Choosing the Right Type of Campground Makes a Better Camping Experience

Oh, camping!  You either love it or you hate it.

And those of us that love camping tend to have a romanticized view of the experience. The crackling campfires, gooey roasted marshmallows, quiet sunsets, the sound of crickets as you snuggle deep into your sleeping bag, bacon and eggs sizzling in the cast iron skillet as the sun rises. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it.

Of course, it doesn’t always happen this way. We have all experienced the camping trip from hell.

One of my worst camping trips happened over Memorial Weekend. According to the weather report, there was a slight chance of drizzle on Sunday. But Saturday and Monday’s forecast promised sunshine and mild temperatures.

Since we all had work or school on Friday, we chose to spend the weekend at a primitive state campground about an hour from home. The one downside was the inability to make reservations. Despite it being a busy camping weekend, we decided it was the best option. There were few sites available when we arrived Friday evening, so we pulled in to the first one that looked “decent.”

Our three teenage daughters pitched their tent and set about making their space cozy, as teenage girls like to do. My husband and I stayed in our old travel trailer. It was small and had no bathroom, but did provide a comfortable bed and a two-burner stove for cooking.

Saturday turned out beautiful as promised. We took a short hike, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows in the evening, and slept like babies that night. Sunday morning, my husband left to meet his friend for a day of fishing. The girls and I puttered around, went for a walk, and returned to camp for lunch just as the rain began.

The predicted “drizzle” turned into a downpour. It wasn’t long before our campsite turned into a muddy mess. Trails of dirty water trickled into the girls’ tent. After hauling all their bedding and clothes up to our camper, there was little space for us to sit. We tried to amuse ourselves with card games, stories, and snacking. But after four hours and no word from my husband, I made the decision to call my brother-in-law to come rescue us.

By the time we arrived home, everything was covered in mud. We laugh about the situation now, but at the time it was very disappointing.

The whole ordeal could have been avoided if we had planned and prepared better. Even though we were all “seasoned” campers, work and school kept us busy. So we waited until the last minute to pack for the camping trip and relied on our memory to determine what we should take along with us.

The best camping experiences require planning.

There are common essentials for every camping trip. Yet each getaway has  unique requirements based on: Who (is going and what are their needs)? Where (it’s located and what amenities are available)? What (the weather is going to be like)? When (are we going)? Why (are we going – to fish, swim, hike, or just relax)?

If you don’t think about all these things, your excursion into the outdoors can turn into a disaster.  This is what happened in our case.

So…. before you load up the travel trailer, before you shove the tent in the SUV, and even before you go shopping for the marshmallows and hotdogs, you need to ask some important questions.

The first question is, “Who is going and what is their level of camping experience?” Once you identify who will be joining in the camping adventure, you can determine their needs and interests.

This leads to the second question, “Are we camping in tents, a travel trailer, or a cabinlike structure?” Some campers don’t mind sleeping in a tent and others will prefer or need the comforts an RV can provide, like a bed or a place to sit that doesn’t require them to be at ground level. Then you can take in their interests. Do they like to swim, fish, or go hiking? Are they happy just hanging out talking and playing games? Nothing can put a damper on a camping trip like boredom, especially if you have children.

The answer to these two questions will help you decide the most important question, “What kind of campsite will we need?”

There are a variety of campground types and within those types several options, depending on their location and ownership. Yet people forget to consider how the different options will impact their camping vacation. It is important to know your needs and wants. Then select the type of campground that can fill that need.          

The Three Basic Types of Campsites

Developed campsites –

Developed campsites are can privately or publicly owned. Public campgrounds are usually maintained by state, county or municipal programs. Some privately owned campgrounds require a membership. Others require a fee but not an ongoing membership fee. The campsites are located within a designated area and often offer the option of tent camping or staying in your RV.  

Developed campsites offer many amenities including bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, and well-maintained roads or walkways. Some also provided electric hookups, Wi-Fi, and convenience stores.

Benefits –

Because of all the amenities, developed campsites can make camping more comfortable for families with young children, older couples, or individuals with disabilities.

Developed campsites offer convenience, requiring campers to bring less camping gear and do less preparation. They are easy to get to compared to primitive campgrounds with easy access to paved roads. Many campsites also in privately owned campgrounds provide swimming pools, playgrounds, and even arcades.

With all the available amenities and easy access to recreational opportunities, developed campsites are great for families with children. Parents can keep the kids busy.

Campers of all abilities levels and experience will be comfortable in a developed campground. A beginner will find it a great place to learn and practice skills such as setting up a tent or building a fire. A reluctant camper, dragged along to keep the family happy, will find he doesn’t have to miss out on any of the comforts of home.

