The RV community tends to throw around camping options as if they’re no big deal and everyone knows what they’re talking about. Some of the more experienced RV owners will probably have some favorite stomping grounds, but if you’re a newbie, you might not fully know where you might want to take your RV or even what your options are. That’s why we here at Airstream of Montana have provided a guide to help you with this. If you’d like to learn about some of our staff’s personal favorite camping spots, stop by our location in Missoula, Montana. We also serve those in Bozeman and Kalispell.
Your Options
There are many different types of RV campgrounds available. People prefer different camping experiences, so you’ll find a variety of camping accommodations available to you.
RV Parks and Resorts
The RV parks and resorts are where you’re going to find some of the most luxurious accommodations. You’ll have access to full hookups as well as landscaped, clean campsites. Many RV parks also come with their own amenities, like on-site laundry facilities, pools, and recreational areas. Plus, they’re often not far from a major city or town, if you find that a quick trip to the grocery store is in order, or if you just want to get away from the camper for a little bit. Keep in mind, it’ll probably be more expensive, but you might get a discount if you’re staying there longer.
National and State Parks
Campgrounds in national and state parks are going to be less luxurious, and many come with optional hookups, but you’ll be right in the heart of the outdoors, and maybe in the heart of one of your favorite natural areas. Plus, they tend to be a lot cheaper. Just remember that spots at more popular national and state parks will need to be booked well in advance.
Boondocking
This means no hookups whatsoever and essentially camping wherever it may be legal. This requires a special kind of prep, since you might need different appliances and a different strategy for retrieving supplies. The key is to make sure you’re allowed to be on the land you’re boondocking on. Popular boondocking spots include areas controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Biggest advantage? It’s free!
What Else Should You Consider?
As we mentioned earlier, different RV owners have different camping preferences and this will be the primary deciding factor when you’re choosing a place to camp in your RV. Do you prefer only the basics, or do you like some extra amenities to make your stay more comfortable? Will you need hookups? This should set the foundations for where you’re going to stay.
However, these are not the only considerations. You’ll want to take a good, hard look at your RV and figure out how it plays into your final choice. Bigger RVs sometimes require special accommodations you’ll only find at RV parks, including enough space to fit the rig and the option of a pull-through site so you don’t have to worry about parking hassles.
Of course, there’s always money. How much you can budget for campground fees might prompt you to adjust your expectations. Keep in mind that, while national and state park rates are fairly consistent in terms of pricing, privately-owned RV parks can vary widely in price and often have different rates, depending on how long you intend to stay in one area.
There’s a lot more you could consider, but at the end of the day, your camping needs are unique to you and your camping party. Think about what you want and do plenty of homework ahead of time so you’re not surprised by an RV camping facility that doesn’t give you exactly what you’re looking for. If you need additional help, stop by Airstream of Montana to talk with our friendly staff. We proudly serve those in Missoula, Bozeman, and Kalispell, Montana.
