The amenities an RV park offers can make or break your camping experience. If you want to fully enjoy your RV camping experience and stay entertained throughout your stay, you’ll need to book a retreat that has a good range of facilities and services — in other words: a place that features the best RV park amenities.
Preferably, look for a place that offers a balanced mix of traditional and modern camping conveniences. So, what are the best RV park amenities? Here are 45 must-have and nice-to-have features of an RV park.
Must-Have Best RV Park Amenities for Campsites
Whether you prefer to stay at small, off-beat campgrounds or luxury RV resorts, the following features are a must-have when it comes to RV camping.
1. Full Hookups
Unless you are intent on boondocking, choose an RV park that has full hookups. That means each campsite should have water, sewer, and power (preferably 20/30/50) connections. And read campground reviews to make sure your neighbor’s sewer isn’t next to your picnic area. Some state and national parks will only have water and power at their sites — not sewer. And some of those parks won’t have any electrical, power or sewer hookups at the RV camping sites, like South Campground inside Zion National Park.
2. Dump Station and Fresh Water
If full-service sites aren’t at the top of your list, at least make sure the campground offers a common place to dump your tanks and fill your fresh tank.
3. Picnic Tables
These outdoor tables allow families to gather or relax outside the RV. They are great for sharing meals, catching up with friends, supervising kids playing, taking in the fresh air, and soaking in the surrounding vistas. To avoid splinters, use a picnic table cover.
4. Fire Ring or Pit
A crackling campfire is the cornerstone of camping. A fire pit or ring offers a safe way to enjoy fires. Just imagine spooky nighttime stories and roasting smores as embers drift into the starry sky. We recommend the Solo Stove if you’re not into a smoky campfire. There are several different models, but we chose the Bonfire. Always check with the RV park to find out about any open fire restrictions before building your campfire. To add some fun pizazz to your campfire, try magical color-changing packets that will change the flames into vibrant colors for up to an hour.
5. Level and Spacious Pad with Nice Shade
Of course, you’ll need a site that’s spacious enough to fit your RV with the slides deployed and the awning out. Look for a park that has paved sites that are level, shaded, and easy to enter and exit. The shade isn’t a must-have but it can make it more pleasant when sitting outside and also help with the cooling efficiency of your RV’s air conditioner — especially in hot climates.
6. Trash Cans
Sanitation and waste management equipment make camping a breeze. The RV park you select should have trash bins and frequent garbage removal. For easy waste disposal while eating and drinking at our campsite, we love this handy pop-up trash can. It has stakes included so you can stake it to the ground, but if that’s not an option, you can put a heavy object in the bottom of it to hold it in place.
7. Bathrooms and Showers
When it comes to best RV parks amenities, flush toilets are a must-have, especially if your RV isn’t self-contained. And who doesn’t love hot showers after a sweaty day outside?
8. Good Roads
The last thing RVers want when accessing an RV park is rough and narrow roads with mud puddles. Look for well-maintained roads inside and outside the campground.
9. Disability/Accessible Areas
If a loved one has a disability, prioritize RV parks that have disability features. That includes accessible common areas like bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and pools, plus paved paths.
10. On-Site Staff
For many RVers, on-site staff is a mark of commitment. They take you to your site, ensure facilities are in pristine shape, lead organized activities, solve problems, enforce rules, and provide helpful local info.
11. Security
Always read reviews to learn whether the area you want to camp has security issues like high crime rates, homelessness, and drug problems. Consider a gated park with security personnel, proper lighting, and CCTV cameras.
12. Clear Rules and Signage
It’s easy to ignore the importance of signage with well-communicated rules. But an RV park with a clear policy allows guests to be respectful and mindful of each other, improving everyone’s experience. Signs help campers learn about the policy and point them to various park amenities.
Best RV Park Amenities for Convenience
Here are secondary RV park amenities that contribute to a comfortable stay.
13. Laundry Facilities
With all the dust and dirt of the great outdoors, you’ll want washers and dryers to clean your soiled clothes. They can be free or coin-operated. Make sure you check the prices, as some places overcharge laundry fees.
