Not All Amenities Matter—Here’s What We Actually Use
What RVers and families really look for in campground features
If you’re building or upgrading a campground, it’s easy to get caught up in adding amenities that look good in photos.
But from the guest side? We can tell you—many of them barely get used.
We’ve stayed at hundreds of campgrounds, and while some features truly add value, others just collect dust. If you’re trying to prioritize your budget or make better use of your space, here’s a breakdown of what matters most to campers like us—and what doesn’t.
What Actually Gets Used (and Remembered)
Let’s start with the amenities that get consistent use, especially for families and full-timers like us:
✅ Paved roads — It may not sound glamorous, but it’s huge for kids. Smooth roads mean bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and freedom.
✅ Heated pools — Not just for the summer crowd. A clean, heated pool is a major hit, even in shoulder seasons.
✅ Pickleball courts — Fast-growing, low-maintenance, and a big social draw for all ages.
✅ Golf cart rentals — They’re fun, convenient, and keep people exploring your park.
✅ Modern playgrounds or jump pillows — These get used all the time by families. If you cater to younger guests, this is a win.
These aren’t just used—they create memories. They’re the difference between a “fine” stay and a “we’re coming back” kind of stay.
A side note on Playgrounds. Every parent has spent time at the playground, and one common frustration is having nowhere comfortable to sit while the kids play. This was one of our biggest complaints when we had small kids, having to sit on the ground or stand around for an hour while the kids play. If you are building a playground don’t just think of the kids, many times the parents are there as well and are left without a place to take a rest!
The Underrated Stuff That Makes a Big Impact
Not every amenity needs to be flashy. Here are a few things guests love that don’t take much to implement:
- Landscaping between sites — Improves privacy and helps block views of sewer hookups
- Dog-friendly touches — Clean dog stations or welcome treats at check-in stand out
- Shade and natural space — Especially for guests staying longer or working remotely
- Clean bathhouses — Even if guests have their own bathroom, cleanliness here gets noticed
- Simple seating areas — A bench by the playground or a shaded picnic spot goes a long way
We’ve had parks hand us dog treats or offer a quick welcome wave from the staff—and it left a better impression than any zipline or rock wall.
What Rarely Gets Used (but Still Eats Budget)
Here’s where we see wasted money and missed opportunity:
- ❌ Cornhole & horseshoe pits — We’ve seen them in dozens of parks. We’ve seen them actually used maybe twice.
- ❌ Community fire pit or other communal areas — These seem like a great concept but without a lot of time investment to draw guests in and create community.
- ❌ Cable TV hookups — Most RVers don’t use coax hookups anymore. Everyone’s streaming or bringing their own internet.
- ❌ Outdated rec rooms — A dark room with broken foosball and plastic chairs isn’t a draw anymore. Either modernize it or repurpose the space.
It’s not that these things are bad—they just often don’t match what your traveling guests are looking for.
Know Your Guests, Then Build for Them
If your park caters mostly to weekenders and short stays, your money’s better spent on ease of use and family-friendly activities.
If you serve snowbirds, full-timers, or remote workers, think about quiet areas, work-friendly Wi-Fi setups, and extended-stay comfort.
And above all, ask your guests. Use QR code surveys, ask at check-in, or follow up by email. You’ll get a much clearer idea of what they actually use—and what they wish you had.
Final Thought: Amenities Don’t Need to Be Expensive to Matter
The best experiences we’ve had weren’t tied to fancy features—they were tied to thoughtfulness. A shaded picnic area, a well-kept playground, a pool that wasn’t freezing cold.
Focus on things that get used, that improve everyday comfort, or that help families make memories.
If you’re investing in your park—invest in what matters.
👋 About Us
We’re Jenn and TJ—a full-time RVing family of five, traveling the country since 2022 and living life one campground at a time.
As the founders of CampSite 360, we specialize in creating interactive virtual tours and detailed maps for RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping destinations across the U.S.
We don’t just work in this industry—we live it. We’ve stayed at hundreds of parks and experienced the good, the bad, and the truly unforgettable.
Our goal with these blogs is simple: to share real feedback from the road and help campground owners build better guest experiences based on what actually matters to the people pulling in.
Thanks for following along—we’re excited to help you make your campground a place guests want to return to.