The Difference Between RV Parks, RV Resorts, & Campgrounds

We watched the most spectacular Firework display ever last night. You really can’t tell that with our photos…never have been able to get good shots with any of our cameras. Guess you just have to take our word for it that the show was fabulous.


Now, for distinguishing between a RV Park, a RV Resort or a campground. There is no set definition out there, I have checked the internet, as well as Wikipedia and other sources but could not find any sort of distinctive definitions of any of them. For us, we notice for the most part when they name the parks it’s much by the following sort of theory.

A campground is more rustic, allows tenting almost exclusively. Very family oriented and usually have many activities to keep the kids busy. These are mostly filled to capacity on the holidays and weekends with folks who are outdoor types, they have to be, they are after all sleeping and living in the outdoors. This type of place usually makes for a noisy weekend since most of all the activities are done outdoors. State Parks fall into this category.

A RV Park offers more sites for RV’s usually with full hookups, they seem to cater more towards the RV or Trailer owners, almost at times even banning tents all together. They usually have activities both towards the kids and adults.

A RV Resort is more for the adult lifestyle. They usually have full hookups and most usually do not allow tents. They cater more towards the higher end, but we fit into this category as well in most of the resorts. The activities are almost always geared toward the adults.

Our definitions are not used by all and there are times when an owner puts “Resort” at the end of their name but is really a campground.

Then again comes the “Weekend Warriors” on the holiday weekends when all bets are off and the inconsiderateness comes out in droves to parks, resorts and campgrounds alike. Could you imagine walking across somebody’s front porch or through their backyard in their homes? Well…maybe some folks do this but it is the same when you walk through or infringe on our campsite, it is as if you are walking into my house and claiming it is acceptable.

Now, before I get tons of comments about this, please understand that this is how we have been seeing it while being full-time travelers for the past 7 years. It is not how others see it, nor is it a rule that must be followed by everyone. It is just something we have seen out here and we take note of it because of what our preferences are, and that is not a campground, but a RV Park or Resort. As we have said many times, we are not campers, we are RVers and that is what we enjoy. We do not want it to sound as if we condemn or dislike campgrounds or campers, what we are saying is where we would prefer to stay.

Thanks to one and all of the individuals who have fought for our freedom…we are grateful for all the free choices you have given to us. Happy 4th of July to all…hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday!

For more photos, check out our Picasa Web Albums.