With warmer days beginning to bless us in many parts of Canada, vacation plans are on many people’s minds. RV Sales have reached record levels, as Canadians look for ways to continue social distancing while still enjoying a family vacation.
Interest in RV rentals is also growing and availability, particularly during long weekends and peak holiday periods, will become scarcer as summer approaches. Once you’ve rented an RV for your vacation, you’ll need to find a place to stay. Options range from free camping to top-of-the-line RV resorts and your decision will most likely be influenced by type of RV vacation you have in mind. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of both private campgrounds and those found in provincial and national parks.
Private campgrounds were traditionally Mum and Pop businesses and the majority of them are still family run. Corporations are gradually nudging their way in with money to upgrade facilities and elevate camping to resort status. These campgrounds provide sites for larger RVs and may also offer a swimming pool, manicured gardens, dedicated Guest beach areas, watercraft rentals, outdoor movies and organized activities for the kids. Private campgrounds can be found in both cities and rural areas. Overnight rates will vary depending on the facilities available but will range from $30-$100 a night. An RV vacation in a top-of-the-line resort is similar to a hotel-style resort but with the added benefit of having more space to roam. No matter where you decide to travel, there’s bound to be a privately-operated campground not too far from your destination. CanaDream’s CanaDream Club has hundreds of campground partners across Canada, many offering discounts to Guests who have rented an RV from CanaDream. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly in popular tourist areas.
Provincial park campgrounds are popular! So popular that you need to be booking your sites for long weekends and holidays around six months before you plan to go. Provincial park campgrounds offer a no-frills, low-cost camping experience. The appeal here lies in wide open spaces – most sites are large and treed, giving you space and privacy from your neighbours. Camping in a provincial park allows you to experience nature in its purest form. Most have easy access to hiking trails and other sites of geographic interest, but facilities are limited. Some have power hookups while others enable you to simply dry camp. Organized activities for campers are rare. Campgrounds in provincial parks are more plentiful than in national parks and tend to be away from urban areas.
Camping is available in many national parks across Canada. While tent and RV camping are still the most popular in these parks, accommodation choices have been expanded to include oTENTik, tipi camping, yurts, microcubes and other quirky options. Many national parks offer full hookups for RVers and facilities can also include laundry facilities, camp stores and showers. Ranger-led educational sessions are often available to enable you to learn more about the area you are camped in.
Whether your camping style is luxury or basic, there are campground options across Canada to suit every budget and preference. Find your style and book your family RV vacation today.
