Caravan Parks
Caravan parks are popular locations for campers and caravanners, providing a space for socialising and relaxing after a long day on the road. Most sites offer a range of basic amenities that appeal to holidaymakers using basic caravan models whilst up-market RV parks such as those in the United States appeal to high-end camper-van enthusiasts.
Types Of Caravan Park
Caravan parks, often known as caravan parks or trailer parks, are designated areas for parking and using caravans and recreational vehicles. Caravan parks are laid out with pitches or parking spaces clearly signed and can cater to many visitors at once. Some caravan sites are restricted to numbers of less than five (such as the Certified Location sites run by the Caravan Club in the United Kingdom), whilst others are sprawling complexes of temporary and permanent caravan lodgings for any number of visitors.
In some European countries caravan parks may have a maximum period for lodging (21 days is the limit in the UK). In the United States, where permanent caravan and trailer living is the norm, maximum stays are determined by the private owners of the sites. Most parks happily allow dogs and cats without additional charge, though it is always a good idea to check before arrival just in case.
Park Facilities
Caravan parks do vary in quality and amenities supplied, though there is a general standard that many meet. Most sites will have an AC power connection, for instance, as well as drinking water and sewerage connections. Upmarket parks, especially those in the United States, also have telephone, television and internet connections for their visitors. Aside from the connections offered to each individual pitch, parks also have amenities blocks for visitors - bathroom and shower blocks come as standard for almost all parks, with barbecue and picnic areas also common. Manned parks (run by an administrator who lives on site) may also have a shop and laundry facilities, whilst swimming pools and playgrounds are also a common feature, particularly in the US.
Rules And Etiquette
Most caravan sites have similar guidelines and rules regarding their use. Many of the larger parks, for instance, have a reception area and security barriers at the entrance, making it necessary to pull up in the car-park outside the front-office to check-in and obtain keys and security codes prior to entering. Some amenities blocks are similarly secure, needing to be unlocked with a key or pass-code. Speed limits of 10mph or less often apply inside the parks, and a large number use a circular one-way system so that a single lane road is all that is needed. Some parks have special regulations about sewerage and waste-water drainage and may have designated service points or dump stations for disposal. If in doubt it pays to ask.
Ownership And Fees
The majority of camping sites in most European and American countries are organized by caravan associations or leisure companies. In the United Kingdom the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club run many locations whilst in the United States it is the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) company that rules the roost. Prices per night can range from being entirely free to costing upwards of $50 USD. The Family Motor Coach Association and the Good Sam Club in the United States offer discounts on site-hire for members.