If you’ve stayed at many commercial campgrounds, you probably know pull-through RV sites are usually more expensive than back-in sites. But sometimes, a pull-through can be worth every extra penny you’ll pay for it. In this post, we’re comparing back-in and pull-through RV sites, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Understanding Pull-Through RV Sites
Let’s start with the differences between back-in and pull-through RV sites, the pros and cons of each, and how the two compare.
Definition of a Back-In RV Site
As the name implies, a back-in site requires you to back your rig into the campsite so that the front of your rig is facing out towards the road. Regardless of the type of RV you drive — a smaller Class B or Class B Plus, a larger Class A, or a travel trailer or 5th wheel, you’ll need to be able to maneuver it in reverse, even in tight spaces.
Definition of Pull-Through RV Sites
Pull-through sites allow you to pull straight ahead into the site, entering from one end and exiting the other. In other words, you’ll drive the RV straight into the campsite when you arrive. When leaving, you’ll simply pull forward to exit the site, continuing in the same direction as when you entered. Other than possibly needing to fine-tune your exact position on the site, there’s usually no backing required upon arrival or departure.
A pull-through site is open to the road on both ends, allowing you to drive straight into the campsite upon arrival and pull straight out in the same direction when leaving.
Benefits of Choosing Pull-Through RV Sites
The most obvious benefit of a pull-through site is the ease of access and parking. This is really helpful to those with “Big Rigs,” especially when towing a car (flat towing does not usually allow for backing up with the toad attached). But the easy in-and-out provided by a pull-through also helps anyone driving a travel trailer or 5th wheel.
With large RVs, backing into campsites, especially narrow ones with trees or rocks along the edge, can be tricky. That challenge is reduced with a pull-through campsite, since backing up isn’t required.
Not only do pull-through sites offer easy in and out for the driver, but they also save time and trouble when setting up camp. You simply pull straight in, set up, and get down to the important business of relaxing!
Even if you’re towing a travel trailer behind your pickup truck, or pulling a toad car behind your RV, there’s no need to disconnect them.
Backing a large RV between trees, large rocks, or other RVs can be stressful and risky. For this reason, many owners of large RVs seek out pull-through sites.
In addition, pull-through RV sites are often located closer to the front of the RV park nearest the amenities, and are often the largest and nicest sites in the park.
Drawbacks of Pull-Through Sites
The benefits noted above come at a premium, and that’s likely the biggest drawback of pull-through sites: they cost more. Additionally, while many campers appreciate being near the front of the park and close to amenities (which is where many parks put their pull-throughs), this can also leave you closer to a main road or busy amenities that you don’t need or want such as clubhouses, playground, dog run, camp store, etc.
Comparison: Pull-Through vs. Back-In RV Sites
So, pull-through sites are easier to use/navigate, but they cost more. The extra cost may be worthwhile depending on the type of RV you have or what your plans are.
Here are several factors that can affect your willingness to pay more for a pull-through:
- You just bought a new rig that you’re not completely comfortable driving yet
- You’ll be coming from a long way away and expect to be especially tired upon arrival
- You’re unable to arrive during daylight hours and don’t want to back up in the dark
- The park is very heavily treed, and/or the sites are very narrow
- You’ll only be staying one night and don’t want to bother disconnecting your toad car
- You need to get an early start the following day and want to be as hooked up and ready to go as possible the night before.
- You’re traveling alone with no spotter to help you back up
- You simply hate backing your rig up and are comfortable paying the extra for a pull-through
Experience makes us all better at backing in our rigs. But campsites that are back-in only, particularly those that are close to obstructions, can present a bigger challenge than pull-through sites.
Key Features of Pull-Through RV Sites
Let’s take a closer look at the key features of pull-through RV sites in particular.
Site Dimensions & Accessibility
Pull-through sites are often longer and wider. That not only makes parking in them easier, but also makes exiting easier, too. There also tends to be more room to set up and move around the campsite due to its (usually) larger dimensions.
Back-in sites are more likely to be closely spaced. A pull-through often has more room available to move around as well as easier entrance and exit.
Amenities Typically Offered
Pull-through sites may offer full or partial hookups or none at all. But, due to their size, desirability, and cost, they’re typically more likely to offer full hook-ups. In some cases, they’re also closer to amenities like pools, clubhouses, camp stores, etc (which again may not be a plus for you).
PRO TIP: Not all pull-throughs are created equal! Those in commercial campgrounds are typically straight, long, wide, and often include full hook-ups. But the famous “Tea Cup” pull-throughs (which are very common in National Park campgrounds and get their name from their curved shape… like the handle on a teacup) may not actually be usable as a pull-through at all.
Our old 43′ Newmar in a “pull-through” site in Glacier National Park. As is common in national parks, the “Tea Cup” pull-through campsites are curved so sharply that long RVs can’t actually pull through (not without off-tracking into the trees). We had to nose in when we arrived, and then back out on departure day.
