Review - Best RV, Motorhome and Tent Campgrounds in the USA

I ordered this Frommer's campsite guide the day after I bought my motorhome. There were numerous books available online that dealt with RV camping and reviews of RV and motorhome campsites but none of the others seemed to be as "complete" as this one did. One of the main things I was looking for was a directory of RV campgrounds across America that were capable of providing internet access. "Camping" and "internet access" might seem to many to be at opposite ends of the spectrum and while I don't plan on taking my work with me when I travel, the idea of being completely without internet access for more than two or three days at a time is a little frightening. I have to be in touch, so to speak. There's just no way around it.

Unfortunately, this book doesn't say a word about internet access or RV campgrounds that are equipped to offer it. Not one. It's got just about everything else though... (A partial guide to American RV campgrounds that offer internet access can be found here: http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html)

From the book's back cover:
• Honest, outspoken reviews of campgrounds nationwide.
• Each campground personally inspected by independent travel writers who do not solicit ads or take commissions.
• Complete and up-to-date information on rates, hook-ups and facilities.
• Easy to follow driving directions.
• Star ratings for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, quiet, security, cleanliness, facilities - even insect control.
• Separate ratings for RV and tent sites
• Detailed, descriptive profiles of every campground.
• Awards for the best campgrounds in every state.
• Ideas for fun things to see and do in the area.
• The best sites within each campground.
• Tips on nearby restaurants, markets, gas stations, and attractions.

See what I mean? Below is a sample campsite review. The review itself is my own fabrication but the format and style is identical to what can be found in the guide.

DOUGLAS MAP, C-3
Happy Haven RV Park

3459 SE Morrison Rd., 90201. T: (800) 555-1212;
www.happyhavenrvpark.com

***

*****

Beauty: *****
Spaciousness: **
Security: ***
Insect Control: ***

Site Privacy: ***
Quiet: ****
Cleanliness: *****
Facilities: ****

The Happy Haven RV Park offers only 48 campsites and they are equally divided between RV spots and tent spots. Situated in the picturesque Allen Mountain range, Happy Haven offers the very best of both RV and tent camping. Nearby Wilson Lake features excellent fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and boating opportunities. Camp sites are open and shaded, and there are 15 pull-throughs. The sites are well maintained, but they offer little privacy, and some are cramped. Ideal for a day trip.

BASICS
Operated by: MLM Management Services. Open: May 1 - Oct. 1. Site Assignment: Reservations recommended for less than 1-week stay, full fee required for deposit, for stays of more than 1 week, 10% deposit required; refunds for cancellations w/in 7 days, minus $10.00. Registration: At office. Fee: $20.00 - $26.00; per family. Parking: At site.

FACILITIES:
Number of RV-only sites: 24. Number of Tent-only sites: 24. Hookups: (15, 20, 30, 50 amps), water. Each Site: Picnic table, fire ring. Dump Station: Yes. Laundry: Yes. Pay Phone: Yes. Restrooms and Showers: Yes. Fuel: No. Propane: No. Internal Roads: Gravel, in good condition. RV Service: No. Market: 3.7 miles east. Restaurant: 1.5 miles south. General Store: Yes. Vending: Yes. Swimming: Yes. Playground: Yes. Other: Game room. Activities: Biking (rentals available), Horseshoes, badminton. Nearby Attractions: World's largest ball of wax, Roger's Aviation museum, golf. Additional Information: MLM Management Services, (800) 555-1212.

RESTRICTIONS:
Pets: Must be leashed, quiet, and cleaned up after. Fires: Fire ring only. Alcoholic Beverages: At sites only. Vehicle Maximum Length: No limit. Other: No electric heaters. 2-night minimum stay on weekends in July and August.

TO GET THERE:
From the north junction of Hwy.1 and Hwy. 90, go 2 mi. southwest on Hwy. 90. Campground entrance is on the left.

The remainder of this RV guide, all 1095 pages, is more of the same. A section called "Top 100 Family Campgrounds" is interesting if you're looking for that sort of thing. All of the camp reviews I've read do actually seem to be unbiased, just as the book claims they are. Reviewers are quick to point out things they don't like about particular campgrounds even when it's something small and seemingly insignificant. That willingness to publish negative reviews tends to give the entire guide a bit more credibility. At least it does with me.

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