Are you traveling in your RV and looking for an accessible campground to stay at? Whether you’re stopping at a campground for one night or one week, you’ll want to make sure that you plan ahead to ensure a smooth arrival and departure with your RV.
Two different types of campsites to keep in mind are pull-through and back-in campsites. Checkout our guide below to understand the differences and determine what would work best for you so you can enjoy your trip!
Pull-Through Campsites
This type of campsite is designed to let RVs enter from one end and exit from another end. This eliminates the need for RVs to back into any spaces. Pull-through campsites are typically beneficial for larger trailers and RVs, and allow drivers to easily drive in.
Campsites that have many rows of RVs and trailers generally offer pull-through spots so more vehicles can use the campground. While the process of entering and leaving can be easier, some RV drivers find that these types of campgrounds are more crowded and less secluded. Depending on your trip and preferences, you may like a more crowded place for meeting with friends and family, in which case, pull-through campsites would be ideal.
Additionally, pull-through campsites can be preferred if you’re just passing through for the night, because you can quickly leave when needed.
Back-In Campsites
Back-in campsites require drivers of RVs and trailers to back into their spots so they can properly hook their vehicles to the utility connections on the driver’s side. Back-in campgrounds tend to provide more privacy and space between vehicles, making them ideal spots for those looking for more seclusion.
Experienced RV drivers usually will have no problems with backing in, but someone with less experience may have a difficult time properly parking their vehicle. Backing in may also increase setup time when arriving at your desired spot, so this is another important factor to keep in mind when planning your trip.
What Are the Main Differences?
When deciding whether to stay at a pull-through or a back-in campsite, here is a breakdown of the main differences to keep in mind:
- Maneuvering requirements – Pull-through campsites don’t require guests to maneuver their RV other than when pulling into their desired spot. Back-in campsites, on the other hand, require more adjustments made by your vehicle. Depending on your experience and time for setup, this is an important element that distinguishes the two campsites.
- Privacy – Back-in campsites will offer more privacy for guests compared to pull-through areas because there will often be more space between each RV space. These types of campsites generally will provide more room for outdoor activities, while pull-through sites have RV spots in close quarters.Also, most back-in campgrounds face toward the campground or scenic views, so campers can enjoy the surrounding area more.
- Vehicle size – If you have a larger RV, a pull-through site could be a better option because the spaces tend to be larger. Drivers also don’t have to worry about pulling their vehicle around to fit in a smaller space.
- Setup time – If your trip has a tight schedule, a pull-through spot may work better because you’ll know that parking your RV won’t require a lot of time, allowing you to focus on vacation plans. If you want to relax on your first day, spending time backing in your RV may not be an issue.
Each type of campground offers elements that meet the needs of different types of campers.Choosing which site will work for you comes down to personal preferences and what you’re looking to get out of your trip. It’s always important to research the campgrounds that you’re staying at to have a full picture of your parking situation.