Tent Camping in Campgrounds

Tent camping in campgrounds has several advantages and a few disadvantages.   Campgrounds usually provide level, often grassy spaces, free of debris to set up your tent.   You will usually have designated parking places that are paved or at least graveled, close to where you will set up your tent so you don't have to carry your stuff too far.  Very often there will be community water spigots where you can get water as you need it.  There may be toilets, sometimes even full service bathrooms with hot showers but sometimes just primitive pit toilets.  But that still beats digging your own latrine!   Some campgrounds provide an area with sinks and counter space where you can wash  your dishes.  Campgrounds will usually provide picnic tables and approved fire pits. What is special about an approved fire pit?  Well, it has been constructed according to Forest Service standards and has been inspected and approved for use.  Forest areas often come under fire restrictions during hot, dry summer months when fires are only allowed in approved fire pits.   The fine for having an open fire in a restricted area can be very heavy and the penalties for allowing your unapproved fire to get away from you and start a brush fire or forest fire can run into the millions of dollars in fire fighting costs and property damage which you could be ordered to pay for!

Access to campgrounds is usually via good roads making them within easy reach by family car. Primitive/remote sites may be require more rugged transportation to be reached.  If you are planning to camp "off road" you may need a high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle just to get there.

Campgrounds may also give you access to camp stores and local businesses in case you need some supplies and to a ranger or camp host who is knowledgeable about the area and can give excellent advice regarding trails, activities, and even weather.  You will also have fellow campers around you who can be a good source of information and assistance.   Most campgrounds try to have at least some shade, natural or artificial (canopy) for your comfort.

Disadvantages mostly consist of increased proximity to civilization, including fellow campers, that can intrude on your solitude if you are seeking a truly pristine camping experience.   Light from parking lots, streets, and nearby businesses may limit your view of the night sky.   You might experience "noise pollution" from nearby highways, railroads, or large event venues.  Some frequently used camp sites may suffer from abuse.  You may encounter dirty or damaged tables, left behind trash, non-combustibles in the fire pit, and nasty bathrooms..  Of course, if everyone observed proper camping etiquette, you wouldn't run into these problems, but, unfortunately, not everyone is as considerate as they should be.  Sites in some campgrounds may be closer together than you might like.  And, of course, you must pay a fee to use most developed campgrounds, especially if there are amenities for your convenience.

Unless you are in an open camping area you will be in a designated site.  Be careful to keep your stuff within your designated area and not intrude on space allocated to other campers.  It is also a good idea in open or primitive camping areas to keep all your belongings close.   Not only is it more considerate to other campers, it keeps them more convenient for your use and allows you to maintain better security over your things.

Some commercial campgrounds include many resort style amenities.  Some typical examples are badminton, table tennis, shuffle board, swimming pools, bathrooms, showers, camp store, and restaurant.

Some, but not all, campgrounds accommodate both RVs and tent campers.    Many Forest Service Campgrounds do not allow RVs.  Some RV parks do not allow tent camping.  Don't just assume you can set up your tent in an RV space.  You may get an unexpected visit from local law enforcement -- or at least the camp host evicting you!  If you do occupy an RV space expect to pay the standard RV rate unless told otherwise.

Happy camping!