Cons –  

Developed campsites require a fee. Sometimes it’s a yearly membership fee, sometimes it’s a by the night fee. Sometimes it is disguised as a “pass” which you purchase by your local state, county or municipal agency. Private campgrounds tend to be more expensive.

Reservations are usually required for developed campgrounds. Meaning, no spur of the moment camp trips. You will need to schedule your camping vacation weeks, months, and in some cases, a year ahead of time.

Developed campgrounds are busy. That means more noise and less privacy for all campers. Bathrooms, showers, pools and other amenities may be crowded or not available when you want to access them.

Sites are often close together hampering any desire for quiet, relaxation time. They may also detract from the back to nature experience associated with camping.

Primitive Campsites –

Primitive campsites are more basic. They offer few amenities, usually limited to bathrooms (pit toilet style), and occasionally communal access to potable water. Typically, a primitive campsite provides a clear space to pitch a tent or park an RV. A picnic table and fire ring round out the available conveniences. These sites are in more rural settings and are less frequented. They provide a more rugged and natural camping experience. Most primitive campgrounds are established and maintained by state or federal agencies.

Benefits –

Primitive campsite offer more privacy and a greater sense of solitude. They are perfect for those people looking for an escape from the noise, crowds, and everyday stress.

The cost for camping in a primitive campsite is relatively low. Many states offer a yearly pass that allows you to stay in any of the parks once you purchase the pass. This is a great deal for frequent campers that enjoy a more rustic, natural camping experience.

 Camping in a primitive campground provides more traditional camping activity. Even if you bring your RV, you will be closer to nature and more likely to observe wildlife.

Cons –

The biggest downside to primitive campgrounds is the lack of amenities. For families with young children, older couples, or individuals with disabilities, the lack of real bathrooms or access to potable water may make the trip more work than pleasure.

Campers will need to be self-sufficient, which requires a great deal of planning ahead of time.

Accessibility to the sites may be difficult, requiring either an SUV or pick up truck. Roads are not as well maintained and may lack signage. There are less safety precautions. For example, unlevel ground around campsites and nothing to keep wildlife at bay.

Backcountry camping –

Backcountry campsites are located in remote areas, often within national parks or wilderness areas. They require long hikes or horseback rides to reach. Typically, the sites are unmarked and provide no amenities. Meaning you select the spot to pitch your tent. Campers must pack in all their necessities including food, water, cooking utensils, tent, and bedding. As part of the Leave No Trace principles, they must carry everything back out, including their garbage. Because of their distance from roads and houses, backcountry camping is a true wilderness experience.

Benefits –

Backcountry camping provides adventure for the experienced outdoorsman. It challenges your skills and physical stamina.

If you are looking for the ultimate escape from civilization, backcountry camping is the way to go. Few people choose to go this route, so privacy and seclusion are guaranteed.

Depending on your location, you may experience stunning mountain views, clear lakes and rivers, and stunning sunsets. This serene setting invites opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cons –

Accessibility to backcountry campsites requires significant effort and planning. It is not suitable for beginners.

Trails are not always maintained well and signage or markers may not be visible. Experience at reading a compass, familiarity with the area, or the ability to find your way in the woods is important.

You will need to be self=sufficient. There will be no amenities. You will need to pack in all your food, water, bedding, etc.

Backcountry campers must be prepared to handle emergencies.

Some wilderness areas and national forests require permits before heading into the woods. While not expensive, they need to be purchased in advance. Many areas only offer a limited number of permits, based on first come basis.

Now you can pack

Understanding the what the different types of campsites provided allows you to select a place to stay that meets your needs and/or the needs of your group. And once you do a weather forecast check, you can start planning, prepping, and packing for the fun-filled (or relaxing) camping adventure.

You will have a better idea of what to pack and how much including:

               Camping gear

               Clothing

               Food and cooking utensils

               Personal hygiene, medication, or first aid items

               Activities – any special equipment you may need

The prepping and planning might seem overwhelming at first. Selecting the right type of campsite for your needs will get you started on the right foot. You will have a better idea of what you will need. You can start prepping in advance using plastic storage bins for the essentials and/or keeping a camping planner or journal with a camping needs checklist.

A well-planned camping trip can be a fun-filled family adventure, a relaxing getaway with friends, or just a wonderful way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. With proper planning you can reduce anxiety, prevent boredom, and create memorable moments for all involved.

Need help planning and prepping for you next camping adventure?

Check out my Camping Planner and Journal in my Etsy shop, A Sense of Country.