14. Communal Kitchen and BBQ Grills
If you’re a big group planning to host a party, it’s always nice to have a well-equipped kitchen, plus BBQ grills. Be advised that you probably need to call ahead to find out if you need to make reservations for this amenity.
15. Pavilion and Lounging Area
Sometimes, all we want is to kick back and relax at the campground. A pavilion, cabana, tiki hut, gazebo, or shaded lounging area offers that low-key relaxation.
16. Private Patio
Patios offer a private place to hang out with your family members and friends next to your RV. Campsites with this feature are more spacious and perfect for setting up outdoor furniture. If you don’t have a portable hammock, consider it. We have a hammock with a stand and carrying bag similar to this one and we love it. It’s a great place for an outdoor nap!
17. Free WiFi and Cable
Free wireless internet will allow you to surf the internet for local info, check social media, and complete remote work duties. Cable TV will ensure you don’t miss your favorite shows.
18. Propane Filling Station
Aim for an RV park with the capability to refill propane tanks of any size, especially if you’re camping for an extended period. This will save you a lot of trouble, especially when staying in an area you’re unfamiliar with.
19. Fitness Center
To keep up with your fitness schedule during your travels, book a place that has a workout room, gym, or yoga classes.
20. Camp Store
A camp store, general store, or gift shop offers quick access to grocery items, canned goods, snacks, ice cream, souvenirs, branded items, firewood, ice, and camping supplies. Consider a place that also rents out gear like kayaks, bikes, inflatables, and fishing tackle.
21. Eateries
Don’t plan to cook all meals? Find a retreat that has an on-site restaurant. Some places offer basic food services, while others only provide breakfast. A few of the best RV resorts have multiple eateries serving a wide range of meals, as well as a coffee shop.
22. Landscaping
Manicured lawns and well-groomed trees create a pleasant atmosphere and are an indication that the entire place is well-run. The last thing you want is low-hanging branches damaging your camper. Some parks have cleverly planted trees and shrubs to offer shade and privacy between sites.
23. Shuttles
Camping close to a popular attraction such as a national park or amusement park? Find an RV park that organizes free or inexpensive shuttle rides to that point of interest.
24. Golf Carts
Prefer staying in massive campgrounds? Then pick a park that has golf cart rentals. They offer a convenient way to get around large properties. They are also great for people with mobility challenges and perfect for lugging heavy gear to a picnic spot.
25. RV Storage
An on-site storage facility can come in handy when you have to leave on short notice but can’t take your RV with you. Or when you plan to return to the same park after a few months. We visit the Texas coast several times a year and have seen RV parks that offer a discounted rate if you want to leave your camper set up in an RV site for several months, such as during the summer. This could be a great option if you do like to get away every other weekend but don’t want to have to drag or drive your RV back and forth so frequently.
26. Bear-Safe Food Storage Box
Planning to visit an area with bear activity? Look for a getaway that offers bear-safe food storage. This feature reduces the risk of injury or property destruction. It’s especially important for RVers with soft-sided campers.
27. Working Space
Full-time digital nomads will want a quieter campground with high-speed internet and preferably a co-working space. This is a shared office or building where remote professionals can complete their work duties.
28. User-Friendly Website With Online Reservation System
Of course, you’ll want to learn some details about the campsite you’re booking. A good website will allow you to see the available spots and view an updated map of the campground so you can know what you’re getting. The site should also have a gallery section.
Best RV Park Amenities for Recreation
Here are the RV park amenities to look for if you want to keep your whole crew smiling.
29. Swimming Pool and Hot Tub
A pool is a great way to beat the heat, enjoy the sunshine, exercise, and chill out as you sip a margarita. An adult-only hot tub, spa, or jacuzzi will soothe your body and help you relax.
30. Game Room
This facility offers campers a common place to enjoy leisure activities and friendly competition. Typically, they have arcade games, pool tables, darts, video games, table tennis, and foosball. If not, this is a really fun tabletop hook-and-ring game you should check out. We’ve played it at the campsite and had a blast!
