So you’re thinking about caravanning?

If you aren’t a regular caravanner the whole experience can be daunting – weird even.

First things first, remember there’s a big difference between a caravan park and a trailer park in America’s deep south.

In Australia, most parks are filled with families and people just getting away from the rat race, while others are aimed at tired travellers looking for anywhere to sleep.

Before you hit the road, here are a few things you should know:

Site types

If you are one for sleeping under the stars, nearly all parks have a spot for camping.

Some will be a bit uptight and only let you set up in designated areas, others have a more cruisy vibe and will let you more or less choose where you set up.

For anyone wanting a real outback (or cheaper!) experience many caravan parks have unpowered sites. But, if you need your phone at full tilt, at all times, then you probably need a powered site.

If you are looking for a few more creature comforts then onsite vans and cabins are the go. You will be spending a bit more cash but you’ll get a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms, but don’t expect the kitchen to be worthy of the likes of Gordon Ramsay.

Caravan park amenities – bring your change

You might think of caravanning or camping as “roughing it”, but it’s not really. Camping areas usually have public toilets, bathrooms and even coin operated laundry facilities.

Hot showers may also be coin operated, but the cold ones are free if you are game!

A communal undercover camp kitchen and barbecue is common and good for a sing-a-long if you are game. They are perfect for backpackers without cooking equipment as well as large groups wishing to cook and eat together cheaply.

Bring your bathers because now some caravan parks even have swimming pools. Others have really upgraded by providing jumping castles and full children’s playgrounds – That ought to keep the kids happy!

Has all of this got you thinking about your next adventure? Start your search for your ideal caravan park here.