RV Campground refund during coronavirus

[Dave Gamble]

On Feb 20th we booked a reservation at a private campground in SC (close to Charlotte, NC) for March 18th-April 1st, which required a non-refundable $54.38 deposit. Due to the coronavirus I called on March 13th and rescheduled our stay for April 22nd-May 5th. I was told due to the coronavirus they would reschedule my reservation once but if I canceled or rescheduled again we would lose our deposit.

We live in Ohio (7th largest population in the country) where schools have been closed since March 16th and there's been a non-essential services/stay at home order since March 23rd. These orders have now been extended to May 1st and could be extended longer. Today I received a reservation confirmation email from the campground containing the statement in bold print ***DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE - NO EXCEPTIONS***. This campground has long term residents so frankly I'm shocked they are allowing short term tenants in especially from other states.

All the restaurants in both NC & SC are closed and the purpose of our trip to the Carolina's was to visit family and friends who are currently sheltering in place. We have no choice but to cancel the trip and are hesitant to reschedule until we know when it will be safe. The coronavirus is expected to peak in SC on April 28th.

My question is do you think I should push to get our deposit back or just let it go.

The DW of Dave Gamble

[JRTJH]

There are two "opposing motivations" at work here:

The campground wants to keep as much money as possible, especially when they are "for the most part, closed for business"... It may mean the difference in closing permanently or maybe surviving this crisis.

The OP wants to keep as much money as possible, especially when it's not safe, not convenient and not responsible to travel to the campground...

So, what to do? I'd suspect that the OP made reservations, in good faith, expecting to pay the agreed amount for campsite use. The deposit was probably paid for with a credit card. The credit card company has some leverage in this situation. If I were the OP and I KNOW POSITIVELY that I'm not going to make the trip under current conditions AND I know/reasonably expect that it will be unsafe to travel during the time of the reservations, I would cancel them, cut my losses and appeal to the credit card company using the "pandemic" as the reason for cancellation. They "may" (not guaranteed) reimburse the lost deposit. At the very least, they will contact the campground with "the weight of their company" to appeal to their better business practices.

The worst case appears to be the loss of $50. In this day and age, most of us will "drop more than that" just taking the family to a movie or to McDonald's for a meal.

I know it's the "principle" that matters, but $50 ain't earth shattering when it comes to keeping the family safe, healthy and protected from this disease...

I suppose, losing the deposit is better than "not losing it and risking the family".... I do know that if that campground wouldn't work with me on this situation, I'd NEVER IN HELL ever spend another dollar at their business.....

[Logan X]

Just my personal opinion, and we were in a similar situation, I did not ask the campground for a refund of the deposit for a trip we had scheduled next week because my guess is their business is probably hurting right now. We are fortunately in a position where we can afford to do that. I think it is important right now to try and help struggling businesses as much as possible.

Like I said, just my opinion and everyone should make their own decisions based on their financial situation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is struggling.

[notanlines]

We had a thread with basically this same discussion maybe a month or so ago. After much discussion from both sides, the general consensus was that a fair settlement would be for the RV park to honor your deposit for a stay at a later date. In looking at both sides, I would still like my money back, but that probably isn't in your future.

[wiredgeorge]

I would take the RV park to court and have my lawyer make the case that you are from Ohio and that all the schools are closed in spite of the stated in writing no refunds policy. RV park is likely hurting right now and many have been notes on the big properties needed and probably not in a real generous mood.

[flybouy]

I would take the RV park to court and have my lawyer make the case that you are from Ohio and that all the schools are closed in spite of the stated in writing no refunds policy. RV park is likely hurting right now and many have been notes on the big properties needed and probably not in a real generous mood.
Seriously? You would pay an attorney for a $50 non refund policy? I'll bet they are lining up waiting for someone like you to pay them.

[Dave Gamble]

First, I want to thank everyone for your replies. I appreciate your thoughts and advice on our situation.

