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Rating Guidelines

The Good Sam Review Teams use these guidelines.

Our Good Sam Triple Rating System can be a great help when looking for the perfect RV park or campground for your next trip. Each year, our highly trained Good Sam Review Teams personally inspect and rate private RV parks and campgrounds, assigning ratings in these categories:

  • Facilities
  • Restroom & showers
  • Visual appearance & environmental quality

Use these guidelines to see how our results compare with your findings!

Learn how to read the ratings

Campgrounds & RV parks

A full point should be awarded in a category only if the amenity is outstanding. If not best in each category, rate down ½ points.

Must have 5 points overall to qualify for Good Sam Campground affiliation.

0 points
Grass, dirt, pine needles, sand or gravel/dirt. Narrow, steep or hazardous. In poor condition (potholes, ruts, or tree roots.)
½ points
Gravel, stone, shell or highly compacted sand or all weather surface. Reasonably mud/dust free with good drainage and the surface is in good condition and/or less than 12' wide. 14' overhead clearance across the full width of the road.
1 point
Paved (asphalt, concrete, or chip seal) or all-weather roads professionally constructed with good drainage and the surface is in superior condition (very few potholes or cracks in surface pavement). That is dust/mud free. Roads have adequate maneuverability. Roads are a minimum 12' wide for one-way, or 18' for two-way. 14' overhead clearance across the full width of the road.
0 points
Self-service registration or part-time staff. Unsheltered outside pay window for office and registration, or no office exists. No registration procedure for off-hours.
½ points
Part-time staff with regular posted hours of business. Enclosed office in residence or sheltered outside pay window. Signage clearly directs where to register. Registration procedure for off-hours.
1 point
Separate business office with full time staff and regular posted hours of business. Signage clearly directs where to register. Registration procedures for off-hours.
0 points
Greater than 50% of sites not level. Undesignated or unidentifiable sites with no prepared surface. Poor site drainage that may create mud/dust buildup in adverse weather conditions.
½ points
Greater than 50% of sites are level and have easy access. Clearly designated or identifiable sites with a graded prepared surface of gravel, grass, dirt, shell, or all-weather surface in reasonable condition. Site drainage that is reasonably dust free of mud/dust buildup in adverse weather conditions.
1 point
100% of sites have easy access and 14' overhead clearance. Clearly designated or identifiable sites with paved (asphalt, concrete, or chip seal) or all-weather surface professionally constructed with good drainage and the surface is in good condition that is dust/mud free. Minimal leveling needed for RV.
0 points
Less than 50% of sites have water and electric hookups. Water, sewer or electric hookups are of sub-standard construction. Hookups are in poor condition. No dump station located in the park.
½ points
Greater than 50% of RV sites with 30 amp electric service and water hookups professionally constructed and in very good condition. Dump station located within the park is in good repair with faucet, hose, capped receptacle and surrounding catch basin or a waste disposal service (Honey Wagon).
1 point
Sites are served by underground utilities with all hookups professionally constructed and in superior condition. Minimum of 75% of sites have full hookups and remaining overnight and short term sites must have water and electric receptacles with 30 or 50 amp service. Minimum of 25% of all sites have 50 amps. All hookups are on driver's side or directly behind RV. A dump station with faucet, hose, capped receptacle and surrounding basin available within the park or a waste disposal service (Honey Wagon).
0 points
No Minors/No Majors
½ points
Two Items with a Minimum of One Major
½ points
Two Items with a Minimum of One Major
Bold Items = Major

