Full hookup campgrounds decoded: smart picks, safety checks, and fee traps to avoid

Full hookup campgrounds: what they are, how to choose them wisely, and what to watch for in 2025

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Full hookup (FHU) campgrounds promise the trifecta RVers want at a site: electricity, potable water, and a sewer connection. They are the backbone of extended stays, snowbird seasons, and working-from-the-road lifestyles. Yet beneath the convenience are real-world issues—aging electrical pedestals, water quality, sewer safety, fee creep, connectivity constraints, and policy fine print—that can make or break your trip, your budget, and potentially your rig’s health. This investigative guide distills recent trends and long-standing pitfalls, then equips you with checklists and practical strategies to book better, arrive safer, and hold operators accountable when standards slip.

Before diving in, it’s smart to hear directly from RVers who are living this day-to-day and posting unfiltered experiences. Two reliable places to start:

Find and join Facebook groups discussing Full hookup campgrounds (search results let you pick groups aligned with your region, rig type, and travel style).
Reddit r/RVLiving threads on Full hookup campgrounds for candid, problem-focused discussions and fixes.

Have you noticed big differences between campgrounds that all claim “full hookups”? Tell us what you’ve run into so others can prepare.

What “full hookup” really includes (and what it doesn’t)

The essentials: electric, water, sewer

“Full hookup” almost always means the site provides:

Electric: 30-amp and/or 50-amp, delivered via a pedestal equipped with circuit breakers. Many parks offer both; some only one. A few add 20-amp household outlets for convenience.
Potable water: A threaded spigot. You supply the drinking-water-safe hose and a pressure regulator.
Sewer connection: A threaded sewer inlet or a gravity drop tube with cap. You supply the sewer hose, threaded adapter, gasket/donut, and often a hose support to maintain slope.

Everything else (Wi‑Fi, cable TV, trash pickup, picnic tables, fire rings) falls into “amenities” and varies widely. Some campgrounds still advertise “full hookups” but charge separately for 50-amp power, metered electricity on monthly stays, or add resort fees. Ask specifics up front to avoid surprises.

2025 reality check: pricing, availability, and who gets priority

Dynamic pricing is now standard

Many private parks have adopted hotel-style pricing, with weekend and holiday surcharges, “resort fees,” and discounts only through memberships or long-term commitments. You’ll increasingly see:

Tiered site classes: “Premium” or “deluxe” FHU sites priced higher for concrete pads, better views, wider spacing, or 50-amp service.
Electricity pass-through: On weekly/monthly stays, flat nightly rates disappear; you’ll pay metered electricity in addition to site rent.
Nonrefundable deposits and steep cancellation windows: Policies have tightened. Read the fine print—even small changes in arrival or site type can trigger fees.

Availability is uneven—and long-term tenants often get first dibs

Snowbird corridors, oil and construction markets, and gateway towns near national parks frequently run tight on FHU inventory, especially for rigs 38 feet and longer. Many parks reserve their easiest-access FHU pull-throughs for monthly tenants. State and county parks may offer fewer FHU sites than private parks; booking windows open far in advance and fill quickly.

Big rigs and slides: Confirm maximum length, site width, tree clearance, and slide-out room. “Big rig friendly” is not a regulated term.
10-year rule: Some private parks decline rigs older than 10 years. Exceptions exist but require photos in advance.
Pet and breed policies: Verify before you reserve. Breed restrictions still exist in some locales. Confirm leash and crate rules.

If you’ve been priced out of a favorite park lately or bumped by a long-term tenant, share the details so others can plan alternatives.

Infrastructure and safety: the part that can hurt your rig

Most FHU campgrounds operate safely and responsibly. But field reports routinely flag a few recurring risks, especially in older parks where electrical and plumbing upgrades lag demand.

Electrical: low voltage, miswired pedestals, and GFCI headaches

Low voltage under heavy load: Heat waves and full parks push power distribution to the edge. Voltage sag below ~108V (on a 120V leg) can damage A/C compressors and electronics.
Open ground, reverse polarity, or shared neutrals: Aging pedestals and DIY fixes can create hazardous conditions.
GFCI-protected pedestals: Newer or retrofitted pedestals may trip due to minor leakage in RVs. This doesn’t always mean your rig is unsafe, but it does indicate current leakage that a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to catch.

Best practice on arrival:

Test first: Use a quality surge protector or Energy Management System (EMS) that checks for miswiring, open ground, high/low voltage, and frequency anomalies before energizing your RV.
Measure voltage: With a voltmeter or your EMS display, confirm voltage at the pedestal and under load. If you see low voltage, run fewer high-draw appliances or request another site.
Pedestal triage: Photograph the pedestal, breakers, and outlet condition before plugging in. Report charred outlets, cracked housings, or wobbly pedestals immediately.
Adapters (“dogbones”): Only use quality adapters; never defeat safety grounds. Avoid splitting a 50-amp pedestal to power multiple rigs.
50-amp vs 30-amp: A 50-amp RV needs a true 50A pedestal to run dual A/Cs comfortably in hot weather. Running a big rig on 30A often means load management and potential breaker trips.

