Tips for Designing Parks, Campgrounds, & RV Resorts
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This guest post was written by Tom Neppl, Landscape Architect. Images courtesy of Neppl Landscape Architecture and Planning, LLC.
Camping is an important part of family vacations and outdoor recreation experiences. The quality of the camping experience is greatly influenced by the design of the campsite and available site amenities. Does the campsite provide a variety of experiences? Is it crowded or noisy? Is it safe? Is it pleasing?
A well-designed campsite considers the comfort, functionality and safety of campers, as well as the aesthetics of the site. Here are tips for those designing or redesigning their parks, campgrounds and RV resorts in the coming year.
Comfort
Comfort is an important consideration when laying out a campsite. Providing ample space for site amenities results in a space that is not cramped or crowded. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recommends an RV campsite living area be a minimum of 650 square feet. If the site also includes a tent space, the recommended area increases to 800 square feet.
Within the campsite, consider providing amenities like picnic and utility tables, campfire ring, charcoal grill and other site features. Campers often bring their own furnishings so it’s helpful to provide additional space for lounge chairs, side tables and chairs. Recommended space requirements for site furnishings include:
- Picnic table for six people – 7′ by 8′
- Picnic table for eight people – 7′ by 9′-6″
- Small table and chairs for four people – 9′ by 9′
- Chairs only for four people – 7′-6″ by 7′-6″
- Two lounge chairs – 7′-6″ by 7′-6″
Site Orientation
While opinions and practices vary, it’s generally preferable to orient the campsite on the passenger side of the vehicle and the utility hookups on the driver’s side. Where possible, the passenger side door should face an easterly direction, allowing the RV to enter from the north or south. If feasible, the awning side of the RV should not face the direction of prevailing winds.
Utilities
Utilities may be provided in various combinations and locations depending on local requirements and site conditions. Where electricity is provided, it should be in a covered and grounded electrical box, mounted to a post or in a manufactured assembly that includes a ground fault interrupter. Water should be provided in the vicinity of the campsite, yet not within five feet of the roadway. Water service should include a water hydrant or spigot and a splash basin.
Refuse Disposal
It is recommended that all campsites be located within 100 feet of a refuse container. Containers should be made of heavy and durable materials, must have lids to control for insects and rodents and be stored on platforms which are elevated six inches or more from the ground in a well-drained location.
Surfacing
Grass and bare soil are not durable surfaces; therefore, existing grass and soil should be replaced with a material that withstands heavy use and resists erosion. Common surface materials include concrete, compacted gravel, limestone or marble dust. The preferred material will depend on your location, material availability and budget. ADA-accessible sites should follow ADAAG requirements for surface material and slope.
Lighting
Lighting within a campground should be of a low intensity and provide illumination where necessary for safety. Consider providing lantern poles in campsites to enable campers to illuminate their space for comfort and assist with necessary campsite tasks.
Vegetation
Trees and shrubs offer many welcomed benefits to your campsite. They define space in the campsite and can be planted to create “outdoor rooms” in the campsite. Vegetation also provides seasonal interest throughout the year, buffers winds, offers shade and relief during the summer, and when thoughtfully located, provides privacy and separation between campsites and restroom facilities.
Work with your local University Extension agent to select plants that grow well in your area, reach the appropriate size for your site conditions and do not present hazards such as weak branching or toxicity concerns. Extension agents can also assist with maintenance and pruning requirements.
These are a few general considerations for laying out a campsite. The campsite operator should always consult federal, state and local code restrictions when developing campsites. When developing accessible sites, the operator should consult the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for specific construction details and layout criteria. Design professionals such as a registered landscape architect, architect or engineer can help you navigate these design recommendations, federal and state requirements. Click here to view ADA guidelines for accessibility compliance for park equipment including picnic tables, campfire rings, and charcoal grills
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More about Tom Neppl
Tom Neppl is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Design at Iowa State University and a registered Landscape Architect with a practice in Ames, Iowa. In practice, he works with communities and nonprofit organizations nationwide to develop plans for parks and recreation facilities, camps and outdoor education centers.