For many, a seasonal campsite is a happy medium between traveling and putting down roots.
However, there’s a lot to consider before taking the plunge. It’s a significant investment, especially if you’re not totally sold on the idea.
Today, we’re diving into the world of seasonal camping to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Let’s hit it!
What is Seasonal Camping?
The joy of endless exploration draws many folks to the RV lifestyle. They delight in the freedom of the open road and the ability to go wherever, whenever. That’s why some people don’t understand the pull of seasonal camping. But for others, it’s a doorway to the dream lifestyle.
A seasonal campsite is exactly what it sounds like. You simply book a spot for several months at a time and set up your home away from home. For those uninterested in constant adventure, it can be a great way to vacation.
Many privately owned campgrounds offer extended stays starting in spring and ending in the late summer or early fall. This is often regional. In the northeast, you can expect standard six-month packages. If you head further south, you might find options from three to twelve months. You won’t typically see these deals in national or state parks.
Of course, whether or not you’ll enjoy a seasonal campsite comes down to your priorities and what you want to get out of your RV. We’ll start by giving you the pros and cons of this setup so you can determine if it’s right for you.
The Benefits of a Seasonal Campsite
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a seasonal campsite is that you can save money by staying in one location. While you might have to pay a larger price up-front to book your long-term spot, it’ll cost less than hopping from one campground to another. You’ll also save a ton on fuel expenses since you won’t be on the road.
Places that offer seasonal sites tend to have more amenities and activities than run-of-the-mill campgrounds. They often cater to families and often include swimming pools, playgrounds, and game nights. And, of course, you’ll have full hookups unless you choose a spot without them.
Even better, you won’t have to fiddle with pesky hookups every week. Instead, it’s one and done.
Another perk of these spots is your ability to make it home. You won’t have to worry about breaking everything down after a few days, so you can really get comfortable. Depending on the rules and regulations, you might build a deck, install a fence, or hang outdoor lights.
You’ll also have more options when it comes to your rig. Rather than a classic towable or motorhome, you can get a spacious destination trailer or tiny home for your seasonal campsite. And some places offer storage when you’re not using it.
Finally, you can get to know your neighbors better than at a traditional campground. With fewer folks coming and going, you’ll be buddies with the locals in no time.
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The Disadvantages of a Seasonal Campsite
Naturally, all good things come with a few disadvantages, and seasonal camping is no exception.
This biggest drawback is that your travel will be limited. If your goal is to see as much of the country as possible, this isn’t the way to do it. However, this can benefit folks who’ve already put plenty of miles on their rig.
Some campers set up their home-away-from-home and forget about all the routine maintenance their RV needs. After all, it’s easy to get comfortable and forget to scrape the moss off your siding. You’ll also be responsible for the lawn care around your lot, which can be a huge turn-off.
While you’ll save money on nightly fees with a seasonal campsite, those plug-and-play utilities can add up quickly. Certain places have well water, but others charge you for city H2O.
Our final disadvantage brings the conversation full circle. You’ll see a lot of the same faces at a seasonal campground, and some people aren’t interested in meeting their neighbors. If you’d rather not get friendly with other campers, you might not enjoy your time at a long-term site.
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Tips for Picking the Perfect Seasonal Campsite
You already know that seasonal campsites aren’t for everyone. But they fit the bill for lots of RVers! Here are three tips to keep in mind while searching for your next favorite spot.
Do Plenty of Research
Before putting down roots, you’ll want to understand what you’re signing up for. Once you’ve worked up your budget and your list of must-have amenities, take to the Internet to see what other campers have to say about the location you’re considering.
Online reviews on sites like Campendium and the Dyrt can be incredibly insightful. If the owners don’t enforce quiet hours or their swimming pool has been empty since last year, you’ll probably hear about it from disgruntled customers.
This is especially true when you set your sights on a place you’ve never been.
Choose a Spot You Know and Love
With that being said, we don’t suggest blind-buying when it comes to a seasonal campsite. If there’s a spot you visit over and over again, it could be worth checking out their long-term options.
It’s good to have first-hand experience with a place before committing to an extended stay. You already know which grocery stores are nearby, what fun activities you can enjoy in the area, and what the general vibe at the campground is like.
If nothing else, at least spend a weekend at your destination before booking the whole season. You never know what kind of discoveries you’ll make.
Crunch the Numbers
Doing the math might fall under research, but we figure it deserves its own section. Depending on your chosen spot, you could spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to five digits on a seasonal campsite.
You’ll need to know what is and isn’t included in your costs. After all, something like unexpected utility bills can wreck your budget and ruin your hard-earned vacation.
Do they charge monthly, or is everything due up-front? Are all utilities included? Will you owe a cancellation fee if you realize it’s not a good fit? How much time will you spend there, realistically?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the costs you’ll rack up by the end of your stay.
Kick back at your seasonal site and enjoy some Camp Cocktails: Easy, Fun, and Delicious Drinks for the Great Outdoors!
Is a Seasonal Campsite Worth It?
Folks looking to hunker down in one spot and get comfortable should consider investing in a seasonal campsite. It can be a great way to shake things up and explore a new area without the hassle of constant travel.
However, it’s not for everyone. Some people would rather endure the inconveniences of RVing to visit as many new destinations as possible. It all comes down to your goals!
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