Campgrounds, State parks, National parks, Public, Private are all terms you will find when looking for a campsite. When you’re new to this it can all seem like the same thing. After all, camping is camping, right?
What you choose will heavily depend on what you want from camping. Perhaps you just want to get away for a few days to relax and unwind or maybe you want an action packed week with your family.
You will also need to know if you’re tent camping or RVing. I discuss the benefits of each here. Whatever you choose, there is a campsite that will suit your needs. You just need to know what to look out for so I wrote this post to help you decide.
Private campgrounds vrs State parks/National parks
The biggest difference between private campgrounds and state parks is that private campgrounds normally have much more amenities. Things like water parks, crazy golf, etc. They will also have showers, toilets and electricity to your plot.
Private campgrounds are not all equal though. Some are in peoples back yard and they try to squeeze as many people in as possible to get to most profit.
However, there are others that have really taken camping to the next level. Places like Jellystone or KOA have campgrounds all over America and they offer a lot more than just camping. Swimming pools, horse riding and archery are just some of the many activities you can enjoy in a private campground.
That being said, you shouldn’t rule out smaller private campgrounds. They sometimes offer unique activities depending on their surroundings and at a much lower price than the mega campgrounds mentioned above.
Due to the amount of activates you can do within some private campgrounds this makes them ideal places for camping for a young family.
State parks or National Parks are government run. There are public campgrounds that will have some facilities such as toilets and showers. There is a certain level of housekeeping with such campgrounds so they don’t come free but they are much cheaper than private campgrounds.
It’s unlikely that there will be any planned activities but there could be something nearby. That being said, public camping is great for people who just want to get away and relax.
The camping spots aren’t too close together so you will have more room to run around and play games if you have kids with you. Here is my list of games to plays without having to leave the campsite and here are my activities you can try while camping.
Other differences
Now that you know the difference between the different types of campgrounds I want to answer some of the questions I get asked when people are trying to figure you which campground to choose. Have a read through them as they can help you decide too.
Campfires
Are you allowed a campfire at private campgrounds?
This will be completely up to the campground owners. Some allow it but most don’t. It’s common to have a communal campfire where everyone will sit around a large campfire in the evening and listen to music, share stories and possibly share a BBQ. These are great ways to meet new people and find out other things about camping that you may not already know.
Are you allowed a campfire at public campgrounds?
This will depend on which part of the world you’re in. If you’re in an area of high dry vegetation then I wouldn’t recommend it unless you know what you’re doing.
Ask the local ranger, or equivalent to that, and make sure it is okay to light up. Many areas have fire bans during dry season. The last thing you want to to is to start a forest fire. For more information on how to prepare an area for a fire then read my post here. I’ve also made a post of creating fire without matches or a lighter here. Just in case you’re stuck.
For times when you’re not allowed fire or you’re just not confident enough to control one then you can use the following tricks to help recreate the benefits that a fire can bring.
- Use a camping stove if you’re intending on cooking your food. I’ve listed some of my favourite in this post.
- Use bugs spray. Normally the smoke from the fire will deter bugs so you will need something else in its place.
- Bring enough lights. Head torches and lanterns are ideal for when the sun goes down.
Cost
How much does it cost to stay at private campground?
Private campground are profit based enterprises. That means they are going to try to get the most out of you that they can. Thankfully there is a little thing called competition. This stops campgrounds running away with themselves and charging you extortionate rates.
For this reason, private campgrounds are definitely more expensive than public. However, as mentioned above, you are more likely to have better facilities.
The price range varies wildly depending on things like location, facilities, time of year and duration of stay. You can expect to pay anything from $20 – $55 per night for tent camping with $30 being the average good campground.
For RVs expect to pay $30 – $80 per night with $45 being an average price for a good campsite.
How much does it cost to stay at public campground?
State parks and national parks are government run so they are subsidised and is not run for profit. That mean that it is going to be a lot cheaper. That being said, facilities are going to be a lot more basic. As I spoke about above, public campgrounds are more for relaxing and hiking.
Prices range from $10 – $25 per night depending on location, facilities, time of year and duration of stay.
Duration
How long can you stay at a private campground?
For private campgrounds you can stay as long as you have enough money to pay them, however, Holiday parks are not legally intended to be a place of permanent residency.
How long can you stay at a public campground?
On public campgrounds there is usually a 14 day limit. Some states, like Arizona and California, do offer longer or even unlimited camping durations.
Check your area by getting in contact with the local ranger.
Seasonality
Do private campgrounds stay open all year round?
Private campgrounds will stay open as long as there is a demand. This will depend on the size and popularity of the campground. It doesn’t make sense for a large campground to stay open for one or two customers. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the off season then try a smaller campsites.
Do public campgrounds stay open all year round?
Again, this will depend on location and demand. Most close but don’t let that deter you as you could always go dispersed camping or boondocking if you really want to camp.
Wildlife and security
There will always be exceptions due to location and luck but in general private camping it more secure the public camping. This include theft and attacks for wildlife.
Private campgrounds normally have a fence around the perimeter. This is to stop people sneaking in but it also keep thieves and wildlife out.
There will also be more people within a closer proximity to each other. If you know you are leaving you camp for a few hours and you trust your neighbours you could ask them to keep an eye on things and you could do the same for them.
What is the difference between state parks and national parks?
State parks are run by the government of that particular state and national parks are run by the federal government. There does generally be more facilities at state parks. National parks are underdeveloped and are for people who really want to become one with nature.
What is dispersed or boondocking camping?
There is nothing stopping you going walking into backcountry and camping in the wild. This is also known as “dispersed” camping or “boondocking”. If you’re thinking of dispersed camping then read my post on how to help you pick the perfect campsite here.
Is dispersed camping legal?
This will depend on which part of the world you’re in. For most, it is legal with a few conditions. You can’t camp within one hundred feet from a water source, you must be one mile from a campsite and you shouldn’t camp along a roadside.
Obviously, private property is a no go and this includes farmland. If you’re not sure if it’s farmland then just be discrete. Set camp late, keep the noise down, pack up early and take everything with you. No one will know you were there. Just make sure there is no livestock in the field before you set camp.
What is a “walk-in” campsite?
A walk-in campsite is when you have to hike to get to it.
What is “car camping”?
Car camping is when you can drive your car right up beside where you intend on setting your tent.
The bottom line
Neither is better overall. It just depend on what you want.
Which is best for a family holiday?
Private campgrounds. They offer many amenities that will keep you and your family entertained while still being able to enjoy the great outdoors.
Which is best for a relaxing holiday?
Public Campgrounds, especially National parks allow you find your own spot to sit and do nothing.
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