Understanding Seasonal Site Sizes and RV Length

You have picked out the perfect campground. You love the location. The amenities check all your boxes. The price works with your budget. You book your seasonal site and count down the days until camping season starts.

Then you arrive with your RV, and your heart sinks. Your rig is too long for the site. Your truck hangs out into the road. Your slide-outs cannot fully extend because of a tree you did not see in the photos. Your awning hits the neighbor's picnic table.

You just committed to spending the entire season in a site that does not actually fit your setup. Every single weekend for the next five months, you will deal with this frustration.

This nightmare scenario happens to more campers than you might think. And it is completely avoidable if you understand seasonal site sizes and how to match them to your RV length requirements.

Let me show you exactly how to measure correctly, what questions to ask, and how to book a site that actually fits your camping setup.

Why Getting the Size Right Matters So Much

For a weekend camping trip, a slightly too-small site is annoying but manageable. You deal with it for two nights and then leave.

For seasonal camping where you set up once and stay for months, a poorly fitting site becomes a constant problem that wears on you week after week.

Problems from Sites That Are Too Small

Your RV might stick out into the campground road, creating safety issues and annoying other campers trying to drive past. Your tow vehicle might not fit anywhere near your site, forcing you to park far away and walk. Your slide-outs might only partially extend, cutting your interior living space significantly. Your awning might not open without hitting trees or structures. You might have zero room for outdoor furniture, a fire pit, or camping gear. Kids might have no safe place to play because everything is crammed together.

Living with these space problems for an entire season creates real frustration. It turns what should be relaxing weekends into constant annoyance about tight quarters.

Problems from Sites That Are Too Big

Oversized sites rarely cause major issues, but they come with their own minor drawbacks. Larger sites usually cost more money, sometimes significantly more. You might end up farther from bathhouses, pools, or other amenities. You might feel isolated with more distance between you and neighboring campers. You might have more grass or landscaping to maintain.

Still, too big beats too small every single time.

How to Measure Your RV the Right Way

Most people get their RV length wrong. They remember what the salesperson told them five years ago. They eyeball it and guess. They assume the number on the title is correct.

These approaches lead to inaccurate measurements that cause problems when booking sites.

Finding the Official Length

Your RV has an official length measurement from the manufacturer. This is usually measured from the front bumper to the rear bumper, not including anything that extends beyond like hitch-mounted bike racks or spare tire carriers.

You can find this specification in several places. Check your owner's manual. Look on the manufacturer website. Search for a data sticker inside a cabinet or closet in your RV.

Why Official Length Is Not Enough

That official measurement does not tell the whole story for camping purposes. Campgrounds need to know your total setup length, which includes more than just the RV body.

Calculating Total Camping Length

Your real camping length includes everything that will be set up at your site:

Your RV measured from the very front to the very back. Your tow vehicle if you plan to keep it connected to your RV. Hitch-mounted cargo carriers or bike racks. Spare tire carriers that extend past the rear. Anything else that stays attached when you park.

This total combined length determines what size site you actually need.

How to Measure It Yourself

Get a long tape measure of at least 50 or 75 feet. Set up your camping rig exactly how it will be at the campground. If you disconnect your truck, measure just the RV. If you leave your truck connected, measure the entire combined length.

Start at the very front of whatever extends farthest forward. Measure all the way to the very back of whatever extends farthest backward.

Do not forget items that stick out. That bike rack adds two feet. That cargo carrier adds three feet. That ladder on the back adds another foot. All of it counts.

Always Add Buffer Space

Once you know your true camping length, add at least five feet for safety buffer. This extra space gives you maneuvering room and prevents tight-squeeze situations that create stress.

If your total camping length measures 34 feet, look for sites that accommodate at least 39 feet. This buffer makes everything easier.

How Campgrounds Describe Seasonal Site Sizes

Different campgrounds describe their seasonal site sizes using different terminology. Understanding these descriptions helps you evaluate options accurately.

Maximum RV Length

The most common description is something like "accommodates RVs up to 40 feet." This tells you the longest RV that fits in that site.

Here is the tricky part: this maximum usually refers to RV body length only, not your total camping length including tow vehicles and accessories.

Always clarify what the stated length limit actually includes.

Actual Site Dimensions

Some campgrounds provide specific site measurements. "Site measures 45 feet long by 25 feet wide" gives you concrete numbers to work with.

The length measurement is front to back where your RV parks. The width measurement is side to side.

These dimensions help you visualize whether your setup plus outdoor living space will fit comfortably.

Vague Size Categories

Other campgrounds use general categories like small, medium, or large sites. These categories are frustratingly vague because they mean completely different things at different campgrounds.

One campground's "large" site might be another campground's "medium" site. Never rely on categories alone.

Always ask for actual measurements in feet when you see category descriptions.

Pull-Through Versus Back-In Length

Pull-through sites need to be longer because you drive completely through with your tow vehicle still connected. Back-in sites can be shorter because you only need to fit the RV itself after disconnecting your truck.

