• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Blog
  • About Chrissy
  • Contact Me
  • Categories
    • Cooking & Recipes
    • DIY
      • Knitting
    • Health & Wellness
    • Organization
    • Our First Home
    • Our Home Away From Home
    • Self Improvement
      • Relationships
    • Travel
      • Disney World
  • Disclosures & Legal

Creating Chrissy

Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.

This post includes affiliate links. I may receive a commission from these links but with no additional cost to you. For more information, please see my Disclosures and Legal page.

July 2, 2018

Seasonal Campsites: FAQs about Seasonal Campground Living

After sharing the story of our home away from home, I have received a lot of questions from readers about seasonal campsites for their own family.  Although we are new owners ourselves, I am a second generation seasonal camper with a wealth of knowledge to draw from my own family members–I also work in a seasonal campground during the summer (not our own campground!  Don’t poop where you eat, folks…)

Today I am addressing frequently asked questions about a seasonal campsite.

 

How much does a seasonal campsite cost?

Trailer/Unit Price

If you already own a trailer–awesome! Don’t worry about it!  We purchased ours with a personal loan. I had to factor in the monthly payment.  Well…if you read the story–I went ahead and bought it without checking first…

Seasonal Site Fee

This varies from campground to campground, but I know many of the local campgrounds in this area require a deposit on October 1, then the rest of the fee paid in full by April 1.  I know this is a surprise to people that may not realize this. Some start planning their budget around putting money aside for 12 months not realizing they need it all ready for April 1.  Our campground in Old Orchard Beach, Maine is open mid April to Mid October (Columbus Day weekend is usually closing weekend).

Insurance

Your trailer/park model/camper needs to be insured.  It’s not too expensive–but you can’t forget to factor this in when planning ahead.

Tax

We have to pay a state tax to the great state of Maine

Electricity

I think this one is obvious…

Propane

Heat (if needed); hot water; stove…

Possible Additional Costs:

  • Guest Fees/Unlimited Guest Pass — if you want visitors, many campgrounds charge for overnight guests.  I do know of some campgrounds that offer unlimited guest passes for a one time fee.
  • Part time User Agreement — Some campgrounds offer a list of people who can come up and stay in your place without you there.  For example, if my parents or Mr. Geek’s parents want to stay without us, we can put them on the list and cover the fee right of front at the beginning of the season.  Also, if you have an adult dependent/child staying there without you, the owner, being there…
  • Additional Parking/Key Cards — Got a lot of cars?  You’re going to need a lot of key cards to get in…
  • Pet Fees — ours doesn’t charge for pets at all, but I have heard of some that do–or charge if you have more than two pets.  But be prepared to have their rabies paperwork on file at the office.
  • Golf Cart Fees — there is usually an additional fee to have a golf cart for your campsite or some campgrounds rent them out daily.

Do you own the campsite?

No, you do not own the campsite itself.  You’re not buying a piece of land. You own the dwelling that sits upon it.  This means if you do not pay your seasonal fees–they can remove your trailer and bill you for the removal cost–and if it is a park model it could get pretty pricey.  I don’t say this to scare people away, but I also would hate for people to jump into the seasonal campsite life without knowing this.

What should I look for in a campground?

When Mr. Geek and I were putting serious thought into our future seasonal campsite, we made a spreadsheet–because he goes ga-ga for spreadsheets.  This was before I said, “SCREW THE SPREADSHEET!” and went ahead and bought our place without telling him…again, I am so sorry.

Of course you are looking for a place that fits within your budget, but you should really get a feel for the culture of the campground and consider your own lifestyle.  This is your getaway!  You need to make sure it meets your needs.

