Campground & Overnight Stay

• Dedicated Campground Directories/Apps:

  • Campendium: Great for finding free and low-cost camping, including boondocking and dispersed camping. User-generated content provides valuable insights.

  • AllStays Camp & RV: A comprehensive guide with details on rest stops, RV parks, campgrounds, and amenities like dump stations. Offers offline search.

  • The Dyrt: Features a large database of campgrounds with reviews and allows for text alerts for sold-out campgrounds.

  • RV Parky: Community-driven directory built by full-time RVers.

  • Recreation.gov: For finding and reserving campsites in national parks and other federal lands.

  • Reserve America: Useful for finding and reserving campsites in state, federal, and private parks.

  • KOA Trip Planner: For finding and booking Kampgrounds of America (KOA) locations, which are often full-service.

• Unique Overnight Options:

  • Harvest Hosts: A membership program offering free overnight stays at unique locations like farms, wineries, breweries, and museums.

  • Boondockers Welcome: Another membership for free overnight stays, often on private property, with hosts sometimes offering amenities. (Now integrated with Harvest Hosts).

  • Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabela's (and similar retailers): Many allow overnight RV parking, but always call ahead to confirm local ordinances and store policies.

III. Trip Preparation & Management:

• Checklists: Essential for ensuring your RV is ready and you haven't forgotten anything.

  • Pre-trip checklists: Covering vehicle maintenance (tires, fluids, brakes, lights), systems checks (HVAC, appliances, plumbing), safety items (fire extinguisher, first aid kit), and cleaning.

  • Packing checklists: For kitchen supplies, linens, personal items, tools, emergency kit, and outdoor gear.

  • Departure/Arrival checklists: To ensure everything is secured and disconnected/connected properly at campsites.

• RV Weight & Towing Calculators: Crucial for safety and compliance. These tools help you determine your vehicle's towing capacity and ensure you don't overload your RV or tow vehicle. Many RV dealerships and online resources offer these calculators.

• Fuel Finders:

  • GasBuddy: Helps find the cheapest fuel prices along your route.

  • TSD Open Roads (for diesel RVs/trucks): A fuel savings program that can offer significant discounts at participating truck stops.