It’s the end of a long day of RV travel as you finally turn off the highway and drive along the entrance road into your RV park destination. There’s a long sigh of relief as you anticipate a quick check-in process. You can already visualize settling into your site, hooking up the utilities, and kicking back and relaxing with a cool one.
Do you really want to whiz through check-in process, paying mere lip service as the office staff attempts to give you pertinent information about your new destination and review the 19 or so rules?
During check-in, the office staff will ask you the standard questions.
How many in your party?
Any pets?
Do you have a second vehicle?
What are the key questions to ask when checking into an RV park? Above Photo: Cajun Palms RV Resort, Henderson, Louisiana. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Whether you are overnighting, camping for the weekend or an extended period of time, there are questions you must ask during the RV park check in process. Planning ahead and asking the right questions may make your stay much more safe and enjoyable.
In addition, asking specific questions will ease the transition to your new campground and community. Of course, you could look up much of this information on Google, but the people at the front desk can provide the kind of local, insider information that is invaluable for RV travelers.
Where is the closest hospital/emergency care?
A medical emergency requiring a hospital or urgent care center can happen at any hour, day or night.
Do you have a storm shelter? If not, where is the nearest one?
This is especially important when traveling in the spring and early summer in Tornado Alley, but something you should always know. You may need to drive to a local community center or fire department. Planning ahead can save your life.
In the event you travel with pets, you may wish to know the location and phone number of the nearest vet.
What are the key questions to ask when checking into an RV park? Above Photo: American RV Resort, Albuquerque, New Mexico. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Now that you have the information you need to handle emergency/medical situations you hope never happen, there may be addition questions to ask.
Where is the nearest Walmart/major grocery store?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Perhaps the park doesn’t have laundry facilities. In this case, you can ask, where is the closest clean Laundromat? Unless your RV is equipped with a washer/dryer, you will probably need this service at some point.
Is there a local farmers market?
Can you recommend a local restaurant?
Taking several minutes to ask the right questions will make you safer and make your stay much more convenient.
Now go get settled in your site and relax a bit.