Difference Between an RV Resort, Park, and Campground

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between RV resorts, RV parks, and RV campgrounds? In this video Lisa McEwen, an RV Lifestyle and Repair Contributor, dives into each one of those categories of campgrounds and explains why you need to know the differences. Ultimately, understanding the differences between each one of these kinds of campgrounds is going to help you with your planning.

RV Resorts

You're probably thinking that RV resorts tend to cost a little bit more, and you would be right. It's going to be on the higher end of nightly costs. Typically around $100 per night or more, depending on what kind of resort you choose.

In a lot of cases, RV resort sites are pretty close to your neighbors and they typically have level, concrete pads. Generally, they have more pull through options as well. You get what you pay for in regards to RV resorts: ease of operation and comfort.

A big reason why a lot of people decide that they are going to stay at an RV resort is because they offer so many amenities. There is usually a pool, tennis/pickleball courts, miniature golf courses, and bocce ball just to name a few. Some of them have a clubhouse where you can go in and play games like ping pong and pool.

These clubhouses will sometimes provide organized activities like bingo or outdoor music. They do a nice job making it easy for you as parents to entertain the kids while not having to stray too far from the RV.

RV Parks

In general, RV parks have you camping out in the woods or out in nature a little bit more than RV Resorts. Also, they might be more secluded and tucked away from some of the cities nearby.

Cost per night can really vary so it's something that you're going to need to look online for. RV parks are going to be cheaper than your RV resorts, usually by a good chunk of change. The McEwen family has stayed at some really nice RV parks where they’ve had a nice level concrete, sand, or gravel pads, and generally, they are very spacious.

In terms of amenities, RV parks are not going to compare to your resorts. With that said, RV parks might have an amenity or two like a pool or maybe some sprinklers for the kids.

RV Campgrounds

State, county, or city-run campgrounds, Lisa puts into this category. They're pretty easy to book online and you can check availability, which makes booking convenient.

One of the reasons the McEwen family enjoys using RV campgrounds is that the nightly cost is very affordable. Generally speaking, between $30 - $40 per night. If you’re camping somewhere along the coast or closer to a major city, those nightly costs are going to go up.

Oftentimes, a little extra time is needed during set up to get your rig level. Sites vary greatly and concrete pads definitely are not the norm. The sites are pretty big and most of the time you are in nature. They usually come with a fire pit and a picnic table. With RV campgrounds the kids can enjoy space around the RV to go outside and play. You don't feel like your neighbors are on top of each other but with that said, you likely will still see your neighbors.

As far as amenities go obviously it's not going to compare to those RV resorts or maybe even the RV parks, but we've stayed at several RV Campgrounds that do have some amenities. We’re staying at Crooked River State Park in southern Georgia and they actually have a miniature golf course!

Some of them have lakes where you might be able to do some swimming or some fishing, those kinds of things. So there are amenities, just scaled down some.

That's a look at the differences between your RV resorts, RV parks and RV campgrounds. Hopefully by going through and defining each one of these gives you a look closer at what to expect when planning your next RV trip. Check out some of the McEwens' Campground Reviews for inspiration.