Page 60 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds

When deciding where to stay this summer, especially if you’re looking to explore somewhere new, it is important to understand the differences between an RV campground, park, and resort, and how
to best decipher which one will best suit your family, your lifestyle, and your rig. Let’s take a look at all three so you know what to expect and how to tell which one will be the best fit for you.
nature and scenic views than amenities. Your neighbors can range from other coaches to pitched tents, and stays are usually shorter. Driveways and sites are not usually paved and sites rarely have
full hookups, but you may find one with electrical. And if you have a large coach, you would be well advised to visit the site first before you reserve a space, as not all campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs.
Is this the right fit for you? If your family is more interested in outdoorsy activities rather than modern amenities, a campground might be the spot for you. You can usually find good hiking trails, spectacular scenery, and greater seclusion from your neighbors
at a campground. If you have a Pop Up or a smaller rig, and enjoy
a quieter experience at a generally cheaper price point, an RV campground is the right fit for you.
RV Park
What to expect: A park is the middle ground between a
resort and a campground. An RV park will generally offer electrical and water hookups, and some may even have sewer, too. When considering a park, you will want to do your research ahead of time,
Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
3. Don’t bring appliances and kitchen tools that are one dimensional. Bring appliances that have multiple functions and capabilities to maximize your cabinet and counter space. A toaster oven, for example, can act as a toaster and as a miniature oven for warming up food or cooking up sandwiches. Fancy gadgets or tools aren’t necessary in an RV, and having three of one type of utensil isn’t needed either. So save the space.
4. Don’t bring every form of entertainment. Tablets, computers, DVDs, board games... these are all great to have along on a camping trip but you probably don’t need everything. For instance, board games – bring just your absolute favorites, not the whole stack. Use a Netflix account instead of bringing all the DVDs along. If you don’t need to work on the road, a tablet may be all
you need, not the full laptop. Too many things or the wrong things can be distracting. Part of the RV lifestyle is to spend time with the people you’re with. It’s fine to have things to entertain you along the way, but don’t forget about your relationships.
5. Don’t think everything from home will work in your RV. The toilet plunger for instance. RV toilets are designed as a straight pipe system rather than have an S curve, like toilets at home. Plungers are meant to help remove clogs from that S curve. Since you don’t have that in an RV, a home plunger can make clogs worse. Though there are RVers who would probably tell you otherwise, it’s better to be safe and have a plunger that is designed for an RV septic
The Difference Between a Campground, Park, and Resort
system – and any problems that may occur. Of course, this depends on what kind of toilet you have in your RV also.
6. Don’t fill precious space with linens. Take a look at your linen closet at home and think of all the linens you don’t use regularly – and how much space it all takes up. Why would you do the same in your RV? Bring a few extras, like pillow cases and a couple sheet sets, but for the most part, clean the bedding that’s already on beds at a laundry mat and put them back on.
7. Don’t bring firewood. Not only does it add a lot of weight and take up a lot of space, many states – Michigan included – have a Don’t Move Firewood campaign. Pests – (usually invasive) and plant diseases such as oak wilt spread this way and can destroy a beautiful area very quickly. It’s best to purchase firewood at the campground you’re staying.
At the end of a trip or the end of the season, as you unload, take a look at the items and contents that weren’t used. You probably won’t need it next time. For full timers,
anything that hasn’t To read more, visit
been used or used
minimally
for a year
should be
taken out.
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RV Campground
What to expect: An RV Campground is generally your most basic setup. These sites are usually more rustic and closer to primitive camping than a park or resort, and they have a greater emphasis on
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