Off-Season Rates
Arizona is teeming with snowbirds in the winter, but when they migrate home, many RV park owners find they have lots of open RV sites. Many RV owners either close up or sit back for the season or offer discounts for those willing to deal with the heat.
Most popular tourist destination campgrounds have certain rates for in-season and other rates for off-season. If you can travel during times that are not considered peak, you will save money and your travels will be much more enjoyable. Avoid Disney World during the week between Christmas and New Year's and during spring break. Travel to these popular areas instead in October and January for the smallest crowds and best prices.
It is also much easier to get reservations during these nonpeak periods. Parks in the vicinity of Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are often booked a year in advance for peak travel times.
Campground directories may or may not show off-season rates. They generally list a range of overnight rates. Some of the difference may be based on the type of campsite (full hookups vs. partial or no hookups). But some of the range in rates may be based on peak times. Weekend rates may be higher than weekly rates and there may be minimums for weekends.
FACT
Some RV parks and campgrounds are listed in multiple directories. Compare the listings for these parks in the different directories. You may find a wide variance in rates between the directories. You can often use these variances to negotiate the lowest price available.
RV parks off the beaten track are also more likely to offer discounts for off-season. Parks that enjoy a full house during peak travel seasons and are located near busy highways can often compensate for the slow season due to location. Off-season slowdowns can be made up with those travelers who just happen to be driving by and need a place to stay for the night. RV parks and campgrounds off the beaten track do not enjoy this advantage. If they are not visible from the interstate, they often miss those one-night stays that can help pay the bills. Carry a campground directory and look for parks that are off the highway (but still convenient). If you pull in and see many empty spaces, don't be shy about asking for a discount, especially if you are only staying for a night or two. A place that might be insufferable for a month may be tolerable for overnight at the right price.
