The Crucial RV Park Amenity That Almost Never Works As Advertised

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It seems a constant of nature that RV resort Wi-Fi is terrible. Picture this: You've spent the day on the road, and all you want to do is curl up with a show and a snack. But, as the page loading spinner rotates on an endless loop, you quickly realize that the RVing gods have something else in store.  

Although there's no one reason why Netflix or your email won't load, poor internet performance at RV parks is frequently caused by a combination of factors. First, the internet will slow down if too many users join the Wi-Fi network. It's like rush hour in a big city; think of the Wi-Fi network as Los Angeles, and the users are all the commuters trying to get home on the 5 (especially fitting, considering I-5 was named America's busiest highway). In any case, you'll likely encounter fewer Wi-Fi issues when people are out and about or otherwise not using the internet. 

Another reason why your page might not load is that your site is too far away from the router. As a general rule, the closer you are to the router, the stronger the signal will be. You'll often find a strong Wi-Fi connection near the host's site or the main office. Lastly, RVs are made from metals designed to protect you from the hazards of the road. However, these materials also block electromagnetic waves, which can lead to slow internet speeds and connection disruptions. 

To ensure you stay connected during your trip, you'll want to start by figuring out the Wi-Fi situation before arriving at the RV resort. Never assume the Wi-Fi is speedy or reliable just because the resort's website describes it as "lightning fast." If you depend on Wi-Fi for work or other critical tasks, there are a few places to check. First, go to the RV resort's Google reviews and search for terms like "Wi-Fi," "wifi," or "internet." Oftentimes, guests are quick to mention bad Wi-Fi, giving you an idea of what to expect. Reviews on Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Reddit are also good places to look.

When in doubt, you can also call the RV resort and ask which spots are closest to the Wi-Fi router. This is also a good time to ask about the internet speeds. If the resort purchased an internet package with exceptionally low speeds, it likely won't matter which spot you choose.

If the Wi-Fi doesn't look good, plan on using your cellular network. Check out campground comparison sites that allow users to rate cellular data strength. For example, on Campedium, under the "cell service" tab on the campground pages, you can find information about cellular network strengths even at lesser-known RV destinations across America. For example, at Atlatl Rock Campground, in Nevada's vibrantly colored Valley of Fire State Park, campers have reported two bars of Verizon 4G/5G, while there's only one bar of T-Mobile 4G and AT&T 4G/5G. Also, consider investing in a cell phone signal booster, such as the SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV, which is designed for mobile homes.