When camping with family and friends, sometimes it’s best to pick a campground that can put you right next to each other, or better yet, a campground that puts you in the same site. If you want to be close to who you’re going on a trip with, you’ll want to consider something called a double campsite.
What is a double campsite?
A double campsite is a campsite that can house more than two tents, two RVs or two Travel Trailers, or whatever it is you use while camping. A double campsite is intended for families or friends to be able to camp near each other and share the facilities provided. A double campsite is perfect for campers that will need more space than a traditional campsite can provide, for sites where you would like to divide the shelter from food areas or if you have more tents than you can fit into a standard site.
So, if you’re looking for a campground that’s perfect for your next family or friend getaway, you could check if the campground provides these double campsites, so you can all be in close proximity with each other.
This post will go over what to consider when picking a double campsite, why you might choose a double campsite over two separate ones, and what the pros and cons of each option are.
Clickable Table Of Contents
A Double Campsite Offers More Room
Be sure to check on the campsite map, but your campground should provide you with the information for the number of people allowed in the double campsite. For instance, some campsites have room for two tents, but the space might not be big enough for the type of tent you have.
A typical campsite tent size is about 10 by 12 feet, though it varies per campground. Make sure your tent will fit–and you can be positive by calling the campground before making your trip.
You can find this information based on the max amount of people allowed in the campsite. Signs in front of each campsite will tell you the number of people allowed, as well as if the campsite is functional for people with disabilities.
Another way a double campsite might offer more room is in its driveway. The sign for the campsite should also tell you how many cars will fit, but generally, with a double campsite the driveway will be bigger. If you are planning to camp with campers or trailers, driveway length is something to consider.
The sign will tell you how long the driveway is–usually in feet–and will also let you know if you should back in or if you can pull in normally. These are all good details to know for you and your friends or family before you all try to take up one double campsite!
Also, a double campsite is simply more open. So not only is there more room for tents, but there is more room for you and your party, too.
Double Campsite Facilities
Most double campsites are big enough for two tents, but they typically share at least a fire pit. And, if the campsite has electricity, grills, or running water, it will most likely be the same situation.
You’ll have shared access to these different facilities, and you’ll be able to know if your campsite is equipped with these functions based on the camp signs. Since you’ll most likely be with friends or family, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue and will allow for more quality time.
Depending on the campground, bathrooms are usually spread all over, so this shouldn’t change too much if you get a double campsite. Still, you’ll be able to look at a camp map and hopefully pick a double site close to the bathroom for easy group convenience.
So, even though the name “double campsite” makes it sound like you might get double of everything, that’s not exactly true. The campsite will just be more open for your group to hang out and have fun together around your shared campfire.
We have a great article on comfort stations that you should check out – What is a comfort station at a campground? ( video and photos )
Double Campsite Costs
Each campground is different, but you’ll generally see a bit of a raised cost if you want to use a double campsite. Since you’re sharing facilities, however, the price raise shouldn’t be too much–just enough to cover that extra space.
When it comes to splitting the cost between groups, that will most likely be an individual decision. Some campgrounds may give you the option of split cost, but most likely one group will cover the charge, and the other group can pay back afterwards.
Most often, user fees are also added to the cost, so be sure to consider this when splitting the bill! The campground will let you know all these costs, so you shouldn’t be thrown off guard when booking.
Booking Double Campsites
Depending on the campsite, you will probably want to book a double campsite earlier–at least a week early–than if you did with a single site. Double campsites tend to fill up faster than singles, simply because it’s fun to be with friends and family, so you will want to plan ahead.
And again, it’s always smart to check the camp map before booking. Have a couple of options in mind in case certain sites are already booked, but be sure to pick the right place for you. Consider the nature around you–maybe you want to be right by a river, and maybe you want to be as far away as possible. Booking earlier will give you more options.
Double Campsites vs. Single Campsites
Technically, you’ll be able to do all that you want with two single campsites right next to each other, so if a double campsite is all booked up, you might be fine with two single sites. Below, you’ll find a list of pros and cons that could be helpful when making this decision:
Pros of a double campsite:
- The proximity to your group can make for a more cohesive environment
- The driveway has the potential to be much longer, making room for more cars
- The driveway being longer also presents a more private atmosphere
- The campsite will be a more open space
- There is often more space between your campsite and the neighboring campsite
Cons of a double campsite:
- There are fewer facilities, so when it comes to cooking and cleaning, it might be more cramped than you’re used to
- Since the driveway puts you further into nature, you might also be further from the bathroom if there is one available
- A longer driveway isn’t a guarantee, so if there isn’t one, parking can be difficult
- Depending on the campground, the number of tables provided could make it so you might not have enough room to sit if anyone forgets camp chairs
It’s, of course, up to you if the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. It’s important to think through all the little details even if you’re camping for only one night! To continue with the pros and cons, let’s talk about two single adjacent campsites.
Pros of two single campsites:
- You have your own space while still being able to move back and forth between you and your friend’s or family’s campsites
- You have your own facilities, in case a larger meal is required–and you could still share after everything is cooked!
- There would be room for all cars, especially if the double campsite doesn’t have a long driveway
- You could have more privacy at night, possibly avoiding any weird sleeping habits other campers may have!
- If the campground provides tables, having two tables for a larger group is always helpful.
Cons of two single campsites:
- You might feel a separation you weren’t planning on when you decided to go on a trip with friends or family
- Booking might be a little harder, as two campsites right next to each other might not always be available
- Having your own facilities might actually make you spend less time together than you thought, even though it might be convenient to have more space for cooking, cleaning, etc.
- You might have to pay more for two singles instead of one double, but this, of course, completely depends on the campsite.
There is no right answer; it all boils down to preference! The lists should help you figure out which option seems best for you and your party.
In any case, you always have the option to call ahead and ask about the different types of campsites. As you can see from the lists, a lot of the pros and cons really depend on what each individual campground has to offer.
So, you’ll get the best information from asking the campground directly. The camp owners or rangers will be able to give you the information about campsites you’re interested in, as well as the individual information about pricing, parking, and facilities.
You can also get a lot of information about individual campsites online, though in my experience, it’s usually more helpful to just call. And if you need any help decoding campground symbols (mentioned above in this post), you can find that information here.
Overall, a double campsite offers a space for you and your friends or family to come together–to enjoy the world away from work and school and technology and closed spaces. And not only that, but it allows you a space to come together and enjoy each other.
More campsite class articles you will want to read.
What Is A RV Pull Thru Campsite? ( We explain plus pros and cons )
What is a class D campsite? ( We have the answer for you )
What Are Standard and Premium Campsites ( What’s the difference? )
Hike In Campsite (What is it, What To Pack, Shelter Types)
