Family Friendly Campgrounds, Should they charge extra for children? Options

[Trentheim]

Maybe a whole new campground category should be created. Maybe if a campground is known as "Crotchety Friendly" then those with families could avoid those CGs and go to the family friendly ones (and vice versa, of course). (I mean, seriously people, this thread is starting to sound like an "I don't like children" thread.)

If a campground is that worried about extra electric, water, sewage, etc... charges when more people than X camp in a single spot, then why not install meters to the spot and charge for the actual usage? I know that when my family goes camping that the electric usage is not going to be much different than if it were just me. Why? The efficiency of the camper is the main reason. Showers in the camper are all done with the water conservation method (when soaping up, we flip the switch on the shower head). This is so that we don't lose all the hot water, which is heated by my own propane. It also teaches us the right way to use water for those boondocking times. I suspect that a majority of campers who use water in their RV's do the same.

[Lonesoldier]

Whoops!!!!! Didn't intend to stir up the fire ants. I am sure this will be taken the wrong way also, but, I was attempting to be funny. It seems I got on someones last nerve and not intending to. I was hoping the emoticons would show that I was NOT attacking anyone, campers or CG owners. Owners charge what you want, advertise what you want. As I said, wheels were put on these rigs so I can move on down the road, not stay in your CG, or whatever. If this attitude is displayed with customers, how long do they stay, would they feel welcome.
A true story, CG in Houston Tx, I explained to the owner during checkin that I had not gotten much sleep the night before because of dogs barking. She said she understood and said that would not happen here. About 9 PM a peacock started squawking, the dogs were quiet comparatively. In the AM when I went in the office, before I could say one word, she started in saying it was her peacock and was not getting rid of it, was not going to refund any money, I had paid for 3 days. When I left I had my money back. My Point: Will I be back at that CG? Not likely, will I visit a CG again that has not provided what is advertised? Not likely. As someone said, it is about the money, you are in business to make it and I have no problem with that. The best advertising in the world is word of mouth and repeat customers, if you don't have those 2 things, you won't make it.

[RLM]

(I mean, seriously people, this thread is starting to sound like an "I don't like children" thread.)

It's no different than a thread that appears to be anti pet. We would be having the same discussion if pet owners were charged extra for the dog.

As long as everyone behaves with a small amount of social grace by not flaming someone, then I think honest opinions are a way to learn something.

[dog bone]

Until this discussion I had never thought of "family friendly" as having anything to do with charging (or not) for kids. To me it simply indicated a place that had amenities (playground, pool, gameroom, etc.), possibly some planned activities, and perhaps most importantly, an atmosphere that would appeal to kids.

i have to agree with this out look. some things for the family to do together either at the campground or near by.

[nicki]

Until this discussion I had never thought of "family friendly" as having anything to do with charging (or not) for kids. To me it simply indicated a place that had amenities (playground, pool, gameroom, etc.), possibly some planned activities, and perhaps most importantly, an atmosphere that would appeal to kids.

Me too. I don't know how "family friendly" translates to "kids stay free."

[SLCatn]

Me too. I don't know how "family friendly" translates to "kids stay free."

That's exactly what I thought as I read through this thread!!

The Park I currently stay in charges a flat rate for two persons and $2.00/night per child over 12 years old. This is plainly advertised on their website and in their brochures. I've never heard any complaints and I would hope that anyone who disagrees with this additional charge - or with any of the Park rules - would stay somewhere else. That's what I do - if I disagree with the rates, or the rules, or whatever, I make a decision to stay somewhere else. I have the freedom to do that just like the Park owners have the freedom to charge what they will and establish whatever rules they see fit. It's THEIR park.

[USMC7478]

That's exactly what I thought as I read through this thread!!

The Park I currently stay in charges a flat rate for two persons and $2.00/night per child over 12 years old. This is plainly advertised on their website and in their brochures. I've never heard any complaints and I would hope that anyone who disagrees with this additional charge - or with any of the Park rules - would stay somewhere else. That's what I do - if I disagree with the rates, or the rules, or whatever, I make a decision to stay somewhere else. I have the freedom to do that just like the Park owners have the freedom to charge what they will and establish whatever rules they see fit. It's THEIR park.

I have to agree with eveyone else,family friendly simply means there are things to help keep kids occupied. Now I love the poster who put crotchety friendly. For me nothing ruins a camping trip then some grouchy old buzzard looking for a reason to gripe. I try to teach my kids to be respectful,but we have encountered some people who think if a kid runs by their campsite they are trying to start trouble. But for the most part the reason I love camping is they are mostly good friendly people who will go out of their way to help.

