Restrictions in pop ups...camping location

[txmomanddad]

hi there,

We are beginning a first-in-our-lifetime search of pop-up trailers and realized a question we need answered...

What restrictions do campgrounds typically have regarding where a pop-up can go?  In other words, will we still be able to set up camp in places we previously put out tents?  I understand space will need to be larger, etc... but beyond that what do we need to know?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation on a pop up with the best bathroom amenities?  We have two young kids and porta-potties don't cut it.

Thanks!

[Azusateach]

Unless otherwise stated, most PUPs can go where tents can.  If you are used to camping in ultra-primitive spots where there are few level spots, you might have problems.  On the flip side, you might occasionally run into CGs that refuse to allow PUPs because they're considered "tents" -- too cheap for their blood.  So, be aware of that, too.  So far I've not had trouble either way.

Regarding the potty issue.  My one bit of advice is to steer clear from those units that must be dumped from the inside.  I don't know how many new units do this, so it might not be as big an issue now.  My Rockwood 1950 has the toilet/shower combo, and I empty the cassette from the outside.  No muss, no fuss!

Enjoy looking -- it's lots of fun!

[fritz_monroe]

I've also heard of some campgrounds that won't allow popups in pull through sites.  Personally, I don't want to be in the pull through sites, but I also don't agree with that policy.

For the bathroom, having just a cassette toilet works just fine for my 2 y.o. and 7 y.o.

[roccoinmichigan]

Hello

You should think of pop up camping as tent camping, and forget dealing with human waste (black water), its nasty, the tanks are heavy and can be messy, besides your on vacation who wants to deal with that.  Also a full bathroom in a pop-up is just another think to set up, it generates excessive moisture and smell in the camper.  As a last resort we have a potra-potty in our camper, but in the last 3 years in owning our camper we did not use it once (not even the kids).  

As far as campgrounds go, they usually ask you when you make the reservation what type of camper you have, and they will place you in the appropiate place.  In the three years we have had our camper, I found no campground where we were not welcome.  Its best to do your research and call ahead.

Good luck in search of a camper.  

BTW: I have one for sale (with out a bathroom) in Michigan, check out the classifieds section of this web site.

[Cheryl]

There are many answers to both parts of your question. As far as camping goes.....Depending on the part of the country you plan on camping in will determine any restrictions...if there are any. Such as, I know some campgrounds that do not allow popups because of Bear concerns and safety. An answer to your question may be found if you think about the areas you may want to visit and then check camground websites in those areas for any restrictions. It won't supply all the answers, but it's a start.
As far as the second part of your question......that is all a matter of style...camping style that is! Some, as stated, don't want to deal with setup and cleanup. Personally, I didn't want to worry about who had previously been sitting on MY thrown (LOL) and didn't want to trek to a bathhouse at 3 a.m. Think, plan, and research! The HUNT is half the fun!
Cheryl

[kwatson51]

What an exiting time you have begun! Hope you have FUN!!!

Please read the following post:
http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=57566

I assume you're from Texas by your username. If you stay in Texas, you won't have to be concerned about bears (except maybe the Big Thicket). We're from Austin (but live in Colorado) and every Texas State Park we've stayed in has full facilities close to most campsites. I wouldn't be concerned about a potty there.
However...
Now that we have a PU with the shower/potty combo, my wife would not want one without it.  As I have seen in other threads and forums, we have a policy "no poop in the potty". It is used for those late night "gotta go" times when you don't want to get all 'dressed up' just for a quick trip to the facilities. The potty is externally accessible and easily dumped at the dump station or at home. We've never had a 'smell' in the camper, nor gotten anything on me when at the dump station. (A chemical is used in the potty reservoir to eliminate the odor.)
Each of the main brands has a suitable built-in shower/potty combo or separates: Fleetwood, Startcraft, Jayco, Viking/Clipper/Futura, and Rockwood/Flagstaff.

