The list of highly ranked parks was pulled from the guide’s database of more than 8,000 private RV parks, all of which are included in the 2014 edition of the annual print directory and can be found online at GoodSamClub.com under the Plan a Trip tab.
The list is comprised of RV parks that have each earned a combined Good Sam Rating of 29 points or higher.
The Good Sam Rating System grades campgrounds on a 1 to 10 scale in three categories: amenities, cleanliness and environment. By reaching this minimum standard, the parks on the list have shown a commitment to offering complete facilities, maintaining park appearance and keeping amenities in good shape. The parks on this list have also distinguished themselves by being located near popular RV travel destinations.
Measuring Park Quality
Each of the following is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best:
Facilities: Evaluates the level of development of RV sites, hookups, recreation, swimming, security, laundry, services, interior roads, registration area and Internet access.
Restrooms and showers: Rates the cleanliness and physical characteristics of toilets, walls, showers, sinks/counters/mirrors and floor. If a park achieves a full point in each of the above, it receives a star (*) that indicates exceptionally clean restrooms. Also rated are restrooms’ interior construction, odor, supplies, number of facilities, interior appearance, exterior appearance and location as it relates to park spaces.
Visual appearance: Appraises the park’s setting and site layout, function and identification of signage, overall exterior building maintenance, noise, trash disposal, litter and debris around the grounds and sites, and appearance of grounds, sites and entrance area.
The 2014 Good Sam RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory is available at the 100-plus Camping World SuperCenters in 35 states and on CampingWorld.com.
Teams That Rate the Parks
Each RV park’s rating is determined by a Good Sam consultant team made up of highly trained RVers who travel thousands of miles each year to personally inspect and rate private RV parks and campgrounds. In all, 35 teams crossed North America in preparation for the 2014 Good RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory, making unannounced visits to the campgrounds and taking a complete tour of each facility to compile their report.
Over the years, the directory’s editors and consultants have used feedback from RVers and individual professionals to hone our ratings system. We believe this evaluation tool accurately gauges a campground’s qualities.