If you’re new to camping, there are generally 3 types of campsites you’ll find at campgrounds. Below is a brief overview of each type.

1. Dry campsites

Dry campsites are campsites with no “hookups,” meaning there are no connections for water, electricity or sewer at the individual campsites. The campground may have potable (drinkable) water spigots and/or dump stations at one or more locations throughout the campground, but not at each campsite.

These campsites would typically be used by tent or recreational vehicle (RV) campers. If you’re an RV owner, then you’ll want to make sure you know how many days your fresh water and grey/black tanks will last. If your a tent camper, then you’ll want to verify the type, location and cleanliness of the campground bathrooms and/or showers if you desire them, as well as any other amenities you require.

Dry campsites are typically cheaper than partial or full hookup campsites. Also, tent campers could buy their own portable toilet, portable shower system and a toilet/shower (changing) tent if they prefer to not use the campground’s facilities or if the campground does not provide bathrooms at all.

2. Partial hookup campsites

These campsites typically have at least one or two (but not all three) of the three hookups. In my opinion, the most important “hookup” as a RV camper is a potable water spigot because once I’ve set up my trailer at the campsite, its a huge hassle to tow my trailer back to one of the campground’s water spigots to refill my fresh water tank.

RVs need water for the toilet, sinks and shower. Now, if my RV is located close to one of the campground water spigots, my hose reaches the spigot AND the water spigot is threaded (some campgrounds have spigots that are not threaded), then for all intensive purposes I have a water hookup.

If you have a generator, then typically you don’t need to worry about hook ups for electricity.

3. Full hookup campsites

These types of campsites have all three (water, electricity and gas) hookups and are typically more expensive than the previous two types of campsites. My wife likes to have full hookups because she said it reduces the stress level of RV camping.

Check out my other articles about camping:

5 types of camping, which is the best for your family?

Cheap activities for family camping trips: 10 tips

12 tent camping equipment essentials for new campers

Campground Reviews