Types – USA Road Trip Travel

Types of Campgrounds

State Park Campgrounds

-Usually well maintained grounds as the state manages the campground

-Most have electrical hookups with some water at the site

-Most have a dump station and fresh water

-Generally have trees at site

-More privacy at site than a private campground

-They usually have hiking, biking, and sometimes boating at campground

-Cheaper than most private campgrounds, however because of the lower cost, they fill up quickly

-You are able to reserve online

-Most have showers

National Park Campgrounds

-Usually no electric or water hookups

-Cheaper than most other campgrounds
-Most have beautiful scenery
-Convenient to attractions within the national park
-Most offer sites that are first come first serve

-Better way to fully experience a national park
-Reservations can be made 6 months advance
-Near hiking trails

National Forest Campgrounds

-Has both paid and free dispersed camping

-Inexpensive or free campsites

-Generally no hookups

-Camp up to 14 consecutive days

-Some sites can be reserved

-Some are first come first serve sites

-Most sites have a lot of privacy

-In a forest setting which provide solitude

-Often a campground host will be present

-Sometimes roads are not maintained

-Campgrounds are usually far from cities or towns

-Generally have vaulted toilets with no showers

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-Manages Public Lands

-On a total of 247 million acres

-Undeveloped public lands that have free dispersed camping

-No reservations

-Some areas are well marked while others are not

-Generally 14 days in the maximum stay limit

-Is not a developed campground

-Generally no restrooms

-No hookups or dump station

-Roads are mostly dirt

-Generally found out West or South West

Army Corps of Engineer (COE)

-Total of 450 campgrounds located in 43 states

-Well managed and clean campgrounds

-Most campgrounds are situated on lakes & rivers

-COE’s main purpose is to maintain & protect the US waterways

-Campsites are always level and spacious

-Many waterfront locations

-Most campgrounds offer swimming, kayaking, boating, & fishing

-You can make reservations online at recreation.gov

City/County Campgrounds

-Affordable (free-$30)

-Usually smaller campgrounds located in smaller towns/cities

-Run by the town/city

-Nice for a quick overnight stop while passing through

-Usually do not have many amenities or scenic views

-Usually near a community park or pool

-There might be locals on the weekends

Private Campgrounds

-Individually run & managed

-Almost always offer full hook-ups

-Some offer pools, playgrounds, showers, laundry, game room, or social activities

-There’s usually someone to talk to directly (reservations or concerns)

-Price is usually higher ($40 & up) due to the extra amenities and also the location

-Sites are generally smaller and closer together with less privacy

-Some may have a general store