If you’re planning an extended monthly stay, consider a pre-trip health check of your RV’s electrical system by a qualified third party to reduce nuisance trips and pinpoint real faults; try a local search: RV Inspectors near me.

Water: pressure, contamination advisories, and seasonal risks

Pressure spikes: Campground water pressure can exceed safe limits. Always install a regulator at the spigot. For sensitive rigs or older PEX plumbing, use an adjustable regulator set around 45–55 PSI.
Boil advisories or well water quirks: Some parks rely on wells with mineral/sulfur tastes or seasonal turbidity. Ask at check-in if any advisories are active, and look for posted notices.
Winterization: In shoulder seasons, confirm whether water is on, heat-taped, or require you to connect/disconnect daily to avoid frozen hoses. Heated drinking-water hoses are only as reliable as their power supply; route them away from trip hazards.

Hygiene steps that matter: Use a dedicated drinking-water hose, sanitize fittings periodically, and avoid letting the hose end contact the ground. A simple inline carbon filter helps with taste—carry spares.

Sewer: slope, seals, and backflow protection

Threaded connection: Many parks require a sealed donut or threaded coupler. Counties often mandate this to control odors and pests.
Slope is non-negotiable: Use a hose support cradle to maintain a constant downhill slope. Avoid low spots that trap solids.
Black tank etiquette: Keep the black valve closed until it’s at least 2/3 full, then dump and flush. Leaving it open invites “pyramids” and odors.
Backflow/flush ports: If you use a black-tank flush, ensure your rig has a vacuum breaker/anti-siphon device. Never interconnect potable water and flush systems.

If a sewer inlet sits high above grade or the cap is damaged, ask for a repair or different site. Overflow or leakage is a health and environmental hazard—document and report it immediately.

Booking smarter: avoid gotchas before you swipe your card

Ask targeted questions (and get answers in writing)

What’s included in “full hookups”? Confirm 30A vs 50A availability, water pressure norms, sewer threading requirements, and whether there are additional nightly fees for electricity or cable.
What’s the site’s real size and clearance? Ask for pad length, width, slide clearance, and any known obstructions. Request photos of the pedestal side of your assigned site if you’re uncertain.
Policies that affect RVers: 10-year rule, pet restrictions, extra vehicle fees, visitor fees, quiet hours, fires/burn bans, package deliveries, and EV charging rules (some parks forbid vehicle charging from pedestals or impose fees).
Cancellations and changes: Get clarity on deadlines, penalties, and whether credits vs refunds are issued. Note the time zone used for policies.
Long-term stays: If monthly, confirm whether electricity is metered, what rate applies, and whether deposits are held for utility billing.

Read the site map like a pro

Placement of utilities: If your rig’s connections are rear/driver side, verify the pedestal’s location to avoid hose and cord stretching.
Ingress/egress and turning radius: Long fifth wheels and Class A coaches may struggle with tight loops and vehicles parked on corners.
Flood and shade: Use satellite view to spot low areas, heavy tree cover (satellite internet issues), and proximity to busy roads or train lines.

If the desk can’t answer basic utility questions, consider that a red flag. A campground selling full hookups should be able to describe pedestal specs and water pressure. If you’ve had a stellar or frustrating booking experience recently, drop the details so others can learn.

Arrival: a safe, damage-free hookup sequence

Before you back in

Walk the site: Check for glass, nails, low branches, uneven pad edges, and the exact pedestal location relative to your rig’s cord length.
Photograph: Snap quick photos of the site condition, pedestal, water spigot, and sewer inlet. This protects you from later blame for pre-existing damage.

Hookup sequence (one proven order)

Chock and stabilize first. Leveling on an unstable surface stresses frames and appliances.
Electric test and connect:
- Turn pedestal breakers OFF.
- Plug in surge protector/EMS, then turn breakers ON to run diagnostics.
- If it passes, turn OFF, connect your RV’s cord to the EMS, then turn breakers ON.
- If it fails, stop and report; do not “try anyway.”
Water: Attach a pressure regulator to the spigot, then your drinking-water hose, then a filter if used. Flush the hose for a few seconds before connecting to your RV to clear sediment. Check for leaks.
Sewer: Attach a donut or threaded adapter for a seal, set up hose support for slope, connect your hose, and keep the black valve closed until ready to dump. Crack the gray valve only after you’ve confirmed no leaks.

