RV size limits for RV Parks, Campgrounds

socalsharky · May 11, 2006

We live in Orange County, CA, and are considering an RV for family outings to the Colorado River, as well as desert and mountain camping. Possibly some trips to City areas with RV parks. What size limits do these type of facilities typically have? Most of the 5th wheels or trailers that would suit our family are in the 28 to 32 foot range, and if we go with a Class C, it would probably be a 28- 31 footer. Is something this size going to be too big for these types of sites, or am I ok? And what about mid sized Class A rigs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Gary RV_Wizard · May 12, 2006

We live in Orange County, CA, and are considering an RV for family outings to the Colorado River, as well as desert and mountain camping. Possibly some trips to City areas with RV parks. What size limits do these type of facilities typically have?

It depends a lot of how rustic you want to be. There are US Forest Service and BLM campgrounds in the back country that are essentially primitive. Roads may be narrow and twisty and sites may be small, so anything over 24-25 feet can be stretching it. But there are plenty of areas with decent (though unpaved) roads and sites that will accomodate 30 footers. And there are nearly always full service campgrounds near by that will handle 35-40 foot rigs. We were in Moab, UT, a week ago and stayed right on the Colorado River in a lovely RV park (Portal Rv park) with our 36 foot motorhome. Thereis no shortage of Rv spaces in that area for any size rig you desire. Ditto for the areas around Durango and Cortez, CO, Grand Junction, CO, etc.

Most of the 5th wheels or trailers that would suit our family are in the 28 to 32 foot range, and if we go with a Class C, it would probably be a 28- 31 footer. Is something this size going to be too big for these types of sites, or am I ok? And what about mid sized Class A rigs?

In general a Class C has to be larger than a trailer to yield equivalent space, so if you need a 28-32 foot fifth wheel you will want at least a 32 foot Class C (there are models up to 35 feet, e.g. the Jayco Senaca). That's because the cab area of a C is not very useful as living space. A Class A will be close to a trailer in usable space, because the driving area converts to part of the living space. I woud strongly recommend a Class A over a Class C for a number of reasons: interior space, exterior storage (basement storage bays), usually a more robust chassis and a superior driving position that gives better visibility. A Class A won't cost any more than a similar size Class C either.

RV size limits for RV Parks, Campgrounds

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