Keep this difference in mind when comparing site lengths.

Common Seasonal Site Size Categories

Seasonal site sizes vary widely across different campgrounds, but they generally fall into predictable ranges.

Small Sites: 30 to 35 Feet

Small seasonal sites typically accommodate RVs up to 30 or 35 feet in total length. These sites work well for:

Compact travel trailers under 25 feet. Pop-up campers and fold-down trailers. Small fifth wheels. Shorter motorhomes.

Small sites usually cost less but provide limited space for outdoor living beyond your RV footprint.

Medium Sites: 35 to 45 Feet

Medium sites handle RVs from 35 to 45 feet. These fit:

Standard travel trailers from 25 to 35 feet. Average fifth wheels. Typical motorhomes. Most common RV sizes fall into this range.

Medium sites offer adequate room for your RV plus reasonable outdoor space for chairs, tables, and other camping gear.

Large Sites: 45 to 60 Feet

Large sites accommodate RVs from 45 to 60 feet. These work for:

Long travel trailers over 35 feet. Large fifth wheels. Big motorhomes with towed vehicles behind. Setups with additional trailers or equipment.

Large sites provide plenty of room for RVs plus generous outdoor living areas where you can spread out comfortably.

Extra-Large Sites: Over 60 Feet

A small number of campgrounds offer extra-large sites for particularly long camping setups. These handle the biggest RVs on the market plus multiple vehicles.

These sites are relatively rare and usually command premium seasonal prices.

Why Width Matters Just as Much as Length

Everyone focuses on RV length, but site width is equally important for comfortable seasonal camping.

Typical Site Widths

Most seasonal sites range from 15 to 30 feet in width. This width needs to accommodate your RV plus space on both sides for outdoor living.

Why Width Is Important

Site width determines several important factors. Whether your slide-outs can fully extend on both sides. Whether you can set up an awning without encroaching on neighbors. Whether you have room for outdoor furniture and living space. Whether kids have safe play space that does not spill into neighboring sites.

Narrow sites feel cramped even when the length is perfectly adequate. Wide sites feel spacious and comfortable.

Calculating Your Width Needs

Measure your RV at its widest point, which is usually with slide-outs fully extended. Add the width of your awning when deployed. Add space for camping chairs, tables, and outdoor living areas on at least one side.

If your RV is 8 feet wide at the base, slide-outs extend 3 feet on each side, your awning adds 10 feet on one side, and you want 5 feet for chairs and living space, you need about 26 feet of total site width.

Do the math for your specific setup to know what width you really need.

Slide-Out Clearance Considerations

Slide-outs dramatically change your space requirements. Most seasonal campers leave slide-outs extended for the entire season, so clearance becomes critical.

Measuring With Slide-Outs Extended

Measure your RV width with every single slide-out fully extended. This extended width is what you will live with all season long.

Some RVs have slide-outs on both sides. Some only on one side. Some have multiple slides on the same side at different positions. Know your specific configuration.

Checking for Obstacles

Even if a site is technically wide enough on paper, physical obstacles can prevent slide-out operation. Trees are the most common culprit. Utility posts, boulders, structures, and even neighboring RVs can block slide-outs too.

When evaluating sites, specifically ask about slide-out clearances and any obstacles that might interfere with full extension.

Overhead Clearance Matters Too

Length and width get most of the attention, but height clearance is important, especially at wooded campgrounds.

Measuring Your RV Height

Measure from the ground to the absolute highest point on your RV. This might be the roof itself, an air conditioning unit, a satellite dish, a TV antenna, or a rooftop cargo carrier.

Write this measurement down and refer to it when booking sites.

Common Overhead Issues

Tree branches are the biggest overhead clearance problem at seasonal sites. A beautiful heavily wooded site might have low-hanging branches that scrape your roof, hit your air conditioner, or prevent you from accessing the site at all.

Power lines, covered entrances, and overhanging structures can also create height restrictions at some sites.

Safe Clearance Heights

Most RVs range from 10 to 13 feet tall. Sites should offer at least 14 to 16 feet of overhead clearance for safety and comfort.

Always ask about overhead clearances if you have a particularly tall RV or if site photos show lots of mature trees.

Vehicle Parking Beyond Your RV

Think about all your vehicles when evaluating seasonal site sizes, not just your RV.

Tow Vehicle Placement

If you disconnect your tow vehicle from your RV, where will it park during your stay? Some sites include space for one vehicle right next to your RV. Others require vehicle parking in a separate overflow lot.

Parking in a distant lot means walking every single time you want to go somewhere. This gets annoying quickly, especially in bad weather.

Additional Vehicles

Do you have a second car for teenagers? A boat and trailer? An ATV? A motorcycle? All of these need parking space somewhere.

Most seasonal sites only include space for one vehicle beyond the RV. Additional vehicles may not fit on your site or may require extra fees for overflow parking.

Plan for every vehicle you will bring when evaluating site sizes and parking options.

Outdoor Living Space Is Part of Your Site

Your seasonal site is not just an RV parking spot. It is also your outdoor home for months.

