5 insights I gained from my first experience at an 'RV resort'

A year ago, if you had told me I would be planning to visit RV resorts in November 2020, I would have questioned who was losing their mind.

To ensure safe travels and keep my family sane, we invested in an RV. Eager to learn as much as I could about RV camping without drawing too much attention while fumbling through the process, I arranged a series of short stays at various campgrounds for hands-on experience.

After spending a week at Disney's Fort Wilderness in the RV and making several brief visits to state parks, I ventured to my first "RV resort," located just an hour from home, to discover what distinguishes an RV resort from the rest. Here are five lessons I learned about RVing and RV resorts.

RV resorts come equipped with resort-like amenities, each with its unique charm

If you didn’t expect a coffee bar and sauna at an RV park, you’re not alone.

The Pine Mountain RV Resort in West Georgia provides all the standard offerings of a typical RV park with full hookups, which include water, electricity, and sewer connections. Additionally, it features a pool area complete with a designated children's pool and a whirlpool, a playground, an on-site store (home to the coffee bar), a fitness room, sports courts, a dog park, an activities pavilion, and several bathhouses equipped with showers, laundry facilities, and restrooms.

However, don’t envision a beachfront Marriott or Hyatt with luxury amenities; the facilities here are more modest than you might anticipate if you're accustomed to mainstream accommodations. They are pleasant additions, and from my observation, well-kept, but they might not leave you in awe.

Many resorts are now being managed by large corporations

A glance at RV resort websites across the country reveals that many have been acquired by major corporations recognizing their cash flow potential, leading to a branding approach similar to that of hotel chains. RVC Outdoor Destinations, for instance, owns this Georgia resort and has properties in nine other states, as noted on their website.

While one could debate the implications of a locally owned business being sold to a corporate entity (this RV park has been part of my life since childhood), it likely boosts the overall quality of services at resorts. The staff were exceptionally friendly, and the campgrounds were well-maintained. Many RV resort companies are even introducing their own loyalty programs, such as Jellystone Parks, which is owned by Sun RV Resorts.

One thing I was particularly interested in regarding the corporate management of this resort was how it would register on my Chase Sapphire Reserve. I was hoping it would qualify as travel, and to my delight, I earned 3X points for the transaction.

Checklists are a must-have

The sequence of tasks for towing an RV, setting up or breaking down at a campsite, and managing all the necessary gear is far too extensive to keep in mind, even for seasoned RVers. After my stay at the RV resort, I decided to create checklists to ensure I don't overlook anything in future trips.

Upon arriving at the campground and locating our site, I was eager to set everything up and unwind after a long workday. In my haste, I forgot the proper sequence of a few tasks, nearly damaging my rear stabilizers (as shown above) because I raised the front of the RV while they were still deployed. To avoid mistakes or injuries in the future, I'll be using my new laminated checklists along with a dry erase marker.

RV enthusiasts are truly my kind of people

While I'm not certain what exactly qualifies someone as an "RV person," my experiences at the resort reinforced my belief that RV enthusiasts are incredibly friendly and helpful. Before I even engaged my truck's parking brake, a neighbor was already out assisting me to ensure I was correctly aligned in my spot. He offered his help throughout the setup process, and soon after, his wife was bringing snacks for my 6-year-old. I struck up conversations with a few campers about their television setups, as they had an impressive tailgate ready for football season.

It's widely understood that everyone may need a helping hand from time to time. As a novice, I tend to stand out, but so far, I've consistently received unsolicited advice and assistance from fellow RVers. These are truly my kind of people.

I've discovered yet another way to injure myself

RVs function as mobile homes, equipped with charged electrical systems, batteries, plumbing, water, mechanical components, appliances, and household items — all of which could pose risks. As these elements travel at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour, safety has always been my top priority while towing and RV-ing. However, I continue to stumble upon new ways to potentially injure myself or narrowly avoid doing so.

At this RV resort, just like with every other stay, I connected my surge protector to the campsite's power to ensure a stable supply that wouldn’t harm my RV's electronics. However, it’s best practice to switch off the power before handling the large electrical cord that connects the surge protector to the RV. While connecting the heavy-duty cord, it’s crucial to avoid the risk of electric shock or discovering that something has short-circuited.

This time, I forgot to switch off the power, but thankfully my neighbor reminded me to do so first. Although the chance of getting shocked is slim, it’s always better to be cautious. There’s always a new way to injure yourself while RV-ing.

Final Thoughts

The journey thus far has been just as enjoyable as embracing the RV lifestyle itself. I hope that future lessons will shift from focusing on safety and general RV culture to more specific topics like systems and repairs. I'm also fully aware that not all RV resorts are the same, so doing thorough research on your chosen resort is essential.

After my initial stay, I’m not entirely convinced that just adding 'resort' to a campground's name will entice me to return, although I’ve come across some truly amazing ones online. I’m sure there will be many more stays and just as much learning ahead.