Nothing beats a good view at a campsite! PIC: Ross Robinson
American researchers have attempted to unlock one of the Big Lap’s greatest mysteries … ‘why do people choose the campsite they do?’.
While some grey nomads are as happy as Larry when they can camp in a totally isolated spot, others will seek to set up as close as possible to other vans.
Similarly, in caravan parks, some travellers think they’ve won the lottery when they are told to park up next to the amenities block, while others will throw up their hands in absolute horror.
So, what’s going on?
Previous studies on recreation decision-making have relied on surveying people about their stated preferences, but the University of Montana has taken a more data-driven approach by analysing the database that contains facts about huge numbers of bookings at US national parks.
Will Rice, an assistant professor of outdoor recreation and wildland management, studied the online bookings for the 179 extremely popular campsites of Watchman Campground in Utah’s Zion National Park.
“Anyone who has ever picked a campsite within a campground has certainly dealt with the dilemma of proximity to the restroom,” said Assistant Professor Rice. “I mean, we want to be close enough to make navigation easy in the middle of the night, but not so close that we’re smelling it and listening to the door open and close at all hours.”
The researchers studied variables such as: distance to the nearest dump station; distance to the nearest toilet, rubbish bins, or tap; whether it is a walk-in site; price and electricity; number of neighbouring campsites within a 40-metre radius; campsite shading; access to the nearby Virgin River; direct access to canyon walls; and views of canyon walls.
The research found that price and availability of electricity were the largest drivers of demand. Proximity to the adjacent river and ease of access also affected demand. Other factors – such as views of canyon walls or number of nearby neighbours – seemed to have less impact.
Certain amenities at sites strongly influenced how early they are reserved, on average. For instance, good views of the canyon walls increased the average booking window by three days.
Price, access to electricity and ease of access also increase how early sites are reserved, demonstrating their popularity.
Be upwind of the long drop and stay well away from other campers, particularly the ones with dawgs, kids and playing music.
Agreed 100 percent dawgs and kids are the worst. Parents need a break, so ignore kids bad behaviour outside other people’s vans!!
We mostly free camp and like a private site with a nice outlook if possible, Even at designated roadside stops where there is plenty of room to move away into bush, we have been amazed how many campers seem prefer to park on bitumen or gravel close to toilet blocks, often very close to one another. We have also had other campers park right alongside us or even block our exit when there are plenty of alternative spots. We jokingly say they must be feeling lonely!
Mostly there is always plenty of room. I like my space but if people want to overnite near me its ok as long as my (in case its needed) emergency pull out exit path is not blocked..!