What Needs to Fit

Think about all the outdoor items you plan to have at your site:

Camping chairs and folding tables. A fire pit or fire ring for campfires. A grill or outdoor cooking setup. Storage sheds or containers for gear. Kids' toys, bikes, and play equipment. Flower pots or small gardens. Decorations and string lights. Outdoor rugs and welcome mats.

All of these items require space beyond your actual RV footprint.

The Space Formula

A helpful rule of thumb is that comfortable seasonal sites should be at least 10 to 15 feet longer than your RV and at least 5 to 8 feet wider on each side.

If your RV measures 35 feet long and 12 feet wide with slides extended, look for sites measuring at least 45 to 50 feet long and 22 to 28 feet wide.

This extra space transforms your site from a parking spot into an actual comfortable outdoor living area.

Important Questions to Ask Campgrounds

When researching seasonal site sizes, ask these specific detailed questions:

What is the actual site length in feet? Do not accept vague answers. Get a specific number.

What is the site width in feet? Again, insist on specific measurements.

What is the maximum RV length for this specific site? Clarify whether this means RV only or total camping length.

Are there any overhead clearance restrictions? Ask about trees, wires, or structures that limit height.

Can slide-outs extend fully without obstacles? Confirm there are no trees, posts, or structures in the way.

Is there parking for one vehicle? Two vehicles? Understand exactly what vehicle parking is included.

Can I see photos of this specific site from multiple angles? Pictures reveal space realities that measurements sometimes miss.

What is the site surface material? Gravel, grass, dirt, and pavement affect leveling and setup differently.

The Value of In-Person Site Visits

If at all possible, visit the campground before booking to see potential seasonal sites with your own eyes.

What to Check During Visits

Drive your actual RV to the campground if you can. Position it at potential sites to see how it really fits. Look for obstacles like trees, rocks, utility posts, or uneven ground. Measure distances yourself if you brought a tape measure. Observe how neighboring seasonal campers have set up their sites.

Trust What You See

An in-person visit reveals things that no description, measurement, or photo can fully capture. That site that looked perfect online might have a massive oak tree exactly where your slide-out needs to go.

Seeing sites in person prevents costly booking mistakes that affect your entire season.

What If Your RV Barely Fits

Sometimes you fall in love with a campground, but available sites are right at your size limit. Should you book anyway or keep searching?

Advantages of Tight Fits

You get to camp at your preferred location. You might pay less compared to larger sites. You can probably make it work with careful positioning and planning.

Disadvantages of Tight Fits

You will have constant stress about space limitations. Your outdoor area will feel cramped and restricted. You will have no flexibility if you add equipment or upgrade your RV later. Every weekend you will wish you had just a bit more room.

Making the Call

If a site is within 6 to 12 inches of your maximum length, it will probably work but feel tight all season. If it is short by more than a foot, you will likely regret booking it.

Be brutally honest with yourself about how much space you truly need to be comfortable for an entire season.

Planning for Future RV Changes

If you think you might upgrade to a longer RV within the next few years, consider booking a slightly larger site now to accommodate future growth.

Switching seasonal sites mid-contract or between seasons is possible but inconvenient. Booking adequate space from the start provides flexibility for future changes.

How RV Size Affects Your Options

If you are shopping for both an RV and seasonal sites simultaneously, understand how RV size impacts your camping options.

Smaller RVs open up more site choices and typically cost less for seasonal camping. Larger RVs limit which sites you can book and usually increase seasonal costs, but they provide more comfortable interior living space.

Neither choice is inherently better. It depends on your priorities, budget, and camping style preferences.

If you are camping anywhere near Boston, MA, you will find that site sizes vary considerably between different campgrounds in the region.

Testing Sites Before Committing

If you are uncertain about whether a site size works for you, consider booking a few weekends with RV site rentals at different campgrounds before committing to a full seasonal contract.

This testing approach lets you experience various site sizes firsthand and learn what dimensions work best for your specific setup and preferences.

Make the Right Size Decision

Understanding seasonal site sizes and matching them properly to your RV length requirements is not the most glamorous part of planning your camping season. But getting it right makes an enormous difference in your overall comfort and happiness.

Take time to measure your RV accurately including all extensions and accessories. Ask detailed specific questions about site dimensions. Visit sites in person whenever possible. Choose sites with enough space for comfortable outdoor living, not just bare-minimum RV parking.

Starting your season in a properly sized site means months of relaxed, comfortable camping instead of constantly dealing with frustrating space limitations.

At Lamb City Campground in Phillipston, MA, we offer seasonal RV sites in various sizes to accommodate different RV lengths and camping setups. We are located at 85 Royalston Rd and we are happy to help you find a site that fits your specific RV dimensions and space needs perfectly.

Ready to find a seasonal site that is the right size for your RV? Contact us today to discuss your RV measurements and space requirements. We will help you identify sites that fit your setup comfortably with plenty of room for enjoyable outdoor living. Your perfectly sized seasonal site is waiting!