RV length

[oosterkamps]

We are seriously considering purchasing a beautiful 38' Heartland 5th Wheel. Our concern is how difficult will it be to get into many campgrounds throughout the country, particularly state parks. Is there a cutoff size that is best to be able to get into most parks while still having a 4 season RV? I look forward to hearing from you soon as we will be shopping again tomorrow and possibly putting down money.

 

[JJOren]

There are some smaller county parks and older state parks that may have some issues with a rig of that size but they are really thinning out these days. We are 40' and can't remember the last time we had a problem with getting into a park. Having said that......doesn't always mean that they are going to be the most spacious sites!!! But, for the most part you won't be turned away at the gate!!

 

[jnbhobe]

The only time I have a problem is at my own personal camp backing off a logging road into the wide driveway. If I don't make a wide swing then jockey the long wheelbase truck closer to straight I push the trailer side ways in the gravel. any place else I don't have a problem getting in.

 

[recumbent615]

I have only had one issue with size and that was in an older state park here in New England. SO far New England is the only place were I have seen any kind of restrictions for length. but there was a park not 5 miles from there that could accommodate. So, a longer rig only means that you have one more qualifying piece of data that you need to look at when making reservations. as far as being able to maneuver my rig - There has yet to be a needle that I could not thread... it just takes practice and time.


Kevin

 

[CactusTwo]

I am 41' and so far OK, even in Mesquite they said 39'. Most worries were overhead height as I kind of need a clear site to get in at 13'6"

 

[SJH]

We went from a 30' SOB to our 38' Big Country and had some similar concerns as you regarding campsites. Although there are a few state parks that might have difficulty accommodating that length we have found the bigger issue is access to the site. Most state parks (at least here in WA) have narrow and curvy access roads with lots of trees at its edge. In addition, state facilities seem to dislike trimming the trees and brush along the roadways which can make navigating around them challenging. Private parks should provide no issues with the larger rigs.

For us, the comfort of the larger coach far outweighs the potential loss of a few campgrounds.

Best Wishes!

 

[Hockster]

Get a copy of Good Sam Club or Woodalls RV park directory and look for RV parks or Campgrounds listing Big Rig Sites.
In Michigan, the State Parks tell you on their website, what size rig each site will handle.
When in doubt about a park, call them for information.
I have a Big Country 3450TS which is a little over 38' and have had no issues with site size yet, but we do tell the parks what size rig we have when we call, and they let us know what they can do for us.
Some places just put you on a pull thru site.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[TXBobcat]

We have a 2008 Bighorn 3400RE. It measures out to be about 38ft ladder to pinbox. We always ask for a long site when we go to a campground. Federal parks have a few small sites. Most State Parks are increasing the size of their sites and most COE campgrounds are plenty large.

Another source for finding campgrounds for Big Rigs is Big Rigs Best Bets book.

 

[danemayer]

Our rig is 39' and we prefer state parks. We've been in a couple of Colorado state parks that are very spacious pull throughs. Texas state parks are not all as roomy - varies a bit from park to park but the reservations system lets you specify rig length so you know whether you're likely to fit.

Overall we've had some tight fits at both State parks and commercial parks, but we've never been unable to fit.

We usually start with Good Sam's and/or Woodalls online and then crosscheck with rvparkreviews.com.

 

[TXTiger]

I have only owned my Cyclone one month so I too am finding out about rig size restrictions at some campgrounds. It seems that most campgrounds have sites that will fit a big rig, however the number of available sites is limited (a campground with 100 sites may only have 25 sites over 40 feet) so it may be a challenge to get there before all the longer sites are taken. Also most big rigs are 50 amp not 30 and most 50 amp sites can fit a rig longer than 40 feet.

 

[Birchwood]

We always make reservations and have never had any problems finding a park that could handle us.

 

[JJOren]

One thing I forgot to mention earlier....there is a website out there....reserveamerica.com It specializes in a lot of the state owned parks. It provides a clear analysis of the sites in any given park including the overall length of each site. Might help with any concerns you have!