Working at a campsite, you see a lot of memorable successes and defeats among families and groups. Just ask Julie at Kampgrounds of America (KOA) in Terre Haute, IN. She’s seen just about everything—good and bad—and offered some suggestions for tent and RV campers.
Do:
-Make a Checklist– It sounds simple, but people still forget even the basics, like personal items and even towels. Start with one of our checklists. We’ve got one for tent campers and one for the RVers. Your friends may even have one they’ll share with you. Forget what your first grade teacher told you, this is a time when it’s OK to copy off your neighbor.
-Be Reservation Ready– When you call to reserve your spot, have your credit card ready. Many places need one just to hold your spot.
-Check Pets– Some campgrounds limit which breeds they’ll allow on the grounds. If you have an animal, you’ll want to know if it’s OK to bring it. If you or your kids aren’t fond of certain breeds, you’ll want to know before you get there if you might encounter one.
-Have Enough Hose– Sometimes a 10 ft. water or sewer hose for your RV won’t reach the hookups. To be safe, invest in lines that are at least 20 ft. long. It’s just not a gamble most people want to take.
-Ask Questions– Campers are some of the friendliest, most helpful people you’ll meet. If you don’t know something, ask someone who does. You don’t want to be like the person Julie met who thought the water meter was a sewer dump. Folks who have dinner on the BBQ and are relaxing in their bag chairs just 20 minutes after getting to the site are usually the ones with the answers.
Don’t:
-Let One Person Do All the Work– Camping isn’t a spectator sport. Julie says the best groups get everyone involved. When each person has a role and knows it well, the campsite gets set up faster so everyone can relax sooner.
-Drive Too Much Camper– Before you get to the campsite, make sure you’re comfortable maneuvering your fifth wheel or RV, especially when you back into your space. Setting up too close to the trees or on the camp’s landscaping can tear up your stuff and the camp’s property.
-Litter– One of the first things you should set up after the tent is a place to throw away your trash. Encourage everyone to pick up garbage, including the messes pets leave.