How to Find Pull-Through RV Sites
Many RV trip planner apps include filters that allow you to search for campgrounds and RV parks that offer pull-through sites (see our post on how to find big rig RV parks, for example). In addition to using those apps, what we generally did when we had our 43′ motorhome was look for RV parks in our destination area, and check the rate information on their websites to see if pull-through sites are offered. The satellite view on Google Maps is super helpful, too. Of course, it’s always an option to simply call a campground or RV park directly to ask about pull-through sites.
The ability to pull into a space nose-first and exit in the same direction can be a nice convenience.
Here’s an RV pulling through!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pull-Through Sites
Here are a few common questions that RVers tend to ask about pull-through RV campsites:
Are Pull-Throughs Suitable for All RV Types?
Yes. Pull-through sites are suitable for all types of RVs. So if you appreciate what a pull-through site has to offer and you’re willing to pay the additional cost, you can use one.
Note that some RV parks may restrict the use of pull-through sites to the largest RVs, especially if many of the other sites in the park can’t accommodate them. This helps them maximize revenue since small RVs filling their largest sites may leave Big Rigs with nowhere to stay when the pull-throughs are all taken, even if other smaller sites are still available.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Pull-Through Site?
When choosing a pull-through site, you’ll want to consider where in the park they’re located and whether you want to camp in that area. You may want to ask if the pull-through sites are located on a busy road where vehicles are coming and going, and there’s lots of noise from the pool, playground, or other activities.
Also, depending on the size of your rig, you’ll want to consider the length and general size of the campsite itself in addition to its placement within the campground.
Can I Reserve a Pull-Through RV Site in Advance?
If you have a clear plan, you can call ahead or use the reservation system on an app or a park’s website to guarantee that you’ll have a pull-through site upon your arrival. Keep in mind that some RV parks may choose not to rent pull-through sites in advance, especially if they tend to have a lot of interest in their pull-through sites. Some parks reserve them for overnighters and may not allow week- or month-long stays in them.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Pull-Through RV Experience
The advantages of pull-through sites are often enough to make the extra cost worthwhile. Not only will you have an easier time pulling into your campsite and exiting once your stay has ended, but you’ll also be more likely to have some extra room to move about your site during your stay. In some cases, you may be closer to desirable amenities, and you may find yourself staying in one of the nicest sites in the park.
If you can spring for the extra cost and a site is available, consider trying a pull-through site on your next camping trip. Not only will you have the peace of mind that comes with easier maneuvering of your rig, but you may just find yourself at a site that enhances your camping experience in a number of other ways.
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Gay Travel Enthusiast
Sunday 14th of December 2025
Another awesome story. I would think a pull-through RV site would be the best way to go, since you don't have to reverse in to get settled.
AK FISH
Friday 10th of January 2025
Twice last year (July 2024) while RV'ing north through Canada at private RV campgrounds, we reserved pull-throughs and paid for them. Come to find out one gave our spot away and gave us the last tight back-in challenging spot. We had email confirmation but that did not matter to the host. No refunds offered, ended up disputing it with credit card company and moving down the road.
The second pull-through spot was reserved but they failed to understand despite numerous emphasis and statements for the specific date we wanted a pull-through spot over the phone to the host. Come to find out later, the host placed the pull through reservation for the date we had CALLED in to request a pull-through instead the later date and counted us a no-show. Of course they do not accept email or website contact form to reserve spots.
We arrived on the later date we thought we had reserved a pull-through over the phone and was given a back in spot that was the last spot and told that is all that is available. We saw the spot and said no thanks. No refunds offered so disputed the credit card charge and went down the road to another RV campground.
Just my experience, yours will vary. Sometimes a paid reservation is an opportunity to have a pull-through but not a sure thing. We ended up getting refunds of charges several weeks later from both spots.
Jay
Sunday 15th of December 2024
Pull-throughs are beneficial to the campground's traffic and parking management. If your RV is a motorhome, you're probably towing a car either directly behind the motorhome or on a dolly. Backing in requires disconnecting. The dolly and/or car need to be parked somewhere while the motorhome backs up into its site, often in the dark. Meanwhile, if everyone is doing that at the same time, it clutters and potentially blocks driving through the campground. When leaving in the AM, all of that needs to be reversed and that not only takes longer than being already fully connected in a pull-through but it's disruptive and noisy for other campers and, again, more difficult in the dark. A good campground will mostly have pull-throughs.
Gay Travel Enthusiast (Jason)
Sunday 15th of December 2024
Sounds like the best way to go for RV camping would be the pull-through campground. Granted, it may cost more money to pay. But given the advantages compared to having to reverse in, I would imagine that it would be worth the extra cost.