Here questions you might want to ask yourself when searching and comparing:

  • Is it close enough for us to spend a lot of time here? (Seriously, you are spending thousands of dollars–make sure you’re getting your time at the beach/lake/woods to get your money’s worth!)
  • Are there activities for kids?  Adults? Whole community events?
  • What is curfew (and how strict are they with that curfew)?
  • Is there a convenience store on the grounds?
  • Are there only seasonal campers in the campground or are there transit guests that stay short term?
  • Do you already know people in the campground? (And if you choose that campground, make sure you put them as a reference!  A lot of times they get referral discounts on their seasonal fee!)

For example, I am a second generation camper in our campground but if I were shopping with my husband as a brand new customer ready to bring in our young family–I probably wouldn’t pick our place again.  The appeal of our place was it is right around the corner from my father, now brother’s campsite(s) and the price was right.

When we looked into another campground in the area, I hated the idea of a park ranger telling me to keep it down every time I laughed a little too loud by the campfire with friends.  A different campground was from walking distance to the beach, but the seasonal fee was way out of budget.  Although it was an impulsive decision, I think we made the right choice for us.

Stay there ahead of time

If you have the opportunity, stay at the campground ahead of time.  Get a feel for the culture and the noise at night–even different sections of the parks have different vibes.  Your best spot to get a feel? Hang out in the pool with everyone! You’ll get all the dirt on the campground when you hang out with a few beers by the pool (if they allow them, some don’t).  But also take that with a large grain of salt–we know it’s easier for some people to complain then say, “I LOVE THIS PLACE!”

If you can’t stay there ahead of time, get a copy of their seasonal handbook/contract ahead of time.  You can make the best decision for your family when you have all the information right in front of you.

 

I hope this answered some of the basic questions about seasonal campsite life!  If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask in the comments.  If you’re a seasonal camper yourself–I would be honored if you share your tips on selecting the best “home away from home!”

Related posts:

Flippin' Friday: Campsite Updates -- Our First Season
What NOT To Do When Purchasing a Seasonal Campsite
Why I Paint With Chalk Paint and You Should Too!
6 Projects with Jute to Start TODAY

Filed Under: Our Home Away From Home chrissygikis Leave a Comment

Reader Interactions

5 Summer Essentials to Order Today!
How I Started Knitting and 3 Reasons Why You Should Too

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome! My name is Chrissy Gikis and I'm so glad you're here. Let me tell you a bit about myself and Creating Chrissy... Read More…

Subscribe to Creating Chrissy

Follow

Instagram

creatingchrissyblog

Creating the best life for myself, my husband @Geekahdee, and our pup @gronkthestaffy -- and blogging about it.

Instagram post 1926493818623062156_7530492146 Okay, folks! New post up on the blog about our trip to Disney World.  Should you go to Disney World the week of Thanksgiving? Read the latest post to find out! #linkinbio #waltdisneyworld #bestdayever #wdw #thanksgiving #disneyworld #borndisneyraiseddisney
Instagram post 1842294655463889638_7530492146 August might be my favorite month of summer.

I know back to school and fall loom towards the end, but there is something about August that makes my heart happy.  I think it’s in the quiet moments and slowing down to appreciate sunshine, warm weather, and the memories already made this summer and past summers.

For me, it’s this campground—okay, trailer park.  After almost 30 years, these “streets” are sprinkled with memories around every bend—including our wedding day almost one year ago.

These quiet moments make me so grateful for everything the universe has given us.

#creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #attitudeofgratitude #oldorchardbeach #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe @geekahdee @gronkthestaffy
Instagram post 1840203576933586000_7530492146 @geekahdee and I are celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary in less than a week!

Our wedding day did not turn out the way we had originally planned, but we would not change anything for the world.  It was perfectly magical.

We had a small ceremony in Old Orchard Beach, Maine in front of only our immediate family. *Disclaimer: Today’s blogpost is to encourage couples to shy away from pressure to go big and opt for modest celebrations.  Although this post is highly opinionated, I fully support ANY ceremony that is exactly how the couple wants to celebrate it. 📷: @mackhennz 
Head over to the blog to read the 1st of two posts about our wedding day.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #weddings #summerweddings #oldorchardbeachmaine #smallweddings #theknot #weddingplanning #events #weddingphoto #ido #instawedding #weddinginspiration #bridetobe
Instagram post 1837407498874115743_7530492146 Living/staying in Maine right now, a lot of people are surprised to find out that I’m spending the summer away from my husband in our first year of marriage.

