Do RV Parks Allow Tent Camping?

RV parks are often loaded with amenities and can be more luxurious than alternatives; however, what if you want to enjoy these outstanding parks, but you prefer tent camping?

Is tent camping in an RV park even allowed?

Today we’ll take a look, so maybe your next tent camping trip can be a bit more luxurious.

Let’s get started!

Are Tent Campers Allowed to Stay at RV Parks?

Restrictions will vary from one RV park to the next, so there’s no hard and fast rule. The more expensive and luxurious the RV park, the more likely they’ll reject you if you’re tent camping. However, it never hurts to give the RV park a call and ask.

It may surprise you that many RV parks will go out of their way to help people when they can. This is especially true if the site will sit empty anyway.

The park would rather make some money than none.

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How Are RV Spots Different from Campsites?

RV parks design their sites with RVs in mind. There are a few things that are different about these sites that could make tent camping difficult.

They Cost More

Standard campsites can be rather budget-friendly, especially primitive sites. However, spots in an RV park can be costly. RVs use more power, especially during the summer and winter months than tent camping.

Parks have to charge more to offset the increased electric costs. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly camping option, an RV park may not be for you.

They Have More Foot Traffic

You don’t have to stay very many nights to notice that RVers don’t stay in place long. You’re likely to notice there’s no rhyme or reason to when RVers come and go. Everyone goes on their own schedule and has their own preferences for travel days. 

Some RVers are only looking for a place to stay for the night and will check in and check out the very next day. So don’t expect to see lots of extensive campsite decorations, because chances are they’re not staying long.

They Have Amenities Tent Campers Don’t Need

RV sites typically come with amenities that tent campers simply don’t need. If you’re tent camping, any power connection more than a standard 15-amp connection will be overkill. Most sites will offer 30- or even 50-amp electrical services.

A typical RV park site also includes a sewer connection. This makes it easy for RVers to empty their wastewater tanks during their stay.

However, tent campers won’t need these as they’ll likely rely on the park’s restroom facilities.

Why Would a Tent Camper Not Be Allowed at an RV Park?

An RV park may not allow tent campers to stay for multiple reasons. One primary reason could be that parks may not offer restroom facilities for those who aren’t self-sufficient.

Because this could create an issue, many RV parks require guests to be self-contained in their RVs.

Many RV parks also make it their goal to maintain an atmosphere of luxury. Because tent camping is typically more rustic, it may not fit the environment they’re looking to create.

Keeping this environment helps ensure guests feel the park is worth the premium prices.

Pro Tip: Trying to figure out what RV park to stay at? This is How to Decode RV Park Reviews?

How Long Can Tent Campers Stay at RV Parks?

As these parks set their own rules, there’s no hard-and-fast guideline when it comes to how long you can stay. Check with the park when making your reservation regarding how long you’re able to stay.

Keep in mind that you’ll need restroom facilities for the duration of your stay, so if there are no showers available, proper hygiene may determine your limit.

Should Tent Campers Stay at RV Parks?

While RV parks are luxurious for RVers, they may leave tent campers disappointed. Sites are often narrow and close together, which means you likely won’t get space or privacy during your stay.

Most RV parks won’t provide the secluded camp setting that many state parks and other tent-friendly campgrounds can provide.

If you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent, an RV park may not be the best place to do it. While these parks may offer appealing amenities, they typically lack the camping atmosphere that many tent campers enjoy.

It might be best to stay at state parks and other campgrounds that cater to tent camping.

Have you ever camped in a tent in an RV park?

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