The first thought that comes to mind when I think of the best way to interpret RV park reviews is this: “Read with a grain of salt.” If you want a better RVing experience, skip the park’s website and go straight to real people who stayed in campgrounds you want to visit.
So my question is – what’s the deal with RV “Resorts”? Are they all as awful, overpriced, crowded, noisy, and poorly staffed and maintained as the reviews seem to indicate? Or is it that only those with negative experiences take the time to leave a review?
@Souljourner, iRV2 Discussion Forums, “Is there such a thing as a high quality RV Campground?“
What Do Campground Reviews Really Say?
RV park reviews can be biased and that is OK. Each person has their own point-of-view about a campground experience. Positive reviews by one guest can be totally opposite from another. There is a truth and knowledge to be gleaned from every review. But how can we decode and compile a true picture of a campground experience, based on what others are saying about campsites, recreational activities, and other park amenities?
When it comes to true thoughts about RV resorts and campgrounds, my opinion may not be the same as yours. Or any other RVers’. To get the real picture of what to expect, here are a few steps to help you zone in on what is important to you about a certain destination.
First, Pay Attention to the Reviewer’s RV Type
The type of rig you have is one of the main aspects that will affect your campground experience. This is true for any RVer.
When you research RV park reviews in RV LIFE Campground Review, look for the ‘Reviews by RV Type’ indicator. If you use the RV LIFE app, you’ll have RV LIFE Campgrounds at your fingertips.
When you start to interpret RV park reviews, begin by trying to see that destination through the eyes of guests who have rigs like yours.
Then Consider the Other Reviews by RV Type
We have a 44-ft fifth wheel, but I’m still going to look all reviews. This is because although a sleek Airstream will not have the maneuverability issues at RV sites that we will. So if that owner is reporting issues with getting into spots, chances are good that we will too.
Don’t skip reviews by RV Types that don’t match yours. Instead, take note of the reviewer’s perspective based on their RV type. This can be helpful. At the same time, if small trailers say it is perfectly easy to get into their site and you drive a big rig, you will take this review with a grain of salt.
Next, Notice How Long the Reviewer Stayed
RV campground reviews are also affected by a guest’s length of stay. It makes a difference if a camper made a reservation to stay one night or twelve. This is because a guest’s needs and fees may increase over time, by demanding more amenities such as trash removal, weekly laundry visits, full-hookups, etc.
Does your rig have a full office setup? You might need additional information about internet connectivity when you book for longer stays, versus pulling in for one night. So, note how long people have stayed at the park as well. See if a guest mentioned how long they stayed.
Now Look at the Campground Reviewer Profile
Who is the reviewer of the RV park you are trying to decode? What do they have in common with you as an RVer? Do they work full-time or are retired like you? Do they have pets? Motorcycles? Can you tell if they always reserve full hookup sites or choose primitive camping adventures instead?
For every variable that defines your RV life, it will also define your reviewer’s life. You will want as many points as possible to be similar so that reviews and their tips relate.
How many reviews have they provided?
If they only have one or two, then they may just be getting started. Or they only review when they feel very strongly about a campground. A three star review that just says “nice campground” versus a four star overall rating with descriptions of everything from hook ups to nearby recreation areas is going to be much more valuable when you consider the overall review.
The time of year also affects an RVer’s experience at a campground. If they went in peak season, versus a slower time in September after Labor Day, the number of sites with guests will impact their stay.
This usually (not always), means an RVer actively wants to provide the RV community with feedback on the best experiences possible. It can also indicate they provide the most unbiased reviews – hopefully.
Any time you find helpful reviews be sure to click on the big red button that says ‘Yes Helpful.” This will boost those reports higher so other campers can find them more easily.
How to Spot Red Flags in RV Park Reviews
What are the red flags when you try to interpret RV park reviews?
Look for consistency. If there are many reviews and the campers consistently say the same thing about the campground, consider the issue maybe a little more fact and a little less one individual’s experience.
Pro Tip: How to decode specific campground issues on your own
One way to interpret RV park reviews is to use Google Satellite Maps. Zoom in on the campground and look for odd features not discussed on the park’s website. For example, are railroad tracks nearby? Is there an area marked for a dog park? Does the area have multiple liquor stores, check cashing businesses, or pawn shops surrounding it?
Also try using a cell coverage map to see if you can really get service in an area (or not).
Remember, a Five Star Top Rating Isn’t Everything
Don’t eliminate campgrounds because you think their review star rating is too low. Remember, all RVers have different requirements and thoughts about what makes up a high quality campground stay. Some campers don’t mind a train next door, it feels like home. For others, a train brings a noise they can’t camp with night after night. These things affect star ratings.
If you need quick, accurate ratings for an RV park, try using this old math calculation.
- Remove the best review and the worst review.
- Add up the remaining review numbers you have left
- Then divide them by the number of reviews.
For example, you are considering an RV park with 8 reviews. The reviews numbers are
- 5-star
- 5-star
- 5-star
- 4-star
- 4-star
- 3-star
- 3-star
- and 1-star
Remove a top five star and the bottom one star. You now have:
- 5-star
- 5-star
- 4-star
- 4-star
- 3-star
- 3-star
Add those up and you get 24 stars. Now divide 24 by the six reviews you had left.
This tells you that by removing potential extreme variables (the 5-star and one star), your average star rating is 4.0. This can give you a quick mathematical view of the average star rating while eliminating potential outliers.
Get out and about … form your own opinions. Only you know if you’re satisfied. Each individual experience is unique. We’ve stayed at poorly rated place we enjoyed, we’ve stayed at highly rated places we didn’t much like.
You know what is said about opinions! They are like …. well, enough of that.
@SeeTheUSA, iRV2 Discussion Forums, “Is there such a thing as a high quality RV Campground?“
Don’t Forget to Decode RV Parks Yourself
When you do have your stay at the RV campground don’t forget to leave your own RV park review. Did your experience match the park’s website? Was your type of site better or worse than others? What were the restrooms like? Or the dump station? Was the camp host friendly?
Your experience is so important to help the RV community decode campground reviews. When someone wants to interpret park reviews that you wrote, your descriptions can help them have a great stay later on down the road. And, you can keep great records for yourself on your campground experiences as you travel around North America.
Happy camping!