Fun fact: we’ve actually done this before.  Our first year dating we did the same exact thing.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the same opportunity from our first year of dating was presented again in our first year of marriage.  Although we are older, wiser, and have grown into the couple we are today, many lessons I have learned this time around echo back to that first year being apart.

There’s a new (and very honest) post on the blog sharing my takeaways from living apart.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #marriage #newpost #relationships #ontheblog #married #wife #realtalk #husband #romance #selfimprovement #marriedlife #relationshipadvice
Instagram post 1835636665226813337_7530492146 Today we’re celebrating 3 years in our home!  Lots of work went into our first home and we still have a ways to go!  Read about #ourfirsthome on Creating Chrissy!  #fixerupper #ourfixerupper #home #homedecor #diy #renovation #homerenovation #kitchen #kitchenremodel #remodel
Instagram post 1832249840128458585_7530492146 Watch out! I’m a girl with jute and a hot glue gun and I’m not afraid to use it!

I like that jute is a budget-friendly way to create decor that can cover farmhouse to costal style.

I did a little repurposing and sprucing up with some quick fixes up here at camp.  I’ve shared them in a new post on @creatingchrissyblog with a few other projects I’m itching to try! 
#creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #jute #diy #coastaldecor #crafting #newpost #decor #crafter #homedecor #creative #crafts #ontheblog #doityourself #artsandcrafts #crochet #repurpose
Instagram post 1816885575572042226_7530492146 Mr. Geek and I hope your #4thofjuly was a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends. #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #redwhiteandblue #sparklers #starsandstripes #4thofjuly #usa #america #oldorchardbeach #oldorchardbeach #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #unitedstates
Instagram post 1814835986669016803_7530492146 Thank you for your response and enjoying the story of our home away from home in #oldorchardbeachmaine .  I have received so many questions about seasonal campsites because of it.  Today’s #blogpost attempts to answer those questions for you, faithful readers! #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #linkinbio #blogpost #campground #maine #oldorchardbeach #thewaylifeshouldbe # #ontheblog #207 #seasonalliving #campgroundlife #newpost #linkinprofile #lifestyleblog
Instagram post 1807443812625305254_7530492146 The school year is done and it’s the first day of summer vacation!  I made the to-do list for the day, but couldn’t start without some extra coffee and puppy snuggles with @gronkthestaffy.  New post on the blog today about our 5 Summer Essentials that are delivered right to your door—because I might not leave the house today...just kidding...I will...maybe... #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogmomlife #happysummer #rescuepup #newpost #blogpost #teacheroffduty #rescueismyfavoritebreed #pibble #ontheblog
Instagram post 1800290187952349768_7530492146 I think everything I have made this week has limes in it.  I couldn’t live with out limes in the summertime!  What are your go-tos for summer? #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #limes #cooking #homemade #fruit #yum #baking #foodpics #refreshing #homecooking #dessert #fruits #foodpic #eat #summer #healthyfood
Instagram post 1798761632982238002_7530492146 STORY TIME! So you may notice this is NOT the same color.  I tried being productive and painting the deck at camp—okay tried FINISHING painting the deck because I started two weeks ago.  I got as far as I could then had to drive back to Massachusetts.  I still could not figure out why the color wasn’t matching.  Is it the sun? Did I not mix it well enough? Nope.  It’s the wrong stuff.  The correct stain is in our closet in Massachusetts—like @geekahdee told me a week ago.

