Community Forums

deltam · 02-23-2019, 12:33 PM

Thought we would give it a try. Got caught up in the romantic appeal of the open road, broad horizons, new experiences, etc.

Problems are noisy campgrounds, rude neighbors that have dogs in portable lots and dog droppings. It seems nowhere we have stayed on the east coast people want to monitor their kids. One 5 year old last summer enjoyed throwing rocks at our camper.

Another campground had good online pictures but in reality had multiple campers that were in such bad shape they could not possibly be moved. Kids and dogs running loose. Suspected they were rented. Campground had one nice section of 6 campsites, with 30 or so 30 amp only no sewer. Didn't look like any maintenance in 30-40 years. It seems like no one wants to give a place a review less than 3.

Joined a government park chain. Had to register online. Some people reserved every Saturday for the whole season. There was a 1 week notice cancellation policy. They could wait until one week out and cancel with no penalty if they decided not to show.

KennyGolub · 02-23-2019, 12:46 PM

You can look for 55 and over parks to escape the loud munchkins....

.

450Donn · 02-23-2019, 12:56 PM

You definitely got the wrong impression. I think the first mistake was getting into RVing for all the wrong reasons. Second mistake is places you stayed. Before you give up come west. There are hundreds of really nice campgrounds out west. Places where people are friendly and respectful. I have noticed the last 5 years or so parks have gotten crowded. Which does presents problems.
BTW I have never heard of a government park chain? Please give us a name.

Bahamaniac · 02-23-2019, 01:00 PM

I agree AT THIS TIME of my life. We enjoy 3 to 6 week adventures . But I must admit, there is no greater feeling than driving up into the RV pad and knowing that we are home! We are exploring places to snowbird, but we just can't beat that feeling at the end of an adventure that we are finally HOME!

momdoc · 02-23-2019, 01:13 PM

You are definitely in the wrong campgrounds. WE try to avoid RV resorts and RV parks rather we prefer state parks, National parkS, COE campgrounds, county parks, City parks,
BLM and commercial campgrounds that do not necessarily cater to kids (huge pools and playgrounds, mini golf, rec centers and such.

But then we still do run into idiots in but less of them. That being said full time camping or any type of camping may not be for everyone.

Old-Biscuit · 02-23-2019, 01:17 PM

FTng had NOTHING to do with rude neighbors,out of control kids, dog poop left, run down CG etc

See that just going camping.

Doubt if CAMPING is your cup of tea to begin with.

lfcjasp · 02-23-2019, 01:21 PM

We camp in VA mostly...haven't gone further YET...but we have never had a problem with children and dogs running through our campsite. And no, we don't stay in high price luxury resorts. Now about other states here in the east, I don't know.

dix39 · 02-23-2019, 01:28 PM

I wouldn't have liked it either. We discussed doing that back in the '90's, after we were both retired and I'm so glad we didn't. At that point we had already traveled all about the US for 5 months each year for 20 years.

I think it is fine for those who enjoy it, we're just not one of those. We're like Bahamaniac, even at this point in our life (79 and 73) after being gone for several months, IT IS SO GOOD TO BE HOME. It has always been that way.

Steve

rvethereyet · 02-23-2019, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

I think the first mistake was getting into RVing for all the wrong reasons.

All the wrong reasons???? They are the very reasons many go full timing.. including me. NOTHING wrong with those reasons.

I too would like to know which fed. camping club you joined. Are you military? Never heard of such a club where you can reserve every weekend for the year then cancel without penalty? Let us know what club you speak of

530ktm · 02-23-2019, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bahamaniac

I agree AT THIS TIME of my life. We enjoy 3 to 6 week adventures . But I must admit, there is no greater feeling than driving up into the RV pad and knowing that we are home! We are exploring places to snowbird, but we just can't beat that feeling at the end of an adventure that we are finally HOME!

I agree 100% with this. And also as mentioned, full timing has nothing to do with rude, lazy, disrespectful style campgrounds along with kids running amok. You need to look around and do a bit of research to find some nice places to visit. Not so easy anymore, especially during the summer months which is another reason why we like to have our home.

hohenwald48 · 02-23-2019, 02:19 PM

Don't "Reserve America" and "Recreation.gov" both charge a non-refundable reservation fee that is collected regardless of when you cancel a reservation?

I don't think I even know what a "government park chain" is. Can anybody elaborate?

TexAg · 02-23-2019, 02:21 PM

Have had a RV since 1989 and never had a desire to full time. Just not for me.

biggcrisp · 02-23-2019, 02:34 PM

I have to agree with the OP. The whole reservation system really grinds my gears. I bet 25% of camp spots get reserved by no-shows. I have also experienced fellow campers of all ages passing through my personal space. Had one older lady that was with a very large group just walk right into our camper. Creepy!

90% of the time we have a good experience once we get past the reservation no-shows hogging up the system.

The other 10% I’m just down right embarrassed for some people’s idea of normal.

That feeling of heading home 1/2 way through a trip is terrible until we get back home and realize we had a good time traveling and we have a good home.

egwilly · 02-23-2019, 02:43 PM

We run into some of this behavior, and we aren't FT. Expect it, and you won't be disappointed. Not every trip, but enough times.

Last trip to state campsite, neighbors let their kids rat race around the site driveway I was trying to back into. Had to stop and go talk to them......they were clueless. No concern after that either. Rudeness continued.

Some peeps are that way.