WiFi Update (02/06): We've published a number of articles on this topic, each of which reports on developments of how high speed internet is being adapted for use in RV parks. The earlier articles provide a chronicle of these events as they were unfolding. However we now see a need for providing updated information that supercedes all of our previous articles.

Some Thoughts About Directory Listings: Without question many RVer choices about which park to select are made with reference to one of the major print directories -- often at the last minute. Listings contain crucial bits of information, some beyond the control of the park owner. However a carefully considered separate ad can provide some key information the listing won't show, and highlight some features of your park that are likely to be missed by readers.

Building an RV Park: We often get inquiries from those contemplating building a new RV park, asking our views on some aspect of the process. Rather than respond piecemeal to these inquiries, we've compiled a list of considerations we think are appropriate to this process. Each person's situation will of course be different, and the engagement of an expert consultant will be the best insurance available.

Changing Demographics of RVers: We've been observing major changes among the RV population the past few years, and recently we came upon an article that translates that trend into the implications for those that might contemplate building a new RV park, or renovating an existing park. These are trends that no park owner can afford to neglect.

Wireless Internet -- for Free? We interview Rich and Barbara Stockwell, who designed, built, and operate Fidalgo Bay RV Park in Anacortes, WA. This park appears to be the first park in the country to build its own Wi Fi service, and offer it to its RV guests free of charge. Business is booming. We think other park owners will find this interview of value.

New Game in Town: In our continuing coverage of wireless developments, we take a look at this new technology, and compare it with the early days of "Modem Friendly". We think the analogies are instructive!

Contract Considerations -- Wireless: Only an attorney familiar with each park's specific interests and concerns can advise on the specifics of a contract with a wireless service provider. However we think there are some business considerations that the parks may want to consider if and as they decide to offer in-park wireless internet services.

Wireless Update: With the continuing evolution of more competing products, we offer our evaluation of what park owners should be considering when dealing with the proliferation of wireless options. We think the choices park owners will make on this issue are critical -- and we explain why.

The Coming Craze: In-Park Wireless Internet Access: [Note: These were our first articles on this subject, but still contain important information.] Are you ready for this? High speed wireless internet connections are coming to a park near me -- and when it arrives, that's the park I'm heading for. Along with untold thousands of other RVers who will follow. Are you familiar with the new technology? Are you making plans to be part of the new generation technology? We think required reading for park owners is in three of our articles -- and in this order. The first takes a broad look at what the technology is. The second offers a first hand look at how it works in a park that already has it in use. This one offers as well what we think is critical guidance to park owners contemplating going "wireless". And finally, for a technical explanation of all this, check out Leo Everitt's excellent explanation of how it works. Just remember -- you saw it here first!

Geocaching: Want to make your guests find your park and stay a few days longer? Introduce them to "geocaching": -- a fun new techno-sport ideal for RVers everywhere. If you don't know what we're talking about, go read our article that explains the basics. Then print a copy and post it for your RV guests. But be sure to go to the geocaching website (see article), key in your zipcode, and print out the long list of caches that are surely within an easy drive of your park or campground.

Building an RV Park: We get lots of queries from those interested in building a new RV park, or purchasing and upgrading an older one. While we're not experts in these fields, we do have opinions. This article provides information we think would be of interest. Our bottom line is we believe some independent, outside help will often prove to be a very wise investment.

Campground Etiquette: We've published a draft list of reader recommendations for a class we give in "Campground Courtesy". We found the list of reader suggestions very close to our own personal recommendations. We were also pleased to see our readers showed a keen interest in both contributing items and in learning what guidance other RVers would have to offer. We think you'll find the list informative. Your guests may too, so please feel free to post or share it...

Park Owners Rate RVer Concerns: Our regular park owner readers are familiar with surveys we've done concerning RVer attitudes and opinions, including what they're looking for when selecting an RV park. Since we've done some presentations at the ARVC Annual Meeting the past couple of years, we've had a captive audience of you -- the park owners. We took advantage of this by passing out a survey form concerning park owner issues and concerns about RVers. We got our 15 questions from you (park owners); and we tabulated the results of around 100 fully completed responses that we received. This article summarizes what you told us -- the things that most and least concern you. Take a look and see if your concerns are reflected in these survey results.

Wal Mart Issue: This one is often a contentious issue, and we express our views in an editorial on this topic. We think many park owners see this as a much bigger issue than it really is, and we offer our comments and suggestions on how to defuse the situation.

Campground Courtesy: We know you appreciate the way most RVers conduct themselves in your parks. There's a lot of signage about "do this...." or "don't do that....". Much of this is part of the unwritten code of RV Campground Courtesy, and Mel Chaney has posted an interesting editorial on this subject. We trust you will find this one of interest.

What Subliminal Messages are You Sending? Many park owners and managers work extremely hard to ensure their parks are shipshape, and make a positive "visual statement". But there are other messages, more subtle in nature, which may not be sending the message you've intended...

RVers' Tips: Here we list suggestions, recommendations, and comments calculated to communicate in a positive way RVers' preferences when selecting an RV park. We've asked our RV readers to send along their recommendations as well.

What Makes a Good RV Park? Here's an article that takes an RVer's perspective on what things make an RVer want to select and come back to an RV park (Updated in 2002).

Consulting Services for RV Park Owners, and those interested in building or buying an RV Park: While we typically do not link to commercial sites, we frequently have inquiries from park owners and others interested in building an RV park wanting to know where they can get professional assistance. Rich and Barbara Stockwell have provided assistance to many of our readers in the past; and recently established their own consulting business. We believe they well qualified in park design and management issues, including technical matters such as computer reservation systems and website design. As founders and managers of a highly related RV resort, we believe their services may be of interest to some of our readers. They've agreed to provide preliminary and threshold guidance to our readers who contact them, identifying themselves as participants at RVers Online. We think this is a logical starting point for anyone interested in improving management systems, park design and/or redesign, and technical issues including in-house reservation systems and website design.

Finally, if you'd like to let us know who you are via email, drop us a note. Our readers have expressed an interest in knowing which RV parks are actually online and participants in our growing non-commercial dialogue here. These are the same parks that typically understand and provide for the online needs of our readers when they're on the road. We think you'll find many of them will reciprocate with their patronage.