Summer vacation and gaining my sanity back can start ANY DAY NOW.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #projectfail #painting #outdoors #camp #happysunday #ineedvacation #outdoor #camping #seasonalliving #campgroundlife #oldorchardbeachmaine
Instagram post 1796821420899237457_7530492146 The pink bathroom is GONE!  Still a work in progress, but I’m already so in love with the bright airy feel of the space.  We can’t wait to share the entire makeover on the blog for #flippinfriday soon! #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #ourfirsthome #fixerupper #renovation @sherwinwilliams #bathroom #bathroommakeover  #homeinterior #shower #tile #homeliving #bathroomdesign #homeimprovement
Instagram post 1794676286522688046_7530492146 We are so close to the end of the school year—which is hard to believe on this chilly rainy Monday.  But I’m thinking ocean, beach, and sunshine!  This #caroncake is perfect for a blanket for camp.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #knitting #caroncakes #yarnlove #knitstagram #instaknit #iloveknitting #knittinglove #crafting #crafter #knittinglove #knittersofig #crafts #knit
Instagram post 1792223576510703008_7530492146 This girl is starting to get ready for summer vacation!  This means making batches of our essential oil bug spray.  You can too!  Check out today’s #blogpost and try the recipe yourself.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #diy #essentialoils #organic #outdoors # #natural #camping #doityourself #getoutside #hiking #summer #summervacation #thegreatoutdoors #campvibes
Instagram post 1788614694454868718_7530492146 Rainy Sundays at Lowes.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #ourfirsthouse #fixerupper #renovation #ourfixerupper #remodeling #hardware #trim #homeimprovement #myhandyman
Instagram post 1787413431704478748_7530492146 Strawberry Dairy Free “Ice Cream” to start off the unofficial start to summer! I’ve shared the recipe on the blog.  Click the link in profile to check out the post.  #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #dairyfree #icecream #nicecream #desserts #eat #sweettooth #yum #strawberry #strawberryicecream #dessertporn #hungry #nomnom
Instagram post 1784501853393159805_7530492146 @gronkthestaffy thinks this toilet location is pretty convenient... yay for bathroom renovations! #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #bathroom #bathroomremodel #workinprogress #newtoilet #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #staffy
Instagram post 1784347181067878594_7530492146 Weekend project: COMPLETE! New post on the blog about how I used chalk paint to update this into a beachy bench.  And yes, I plan on calling it it a beachy beach forever. 😝🏖️🌊 #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #diy #chalkpaint #chalkpaintedfurniture  #beachybench #yesitsathing #upcycle #homedecor #coastaldecor #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #crafty
Instagram post 1783541370704019350_7530492146 Today’s #selfcaresunday is a cloudy morning at camp with my buddy @gronkthestaffy, a cup of coffee from @cia_cafe , and a second coat of paint on our bench with @rustoleum Chalk Paint in “Serenity Blue” .  Happy Sunday! ❤️ #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogmomlife #diy #chalkpaint #chalkpaintedfurniture #upcycle #crafts #doityourself #paintedfurniture #decor #coastaldecor #thewaylifeshouldbe
Instagram post 1782885581777709091_7530492146 Gronk snoozing SO HARD on our morning ride today.  Any guesses where we went?😝🤣🌊🏖️ #creatingchrissy #bloggersofinstagram #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogmomlife @gronkthestaffy #thewaylifeshouldbe #wannagoforaride
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

  • 7 Best Couples Shirts for Disney World on Etsy
  • What NOT To Do When Purchasing a Seasonal Campsite
  • Seasonal Campsites: FAQs about Seasonal Campground Living
  • Why I Paint With Chalk Paint and You Should Too!
  • Flippin' Friday: Campsite Updates -- Our First Season
Discount Attraction Tickets

Footer

Archives

  • October 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018

Contact Us

  • Email
    creatingchrissy@gmail.com

Pages

  • About Chrissy
  • Blog
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • Contact Me
  • Credits
  • Disclosures & Legal
  • My account
  • Shop

© 2015 Pretty Happy WordPress Theme · By: Pretty Darn Cute Design