We can camp in RV parks (yuk!) or campgrounds that cater to tenter/pop-ups.
Never really asked to camp in tent-only spaces. Most of them that I've seen aren't really appropriated for pups - but that's just me.

1. Pick a floorplan you like from each brand - one that you can tow with whatever vehicle you have.
2. Visit some dealers and look at them - crawl around in it, ask questions.
3. Research the dealer (friends, neighbors, other campers, forums.
3. Pick the dealer who you feel comfortable dealing with .
4. Buy the camper and enjoy!
Best of wishes on your search!

[howlinowl]

I've been looking through the Woodall's campground guide, and if you try to "read between the lines", you can pretty much figure out which campgrounds do not cater to popups...

Some are listed as "full hookup only", which I would imagine would exclude my popup as I have a port-a-potty.

Some are listed as "no tents".  I would imagine that that would include popups, but would call to verify.

Any thing that is listed as a "Luxury RV Park" I would imagine would cater more to the big riggers who go "RVing" as opposed to "Camping".

We haven't camped yet, got reservations to go to a state park this Memorial Day weekend.

Allan

[cobbs1]

We have a shower/potty combo. The cassette toilet tank is accessible from the outside. I agree that access from the outside is much easier. We also have the "no poop" policy. The rule for us is "you poop in it - you clean it out".  We have a 2-1/2 year old.  We went camping this past weekend. We were able to give him a bath (yes, bath) in the shower -  he seems to have a beef with the shower and shower curtains. I wouldn't trade the shower/potty since we have a small child.  Also, at 4 am it started raining. No trek to the bathroom in the rain or cold.  I LOVE the potty part.  If you just do #1 in the cassette potty, and have the proper toilet fluid, it isn't bad at all to deal with.  Also, we are in north Georgia and so far have not had humidity problems.  
A

[tlhdoc]

forget dealing with human waste (black water), its nasty, the tanks are heavy and can be messy, besides your on vacation who wants to deal with that. Also a full bathroom in a pop-up is just another think to set up, it generates excessive moisture and smell in the camper. As a last resort we have a potra-potty in our camper, but in the last 3 years in owning our camper we did not use it once (not even the kids).

Why forget having a toilet?  Some people like/love having their own facilities (I do) and others don't want it, but to tell someone that is nasty isn't right.  Have you ever had a PU with a full bathroom?   The waste  isn't nasty (unless you play in it/with it), my tank isn't heavy.  It holds about 5 gallons and you can dump it at any time, you don't have to fill it up.  No mess with it either.  Remove the cap, twist the waste tube, direct the flow into the dump station, toilet, etc and push the vent button to let air into the tank so it dumps smoothly.  I don't mind dealing with it on my vacation.  I would much rather have a toilet to dump once than to have to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night a time or two, or when it is raining, wind blowing, the bathrooms are closed for cleaning, etc.  It takes about 1 minute to set up my bathroom.  Slide the shower curtain around the metal rod (if we plan on using the shower) and snap 4 snaps to the ceiling to hang the metal rod.  Snap the 3 snaps on the privacy curtain to the ceiling and Velcro the flap ,that covers the bathroom when towing, into the upright position.  No smell in the camper from the toilet.  Put the blue chemical in the waste tank and there is no smell.  As for excessive moisture, where does that come from?  Have you ever had a PU with a shower in it?  I have been in TT that have a problem with moisture from the shower, but not in the PU.  We use the shower and there isn't any excessive moisture.  The mirror doesn't fog, there isn't condensation on the bunkends.
 
Txmomanddad have a great time looking for a PU.  Some "tent" sites are just that.  You have to walk into the  campsite from the road and you can not put a PU on the site.  A full hookup site means that there are electric, water and sewer hookups on the site.  There may be cable, telephone, internet, etc. also included on a full hookup site.  I make reservations on full hookup sites on occasion.  Ask the campground you are considering about the sites you can camp on.  Let us know how you make out finding a PU that suits your needs.