Campgrounds for motor homes in the USA

Car camps in the USA offer various accommodation options and related services. Camping sites usually have areas for setting up tents or parking motorhomes (RV). There may be a campfire and picnic area on each site. Camping facilities may include toilets, showers, laundries, barbecue areas, playgrounds for children, shops, restaurants, and various entertainment options. Some campgrounds may also offer equipment rentals and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling trails.

There are various types of campgrounds in the United States, each with its own characteristics and offering unique opportunities for travelers.

Commercial campgrounds:

• Commercial campgrounds are private facilities operated by individuals or companies. Some commercial campgrounds offer simple tent sites equipped with only essential amenities such as toilets and showers. Others may have a more developed infrastructure with full-fledged cottages or RV sites equipped with electricity, water supply and sewerage.

Camping in national parks:

• Camping sites in national parks offer unique opportunities for travelers, such campsites are located close to popular natural attractions. They represent tent sites and RV sites of different comfort levels. Prices for camping sites in national parks are usually more affordable compared to commercial campsites and offer the opportunity to stay in the heart of nature.

The cost of campsites in the United States can vary significantly depending on their type, location, and comfort level. Here are the approximate price ranges for different types of camping:

1. Commercial campsites:
from $ 30 to $ 100 per night, depending on the size of the site, comfort level and services provided (electricity, water, sewerage). In popular places, such as California, prices can reach up to $ 200 per night.

2. Camping in state parks:
from $ 20 to $ 60 per night.

3. Camping in national parks:
from $ 15 to $ 40 per night.

Prices may vary depending on the season, length of stay, and additional services such as access to electricity, water, and sanitation.

"Campgrounds don’t want to accept cash and pay for parking at the reception," said traveler Vlad Sharapov. "They’re asking you to book seats on this site and pay online."

The price of camping, even in national parks, is minimal, can range from $ 20 to $ 60 per night. The price is not written on the website when the "first-come-first-served" system is in effect, so you need to arrive early."

There are many mobile apps, programs, and websites available to help you find suitable camping sites in the United States. Here are some popular resources:

• Recreation.gov: This official website provides information about camping sites in national parks. "This is the most popular site among many campers," says traveler Vlad Sharapov.

• Reserve America: This is a platform for booking camping sites in the USA. Here you will find information about commercial campgrounds, campgrounds in state parks and national parks, and you can book a site for specific dates.

• Campendium: This is an application and website specializing in finding campsites in the USA. Campendium provides information on various types of campgrounds, including commercial, state, and national parks.

• iOverlander: This is a mobile device application designed to find places for dispersed camping and free accommodation in the USA and other countries. iOverlander provides information about available public lands, rules, and recommendations for travelers.

• Google Maps: This is a popular mobile application and web service that can be used to search for campsites in the USA. Just enter keywords like "camping" or "RV parking", RV camping.

• The Dyrt: This is an app that provides information about thousands of camping sites and parks across the country. It has the largest database of camping sites.

• KOA (Kampgrounds of America): This is a network of camping sites located throughout the country. The KOA app allows you to search and book seats in one of their many locations.

• RV Advisor (also known as The RV Advisor): It is an information and consulting resource designed for owners and enthusiasts of motorhomes (RV). In addition to booking campsites, it offers a wide range of RV-related resources and services.

These are just some of the many resources available to find campsites in the USA. It is worth noting that there is no unified camping booking system like booking.com for hotels, it does not exist.

Campsites in the USA offer a wide range of entertainment and activities that will help you enjoy nature and spend time with family or friends. Here are some of the popular activities that can be found at campgrounds.:

1. Hiking and cycling
2. Fishing
3. Kayaking and canoeing
4. Swimming and beach activities
5. Spending time around the campfire
6. Picnics and barbecues

The campgrounds also have a variety of activities that are designed specifically for children: playgrounds, children’s activities, swimming and hiking.

When choosing a camping site, several factors must be considered in order to make the right choice.:

• Needs and preferences: Consider your preferences in terms of comfort and accessibility. Some campgrounds may offer only basic facilities such as toilets and showers, while others may have a more developed infrastructure with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

• Restrictions and Rules: Check the restrictions and rules set at the campsite. Some campsites may have restrictions on the length or width of their stay: in such campsites, the motorhome will not be able to straighten its sliding walls. It is also worth exploring the restrictions on having pets or making a campfire. There may be temporary restrictions on water supply, sewerage or electricity on the site.

• Location: Consider the location of the campsite and its proximity to popular attractions or natural sites that you are interested in.

You can book camping in the USA through specialized online platforms such as Recreation.gov or Reserve America. These resources allow you to check the availability of campsites, select a suitable site and book it for certain dates. It is recommended to book in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular campsites during high season.

In popular locations such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon, booking campgrounds can be especially competitive and challenging. In these places, it is recommended to book in advance on the official websites of the parks or specialized booking platforms. Reservations always take place in different ways: in some campsites you can book a place online, in others you need to make a phone call and dictate your credit card number.

There are several places in the United States where you can find free campsites. Here are some popular options.:

National Forests: National forests in the United States offer many free camping spots known as "disbursed camping areas." You can find information about such places on the U.S. Forest Service website or contact a specific national forest agency to get details about available free campsites.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): The Bureau of Land Management provides public lands where you can rent a motorhome for free. You can visit the BLM website and use their interactive map to find free campgrounds in your desired region.

National Parks: Some national parks in the United States offer free camping in certain areas. However, not all national parks provide this opportunity, and it is important to check the specific rules and restrictions for each park.

There are also free parking lots for campsites in the United States: near casinos, Walmart stores, and truck stops.

To find free campsites in the USA, it is also useful to use the following resources: Campendium, FreeCampsites.net and iOverlander.

Separately, it is worth highlighting such a form of free camping as dispersed camping.

Dispersed camping is a form of camping on public lands where travelers can set up their tents or park their RV outside specially designated camping areas. This provides an opportunity to stay free of charge in remote areas of nature where there is no official infrastructure. To find suitable locations for dispersed camping, we recommend using specialized resources such as the iOverlander app or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website, where you can find information about available public lands and regulations regarding dispersed camping.

Although the accommodation itself on public lands may be free, in some cases payments may be charged for certain services or limited areas, such as paid camping sites or special recreation areas.

We hope that this information will help you in planning and organizing camping trips in the USA. When choosing a campsite, always consider your preferences, needs and rules of each specific location. Enjoy your trip!