31. Sports Courts and Yard Games
Courts allow campers to interact outside as they engage in slow or fast-paced activities. Book a place with a basketball court, volleyball, pickleball, bocce ball, tennis court, badminton, cornhole, mini golf, or horseshoes.
32. Playground
To release that pent-up energy after a road trip, youngsters will want a playground with slides, swings, climbers, seesaws, monkey bars, a jumping pillow, sandy areas, and lots of green space to run around.
33. Fishing Pond and Gem Sluice
Your kids will be delighted by a retreat with a catch-and-release fishing pond. They’ll also love sifting through a gemstone mining station.
34. Lazy River
If you’re planning a summer RV trip, give your crew the ultimate treat by staying at a place with a lazy river, water slide, splash pad, pond, and pool volleyball.
35. Clubhouse
A clubhouse is a large recreation building with comfortable furniture where your family and other patrons can gather to watch TV, play table games, share meals, use WiFi, or just lounge.
36. Planned Activities
Some amazing RV parks organize events like live music, movie nights, karaoke nights, sports tournaments, art and crafts, cooking contests, potluck dinners, kids’ hay rides, laser tag, stargazing tours, bingo, and ice cream socials.
37. Obstacle Courses
Do your teens stay inside the RV for too long? Nothing will get them eager to head outside more than a well-rounded obstacle course. Look for a place with a rope climb, mud crawl, cargo net, inclined wall, floating obstacle course, and tire drag. Everyone will be eager to challenge themselves.
Best RV Park Amenities for Pets
To keep your fur baby happy and comfortable, you should consider the following pet-friendly RV park amenities.
38. Off-Leash Dog Area
A fenced dog park is a paradise for dogs. Your four-legged buddy will enjoy racing around, burning off energy, exploring new scents, and making new friends. Have a small pup? Look for a park that has a separate area for little dogs.
39. Walking Trail
Settle on an RV park with a recreational trail that is paw-friendly. That means the trail should have a comfortable surface, nice shade cover, a grassy picnic area, and a pond or river to cool off.
40. Pet Wash Station
After a long day playing in nature, a self-serve pet wash will allow you to wash off the dirt before your sidekick enters the RV. These facilities are usually elevated and equipped with a large in-built sink/basin, spray hose, and a blow dryer. I also like to have a no-rinse waterless pet shampoo on hand for in-between baths. This is a good way to freshen up your furbaby if you don’t have time for a bath.
41. Doggie Daycare
If you plan to visit a place where pets aren’t welcome or you need to leave your pets behind for a while, a daycare program will look after Fido until you’re back. Some places have day kennels that allow your dog to hang outside and are equipped with a doghouse and water spigot.
42. Fun Pet Facilities
Other fun pet amenities RV campers should look for include a dog agility park, swimming pond, dog spray fountain, drinking fountain, and pet treats vending machine.
Best RV Park Amenities to Look for Nearby
The best RV parks also offer easy access to the following amenities and nearby attractions.
43. Nature Trails
To explore the area’s natural beauty, look for an RV park that has a good network of hiking and biking trails, so you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Some destinations even have bike rentals and ATV and horseback riding trails.
44. Water Pursuits
Camping goes hand in hand with aqua-based pursuits. Stay in an RV park that has invested in infrastructure for water activities. That includes a marina, boat dock, fishing pier, fish cleaning station, and water vessel rentals. If not, you can always opt for a RV park near a river, lake, or ocean beach.
45. Points of Interest
Hunt for campgrounds that are a short drive or walk to attractions such as national parks, state parks, forests, charming small towns, golf courses, vineyards, sports stadiums, waterparks, theatres, museums, galleries, shopping centers, historic houses, farmers’ markets, and festivals.
Book an RV Park with Confidence
There are plenty of RV park amenities to consider when choosing your next retreat. But the ones above are a great starting point. By prioritizing the above perks, you’ll definitely have more fun and fewer regrets. Check out our Best RV Parks posts to find out about the best parks in different areas across the U.S.
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
