them. So I camp, I travel I go to RV parks and I stay where I have too in a 30 ft. Class A MH (My choice always got wet in a tent). When the backs acts up I stay as long as it takes, until it calms down. I am not in any hurry I don't go by a schedule I'm traveling. It might be 31 years old but she still takes us where we want to go.

Loving it.

Tim

[docj]

Although there are some parks that seem to be "exclusively" RV parks or campgrounds, I think there are plenty that are in the middle and can be either depending on the mix of people who happen to be there. For example, we are in Canada at the moment at a place that seemed like an "RV Park" when we first pulled in; there were quite a few long term rentals to people who appeared to live there. It was quiet and people seemed to keep to themselves.

However, this is August holiday weekend in Canada and the park is full of families from Calgary with their kids, many of whom have come with other families. Most of them seem absorbed with enjoying their weekend but I don't think they are more or less friendly than the first group, just different.

[Sky_Boss]

WOW...not even sure I can figure out where to start...

We use to call our MH "camper" but now it is HOME. It is on the bigger side so that tends to keep us out of some fine COE and federal parks. Sometimes that bothers me but it was a known factor in our choice of HOME.

We are a hodgepodge with our future plans. During our upcoming first winter we plan to be semi-planted for 4 months in an RV Resort in the RGV of TX. We selected a spot that we can get in and out of easily to explore. I learned quickly that it ain't a CG when I asked the resort management about fire rings and picnic tables...NOPE. Their words, "This isn't a campground." I was even kinda chastised by an IRV2 member (with whom I still have respect for) for doing this.

All of our experience to date is in CGs of different types. To some extent I have found experiences similar to the OPs observations. The exception is my current home base CG where it is a nice, small CG with a few of us long term folks. It is a quiet place, no full timers, no golf carts and some very nice people that like to come here. I know a few more folks here on a first name basis.

OTOH, RV resorts are, by design, more socially structured. They have activities, tours, get togethers and such. Because folks are parked longer they tend to get to know their neighbors better.

In a perfect world every CG would support my big rig and systems. It would have great shade with an opening in the canopy to get a satellite signal. It would also support tent campers. I admit that when I walk around my CG's lake past the tent sights, I am a tad jealous...not for long but still I respect them.

Once we leave our winter camp we want to explore and find those places were we can have a little of both worlds. Great outdoors with minimal concrete/asphalt yet service levels sufficient to support our AC units and other coach amenities.

In short, something I don't do well, the future is unlimited for us and we welcome all good campers/glampers that we may encounter.

[tedgard01]

Originally Posted by OldHiker;
I don’t feel I’m being snobbish, just different clientele at a different stage in their life then I am. I travel; I don’t own a “camper”. Oh, one more thing: I full time.

Snobs always say; "I don’t feel I’m being snobbish", because they know darn well that the are being snobbish....

[Clayobx]

Originally Posted by OldHiker

Campground vs RV Park
I’ve been traveling since August of 2007 when I bought my one and only class a. Yes it is big and yes I do stand out but this year traveling in the East I came to the realization that there is a very distinct difference between a Campground and a RV Park.
Seems that most people in Campgrounds are either seasonal, some year round but all do the same thing – they return every so often, weekends, vacations, holidays to “camp”. They come in everything from small tents to primarily towables, i.e. trailers, 5th wheels. Very few self-powered. They also stay to themselves and barely acknowledge any stranger. Primarily young families with parents in their thirties and early forties. Usually very crowded on the weekends. I’m constantly told that when they retire this is what they want to do – travel, not camp.
An RV Park is very different. Most do not allow tents. Very apparent difference is the age. Most are upper forties to eighties. Primarily couples. Very friendly and always greet whenever I pass. These people are “travelers” not “campers”. Most are passing through to get someplace else. They might stay a night or a week or longer. The travel is the reason; the destination is just an excuse to get on the road.
More people like me in a RV Park. I don’t feel I’m being snobbish, just different clientele at a different stage in their life then I am. I travel; I don’t own a “camper”.
Oh, one more thing: I full time.

X-2

[OldHiker]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

Originally Posted by OldHiker;
I don’t feel I’m being snobbish, just different clientele at a different stage in their life then I am. I travel; I don’t own a “camper”. Oh, one more thing: I full time.

Snobs always say; "I don’t feel I’m being snobbish", because they know darn well that the are being snobbish....

You need to read my post again. Not once did I make a statement that I was better than anybody else. I only say we are at different stages of our lives. They are working on their careers, raising families, etc.

I finally was able to retire from my business that I started 28 years ago. I still own it but am no longer active. Since I was giving up my house, I wanted something that I could be comfortable in and could pull my 6500+ lb. Hummer without any trouble. My children are grown and gone and raising their own families and are the same age as the "campers" that frequent campgrounds. I travel they don't.

One thing that I like about the rv community is that there is very little class distinction, only to those who feel envious and intimidated. I am friendly to all people I meet. I enjoy the life style and the people that I have formed friendships with through the years.

Anyone who has taken offense to my post, I am sorry that you did. It wasn't meant to offend anyone, just my observation and opinion.

Ken

[OldHiker]

tedgard01 - Nothing off color, but mine is bigger than yours!

[WoodLark]

We stayed in an "RV Park" once. We had booked for two nights, but we left after the first night (found a great little county park to camp in for the second night). Bingo parlors and people running around in golf carts just weren't for us. BTW we are in our 70's.

[SarahW]

Folks, a couple of posts have been removed from this thread due to improper content. Please keep the discussion civil and refrain from personal attacks. Thanks.

[Garrette]

Just thought i would ramble a bit on this thread. Still working taking extended trips call vacation. Here are my observations. Campers, RVers, what ever, are mostly good people. That is one of the reasons we enjoy camping, that and the scenery. I am also a leather wearing biker, again good people. Got low tolerance for trifling or bad people.
We chose different campgrounds, RV parks, resorts, county/state parks by location and if it fits into our plans for the area.
We have bike tent camped surrounded by A's, we have TT camped surrounded by families, barking dogs and partying teenagers in the overflow. Love it all. From the lady in the large couch sharing cookies, getting invited for wine in a 5ver, sharing a beer and swapping lies at the campfire with strangers.
We are now in a C and nothing has changed except how many people can fit under the awning. Miss the large awning.
The reason for all of my camping bliss, I speak to people, I ask about their dog, rig, the game, whatever. I speak when people pass, I give them respect. I do not answer the cell, if I have it, while I am building a conversation. The person I am speaking to, is the most important. When I depart, we are on first name bases for the stay. I must say that it does seem that I make the effort more often.
My ramblings may be out of place on this thread, oh well. The next time you see a fellow camper/biker in an tight spot, offer a hand. The next time you see a camper with kids, trying to sit-up a popup, tent in a night rain, grab your flashlight, raincoat and lend a hand. Might just net yourself a fine bowl of stew the next day.
And yes, I have been doing this a long time. So if you see a fat old man with a black golden retriever, beautiful wife, maybe 2 grands in tow, say howdy. We may be anywhere. VA in October. 2 weeks, can't wait.

[hdossett]

Originally Posted by OldHiker

... On the side of a mountain with temps around zero in my NF -40 degree sleeping bag and 3 feet of snow under my Bibler tent after snowshoeing through the mountains all day is camping. My 45' rv has 1 1/2 baths and a king size bed. Camping it is not.

Having completed 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail this spring through rain, sleet, snow and rain and temps in the teens at night, with every thing I needed on my back, I must say that I agree!

H