Summer is winding to a close, and camper’s thoughts turn to chores like raking leaves and winterizing their RV’s to place them in storage for the long cold non-camping season ahead. Instead, turn your thoughts to next summer, and begin planning your family’s vacation and recreation time by looking at campgrounds and seasonal campsites! Here are some tips on why seasonal camping makes sense and how to look for the right park for your family!
Seasonal camping saves you time! You spend a lot less time working to pack, hook-up, tow, unhook, set up, tear down, hook-up, tow, unhook, and unpack. That means that you get to spend a lot more time camping and enjoying your family and a whole lot less time working!
Seasonal camping saves you money! Studies have documented that camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your family. Take that thinking one step further and say that seasonal camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your family all summer long! A seasonal campsite costs less then one weeklong vacation. So why not enjoy your RV every weekend, all summer long, for about the same price as one vacation? Now that’s being a thrifty shopper.
Seasonal camping saves on travel costs! Towing creates wear and tear on the RV, not to mention wear and tear on the tow vehicle and driver. There are also fuel and maintenance costs associated with weekend travel. So unless your family is determined to try a new place each weekend, why not pick your favorite campground, and park it there for the summer! The money you save in not towing will more than offset your extra expenditures on gas to get you back and forth each weekend! If the park of your first choice is full, contact your second pick!
Seasonal campers enjoy extra perks! Some campgrounds offer onsite winter storage (so you save even more money by not paying for a storage facility), interest-free payment plans, special events or activities for seasonal campers, and more! Seasonal campers have their own special community. They become friends, hang out, play card or yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, and much more!
Autumn is the perfect time to campground shop! Many campgrounds’ seasonal camping agreements end with the camping season, which makes autumn a perfect time to shop. If you’ve already visited one campground multiple times in the camping season, chances are good that you should be a prime candidate to look at camping there for the whole summer next season. If you’re enjoying a campground enough to spend multiple weekends there, why wouldn’t you want to consider saving even more money by parking there for the summer?
Choosing the right campground is important! The closer you camp to where you live the better. That too, reduces your costs. But remember, the experience isn’t just something, it’s everything! It’s much better to drive a little further for that higher rating, those award-winning activities, or those special friends you love to camp with if you have to! Don’t sacrifice quality for cheaper or closer. You won’t be happy you did.
Know what you’re getting for your money! Every campground operates differently and offers different thing. Some campgrounds (like those located on or near lakes or rivers) know that their parks are basically a base camp for people who will spend the day on the water. That’s great, and it’s well worth your while to camp there if you own a boat and will spend most of your days on the water. Or if you want a destination campground that offers events and activities to keep the kids busy, then you need to make sure you select one that does just that. The point is, every campground has a niche market. Make sure that the niche your campground serves, is the one you want it to serve.
Seasonal camping rates vary based on amenities, events, activities, and the level of service the campground provides. So make sure you shop around and get the deal that best meets your family’s needs. Some campgrounds include events and activities in their prices, and some don’t. Some campgrounds do the mowing for you, and some don’t. Some campgrounds provide all the utilities in their price, and some meter them and charge you for what you use. Don’t assume that cheaper upfront is better. They may have a lower seasonal rate and then charge you additionally for mowing, events, activities for the kids each week, meals, or other services that add up to much more than the all inclusive campground or RV park that you thought was over-priced. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for the seasonal rate you’re paying.
Make sure the tone of the campground fits your family! If it’s a party campground, and you’re looking for a family atmosphere then it’s probably not the right fit. Or if you’re a partier, and the campground has the name “family” in the middle of it, then you probably won’t enjoy it. So it’s important that you choose the right campground for your camping style.
Seasonal camping provides discounted rates for summer-long stay. It can provide your family a full summer of camping for the price of one vacation, and many wonderful camping memories and experiences. Make sure you take a little to consider the idea, and shop around at the many different campgrounds that provide seasonal camping. You’ll learn a lot about campgrounds, how they differ, how they’re similar, and what it is you’re looking for in a campground, if you do.
By Robyn Chilson
Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Brookdale Family Campground in Meadville, PA. Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at robyn@brookdalecampground.com
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