Don't Fall Prey to These Common RV Camping Scams

Apr 2

Written By Mandy

RV camping is a wonderful way to explore new places, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of unsuspecting RV campers, and there are several common scams that you should be aware of. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common RV camping scams and how you can avoid them.

Fake Campground Reservations

One of the most common RV camping scams is fake campground reservations. Scammers set up fake websites or social media pages and offer campground reservations at a discounted rate. They'll take your money and disappear, leaving you without a reservation and out of pocket.

To avoid this scam, only make reservations through reputable websites or directly through the campground. If you find a deal that seems too good to be true, do some research and make sure the website or social media page is legitimate before booking.

Overpriced Firewood

Another common RV camping scam is overpriced firewood. Some campground owners or attendants will charge exorbitant prices for firewood, knowing that campers are likely to need it to cook meals or stay warm. This is especially common in remote areas where firewood is scarce.

To avoid this scam, bring your own firewood or purchase it from a reputable source before arriving at the campground. You can also check the campground's online reviews to see if there are any complaints about overpriced firewood.

Fake RV Repairs

Another common RV camping scam is fake RV repairs. Scammers will approach RV campers and offer to fix something on their RV for a low price. They'll take your money and disappear, leaving your RV in worse condition than before.

To avoid this scam, only get repairs done by reputable RV repair shops or dealerships. If someone approaches you offering to do repairs, politely decline and seek out a professional.

Fake RV Parks

Another common RV camping scam is fake RV parks. Scammers will set up fake RV parks on private property and advertise them as legitimate campgrounds. They'll take your money and disappear, leaving you without a place to stay.

To avoid this scam, only stay at legitimate RV parks or campgrounds. Check reviews and do research before booking a reservation to ensure that the campground is legitimate.

Stolen RVs

Another common RV camping scam is stolen RVs. Scammers will steal RVs and then offer them for sale at a low price. They'll take your money and disappear, leaving you with a stolen RV and no legal recourse.

To avoid this scam, only purchase RVs from reputable dealerships or private sellers with a proven track record. If you're buying from a private seller, be sure to do your due diligence and check the RV's VIN number to make sure it's not stolen.

Wi-Fi Scams

Another common RV camping scam is Wi-Fi scams. Scammers will set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots at campgrounds and offer them for free or at a low price. They'll then use the Wi-Fi network to steal personal information or install malware on your device.

To avoid this scam, only connect to Wi-Fi networks that are provided by the campground or a reputable internet service provider. Be wary of any Wi-Fi networks that don't require a password or seem too good to be true.

Gas Station Scams

Another common RV camping scam are gas station scams. Scammers will approach RV campers at gas stations and offer to pump their gas or clean their windshields for a fee. They'll then take your money and disappear without providing any services.

To avoid this scam, only get gas from reputable gas stations with a good reputation. If someone approaches you offering to pump your gas or clean your windshield, politely decline and seek out a legitimate gas station attendant.

Fake Emergency Services

Another common RV camping scam is fake emergency services. Scammers will pose as emergency service personnel and offer to help RV campers with a flat tire, dead battery, or other issues. They'll then take your money and disappear without providing any real assistance.

To avoid this scam, only get emergency services from legitimate providers, such as roadside assistance or a reputable RV repair shop. If someone approaches you offering emergency services, ask for identification and verify their credentials before agreeing to anything.

Fake Discounts

Another common RV camping scam is fake discounts. Scammers will offer discounts on campground fees, RV repairs, or other services, but then charge hidden fees or inflate prices to make up for the discount.

To avoid this scam, always read the fine print and do your research before accepting any discounts. Make sure there are no hidden fees or catchphrases that could leave you with a bigger bill than expected.

Phishing Scams

Another common RV camping scam is phishing scams. Scammers will send emails or text messages posing as a legitimate campground or RV park, asking for personal information such as your credit card number or Social Security number. They'll then use this information to steal your identity or money.

To avoid this scam, never provide personal information over email or text message. If you receive a suspicious message, contact the campground or RV park directly to verify its authenticity.

Sadly, there are several common RV camping scams that you should be aware of. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can avoid falling prey to these scams and enjoy a safe and memorable RV camping experience. Remember to only make reservations through reputable websites or directly through the campground, bring your own firewood or purchase it from a reputable source, only get repairs done by reputable RV repair shops or dealerships, only stay at legitimate RV parks or campgrounds, only purchase RVs from reputable dealerships or private sellers with a proven track record, only connect to Wi-Fi networks that are provided by the campground or a reputable internet service provider, only get gas from reputable gas stations with a good reputation, only get emergency services from legitimate providers, always read the fine print and do your research before accepting any discounts, and never provide personal information over email or text message. Happy RV camping!