When something is wrong

Electrical issue: Document readings from your EMS or meter. Ask for another site or a maintenance check. Do not run high-draw appliances on low voltage.
Water issue: If pressure is erratic or water looks cloudy, ask if a boil advisory is active. Use onboard tanks and bottled water if in doubt.
Sewer issue: Report cracked inlets or backflow immediately. Request remediation and avoid use until it’s resolved.

Connectivity and remote work at FHU parks

Campground Wi‑Fi reality

Shared bandwidth: Peak hours and full parks degrade performance. “Wi‑Fi included” often means basic browsing near the office.
Pay tiers: Some parks sell premium bandwidth. It can help but is not guaranteed under heavy load.

Cellular and satellite planning

Check coverage maps: Review carrier maps and third-party apps for signal quality at the address, not just the city.
Antennas/boosters: A roof-mounted MIMO antenna feeding a 5G hotspot/router is often more effective than a “booster.”
Starlink and tree cover: Ask about Starlink policies. Heavy canopy or canyon walls can cause frequent outages; north sky visibility matters.

Ask the office which carriers their staff use on-site and whether they’ve upgraded Wi‑Fi with fiber backhaul. Working full-time on the road? Share your connectivity strategies so readers can emulate what works.

Environmental and seasonal risks you should plan around

Heat waves and brownouts

High temperatures stress campground grids. Expect voltage sag and neighborly competition for amperage. Stagger heavy loads (A/C, microwaves, electric water heaters) and use your EMS alarms as an early warning.

Flooding and storms

Check elevation: Sites near rivers or low fields can flood quickly. Ask the office about flood history and evacuation routes.
Lightning: Surge protection is non-negotiable. Unplug during severe storms if alarms trigger repeatedly.

Wildfire smoke and burn bans

Air quality: Use interior air filters and close appliances to recirculate when smoke is heavy.
No open flames: Respect bans; many parks will remove fire rings during high-risk periods.

Freeze risk

Below freezing: Disconnect water hoses overnight or use heated hoses and wrap spigots with approved insulation if permitted.
Tank heaters: Ensure they’re functional if you plan winter stays.

Policy fine print that often surprises travelers

Electric vehicle charging: Many parks prohibit EV charging from pedestals or require a separate fee/site. Ask first; don’t assume your 50A site doubles as a charger.
Metered electricity on monthlies: Check the kWh rate and how/when it’s billed. Photograph the meter at check-in and check-out.
Additional vehicles and guests: Fees can apply per day. Clarify the limit per site.
Package deliveries: Some parks refuse packages; others charge handling fees. Remote workers should confirm policies to avoid lost shipments.
Quiet hours and generator bans: FHU sites typically forbid generator use; plan accordingly if grid power is unstable.
Alcohol and cannabis rules: Vary by region; some parks strictly enforce public consumption rules.

Consumer concerns we see repeatedly

Owner discussions frequently cite specific issues at “full hookup” parks:

“Pedestal keeps tripping, must be your rig.” Campground staff sometimes default to this explanation even when EMS readings show faults. Document, escalate to management, and request a different site or a refund if the park can’t supply safe power.
“Paid for 50A, got 30A.” If the reserved site class included 50A and you’re placed on 30A, ask for a rate adjustment or relocation. Screenshot your confirmation showing the amenity.
“Wi‑Fi advertised, unusable in reality.” Treat Wi‑Fi as a bonus unless the park guarantees performance; otherwise, plan to use cellular.
“Sewer odor/backups.” Often a sealing issue at the inlet or improper hose slope. If the facility’s infrastructure is failing, it’s a health issue. Report and request remediation or relocation.

For raw, first-person accounts and troubleshooting threads, scan Reddit r/RVLiving on Full hookup campgrounds and compare patterns to your own experiences.

What accountability looks like (and how to insist on it)

Electrical safety compliance

Competent parks maintain pedestals to code (referencing standards like NEC Article 551 for RV parks) and replace cracked outlets, frayed conductors, and failing breakers. You should see labeled breakers, intact covers, and pedestals that don’t wobble. If you encounter hazards, report them in writing with photos and request remediation. If a park refuses, prioritize safety: decline the site, ask for a refund, and file a factual review.

Transparent billing

For monthly stays, legitimate operators will disclose kWh rates, meter numbers, and reading dates. You’re within reason to photograph the meter and bill. “Resort fees” should be clear in the rate sheet before you pay.

Sanitation and water quality

Parks should promptly address broken sewer caps and leaks. Local health departments take sewage issues seriously; document dates, times, and staff responses if you need to escalate. For water, ask about testing intervals; many parks post annual reports, especially if they run their own wells.

