Tent camping with electric

[ganchan]

This would be the Holy Grail for me, especially if I end up full-timing in a minivan and can't make room for a house battery system. All I need is one outlet (and a 30amp or 50amp adaptor) to run the occasional electrical gadget. I know there are places that offer this, but I can't find any single resource that groups them together for quick reference. Anybody have specific recommendations of spots they've visited that fit this description?

I'm skeptical that many RV parks will let me drive up in a minivan and use their hookups, but maybe I'm wrong about that. (I would have no use for the water hookup in any case....)

 

[Matt71]

I haven't started my journey yet, but I've done a lot of research, so others might be more informed or have more hands on knowledge, but these are my thoughts.
Some RV parks will give you crap and turn you away at the gate, but they're the pricier ones that cater to the huge class A RVs and they even turn away older RVs – it's an image thing.

As long as you're paying I don't think most places will have a problem If they do, and you're a smooth talker, you can point out that in the end the RV place is saving money on the deal, because you won't be using their sewer or water hookups, but you'll probably be paying for them. You should have no trouble at any national or state parks. Private RV parks are the only ones likely to discriminate at all.

Here are a few things that I've been doing to test the waters. First I check the parks web site and see if they have any "rules" posted. The more silly rules a park has on their web site, the more likely they might give you trouble. Some will specifically post RV restrictions on their site. Ones I have seen restrict RVs over 10 years old. Some even require a visual inspection to make sure you meet their standards. After that, I check out the satellite footage to see what kinds of vehicles were parked there when the satellite passed. If it's all 50' Class A's I try to find a different location. And of course you can always call and ask them.

 

[LeeRevell]

Yep, I have done exactly this here in a local family campground, "Ed & Bernice's Fishcamp", just west of Tallahassee, Florida. We used to hold an annual dual sport motorcycle camp&meet here each January. The owner, Miss Linda, is a nice lady who, with her sister, are the daughters of the original founders as per the name of the place. Several elderly folks live here fulltime in RVs and TTs, and they have eight or ten FHU spots with covered pavillions next to each spot, and several other spots with limited services, basically just electric, with the same covered pavillions. Each pavillion has a picnic table. A two-holer bath house completes the amenities. Several water spigots are spaced around too. We had folks in RVs, TTs, minivans (myself) and tents attending. The tenters used the grassy area in the middle of the grounds.
It is right on the Oklocknee River, about fifteen miles west of Tallahassee, Fl on Highway 20. West side of the river, as another RV campground (Lazy Days) is on the east side, and I have no experience with them.
Angels Seafood By The Dam is a short walk from camp, open at 3PM Monday Thru Saturday, and they have an excellent reputation locally - great seafood too! Ms. Angel and her hubby are real friendly folks.
The campground has a popular boatramp, so some morning noise might happen. We had no problems during the four days we stayed. As you drive in, look for the second home on the left, with a golfcart in front. That is Miss Linda's place and she handles the payments and shows you where to park. Or she may be motoring around the campground.
The place tends to be nice and quiet at night. I really like this place, though it's only a quick drive from my casa.
I have already had some friends from another camping forum come down and stay here, and they liked it.
Wifi is spotty, and available via the seafood restaurant. Cell service is good, as a tall unshadowed tower is nearby.
It's a twenty minute drive into Tallahassee for supplies, food and entertainment. Come enjoy our Southern Charm and Hospitality. I have no business connection with this campground, I just like it.
Contact info is:
Phone: (850) 379-8146
E-mail: [email protected]

 

[jimindenver]

Both the campgrounds with 30a service we visited on the trailers first trip had tenters using the electric. I think they just want the money.

 

[my_vantasy]

I tent camp with electric all the time in Ohio...state parks, a city park, KOAs, and private campgrounds.

 

[rvwandering]

 Public parks almost always allow tent camping. Some do have rules about not camping in your car but I think a minivan would pass. If not just put up your tent and sleep wherever you want. Some public parks do not have electric hookups though so you'll have to do some research. Smaller and family run private parks often have tent camping. Stay away from any that have resort somewhere in their name - more expensive and they often feel that they are too high class for tents.  

 This website is a good source for researching - http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc/index.php

 

[AuricTech]

Most, if not all, Arizona state parks that have camping sites have electric hookups available.  I have tent-camped at Patagonia Lake State Park in a site with electricity without any issues (I used an electric space heater in my tent).

 

[Bdog1]

Some tent sites I've visited require parking your vehicle a short distance from the camping area. Florida State Campgrounds all seem to provide power at tent areas. Non electric are listed as primaries sites.

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

One place I go to regularly is the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground.  Looking at their site, I see

30 Amp Hook-up – $27.82 per night; double occupancy
50 Amp Hook-up – $33.17 per night; double occupancy
Primitive Tent Camping – $17.12 per night; double occupancy

In other words, 30 amp electric is $10 more per day, and 50 amp is $16 more per day than primitive camping.  They have to do this, I see people in their campers with the doors open and the A/C running all out, 24 hours.  

My point is you pay a lot for electric.