I'm not going to contact an attorney since the campground has always been very clear about their non-refundable deposit policy. And yes, $54 isn't that much money and I have considered letting this privately owned campground keep the deposit to help them out. The deposit was put on Visa but I don't feel it would be morally right to contest the charge since again, the campground has been clear about their cancelation policy. My preferred outcome would be for them to hold our deposit until this national crisis is over and we can safely reschedule our trip but my gut tells me they won't go for it. However, it never hurts to ask nicely. :) If we do make an arrangement I'll let you all know.

The DW

[notanlines]

Marshall, I believe George may have been 'tongue in cheek' on that post. His point being that there is simply a 'no refund policy' and you pretty well have to liv with it.

[Northofu1]

I have a site booked at Letchworth, Cedar Point, and Wellesley Island in NY state. Their website says.
"COVID-19 UPDATE:
Early Season Camping and Pavilion/Shelters: Due to the global health crisis, all campsites, cabins, cottages, and pavilions/shelters are CLOSED through May 14th. All visitors with reservations will be issued a full refund. We ask for your patience as refunds are processed. Campgrounds are open for passive recreation in daytime.
Camping Reservations and Pavilion/Shelter Reservations: New York State has suspended all new camping, cabin and cottage and pavilion/shelter reservations for the 2020 season until further notice. We are assessing campground and pavilion status on a daily basis. If you've made a reservation for the season beginning May 15, and we determine your facility is safe to open, your reservation will be honored. However, visitors who wish to cancel an existing reservation may do so and receive a full refund. Thank you for your patience as we work to protect the safety of our visitors and staff."

I think that's fair.

[flybouy]

Marshall, I believe George may have been 'tongue in cheek' on that post. His point being that there is simply a 'no refund policy' and you pretty well have to liv with it.

I would hope.

[sourdough]

First, I want to thank everyone for your replies. I appreciate your thoughts and advice on our situation.

I'm not going to contact an attorney since the campground has always been very clear about their non-refundable deposit policy. And yes, $54 isn't that much money and I have considered letting this privately owned campground keep the deposit to help them out. The deposit was put on Visa but I don't feel it would be morally right to contest the charge since again, the campground has been clear about their cancelation policy. My preferred outcome would be for them to hold our deposit until this national crisis is over and we can safely reschedule our trip but my gut tells me they won't go for it. However, it never hurts to ask nicely. :) If we do make an arrangement I'll let you all know.

The DW


You think very much like I do given the circumstances. I have a friend that owns an RV park in FL and things are tight. They have been upfront about their policy from the gitgo and moved it once due to a cancellation. In reality they've fulfilled their end of the bargain.

I also think asking nice, explaining your particular situation (I'm sure they are well aware of the virus) and asking if they would move it forward one more time (make sure you know a concrete date) and see if they won't help you out. I'm hoping they do.

[wiredgeorge]

Marshall, I believe George may have been 'tongue in cheek' on that post. His point being that there is simply a 'no refund policy' and you pretty well have to liv with it.

I was serious! This is my lawyer and I suggest you call him and get all the money the law allows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIM2WKMUK8I

PS: Geesh... Marshall.. Really? Bwhwhahahahaha

[flybouy]

:lol:I use Saul Goodman.

[Roscommon48]

I'd take a chance and just leave to go south. or dispute the charge on your credit card.

[Dave Gamble]

I'm not sure why we would still want to make the trip when our entire reason for going is to visit with friends and family who are now and will be sheltering in place. Plus all non-essential businesses are closed including the restaurants. We would end up sitting in our camper for 2 weeks with nothing to do. We can do that at home and not pay $50 a day to do it. And then there's the risk of catching the virus and being 440 miles from home. No thank you! We're staying home for the foreseeable future.

[JRTJH]

It sounds like you're expecting the campground to change their rules for you. They agreed to allow you to move the reservation dates "ONE TIME" without charge. You can't decide when to go with any certainty, but you're wanting them to allow you to change the reservations again, if it's more convenient for your plans. Sounds like you want them to continue to allow you to move reservations based on your needs without regard for their needs...

Based on what you just posted, "We're staying home for the foreseeable future." Your best choice would be to "stay up front with the campground" and tell them that. Cancel your reservations, accept the previously agreed upon terms that you forfeit your deposit and consider that it's not your "fault" nor is it the "fault" of the campground. They are open, you choose to not travel, that choice is yours.

