Recently a friend who is also a full-time RVer made a statement that I found interesting regarding types of RVers. “I am a traveler, not a camper,” she said. She was making the statement in her frustration at not getting good Wi-Fi service at an RV park. This got me thinking about the statement and what it means to RVers and the services they expect.

As previously being a recreational RV user — a “camper” — I would be looking for RV parks that were rustic, quiet and had facilities/activities for my kids. I was not interested in TV or using my computer, but rather to connect with my kids around a campfire, play games and just talk. I was looking for a good, old-fashioned campout experience.

Now as a full-time RVer — a “traveler” — I am looking for parks that will provide me with some space around my rig and some quiet, allow me to use my satellite dish, and have good Wi-Fi service and a decently priced laundry room. These things have become more important as I am “traveling” with my home, and I want to have my satellite TV with DVR service, the ability to surf the Internet (not just check email) and have a space that allows me to easily set up (level, etc.).

In planning for parks to visit, I use various research tools to identify the right parks. I check online reviews posted by others to see what issues there may be and how the services rate. I also use a campground directory to check the size of the spaces. I use the Google Maps satellite setting to see how the park looks from above: Does it have a lot of trees (satellite issue)? Is it near an airport, train tracks or industrial area?

Finally, I compare all this to what the park has on its website. The last item is to call them to check availability and ask about the services I am looking for.

I have found parks are beginning to understand that many RVers are expecting these type of services, and they are improving to meet the demand. I have been very pleased with how parks have now identified sites that are satellite-friendly or will tell you that it will not work at their park. I really appreciate that.

The one item they have not caught up with is Wi-Fi service. Parks are all over the place on this issue. It is clear parks understand that RVers want this service, so they will state they have it. But when you actually get to your site, you may find the signal is so weak or nonexistent that you cannot use it. If you can connect the service, it is sometimes so slow that it becomes impractical to accomplish anything.

Of course, we still become “campers” at times as we still like to get away from it all and will pick a nice rustic park nestled in the trees next to a stream.