I'm a cheapskate, but everyone I know likes a bargain when they can find one. Travelling in an RV and finding great campsites can be a challenge, as many of the best are somewhat off the beaten path. In searching for quality campsites at the destinations we travel, we have often used Google maps to search for the terms 'RV park', 'campgrounds' or 'camping' to find options near where we want to go. While this provides some detail, the listings tend to be commercial operations, and often exclude remote sites.
While poking around on the web, I found the website Campendium, created and managed by the fine folks at the Aluminarium Blog. Campendium is an excellent resource for campers. It lists a wide range of facilities from rustic to opulent. The database is searchable by the categories RV Parks, Free Camping (my personal favourite), National Parks, National Forests, and State Parks. You can easily narrow your search criteria within any of the listed categories or find locations on a scrollable map. Although the search headings suggest US facilities, those in Canada are also well represented. Each facility includes a general description, photos if available, and comments by travellers as to their opinion of the that particular campground.
We've made great use of Campendium when planning trips, largely due to the number of 'off the beaten track' campsites listed, as well as the honesty of the commenters. I've added my opinion of a few campsites lacking any real detail, and added a few absent campgrounds to fill in some gaps in their coverage.
If you are travelling about in an RV, take a few minutes to check out both Campendium and Aluminarium!