Badminton, basketball, bicycle rentals, billiard room (min. 2 tables), boat marina, boat dock/ramp, boat rentals, bocce ball, bounce pillow, children's activities, driving range, exercise room (enclosed, min. 200 sq. ft. w/varied equipment), fishing, Frisbee golf, game room (enclosed, min. 200 sq. ft. w/varied equipment), golf, horseback riding, horseshoes, ladder ball, lawn bowling, lawn chess, mini-golf (non-professional construction), mini-golf (professionally constructed), nature trails, outdoor games (any 3 additional outdoor/lawn games w/equipment available for use by RVer = 1 major), paddle boats, pavilion (min. 200 sq. ft.), pedal carts, pickle ball, planned activities, playground, pool room (one table), putting green, rec hall (enclosed min. 500 sq. ft.), sauna, shuffleboard court, shuffleboard courts (2 or more), softball, splash pad, tennis, things to see and do nearby, tourist attraction (owned by and adjacent to park), volleyball, wading pool, water slide, water umbrella, whirlpool (spa or hot tub).
0 points
Poorly maintained swimming pool or designated swimming area.
½ points
Well-maintained above ground pool or designated, well-maintained beach area on lake, river or ocean.
1 point
Well maintained in-ground swimming pool. Fence and concrete around pool in excellent condition.
0 points
Park not enclosed. No daytime staff. No public or private phone available for emergency use.
½ points
Park partially enclosed by a man-made or natural boundary with part-time or daytime staff on site. Lighted office area. Emergency phone available but not posted.
1 point
Park fully enclosed by a man made or natural boundary and must have either a controlled access gate or staff present 24/7. Emergency phone or night staff location is posted at the office and/or in park brochure. The area around the office, restrooms and laundry are well lighted.
0 points
Outside location or laundry equipment located inside only one restroom. Area and washers/dryers are not clean and/or not operational. Washers/Dryers have excessively worn appearance. Only 1 washer and 1 dryer for the entire park.
½ points
Machines operational but require some minor cleaning and/or maintenance. Minimum of 2 washers and 2 dryers (25 sites or less OK for 1 washer/1 dryer). Excessively worn appearance. Area needs some minor cleaning or attention. Semi-enclosed location or incomplete interior construction.
1 point
Commercial quality washers/dryers clean and all are operational, in superior condition with very little wear and tear with a minimum of 2 washers and 2 dryers. Fully enclosed clean facility, finished interior construction with vinyl, tiled or concrete floors and painted or tiled walls in exceptional condition. Must have a folding table and a hanging rack (or hooks).
0 points
No Minors/No Majors
½ points
Two Items with a Minimum of One Major
1 point
Four Items with a Minimum of Two Majors
Bold Items = Major

Arrange appointments (e.g. for doctor, salon, pet grooming, restaurant reservations, RV repair, tour show tickets, veterinarian, other________), ATM Machine, boat storage, BBQ at site, car rentals, cable/TV service (25+ channels), cable/TV service (less than 25 channels), church services (in season), cocktail lounge, complimentary breakfast (daily), dog run (fenced), dog park, DVD rentals, entertainment, fax/copy service, fire rings, firewood, fishing guides, fishing license, fishing supplies, golf cart rentals, groceries, guest services (minimum of 3 to list), horse corral, ice, library/book exchange, LP bottles only, LP gas (metered), mail delivery, newspaper available, Onsite RV Service, patios, personal escort to site, pet boarding, pet grooming, public phone available 24/7, rental units, restaurant, RV storage (secured), RV storage (unsecured), RV supplies, RV wash (self-service at site), shuttle service, snack bar, Staffed RV wash (on site), spa services, table at site, trash pickup at site (daily).
0 points
If any one or more of the following conditions apply: Internet access is available from less than 25% of overnight RV sites. Internet access is not available at the office.
½ points
If any one or more of the following conditions apply: Internet access is available from more than 25% but less than 50% of overnight RV sites. Internet access is available via designated Wi-Fi hot spot(s) within the park. Internet access is available from 2 or more central modem hook-ups (DSL or Phone line) within the park.
1 point
Internet access is available from at least 50% of overnight RV sites.

Restrooms & showers

A full point should be awarded in a category only if the amenity is outstanding. If not best in each category, rate down ½ points.

Must have 1 point in 4 out of 5 of these areas, and 7 points total to qualify for Good Sam Campground affiliation.