[HappiestCamper]

Just saw a review where they said they got funny looks from their neighbors when their kids were playing in the streets, so they felt that kids weren't welcome

[kcmoedoe]

Just saw a review where they said they got funny looks from their neighbors when their kids were playing in the streets, so they felt that kids weren't welcome

Perhaps the campground should consider adding a rule that would make "funny looks" a "leave the park" offense. Of course that would mean I would not be welcome at the park since I look funny all the time.

[eyeball]

While I am always looking for a good deal, I do belive a campground owner has a right to earn a profit and support their family (Just as you do). They rightfully set their prices and policies at what they feel the market will bear. Their success or failure will dictate any future price adjustments.

Some have to take into consideration that they are not a year round operation but their personal bills for food, clothing, and general life events roll in all year long.

Just an aside but Disneyland is billed as a family friendly destination yet the charge for each person...

[grim509]

I noticed some people saying it's ok to charge per kid. Yet, they also complain if they have to pay extra for cable and/or wi-fi. Why shouldn't you? Not everyone uses cable or wi-fi.

Hotels do not charge per person staying in the room. Yes, they limit the number of people, but that is usually due to fire codes.

I have no problem if they're upfront about extra costs for kids (I have 5, it's nice to know ahead of time lol). I've been to campgrounds where no mention was made on the website of this policy, nothing was said when reservations were made, then BAM at check in, I find out I'm paying $15 more a night on a weeklong stay because they snuck it in there.

I would actually like to see a rate for singles, couples, couple up to 3 kids. THEN they can tack on per child after.

[MinnysodaRVer]

As a park owner & operator and fellow RV'er, I can understand why some people are put off by a park claiming to be kid-friendly but charging extra for kids. Charging for kids is pretty common in the industry. I think the biggest culprit is the park in question didn't clearly spell out the additional fees for kids. Family-friendly refers more to the amenities that are suitable for children & families, but doesn't mean that kids stay free.

As an RV'er myself, I find the tack-on charges that aren't clearly communicated to be annoying. Want full-hookups? Have a dog? Need Wi-Fi? Things can add up in a hurry if you don't realize they're not included in the rate.

At my RV resort we have one flat rate. Everyone gets 50 amp, cable TV, wi-fi, concrete pad, and 4 people on the site. But as an RV resort owner you have to draw a line somewhere on the amount of people - if someone brought 8-10 people they're using a lot more electricity and producing more waste than the site with 2 people on it. The key is to communicate your rules & rates clearly to the consumer.

And keep in mind - it's a business with an extremely short cycle for income unlike a hotel. Most RV parks basically have 3 months to earn enough revenue to pay bills for the entire year. While you may think $16,000 of monthly revenue sounds like a lot, my RV resort would be bankrupt at that number.

[brep]

I noticed some people saying it's ok to charge per kid. Yet, they also complain if they have to pay extra for cable and/or wi-fi. Why shouldn't you? Not everyone uses cable or wi-fi.

Hotels do not charge per person staying in the room. Yes, they limit the number of people, but that is usually due to fire codes.

I have no problem if they're upfront about extra costs for kids (I have 5, it's nice to know ahead of time lol). I've been to campgrounds where no mention was made on the website of this policy, nothing was said when reservations were made, then BAM at check in, I find out I'm paying $15 more a night on a weeklong stay because they snuck it in there.

I would actually like to see a rate for singles, couples, couple up to 3 kids. THEN they can tack on per child after.

If we have a rate for singles, couples, couple up to 3 kids then you are still being charged for your children. Whay does it make a difference? And why should someone who chose to have 1 child pay the same price as you who has 3?

[acenorm]

I have a 1 & 3 year old and I tend to go to campgrounds that the price includes up to 4 people, ususally 2 adults and 2 children. I also have no problem with a couple of the campground owners on here who charge for kids over twelve. I think that is the way it should be, and the prices were $2 or $3 which is very acceptable. I will stay away from campgrounds that the rate is for only 2 people and children are extra no matter the age. I also don't agree with the OP idea that "family friendly" means you shouldn't charge for children, to me it means there are more extensive activities for children, not just a playground.

Best Regards,
Norm

[brep]

I have a 1 & 3 year old and I tend to go to campgrounds that the price includes up to 4 people, ususally 2 adults and 2 children. I also have no problem with a couple of the campground owners on here who charge for kids over twelve. I think that is the way it should be, and the prices were $2 or $3 which is very acceptable. I will stay away from campgrounds that the rate is for only 2 people and children are extra no matter the age. I also don't agree with the OP idea that "family friendly" means you shouldn't charge for children, to me it means there are more extensive activities for children, not just a playground.

Best Regards,
Norm

Keep an eye on the charges for 3 and unders also. I know that here we do not charge for anyone 3 and under.