People ask us all the time, “What is the difference between an RV Park and a Campground?”
The answer to this question is not as clear cut as one may think. Every state has its own definition of what constitutes an RV park and what constitutes a campground. The most important consideration when it comes to determining if you are in an RV Park or a Campground is usually what you are paying for. If you are paying for the right to park your RV, then you are most likely in an RV park. If you are paying to utilize the amenities of the campground, then you are more than likely in a campground.
The biggest difference between an RV Park and a Campground could be the fee structure. In an RV park there is one rate for everyone with no extra charge for additional occupants. This rate includes water and electric hook-ups, dump station access, and Wi-Fi access at some parks (or none at all). In a campground on the other hand there is usually an additional fee per each additional occupant (for example $3 per person) with no hook-ups or amenities included. Some campgrounds do allow pets while others do not allow pets or only allow certain types of pets. There could even be a pet deposit
RV Park: RV stands for Recreational Vehicle. All parks are recreational but not all recreational vehicles are parked in parks. A RV park is an area with electrical hook-ups and sewer connections that is fenced or gated to prevent unauthorized access. This helps keep RVs from being broken into, vandalized, or stolen. Some RV parks are owned by the same company that makes RVs and the amenities will be similar to those of a dealership’s lot; others are independent and will be more like a trailer park.
You’ll likely have a much better time if you know what an RV Park is.
An RV Park is not just a campground with RVs in it. It’s more like a condominium development, with the common areas under the control of the owners’ association. The set-up varies from place to place, but the essential point is that it’s mostly hands off for the visitor. The usual rules are:
Don’t make noise after 10 pm on weeknights, don’t make noise at all on weekends and holidays.
Do your own thing during the day and evening. If you want to put up a tent or build a fire pit, go right ahead.
If you want to swim, there might be a pool available for use by residents only. If not, there’s a chance you will have a beach nearby with showers and restrooms.
Most places allow pets during the day but not at night or on weekends and holidays. Most also have a limit on how big your dog has to be to qualify as a pet (usually under 25 pounds). And most will charge extra for pets that bark or leave messes around; check before bringing your dog. It’s a good idea to check with the RV park before you book your stay.
Some people think that the only difference between an RV park and a campground is the number of people using them. But there are other differences too.
For one thing, an RV park is a business, but a campground is operated by government agencies or non-profit organizations. In many cases, privately operated RV parks are run by companies that own several parks in different states, each with its own sales force and bookkeeping system.
