TaterSr
Idaho
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Joined: 03/24/2012
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We have NEVER had an RV. Picked out the model we're buying late fall (new Forest River
Sunseeker 3010DS unless we change our minds). I have been reading a book from the
library 'THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO RV'ING' and it seems pretty good. I want to buy
a copy to keep on hand. We have looked at RVs for at least 8 yrs & gone to numerous shows.
Husb won't rent one. He's a bus driver & says he KNOWS he's going to like the lifestyle. We are especially attracted to the fact that we can bring our pets & not have to tote luggage in & out of hotel rooms, sleep in questionable beds where a blue light might show... germs to say the least.
I'm wondering if someone has a suggestion as to what directory of campgrounds to buy? Or do you just look them up online or go by suggestions here? We are going to semi-retire. Leave our house empty for the winter & head south. I think we'd like to spend the first month (Dec 2012) in the Vegas area (husb favorite place) and then head further south.
The Idiot's Guide book is pretty simple & straightforward for a newbie but this web site is also great because you can discuss with people really living the dream.
Thanks for any ideas
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Mountain Mama
N. TX
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Joined: 03/28/2008
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Welcome to the RV world! It's a fun place to be!!!
We just look for campgrounds online. There is a website called RV Park Reviews that others post about places they visited. Go to each state website and search for campgrounds. Also, we use recreation.gov for Corp of Engineer parks and I've even looked at Passport America which you can join and get 1/2 camping at certain campgrounds that are members but there are restrictions (we're not members but I look for different campgrounds and they have links to their websites).
We used a directory back in the 90's before the days of the internet, but I don't see any reason too now! Maybe there are others who can post positives about one.
2003 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 34RLT
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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For what KIND of camping? Are you talking about RV parks or actual campgrounds?
For campgrounds I'd recommend Don Wrights Guide to Free and Under $12.00 per night camping" Thousands of listings nationwide in two volumes and includes about all government campgrounds (COE, TVA, BLM, NFS, NPS, state parks, country and municipal campgrounds.
For RV Parks Woodalls is a pretty good one for all types of RV Parks. For bargain RV parks check into Passport America for 50% discount at many of the same RV parks with a $44.00 per year membership.
Good luck with the new RV / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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docj
Fulltime--Home is where we park it
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Joined: 07/13/2010
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X2 for RV Park Reviews. The printed directories like Woodalls are mostly worthless; for the most part they ask park owners to check boxes showing what facilities they have. They aren't ratings just a list of things like "yes, we have a pool, etc." They also give more space to places that buy advertising and give little attention to public CG's of any sort.
Passport America is a good way to save some $$ but they don't rate their CG's and we always check them against RV Park Reviews before going to any of them.
I agree with Mountain Mama that with a smart phone and/or an internet connected computer there is little reason to have a paper directory. Even Woodalls, if you want it, is available for free online.
Sandie & Joel
2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi,
Welcome to the RV forums and welcome to Rv'ing.
I would not purchase a printed directory.
I find this website quite useful for finding inexpensive places to stay.
http://freecampsites.net/
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi skipnchar,
You know very well that the Don Wright's guides are out of print and unavailable.
skipnchar wrote:For what KIND of camping? Are you talking about RV parks or actual campgrounds?
For campgrounds I'd recommend Don Wrights Guide to Free and Under $12.00 per night camping" Thousands of listings nationwide in two volumes and includes about all government campgrounds (COE, TVA, BLM, NFS, NPS, state parks, country and municipal campgrounds.
For RV Parks Woodalls is a pretty good one for all types of RV Parks. For bargain RV parks check into Passport America for 50% discount at many of the same RV parks with a $44.00 per year membership.
Good luck with the new RV / Skip
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lzasitko
Regina, SK Canada
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Joined: 11/30/2005
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If you have a smart phone or a tablet (like the iPad) there are apps that will show you campsites along the way. Apps are out there for both Apple (ios (iPad, iPhone, iPod)) and for Android phones or tablets. Most for ios are under $5 and they are being updated all the time. I also have done away with paper maps. I use an iPad and there are apps that let you download the maps so you don't need a wireless connection or cell service to use them and there are apps out there for Android to do the same thing. Much easy to take along and use an iPad than all the paper....
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PhilR.
Central Texas
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Joined: 03/13/2008
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We purchased a campground guide - a Woodall's I think - the first year we had an RV. We never used it. We only camp at state parks or USA Corps of Engineers parks, and can find this info on the web.
I think that if you have a way to access the internet while camping, that you won't need a printed directory......
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rr2254545
Minnesota/New Mexico
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Joined: 07/12/2009
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Woodalls on line, works for us. RV Park reviews never has worked for me. You would have to make your own decision on it.
2012 Winnebago Journey 36M Cummins 360
131 Campgrounds since we retired in July 2009
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mockturtle
WA
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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I buy a Good Sam Trailer Life Directory every couple of years and I also like this site for ALL public campgrounds: US Campgrounds. RV Park Reviews is good, too, but not as comprehensive.
2000 Born Free 24RB Class C
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2002 Honda CR-V toad
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