Cleanliness
0 points
Cleaning required on interior/exterior surfaces and/or exterior pedestals on all or most toilets. Or multiple toilet seats cracked or missing.
½ points
Clean interior and most or all toilets are fully operational. Cleaning is required on some interior/exterior surfaces and/or exterior pedestals. No cracked or missing toilet seats.
1 point
Clean interior/exterior surfaces and/or exterior pedestals and all are fully operational. No cracked or missing toilet seats.
0 points
Showers have unacceptable amount of dirt, mildew, or soap buildup on floors, walls, shower curtains or around drains. Shower floor mats have unacceptable dirt or grime underneath them.
½ points
Showers have some dirt, mildew or soap buildup on floors, walls, shower curtains or around drains. Shower floor mats have some dirt or grime underneath them.
1 point
All showers are clean and free of dirt, mildew and soap buildup on floors, walls, shower curtains and around drains. Shower floor mats have no dirt or grime underneath them.
0 points
Floors have unacceptable amount of dirt, mildew, litter or insects.
½ points
Floors have some dirt, mildew, litter or insects.
1 point
Floors clean and free of dirt, mildew, litter and insects.
0 points
Unacceptable amount of dirt, mildew, insects or webs on walls, ceilings, light fixtures, vents, dividers or window sills.
½ points
Have some dirt, mildew, insects or webs on walls, ceilings, light fixtures, vents, dividers, window sills or doors.
1 point
Clean and free of mildew, insects and webs on walls, ceilings, light fixtures, vents, dividers, window sills and doors.
0 points
Unacceptable amount of dirt, mildew, or soap buildup on sinks, counters, hardware or mirrors.
½ points
Have some dirt, mildew or soap buildup on sinks, counters or hardware. Mirrors require cleaning.
1 point
Clean and free of dirt, mildew and soap buildup. Clean mirrors.
Physical characteristics
0 points
No doors/curtains on toilet or shower stalls. Dividers between toilets, showers or dressing rooms are curtains or an unpainted porous surface. Incomplete construction on interior walls or ceilings. Nonprofessional utility installation. Cold water only in showers or sinks. Semi-enclosed restrooms or not fully enclosed.
½ points
Partially enclosed restrooms. Privacy in toilets and shower areas. Toilet stalls have lockable doors. No dressing rooms. Painted partitions for shower walls. Dividers between toilets and dressing rooms have a solid, water resistant surface. Concrete block, plaster, painted, wallpapered, or marlite-type walls. Floors are concrete (bare, painted or un-sealed stain) or carpeted. Counters or shelves for toiletries are unpainted, or no counters or shelves for toiletries. Professional utility installation. Hot water in sinks and showers.
1 point
Hardware, fixtures & construction of professional quality. Fully enclosed restrooms. Privacy in toilets, showers & dressing rooms with clothes hooks and seating and toilet stall doors must be solid material and lockable. Adequate electrical outlets conveniently located. Hot water in sinks and showers.

Floors: Surface of ceramic tile (no missing tile or grout) or vinyl floor covering, or epoxy painted or sealed concrete.

Walls: Surface of ceramic tile (no missing tiles orgrout) Formica-type, fiberglass, cultured marble (minimum 3' high for all).

Showers: Surface of ceramic tile (no missing tiles or grout), Formica-type, fiberglass, cultured marble, stainless steel. No exposed plumbing.

