RV park check-in etiquette — arrival hours + level math

Standard check-in: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at most RV parks.

Early arrival (before 2 PM): usually OK if your site is empty + ready. Call ahead to verify.

Late arrival (after 6 PM or after dark): try to avoid. Setup in dark is harder + neighbors notice noise.

After-hours arrival: most parks have late-arrival envelope at the office. Call ahead to arrange.

• Standard check-in: 2 PM - 6 PM at most parks
• Early arrival: call ahead, sometimes OK if site empty
• After dark: avoid if possible, harder to setup
• After-hours: late-arrival envelope at office (call ahead)

Walk-around check: tire pressure, water/sewer caps secure, all bay doors latched, awning retracted, slides retracted, exterior lights on.

Confirm campground rules: pet policy, quiet hours, generator hours, alcohol policy.

Locate your specific site on the campground map (most parks email/text site assignment in advance).

Confirm hookup configuration: 30A vs 50A, water spigot, sewer connection.

Step 1: stop at office. Check in. Get site assignment + welcome packet + WiFi password.

Step 2: drive to site SLOWLY (5 MPH typical campground speed limit). Watch for kids, dogs, low branches.

Step 3: position rig at site, exit + walk around site to identify hookup locations + obstacles.

Step 4: BACK INTO SITE (most common). Use spotter if available. Don't rush.

Step 5: turn off engine, set parking brake, chock wheels.

Step 6: level the rig (auto-leveling jacks OR manual leveling blocks).

Step 7: extend slides (after level, never before).

Step 8: extend awning (only if no wind + planning to stay multiple days).

Step 9: connect hookups (sequence: water → electric → sewer).

Step 10: settle in. Take 15 min to relax before starting trip activities.

Why level: refrigerator cooling unit needs level within 3° for absorption fridges. Off-level = cooling unit shutdown.

Other reasons: shower drain (water pools off-level), comfort (sleeping on tilted bed is fatiguing), structural (slide-outs warp if extended off-level long-term).

Tools: bubble level on driver's seat OR built-in tilt indicator. Auto-leveling system on Class A motorhomes (push-button).

Method: drive front-back, side-side until bubble level shows level. Use leveling blocks ($20-40) under low side wheels.

Water: connect water hose to spigot first. Open valve slowly. Check for leaks. Use water pressure regulator ($15-30) to prevent damage from high-pressure parks.

Electric: connect electric cord SECOND. Verify breaker is OFF before connection. After connection, turn breaker ON gradually + monitor power.

Sewer: connect sewer hose LAST. Leave BLACK + GRAY valves CLOSED until ready to dump.

Never leave valves open while connected: solids dehydrate + pile up = the dreaded clog.

• Water first: pressure regulator + leak check
• Electric second: breaker off before connection
• Sewer last: valves closed until dump time
• Disconnect in reverse order at departure

Walk-through rules: NEVER walk through someone's campsite. Even if it's the shortest path, walk around.

Quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM at most parks. Voices, generators, music all restricted.

Generator placement: side AWAY from neighbors. Run only during generator-allowed hours.

Outdoor lighting: avoid bright lights pointing at neighbor sites after dark.

Pets: leash required at most parks. Pick up waste immediately. Don't leave dogs unattended outside.

Extending slides BEFORE leveling: causes slides to warp + jam.

Extending awning in wind: $2,800 average replacement cost (industry claims data, RVIA · rvia.org · accessed 2026-05-25).

Leaving black tank valve open: dehydrates solids + creates clog.

Running generator after 8 PM: violates most park quiet hours.

Bright exterior lights all night: annoys neighbors.

Loud music: violates park policies.

Step 1: disconnect sewer FIRST. Dump tanks (black + gray), flush, close valves.

Step 2: disconnect electric SECOND. Turn breaker OFF, unplug, store cord.

Step 3: disconnect water LAST. Turn off spigot, drain hose, store.

Step 4: retract awning + slides.

Step 5: raise leveling jacks.

Step 6: walk-around check.

Step 7: drive to dump station (if needed) or exit.

Under-shared truth #1: the office check-in line at 2-3 PM is the WORST time. 6-8 PM has shorter lines. If you can arrive after 5 PM (during summer with long daylight), check-in is much faster.

Under-shared truth #2: arriving with all 3 hookup connections + leveling blocks easily accessible cuts setup time 50%. Many first-timers store these in deepest cargo bay + spend 15-20 min digging. Keep them at the top.

Under-shared truth #3: NEVER cut through someone's campsite, even at remote rural campgrounds. Cultural rule. Violators get glared at, sometimes confronted. Walk the road, not through neighbor sites.