The ultimate map of Cargo Trailer Conversion friendly campgrounds (updated for 2022)
“Where can I camp with my cargo trailer conversion?”
It’s a question that a lot of cargo trailer conversion travelers want to know.
Having a cargo trailer conversion (CTC) can give you a ton of flexibility and freedom. The one downside? Some sites may not allow homebuilt campers or CTCs.
To guide you on your journey, take a look at the map below of recommended* Cargo Trailer Camper-Friendly Campgrounds.
*These sites have been recommended by our community of Cargo Trailer Campers who have personally stayed there and reported that they are CTC friendly. We work diligently to keep this map current to the best of our ability. Please verify before you book and travel. Some sites may have changed ownership and/or updated their policies.
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What types of campgrounds allow cargo trailer conversions?
Expert CTC travelers report that many types of campgrounds allow cargo trailer campers. Those include:
State Parks
National Parks
United States Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds (COE)
National Forest
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites
Some private campgrounds
Rare RV resorts
Why wouldn’t a campground allow a cargo trailer conversion to camp?
According to seasoned cargo trailer conversion travelers, there are a few main reasons that a campground would reject any type of home built camper.
Insurance reasons
Some campgrounds will say that their property / business insurance won't cover them having non commercially manufactured campers on premise. The insurance policies state that cargo trailer camper conversions are not regulated and could be a safety hazard.
Lack of RVIA / NATM accreditation
As a follow-up to broad “insurance” reasons, some campgrounds may also ask if you are registered with the RV Industry Association (RVIA) or National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) and have the association’s seal with a unique number on it. The seal communicates a “manufacturers’ certification “that it has complied with the RV standards adopted by the Association and has been subjected to regular, periodic compliance audits by inspectors, who monitor the thousands of requirements impacting electrical, plumbing, heating, fire & life safety systems and construction of RVs. As homebuilt campers, van life models and others become more mainstream, campgrounds may not be as strict on this regulation. However as of the time of this posting, many CTC owners continue to have issues with RVIA stickers especially at private campgrounds.
Self containment
Some seasoned cargo trailer conversion campers have been turned away from campgrounds for not being “self contained.” According to this helpful blog post, the concept of a self-contained camper is quite simple. It means your camper has a bathroom, a tank system for holding water, and often a indoor kitchen. At a high level, being self contained means that don’t need any outside sources to operate.
Aesthetics
This one is a major grey area, but is important to note. Many CTC travelers have reported being turned away from campground for aesthetic reasons related to their build. For example, some private campgrounds have turned away CTCs for having window AC units. For campgrounds that maintain a high level of “prestige” in their parks, CTCs are simply turned away because of their looks.
Strict policy that states that only certain types of campers are allowed
Sometimes citing no specific reason at all, campgrounds will state particular limitations on the type of campers they will allow. For example, National Parks on average will allow campers with a maximum length of 27 feet. Some RV resorts limit guests to new (or like new) Class A RVs only. Be sure to check each campgrounds policies, and call or email to ask more details if the limitations are unclear.
What’s the best way to get around cargo trailer camper conversion campground regulations?
This is use-at-your-own-risk advice. Some CTC enthusiasts recommend stealthy approach:
“I am finding that if you add some RV looking graphic to the trailer and say nothing about it other than being a "travel trailer" when making reservations, I have had no issues anywhere. But I also usually look for lower end parks because I have no desire to pay snob prices.”
A few other CTC builders have chimed in that this approach works, with some mixed results. It’s best to have campground backup plans if you choose to test this method.
Are these campgrounds guaranteed to allow cargo trailer camper conversions?
These recommendations come from active cargo trailer camper owners. This is a map of campsites they have recently or currently are staying at. However, things happen - regulations shift, properties change hands, and sites often judge on a case-by-case basis. Always call before visiting, and some CTC owners even send photos of their build to provide peace of mind to the on-site managers.
Where are your favorite CTC friendly campsites? Let us know in the comments below! We’ll add them to the map and keep this guide up-to-date for many adventures to come.
