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My thoughts on Camping Evolution
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333 Posts
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January 28, 2013 - 3:49 pm
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We were considering going to Disney World right after Christmas (2013) and stay at Ft. Wilderness (Disney's campground).

It's interesting to note that as it stands right now, the only sites available are for tent and popup owners and the "big rigs" are specifically excluded from those.  There's about 90 of those total.

I had checked right after the first of the year, all of the 709 W/E/S sites sites were booked already.

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420 Posts
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January 29, 2013 - 7:54 am
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[quote author=twstdpear link=topic=2211.msg20244#msg20244 date=1359406173]
We were considering going to Disney World right after Christmas (2013) and stay at Ft. Wilderness (Disney's campground).

It's interesting to note that as it stands right now, the only sites available are for tent and popup owners and the "big rigs" are specifically excluded from those.  There's about 90 of those total.

I had checked right after the first of the year, all of the 709 W/E/S sites sites were booked already.

What dates were you interested in going? On the Disney site, you sometimes have to put in a longer date frame, than call a couple days later and cancel the days you don't need. It is a hassle, but it is the way that works.

Best Regards,
Norm

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296 Posts
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February 3, 2013 - 6:20 pm
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Great post, TKnecht.  I'm also hoping that someone (soon!) will recognize the tent & PUP niche market.

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February 3, 2013 - 8:13 pm
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Thanks, Birdland.

I'm afraid it'll take a while, but it will happen: a vacuum occurs, and someone steps in and starts to fill it. When others see that it works (i.e., they can make money), they join in.

I wish it would happen sooner, because I'm fed up with that snotty Class A attitude, and I'm tired of paying for perqs I have no use for. But, that's me.........

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February 3, 2013 - 9:56 pm
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The CG I work at was built for tents, car campers, and then pop ups, truck campers and now we have Rigs up to 45' with 4 slide outs. They are packed like sardines but the "front Beach row" has a waiting list ???

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Eastern Pennsylvania
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February 4, 2013 - 5:36 pm
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I understand your thoughts and the changes of campgrounds over the years but what in life hasn't progressed and changed over time?  The local diner I often visit, that was built in 1935, offers expresso and new menu items now.

The fact is, privately owned campgrounds are a businesses and over time ALL businesses look for ways to increase revenue so they can survive increasing costs.  Maybe adding some cabins, a cafe or other amenities that attract more people and bring in more money.  Maybe not what the die-hard camper is looking for but it is what the majority is attracted to today.

About 7-8 years again, I originally planned all rallies at state parks because we were outdoor, one with nature campers.  Over the years, I've learned that most campers including myself like the amenities that private campgrounds have to offer.  We had a 10 day group rally at a private campground in Lancaster PA and 20+ people swam in the pool every evening.  Kids tie-dyed t-shirts, painted ceramics and many other activities that aren't at those primitive campgrounds.  I've had group rallies at Lums Pond SP, DE where there are 4 electric sites and only 5 people attended.  One person ran an extension cord from the site next to them.  I also have friends who own a campground near the Hershey PA area that consider it having little value because it is primitive camping with no utilities.

As far as the Class A campers, everyone's idea of camping is different.  You might not believe what I do is true camping because I carry a 12v blender and make frozen drinks?  Those who drink my margaritas love it.  Maybe the friends who have the DVD and flat screen in the popup at the site next to me?  Beemerchef, who has been writing a blog and a full time camper for 7 years with his motorcycle and tent camping probably thinks we are all light weights.

My theory is this, if their kids aren't out mugging old lady, good for them.  It doesn't matter how big or small of a camper, if they cook inside or out.  More power to them if it's what makes them happy.

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February 4, 2013 - 7:50 pm
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X2, I've thought before that's sad that I've never seen those Campers=darksiders, when in fact they were up & out before me and back after I was done!! 8) I work at a CG and enjoy saying Good Morning and waving :victory:

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February 5, 2013 - 5:43 pm
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  Pretty sad in my mind when you stack sites on top of each other to make more money. On the other hand I guess you have to look at the financial picture too. With the cost of ins., property taxes , workers comp. for employees , cost to maintain grounds , pool , ect. I can see the owners point to squeeze out every cent you can. But I still look for camp grounds with large and to a point private settings. Don't get me wrong here , I don't mind people but lets face it too, if I wanted to be crowded I would just go ahead and get a motel room at a tourest trap. So I stick to a few small camp grounds I know here or if I travel I strive to find camp grounds that supply what I want. I don't mind paying a little more for what I want , some times it costs you a little more to get it ............

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February 19, 2013 - 3:30 pm
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Are people finding KOA and Yogi Bear campgrounds to be exclusionary like this now?  I haven't been camping in a camper of any kind since the late 80's, but I don't remember any of these parks turning away a camper, regardless of it's type or size.

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