You might ask the campground if they would honor a future reservation and apply the deposit to that visit, but if they don't, you did agree to the terms of forfeiture.

[Gegrad]

The KOA we booked for this weekend refunded us our deposit (1 of 3 nights) a week or so ago when it became apparent we could not make it. Now OH closed all campgrounds (except to full timers), so we couldn't go even if we had wanted to.

[sourdough]

As kind of a sidenote to this conversation and "refunds", "no refunds" etc.; always be aware of where you are going, the destination, their rules etc.

Seems like a simple thing to a traveler to make plans weeks, probably months, in advance and then something comes up and we want to cancel them, or move them....and it's "your" money. Not really.

Once you've made that reservation and they have ironclad rules about cancellations it's just that way. You know it going in and do everything you can to be able to use them; if not, it's on you. I know folks don't like that but it truly is what it is and folks know that and should accept it.

In popular places when you do that and then back out you cost them money; sometimes much needed money. And, think about this; they took you at your "word" that you would be there and then refused any other offer to rent that space....then you renig. The picture is a lot bigger than what we as just the "traveler" wanting to rent a spot can see.

I've made reservations in FL for the winter. Usually stay 1-5 months. Many places will make you forfeit anywhere from 300-750 if you make a month reservation and then fail to show up. No questions asked....and I don't ask any. They have to make a living too.

[spade117]

I have a site booked at Letchworth, Cedar Point, and Wellesley Island in NY state. Their website says.
"COVID-19 UPDATE:
Early Season Camping and Pavilion/Shelters: Due to the global health crisis, all campsites, cabins, cottages, and pavilions/shelters are CLOSED through May 14th. All visitors with reservations will be issued a full refund. We ask for your patience as refunds are processed. Campgrounds are open for passive recreation in daytime.
Camping Reservations and Pavilion/Shelter Reservations: New York State has suspended all new camping, cabin and cottage and pavilion/shelter reservations for the 2020 season until further notice. We are assessing campground and pavilion status on a daily basis. If you've made a reservation for the season beginning May 15, and we determine your facility is safe to open, your reservation will be honored. However, visitors who wish to cancel an existing reservation may do so and receive a full refund. Thank you for your patience as we work to protect the safety of our visitors and staff."

I think that's fair.

Those 3 places are also State Parks, not privately owned, so the situation is a little different.

[Duramike]

Hey everyone, this is a difficult time for all of us. I have lost one deposit so far this year. Had a spot reserved outside Gatlinburg for the end of this month. They kept a little over $60. Not the end of the world there. But... we have a special trip planned in July. A group of us will be traveling thru South Dakota and on to Yellowstone for a month long trek. I do stand to lose quite a bit on that trip if this doesn’t end by then. Most of these reservations were made in October of last year. You know how it is when trying to reserve spots in highly traveled parks. Anyway... hoping this ends soon for all of us. Stay safe everyone and happy camping once we get there! 🙄

[JRTJH]

As DW and I strolled around the area last week, trying to prevent "cabin fever", we stopped and chatted with some neighbors that live about half a mile from us. They had planned a "month long trip" to the middle east this summer, flying to Israel for a week, a 2 week cruise on the Med and a week in Egypt before flying back home. They had already paid for the trip, nearly a year ago. There's no way to cancel with a full refund and no way to reschedule at this time because the coordinated reservations for flights, cruise, hotels/tours in multiple ports are not being done at this time. So, they were told they could either leave the money (well over $20K) with the tour company or they would get a refund, minus the agreed upon 20% forfeiture. They told us that canceling their trip cost them "over 5 thousand bucks"...

That "sort of" (at least for me) makes a $50 campground reservation penalty seem not quite as painful.....

[spade117]

As DW and I strolled around the area last week, trying to prevent "cabin fever", we stopped and chatted with some neighbors that live about half a mile from us. They had planned a "month long trip" to the middle east this summer, flying to Israel for a week, a 2 week cruise on the Med and a week in Egypt before flying back home. They had already paid for the trip, nearly a year ago. There's no way to cancel with a full refund and no way to reschedule at this time because the coordinated reservations for flights, cruise, hotels/tours in multiple ports are not being done at this time. So, they were told they could either leave the money (well over $20K) with the tour company or they would get a refund, minus the agreed upon 20% forfeiture. They told us that canceling their trip cost them "over 5 thousand bucks"...

