Campground Terms and Symbols

If having to park the RV at the campsite is not enough work when you first arrive decoding the symbols and signs is the next step. City RV Rentals has a list of some of the signs that may stump you.

Site #—The number of a specific campsite.

Loop—Since the roads in most campgrounds are narrow, their campsites are arranged on one-way loops to keep traffic flowing. The loops have names or numbers for easy identification. If there's only one loop, then no name or number is given.

Site Type—Indicates the level of creature comforts available, from absolutely none (often listed as "primitive"), to "standard" (usually a paved or graded drive, picnic table and fire ring), or "premium" (paved, picnic table, fire ring, electricity, water, sewer). These designations may vary from one reservation system to another.

Max # of People—The maximum number of campers that can stay in one campsite, based on its size. You don't want 15 friends trying to squeeze into a site designed for four people.

Equip Length/Driveway—The combined length of a tow vehicle and trailer or a motorhome that can be accommodated. For tent sites, the driveway length may be shown as "0" (zero), meaning that there is no parking space immediately adjacent to the site, although it is usually nearby. In the example above, "35 Back-In" means the driveway is 35 feet long and you back into it.

Amenities—Icons will indicate if there is electrical power and how many amps (usually 15, 30 or 50); hookups for water, electricity and sewer ("FULL" indicates all three); if the site is near water; and if pets are allowed.

Accessible Flush Toilets—For disabled campers.

Accessible Sites—Sites designed to accommodate disabled campers.

Dump Station—Where wastewater from RVs is dumped. Potable water for freshwater tanks or containers may also be available at or near the actual dump location.

Group—A large common area where many RVs can gather.

Group Horse—A large group area without individual sites, specifically for horseback riders and their steeds.

Group Tent—Same as above, only for large groups in tents.

Partial Hookup—A site with water and electricity but no sewer.

Pull Through—A campsite where you can pull your rig through instead of backing in.

Season—The time of year that the campground is open.

"Vault" or "Pit" Toilet—Non-flushing toilet, quaintly known as an "outhouse."

Wooded Site—Describes a campsite where trees provide shade most of the day.