Counters, shelves for toiletries: Surface of ceramic tile (no missing tile or grout), Formica-type, cultured marble, Corian, stainless steel, glass or shelac wood.
0 points
No venting or odor is noticeable. No paper products or trash disposal.
½ points
Minimum open air venting that is sufficient to keep room odor free, or no access to switch for power venting. Toilet paper available, but no hand drying materials available. Free of trash with adequate trash disposal containers.
1 point
Power exhaust fans or AC run continuously during peak hours (6am-10pm) or they are available on demand (switch or motion sensor only). Odor free. Toilet paper and hand drying materials available and are in proper supply. Free of trash with clean and adequate trash disposal containers.
Parks with less than 100% hookups
0 points
One toilet & one shower for entire park.
½ points
Minimum of 2 showers & 2 toilets each for men & women (or 2 showers, 1 toilet & 1 urinal for men).
1 point
Minimum of 3 showers & 3 toilets each for men & women (or 3 showers, 2 toilets & 1 urinal for men).
Parks with 100% hookups
0 points
One toilet & one shower for entire park.
½ points
Minimum of 1 shower & 1 toilet each for men & women.
1 point
Minimum of 2 showers & 2 toilets each for men & women (or 2 showers, 1 toilet & 1 urinal for men).
0 points
Non-professional construction. Building exterior, doorways and windows require major repair or painting or needs web removal or cleaning or roof and gutters require major repair. Walkways around buildings are unsafe and require major repair.
½ points
Semi-professionally construction. Building exterior, doorways and windows require some cleaning or web removal or painting or minor repair. Roof and gutters require some minor repair. Walkways around buildings safe but require some minor repair.
1 point
Professional construction (skirting required if off ground). Building exterior is well maintained including doorways and windows, clean in appearance, free of webs and in good repair. No repairs required to roof or gutters. Walkways around buildings, safe and no repair required.
0 points
Needs remodeling or overall repair. Excessive hard water deposits, pitting, rusting, chipping or cracking of dividers, hardware, vents, sinks or toilets. Floor surface in poor condition with excessive cracks, missing tiles or chips. Excessive graffiti. Poor lighting throughout the restroom. No lighting in shower stalls.
½ points
Adequate appearance but has some hard water deposits, pitting, rusting, chipping or cracking of vents, dividers, hardware, sinks or toilets. Floor surface in fair condition with some cracks, missing tiles or chips. Some minor graffiti throughout the restroom and shower stalls.
1 point
Superior appearance with no hard water deposits, pitting, rusting, chipping or cracking of vents, dividers, hardware, sinks or toilets. Floor surface in superior condition without cracks, missing tiles or chips. No graffiti. Well lighted throughout the restroom and shower stalls.

Visual appearance & environmental quality

A full point should be awarded in a category only if the amenity is outstanding. If not best in each category, rate down ½ points.

Must have 5 points overall to qualify for Good Sam Campground affiliation.

