We’ve all been there. We got a late start because we were having too much fun, there was an emergency, or something needed attending to. The plan to arrive at the campground well before dark is out the window, and now we know that our arrival time will be after the sun sets.
While it’s not ideal to arrive at a campground, especially one that’s new to you, after dark, it is possible to do so with a little planning and thought. Now, as a general note, you should avoid from doing this if you are unfamiliar with your camper.
Check with the campground.
Most campgrounds have policies that apply to after-hours. Though this might be available on the website or clearly communicated through emails, it might still be worth calling the campground and letting them know of your change in plans and how that impacts checking in. Ask about the route to the campground and whether there are obstacles or tight turns that might be difficult to navigate with an RV at night. Call well enough in advance that you get somebody on the phone. Questions to ask include:
- Is there another phone number that I should that is to be used after-hours?
- Are late arrivals allowed?
- Will my site still be held?
- Where can I find my site number and map?
- Do I need a gate code (if there is a gate)?
- Are there tight turns, low branches, steep grades, or other obstacles on the way to my site?
- What are quiet hours and generator rules after dark?
Know where you’re going.
Smartphones and apps are very useful, but it’s worth being prepared. Download and/or print a map of the route and the campground sites to have on hand before you leave. Understand the entire route and where you’re going to send up setting up camp.
Be willing to wait.
If you aren’t comfortable arriving at night, then find a legal place to camp nearby. It’s not worth forcing the itinerary or putting your expensive RV or tow vehicle at risk. Let the campground know well in advance.
Be prepared.
Once you know you’re going to arrive behind schedule and that the route is okay, make sure that all the gear you need for a smooth arrival and setup are in ready places in your RV or tow vehicle.
Walk the site.
A campground’s website and speaking with the campground staff should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect when you arrive. But to avoid any surprises, get out and check the site before you move in. Look for uneven ground, low-hanging branches, and confirm the locations of fire pits and picnic tables.
Get the kids ready.
If you have kids and know you’ll be showing up to the campsite late, get them ready for bed ahead of time. Avoid screens to help start winding down, then it’s straight to bed once you are safety parked at the campsite.
Practice courtesy.
Most campgrounds have quiet hours, including when it’s okay to use a generator. Once you arrive, use quiet voices, avoid from using bright headlights or exterior lights, close doors quietly, and use a phone or walkie talkie to get into a site instead of yelling to each other.
Do the bare minimum.
You want to cause the least disruption as possible. This is not the time to set up camp completely. The only job at hand is getting into the site, securing your RV, and getting some shuteye. Those other setup tasks will be there in the morning.