Does campground check-in affect your decision to go to a campground?

[Neal]

The pandemic brought about contact-less check-ins to campgrounds. It's interesting to see people avoid campgrounds and stay at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc. I wonder if campgrounds used totally automated check-ins if people would be more willing to go to campgrounds even for an overnighter? Quite frankly, I'm surprised in 2025 they're not. Show up, open the app, tap check-in and proceed to your site following any directions. Granted, it is nice for some campgrounds to escort you to your site as navigating the campground can be challenging. I know one at Myrtle Beach has alternating wide and narrow roads. I used the wrong one, after dark, and nearly took out a fence.

So I'm just wondering/thinking...should campgrounds offer automated check-in? I guess they could still man an office if you chose to go in. But with today's tech, you could be guided by an app, there's just not much reason to be checking into an office it seems.

Opinion???

 

[sheridany]

Enemy numbers 1 and 2 for me are trees, branches, limbs, and giant boulders. I have had mixed results with guidance, including having to unhook in a turn because they thought I could make it. Typically, especially at larger places, they tend to be non-RV'ers who are manning the front desk or doing the guidance and have no knowledge of what it takes to navigate a 45-foot coach in tight spaces. I almost took out a giant boulder once with bad guidance. I can see an app offering guidance and check-in, but I would hate having to look at my phone to figure out if I am going the right way, as I am sure I will meet a giant boulder again. Some parks/overnight stops out there are completely unmanned and leverage tech, but they are simple, almost parking lot-type places, and no real guidance is needed.

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Edit: Here is another unmanned park we have been to.

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[Magua]

I, too, have had mixed experiences in “assisted “ parking. And have had a few not so pleasant check in's. My best experiences have been usually based on the website that allows you to fill out all the information before arriving and it’s a quick process at arrival. I do like to get a rundown of specific rules, etc. Usually, I’m ready for a cold beer after a long day of traveling and a quick, seamless check in is appreciated.
I have also been told that the cost of adding website/computer installation is a factor.
Richard

 

[Rollin Ollen]

The pandemic brought about contact-less check-ins to campgrounds. It's interesting to see people avoid campgrounds and stay at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc. I wonder if campgrounds used totally automated check-ins if people would be more willing to go to campgrounds even for an overnighter? Quite frankly, I'm surprised in 2025 they're not. Show up, open the app, tap check-in and proceed to your site following any directions. Granted, it is nice for some campgrounds to escort you to your site as navigating the campground can be challenging. I know one at Myrtle Beach has alternating wide and narrow roads. I used the wrong one, after dark, and nearly took out a fence.

So I'm just wondering/thinking...should campgrounds offer automated check-in? I guess they could still man an office if you chose to go in. But with today's tech, you could be guided by an app, there's just not much reason to be checking into an office it seems.

Opinion???

We rarely stay at Walmarts or Cracker Barrel's overnight. We would rather have the security of an RV Park (ya, I know. Some parks are questionable). Sheridan beat me too it! We too have stayed at Rivercities RV Park. Loved it. We have been RVing for over 50 years. I don't need anyone to tell me how or where to park my rig. I hate standing in line while a check-in clerk tells his/her life story to the customer in front of me. I don't like paying a fee to reserve a spot. I do want to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine as soon as possible after a travel day. Rivercities, and like places, are great for overnighting but, If I am at a destination, I don't mind having a "live" check especially if I have questions about anything local.

 

[Scooterfan]

Automated / App / On-line check ins (whatever you want to call it) cost more. I like it when one just drives to their site (assuming it's assigned) and a HOST (or maybe nobody) comes around and checks you present. If one must stop in the office and check in, it's usually brief and hassle free. I'd rather have campgrounds lower prices to pre-COVID rates (Stop laughing !) than go tech All the nice spots around us are over $200 night !

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Automated?
Hummm!
No, not me. I have learned to verify manned registers in stores before I shop. Places to cheep to give personal service don't get my business.

As an added note. If after my check and my shopping. If they close the manned registers and direct me to a self serve register. I walk out leaving the cart!

I know my way around tech, but I don't know my way around removal of jobs from people that need them.

It's a moral question for me.

 

[team bradfield]

normally use only KOA, always manned and somewhat of store for Ice, charcoal, RV supplies, etc.

 

[ARD]

It doesn’t really matter to me either way, but I do prefer places that have a front office with someone on-site. At a few spots I’ve stayed where check-in was done by text and they just sent me gate codes, there wasn’t any office on the premises at all.

 

[FLSteve]

Check in not that important to me ... but I do like campgrounds that allow online reservations instead of having to call to make them. The ones that even allow you to select a site online are even better.

FLSteve