0 points
Entrance is difficult to see. Access into or out of the park is dangerous. No sign or sign difficult to identify, poorly maintained or difficult to read. Not illuminated and not readable at night.
½ points
Entrance is clearly visible with safe access into and out of park. Sign that is well-maintained, easily seen and read from distance and at night, illuminated by street lights or reflective material.
1 point
Entrance is clearly visible with safe wide easy access in and out of park. Well maintained professional quality sign that is easily seen and read from distance and is illuminated with flood lights or back lights.
0 points
Park entrance is not landscaped, or landscaping is minimal and/or poorly maintained with excessive litter or roadside debris is present.
½ points
Park entrance is reasonably landscaped with a ground cover (grass, decorative rock or bark) plus one of the following: trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, or ornamental vegetation appropriate to climate, free of most litter and/or roadside debris and well-maintained.
1 point
Park entrance has an invitingly landscaped appearance with a ground cover (grass, decorative rock or bark). Plus at least two of the following: trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, or ornamental vegeta-tion appropriate to climate, free of litter and roadside debris and carefully manicured.
0 points
Common areas (non-campsite) of park sporadically landscaped or poorly landscaped. Not maintained or overgrown with weeds or other vegetation.
½ points
Landscaping of common areas (non-campsite) is consistent throughout the park, includes a ground cover (grass, gravel, decorative rock or bark), and a limited quantity of trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, or ornamental vegetation appropriate to climate. Landscaping is well-maintained (grass mowed, leaves raked, trees trimmed).
1 point
Landscaping of common areas (non-campsite) is consistent throughout the park, includes a ground cover (grass, gravel, decorative rock or bark), and a significant quantity of trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, or ornamental vegetation appropriate to climate. Landscaping is carefully manicured (trees and plants trimmed and pruned, grass is mowed, edged and weeded, leaves raked; no grass, weeds or ground cover growing or creeping onto RV parking area).
0 points
Sites not landscaped or poorly or minimally landscaped, or unmaintained (overgrown with weeds or other vegetation).
½ points
Site landscaping is consistent throughout the park in all overnight-type sites. Landscaping is regularly scheduled and maintained (grass mowed or between regular cuttings, leaves raked, trees trimmed). And includes a ground cover (grass, gravel, pavement, decorative rock or bark) plus one of the following: trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, privacy screens, or ornamental vegetation appropriate to climate.
1 point
Site landscaping is consistent throughout the park in all overnight-type sites and includes a ground cover (grass, gravel, pavement, decorative rock or bark) and at least two of the following: trees, shrubs, flowers, landscaping timbers, privacy screens, ornamental vegetation appropriate to climate, patio, table or fire pit (all in good condition). Landscaping shows evidence of constant maintenance and is carefully manicured (trees and plants trimmed and pruned, grass is mowed, edged and weeded, leaves raked; no grass, weeds or ground cover growing or creeping onto RV sites).
0 points
Park grounds area around buildings and/or sites (including fire pits) are littered with refuse, clutter, or debris. Seasonal or long term sites are in view of overnight sites and have an unacceptable amount of refuse, clutter & debris.
½ points
Park grounds area around buildings and/or sites (including fire pits) are reasonably free of refuse, clutter, or debris. Seasonal or long term sites are in view of overnight sites are reasonably free of refuse, clutter & debris.
1 point
Park grounds area around buildings and/or sites (including fire pits) and RVs are free of all refuse, clutter and debris. Seasonal or long term sites are in view of overnight sites are free of refuse, clutter & debris.
0 points
Buildings including doorways and windows require major repair or painting or web removal or cleaning or maintenance. Roof and gutters require major repair. Walkways around buildings are unsafe and require major repair.
½ points
Some or all buildings including doorways and windows require some cleaning or web removal or painting or minor repair. Roof and gutters require some minor repair. Walkways around buildings safe but require some minor repair.
1 point
All buildings including doorways and windows, clean in appearance, free of webs and in good repair. No repair required to roof or gutters. Walkways around buildings, safe and no repair required.
0 points
No trash receptacles or trash receptacles overflowing. Receptacles not regularly emptied.
½ points
Trash receptacles of ample capacity, well maintained, regularly emptied, located more than 500' from 50% of overnight sites.
1 point
Trash pickup at site daily and/or receptacles of ample capacity, well-maintained, regularly emptied, located less than 500' from 50% of overnight sites.
0 points
Park is located in flight path of nearby major airport or active military airstrip. It borders an active railroad track, interstate or heavily traveled major highway or industrial or commercial area which results in frequent, major noise pollution.
½ points
Park is close enough to the following: airport, active railroad track, interstate or heavily traveled major highway or industrial or commercial area which results in occasional, moderate noise pollution.
1 point
Park is distant enough from the following: airport, active railroad tracks, interstate or other heavily traveled major highways, industrial or commercial areas which results in minimal noise pollution. People are able to converse in a normal tone of voice.
0 points
Park and sites have no natural or man-made visual barrier that shield park from commercial, industrial, or residential surroundings on all four sides and is a major detraction from the parks setting.
½ points
Park and sites are shielded from commercial, industrial or residential surroundings by a manmade or natural visual barrier on at least two sides and has some impact on the parks setting.
1 point
Park and sites are shielded from commercial or industrial or residential surroundings by a manmade or natural visual barrier on all four sides and does not detract the parks setting.
0 points
Greater than 50% of sites have side-by-side hookups. Sites measure less than 20 feet between RV parking space from pedestal to pedestal, perpendicular to the site. Entry and exit into and from the site is difficult with some obstacles such as rocks or trees.
½ points
Less than 50% of sites have side-by-side hookups. Distance between the majorities of parking space from pedestal line to pedestal line, perpendicular to the site is a minimum of 20 feet. Entry and exit into and from the site allows easy access but with some obstacles such as rocks or trees.
1 point
There are no side-by-side hookups. All sites measure 30 feet or greater between parking space from pedestal to pedestal, perpendicular to the site. Entry and exit into and from the site allows easy access with minimum obstacles such as rocks or trees.