It’s still bitterly cold out, but that means this is the perfect time to start planning your spring and summer camping adventures. What better way to wade through the winter than to curl up with a hot cup of something and dream about hitting the road? As you start planning your next camping trip, deciding where to camp is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Your choice of campground–private, state, or national park–will make all the difference in the flavor of your experience. We’re here to help choose the perfect option.
Private Campgrounds
The Pros:
- More amenities
- Can be easier to book
- Sometimes offer more availability than popular government-run parks
The Cons:
- Pricier nightly rates
- Tend to offer less privacy and space
Private campgrounds vary widely. In this category, you’ll find primitive wilderness campgrounds and ritzy RV parks catering to large RV’s, but they tend to be more like the latter. If you’re looking for the type of park with pools, rec rooms, and larger parking spaces for large RV’s with the full spectrum of hook-ups, a private park might be for you. Private campgrounds tend to be pricier than their government-run counterparts, but they usually cater to campers a bit more, as well.
State Parks
The Pros:
- An incredibly wide variety of locations to choose from
- Affordable rates
- More into-the-wild experience
The Cons:
- The size of parking spaces and availability of hookups can be limited
- It can be difficult or impossible to book in advance
State parks tend to be a little more off the beaten path than private parks. Wisconsin state parks use a shiny new online booking system that makes it easy to see what amenities are available at each location, but if you’re venturing out of state, finding the perfect spot can be a little trickier. Regardless, you’ll typically enjoy significantly lower nightly rates, and you’ll enjoy a more off-the-grid feel.
National Parks
The Pros:
- Stunning landscapes and locations
- Affordably priced, if you can find a spot
The Cons:
- Usually very busy during the peak seasons
- Can be tough to find space to accommodate the largest RV’s
- Tend to offer more limited RV hookups
National parks are widely regarded as America’s crown jewels when it comes to camping, RV’ing. They’re huge, they’re breathtakingly beautiful, and many of them are so popular that it can be tough to find a great spot when the weather warms up. If you’re planning a trip to a national park during peak season, it’s smart to talk to others who have been and/or call ahead to see how full they usually are and what their RV amenities are like. The National Park Service website is a great place to get started.
Before you hit the road this year, make sure you’re covered with a comprehensive RV insurance policy from a company you trust, whether you’re staying close to home in Wisconsin or heading to faraway places. To double-check that you have the right policy for your camping adventures, feel free to give us a call at Giuffre Insurance or stop by our office. We’ll talk to you about your style of camping and help make sure you’re covered, no matter what this camping season throws at you.
