There are very few campgrounds today that do not offer wireless internet, or Wi-Fi. In some cases they rely on a third party’s service for which the camper must subscribe and pay for. But rest assured, even for those free Wi-Fi offers, you still are actually paying. The service costs money and is built into your daily camping rate. Here the old saying “you only get what you pay for!” really applies.
One of the more current issues faced today when using Wi-Fi in campgrounds is very slow and sometimes no service. This issue does not seem to happen, or at least happens far less, on a third party’s subscriber-based package.
In some RV resorts, they offer a choice of Wi-Fi or wired modem. A small rental fee normally applies to the modem, but it may be well worth it. Generally, the modem plugs into the service pedestal, and then to your computer via Ethernet cable, or direct to a wireless router. The advantage here is usually more bandwidth and a substantially faster ongoing connection.
An additional benefit that may be gained using the modem and wireless router is the ability to support several other devices as well. The modem is normally all the park can supply, so you will need to carry your own router. Some of the pricier motorhomes sold today come standard with a wireless router built-in.
An additional feature with these costly coaches is the ability to remotely control a number of onboard devices from anywhere. This would include checking the temperature, turning on the heat or AC, starting the generator, even viewing live video from onboard cameras, and much, much more. This service would require an active cellular subscriber chip be present.
So, for now we will still see signs at campgrounds reading “Free Wi-Fi”. That will one day look as out of place as “Color TV” advertised at a motel. In the meantime, keep surfing and enjoy.