As summer gives way to autumn, most campers’ thoughts turn
to thoughts of leaf peeping and then the chore of winterizing their RV’s to
place them in storage for the long, cold non-camping season ahead.
Instead, turn your thoughts to next summer, and begin
planning your family’s vacation and recreation time! Here are some reasons why seasonal camping may
make good sense for your family and some tips on how to shop for and compare
seasonal camping sites!
There is convenience! Camping is a lot of fun for the whole
family, but let’s face it, there’s work involved too. You have to pack, hook-up, tow, unhook, set
up camp, tear down camp, hook-up, tow, unhook, and unpack. Seasonal camper campers don’t have to do all
that. You get to spend a lot more time
camping and enjoying your family and a whole lot less time working!
Save money! Recent studies have documented that
camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your family. Take that thinking one step further and you
will see why seasonal camping is the least expensive way to vacation with your
family all summer long! A seasonal
campsite costs less then one week long vacation at a resort. So why not enjoy your RV every weekend, all
summer long, for less than the price of one vacation? Now that’s being a thrifty shopper! Don’t forget that if you have a week (or two)
that you can vacation, that spending it at your seasonal campsite makes a great
deal of sense!
Shorter Commute! Towing creates wear and tear on your RV,
your tow vehicle, and on you, the driver!
There are also fuel and maintenance costs associated with weekend
travel. So unless your family is
determined to try a new place each weekend, why not camp at your favorite
campground for the whole summer? The
money you save in wear and tear, and by not towing will more than offset your
extra expenditures on gas to get you back and forth each weekend!
The Price is right! When you compare unlimited camping rates
to overnight camping, the discount you get by being a seasonal camper is
huge! Most campgrounds provide similar
services and activities, but ask about extras!
Some campgrounds provide all inclusive seasonal rates (like Meadville
KOA) and some do not. Make sure you know
exactly what your expenses will be before you sign that Seasonal Camping Agreement! When
you do the math, you’ll find that the price is right!
Think Location, Location, Location, versus price. The more centrally located a campground is to a large metropolitan area, the more likely their rates will be higher. A little longer commute may provide you even bigger savings in a lower seasonal camping rates!
What park type fits
your family’s needs? That means that
if you’re looking for a family campground, make sure the place you’re becoming
a seasonal isn’t a party haven! Can you count
on them to provide fun, family oriented activities for the entire family? Are there fun things to do that will keep the
kids or grandkids busy and having fun? Does
your prospective campground provide them at no additional cost or are there
extra fees? Again, make sure you know
those details.
Right now is the
perfect time to select a site! Most
campgrounds have a few openings for next season in the fall, so it’s the
perfect time to shop for a campsite!
Many have winter payment plans, and some may even include onsite winter
storage (Think Meadville KOA again)! If
you normally pay for a storage facility, that’ll save you even more money!
Save more by getting
an early bird discount! You can save
even more money by paying for your
campsite early. Many campgrounds provide
discounts or rebates for those who pay for their campsite early! Again, ask those questions, because the
answer can save you money!
Meet new people! Seasonal campers are like a small community. They become friends, hang out, play cards or
yard games, have group campfires, their children become friends, and much more! Many volunteer to help with activities and
events and bring lots of fun to their camping environment in a family-friendly
way! What a great way to meet new people
and make new friends!
Make the right
choice! The closer you camp to where
you live the better it is! That is how
you’ll get the most use out of your RV! But
remember, the experience isn’t just something, it’s everything! It’s much better to drive a little further
for that higher rating, those award-winning activities, or those special
friends you love to camp with! Don’t
sacrifice quality for closer.
Seasonal camping maximizes your summer vacation time and use of your RV while minimizing your expenses! It can provide your family a summer full of fun, family oriented camping experiences for about the same price as one vacation! Make sure you take a little time to consider that idea, and how it can help your family get the biggest bang for your buck next summer! Then, we hope you’ll start looking at local campgrounds and thinking about becoming a seasonal camper! It’s not too late to move onto a site this fall! Campground owners are looking forward to talking with you and showing you all the fun events and activities we’re already planning for next summer!
By Robyn Chilson
Tim & Robyn Chilson
own and operate Meadville KOA Campground in Meadville, PA. Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251.
