56 replies to this topic

[Batman]

For the most part public campground policies regarding RV vs. tents, number of vehicles per site, etc are devised at the local level. That's why there are so many variations in the rules. In some cases limiting tent sites to those actually sleeping in tents is sensible. Some campgrounds have many sites with plenty of parking space for vehicles but few sites with any place (other than the parking spot) to pitch a tent.

[Dragon240]

 

Just had to vent. KOA's and similar ilk [bah humbug] Have same policy. After explaining had 2006 Tundra and a 2017 'Hawk" FWC.  And did not need electric ~ water ~ or any hook up's. That I had just picked up my Hawk in Woodland and headed home to Bakersfield ~ Only needed O/Nite outta rain, this was my 1st inquiry to KOA  had used for years....►►►

 

INQUIRY

Can you please explain why you cannot 'rent' a site to a Truck Camper.  Just tried to rent a future date and were told  couldn't use a truck camper but could bring a Tent.  If I am travelling in my TruckCamper I seldom take my tent along.  I have never  heard of this rule  ~~  is it new ~~ is local.  That exclusion is not mentioned in your ad, in 2017 GoodSam RV TravelGuide. Used to camp at your location [koa kabins] when visiting my aunt in Sacramento.

 

Please Advise.Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. 

 

~~~~~~

 

ANSWER  FROM KOA

 

Message to Member:
 

Hi,
 

Thank you for your email. KOA Campgrounds are managed independently on site, with the majority of them being privately owned as a franchise. As each campground is independent, it would be best to discuss this further with the campground manager of the campground you were looking to stay with.  All contact information can be found on KOA.com.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 Kim

KOA Camper Services

 

 

MY RESPONSE NO ANSWER TO DATE

 

To

• vkrservice@koa.net

Message body

Yes that is the most opportune manner to check with the campground. HOWEVER when travelling across country on a very loose schedule KOA offices are NOT always available when it gets dark 'early' ~ cannot call every CG on the general direction of next days itinerary. Why not just say you do not want TruckCampers in your facilities.

 

Have until October to decide if will renew my membership.     JM2¢

 

~~~

 

Ok OK  I vented!!!!!  Have not had the TC long enough to get settled into it.   Did not realize it would be this hard to find campsites.  I/WE are not boondockers but are planning to learn. Did a bunch of 'dirt' camping with or without tent/truck or CG 50 plus/minus years ago BUT times have changed.

 

Thanks for listening  ~ TakeCare ~  TravelSafe  ~~  HaveFun

 

K

 

Edited by Dragon240, 05 March 2018 - 07:27 PM.

[PackRat]

One item I carry with us is beach shelter....aka, a "tent". It has the collapsing bungee type poles and fits into a bag that is maybe 24" long by about 6" in diameter. We find it a good accessory when a lakeside, stream or beach is available for us. It can also be set up in your space so you are still technically meeting their "tent" restrictions. it has a floor but no "front" side.

 

You can't fight City Hall and you can't fight stupidity. So....if ya can't beat 'em, use their own "rules" against them. 

[Dragon240]

Hey PackRat  that might work. I gotta 'shower' tent.  WhaddYa think??

[CougarCouple]

Yeah Dragin240
If they question it just explain you have to sleep that way because of your condition “upriteitus”. And you are told it’s not contagious.
Russ
PakRat is Correct such a bummer but to be able to play by their rules, well walking around with a grin all the time can fell good also.

Edited by CougarCouple, 06 March 2018 - 12:19 AM.

[johngill]

I guess I will be carrying my 1P tent on my next trip out west. Setup the tent and sleep in my camper. Crazy way to manage a campground.

I carry a very small child tent with me for this purpose and so that if I leave for the day people don’t mistake that I abandoned the site

[SD_Beaker]

Fellow Wanders,

 

So, today I had a very interesting conversation today with a Grand Canyon administrator on this topic.  I will be camping at GC this summer with both my Hawk and a tent.  So, what spot do I pick?

 

The administrator was very nice and helpful on this topic.  She clarified the park's position as "Any vehicle that has permanent sleeping or cooking fixtures is an RV".  For example two Dodge Caravans could use a tent spot, (with tents) but two 'Juicy Vans' could not. 

 

The discussion within the park management is the slippery slope of a Juicy Van, to sleeper van, to 4WC, to Sportsmobile, to Sprinter Van becomes too subjective on what defines an RV.   What they did provide was that each park's superintendent has a "PARK COMPENDIUM" which outlines the rules and regulations for that park. 

 

Some of the national parks 'compendiums' are public and can be found at: www.nps.gov  Grand Canyon is at: www.nps.gov/grca  I searched for it and found several of the compendiums; however, I could not find the exact ruling on what defines an RV while I was on my lunch break, but given the vast amount of info within the documents, I believe it's likely in there.

 

She was very helpful and understood the questions we have and was sympathetic to our concerns.

 

Just filling all in on the talk.

 

Thanks,

 

p.s. She confirmed that at GC, I can book an RV spot and put a tent in it.