Case examples: common scenarios and how to respond

Scenario 1: The low voltage heatwave

You arrive in a heat dome, the park is at capacity, and your EMS shows 104–106V on one leg when both A/Cs run. Action plan: run one A/C, switch water heater and fridge to propane, and monitor voltage. Report conditions to the office; ask if an alternate loop has stronger supply. If voltage dips below safe thresholds frequently, ask for a refund or credit—your site isn’t delivering safe electrical service.

Scenario 2: Cloudy water on day two

Water runs cloudy for a few seconds each morning. First, bleed air and sediment by running the spigot to clear before connecting your hose. Use an inline carbon filter. Ask the office about recent maintenance or well drawdown. If a boil advisory is active, they must tell you. Use onboard tanks/bottled water until conditions improve.

Scenario 3: “Full hookups,” but the sewer inlet is crushed

Your sewer hose won’t seal because the threads are damaged. Photograph it and request a repair or new site. In the meantime, keep valves closed, avoid any gray discharge, and use the dump station if available. If unresolved, ask for a partial refund since you didn’t receive complete FHU functionality.

Scenario 4: Wi‑Fi add-on is unusable

You paid for “premium Wi‑Fi” but the speed tanks nightly. Screenshot speed tests, times, and the device location. Request a refund of the add-on fee, acknowledging that shared networks are variable but the service didn’t meet the stated purpose (work calls, streaming, etc.).

A practical checklist you can save

Pre-booking checklist

Confirm site length/width, slide clearance, and pedestal location relative to your hookups.
Ask if 50A is guaranteed or “available in some sites.”
Clarify electricity policies (flat vs metered) for your stay length.
Request specifics on water pressure and sewer connection type (threaded vs friction-cap).
Review cancellation/change policies and time zone.
Verify rules: 10-year RV policy, pets, visitors, extra vehicles, EV charging, quiet hours.
Check connectivity: staff carrier, Wi‑Fi coverage, Starlink allowances.
Use satellite view to assess trees, flood risk, road noise, and access.

Arrival hookup checklist

Walk and photograph site and utility fixtures before setup.
Level/chock/stabilize before utilities.
Test pedestal with EMS/surge protector; verify safe voltage.
Install water pressure regulator and flush hose before connecting.
Set sewer hose with donut/threaded adapter and proper slope; keep black valve closed.
Confirm A/C draw, stagger loads if voltage is marginal.

Departure checklist

Flush and dump tanks responsibly; rinse gear and cap ends.
Turn off pedestal breakers before unplugging.
Photograph meter (if monthly) and pedestal condition.
Leave the site free of trash and gear; note damage to management before leaving if any occurred.

When things go wrong: escalate with documentation

Start at the desk: Present photos and EMS readings politely. Ask for a site change or fix with a time estimate.
If unresolved: Request a partial or full refund commensurate with the missing amenity (e.g., paid 50A but only 30A available).
Follow up in writing: Email the manager with details and photos. If billing disputes arise, documentation helps with credit card chargebacks.
Report hazards: Sewer leaks or electrical safety hazards merit notification to local health or fire authorities if a park will not correct them promptly.
Inform future travelers: Leave factual, unemotional reviews noting dates, site numbers, and how the staff handled the issue.

The bright spots: improvements worth noting

Not all the news is grim. Many parks have upgraded significantly over the last few years:

New pedestals with smart metering: More consistent voltage and quicker fault isolation.
Fiber-fed Wi‑Fi: Where installed correctly with modern access points, it’s genuinely usable for work.
Concrete pads and better drainage: Fewer ruts, more level sites, improved flood resilience.
Clear policies online: Transparent rate sheets and site diagrams reduce booking friction.

When you find parks doing it right—clean pedestals, measured water pressure, honest policies—reward them with repeat stays and reviews that highlight those efforts. Have a favorite FHU park that nails the basics? Post your recommendation with specifics so others can benefit.

Further research and owner perspectives

Want to dig deeper into patterns, problem-solving, and campground-specific threads? Start here:

These sources surface real-world issues in context—watch for recurring themes across regions and seasons.

Bottom line: full hookups are convenient—but verify, then trust

Full hookup campgrounds simplify life on the road, but the label alone doesn’t guarantee safe power, reliable water, sanitary sewer connections, or modern connectivity. In today’s market, assume variability and protect yourself by:

Verifying utilities up front (and getting key points in writing).
Arriving with the right gear (EMS/surge protector, pressure regulator, sewer seals, hose support).
Documenting conditions from the moment you park.
Escalating respectfully with clear evidence when standards aren’t met.

Done right, FHU sites let you stretch out, run your systems comfortably, and focus on why you bought the RV in the first place. Done carelessly, they can stress your rig and your budget. The difference is preparation and insisting on accountability.

What’s your strongest tip—or your most expensive mistake—at a “full hookup” park? Add your story so others can learn from it.

Comments

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