An increasing number of campgrounds are offering visitors the choice of both traditional and rustic campsites. But how do you know which one is right for you? In the following article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each to help make your camping trip a success.

Traditional Campsites

For the purposes of this article, we’ll refer to a traditional campsite as the most popular type of campsite – the small, 20′ x 40′ patch that comes equipped with a fire ring, electrical hookups, and possibly even a concrete pad for parking a camper or motor-home. Depending on the campground, these sites are typically organized around paved roads and are numbered sequentially as you progress through the park. These campgrounds generally have restroom/shower facilities and water faucets located at intervals throughout the site.

For some campers, the advantages are obvious. If you’re driving a large motor home or are compelled by your caffeine addiction to bring along your coffee pot, a traditional site with electrical hookups is a must. Or if you’re the type that needs a hot shower every morning just to wake up, you’ll need to stay in a campsite that has access to restroom facilities. In addition, some traditional sites are designed for campers and pop-up trailers, including a concrete pad for level setup and pull-through access to prevent the sometimes difficult task of backing a trailer onto your site.

However, these sites do have one major disadvantage – the crowds. If you’re camping on a popular summer weekend, you may find that every one of the hundreds of sites at your campground is occupied. Because these spaces are often quite small, you could find yourself privy to your neighbor’s late-night conversations or subject to the constant noise of cars driving in and out of the campground. If you’re particularly unlucky, you could find your family vacation interrupted by a fraternity’s summer blow out – leaving your children with some uncomfortable questions!

Rustic Campsites

For many campers, rustic campsites offer a solution to many of the problems plaguing traditional campsites. Typically, rustic campsites don’t offer running water or electrical hookups – instead, you’ll find hand pumps for water and latrines for restrooms. Although these conditions may not be ideal for everyone, they do offer some surprising advantages.

First, because fewer people tend to take advantage of these spaces, the lots are often much larger. And because people aren’t camping in trailers and motor-homes, the campgrounds don’t need to clear away trees to accommodate these large vehicles, leaving more beautiful, private campsites. In addition, because these sites rarely sell out, the campsites are much quieter – especially considering the reduction in noise from the electric TVs and stereos some people bring with them on their camping trips.

The disadvantages, however, are obvious. For some campers, flush toilets and running water are must-haves. Having to pump your own drinking water and forgo the conveniences of modern technology are enough to convince these campers to stick with traditional campsites. However, many of the campgrounds that offer rustic spaces allow these campers to use the facilities on the traditional side, so you may be able to duck over once a day or so to take a shower or fill your water jugs. And since rustic campsites are often half the price of their traditional counterparts, they’re definitely worth checking out.