That "sort of" (at least for me) makes a $50 campground reservation penalty seem not quite as painful.....


Yeah, that is a bummer. Wife and I were supposed to leave for Ireland 2 weeks from today. I believe we were fortunate enough to get refunds for all the hotels/lodgings were going to stay. Our flights were given back in voucher form to be used at a later date.

We(really more me than her) tend to be last minute as much as possible, so there were some things that we did not finalize (car rentals, etc.) and they may have helped with the possibility of refunds.

[notanlines]

Has a tendency to minimalize our summer's plans to eat pizza again at Drag's in Rice Lake. :hide:
On a more serious note, one doesn't usually have to look very far to find those considerably less fortunate. Not only are they out five thou, but all the fun of planning and looking forward to the experience was all for naught.

[dutchmensport]

Check the KOA at Fort Mill SC. See what they have to offer.

[SheriP]

We have a month long trip in June to Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana. All paid for already. I haven't heard anything from any of the campgrounds we're starting at so in praying that this will be relaxed by then and businesses will start reopening.

[flybouy]

I wouldn't call anyone with the resources to spend $20K on vacation "unfortunate". I do have empathy for their 5K loss but I think the 5 million newly unemployed last week get more of my empathy.

[JRTJH]

I wouldn't call anyone with the resources to spend $20K on vacation "unfortunate". I do have empathy for their 5K loss but I think the 5 million newly unemployed last week get more of my empathy.

It's all a matter of perspective. They also have a private jet, a million dollar motorhome, a lake house that's significantly bigger than our "modest home", a bigger boat, more snowmobiles, more ATV's and more cars. Where we are proud of our new Edge, they have two (or maybe 3) new Cadillacs.

I'm certain he wasn't "looking for empathy or sympathy" when we were talking about "screwed up summer plans".... But, what the heck...

[Dave Gamble]

Since I'm the one who originally posted about this I wanted to let you know what happened when I called to cancel our reservation at a privately owned campground with a non-refundable deposit policy. I explained why we needed to cancel our 2 weeks reservation, which was April 22nd-May 6th. I did NOT ask for a refund nor did I ask to extend our reservation since we had already extended it once and I was told at that time once was the limit; however, the woman I spoke to did offer to ask the owner if the reservation could be extended for a second time and I said that would be wonderful. She said if the owner said yes then someone would call me back in a couple of hours. No one called.

The DW

[Dave Gamble]

Yesterday afternoon we received an email from the campground with a check-in packet and an invoice for the balance due on our 2 week stay. I called the campground and the woman, Erica, was completely surprised to learn I had called on Monday and canceled our reservation. She said "You called on Monday? You would have talked to Karen and she didn't relay the information. Just disregard our email." So I'm assuming Karen also forgot to ask the owner about extending our reservation for the 2nd time but I didn't mention it to Erica since she sounded really pissed off at Karen.

The DW

[JRTJH]

Yesterday afternoon we received an email from the campground with a check-in packet and an invoice for the balance due on our 2 week stay. I called the campground and the woman, Erica, was completely surprised to learn I had called on Monday and canceled our reservation. She said "You called on Monday? You would have talked to Karen and she didn't relay the information. Just disregard our email." So I'm assuming Karen also forgot to ask the owner about extending our reservation for the 2nd time but I didn't mention it to Erica since she sounded really pissed off at Karen.

The DW

Now, let's use this as a "learning moment"....

Imagine Karen is the RV dealership and Erica is Keystone warranty department... Is it surprising that when Karen fails to do her job that we all "get pissed at Erica" when it's really Karen that screwed up and let us down and Erica wasn't even aware of the "actual situation"...

I know this thread is not about Keystone warranty failures or even about RV problems, but the communications failure that caused this "reservation problem" is very much the same as the communications failures that so many RV owners complain about when they say, "Keystone doesn't honor their warranty" or …. Put your own two business names in the blanks....