• Full hookup at an RV park usually means you get water, sewer, and electric connections right at your site.
• It saves you trips to dump stations and gives you more comfort, almost like being at home.
• Not all parks provide the same level of service, always double-check before booking.
• Make sure your RV’s hookups match the connections at the site to avoid problems.

If you book an RV site with full hookup, your campsite will give you direct access to fresh water, a sewage outlet, and electricity right where you park. There is no need to roll your rig to special stations or worry about rationing water and power. This setup lets you use your RV’s kitchen, bathroom, lights, and climate controls as much as you want, for as long as you stay.

What is Full Hookup?

Full hookup describes a campsite that gives you the main things an RV needs to stay comfortable and self-contained: water, electricity, and a way to dump waste. These connections are installed at each site, so you do not need to leave your spot to fill tanks or empty them. It is as close as you’ll get to having a house on wheels.

The Three Essentials

Why Full Hookup Matters

The reason most RV owners want full hookup is simple: it makes life easier. If you have ever needed to pack up and drag your RV to a dump station mid-vacation, you know how much time and energy this saves.

Full hookup means you get to camp without worrying about where to find water, power, or a place to dump waste.

Not every campsite offers these connections. Some RV parks only have partial hookup, such as water and electric, but no sewer. Others might even offer just electric. So, it’s not wise to assume every park will have all three. Always look for “full hookup” in the site’s description.

Benefits of Full Hookup Campsites

• Shower like you’re home, no need to ration water
• Enjoy air conditioning or heat without watching the battery
• Use washers and dryers if your RV has them
• No trips to a dump station during your stay
• Less stress about tank levels, you can let kids use the restroom without counting flushes

And really, I think one of the biggest perks is just feeling less restricted. You can cook, clean, and relax your own way, even if you plan a longer stay.

What to Check Before You Book

The term “full hookup” is common, but what you get for your money is not always equal. Some parks call a site “full hookup” if it has power and water, with a shared dump right nearby. Others use it to mean every site has all connections, but only a few are easily accessible or in good repair. You have to look closely.

Before you lock in a reservation, always ask which services are included and what amperage the electric hookup is.

Things to Consider

• Power: Some parks only have 30 amp service, others offer 50 amp. Make sure it fits your RV’s needs, or bring an adapter.
• Water: Occasionally, parks have water that is untreated or not safe to drink. Bring a filter to be safe.
• Sewer: Some sewer connections have loose or mismatched threads. Having an elbow adapter or donut helps you get a good fit.
• Site location: Sometimes the connections are weirdly placed, like the sewer is at the very rear, power at the front. Double-check if your hoses are long enough.

I’ve even seen one park where “full hookup” meant the dump station was set in a packed gravel drive between sites, and you still needed to drive over every few days. That’s not what most people expect, but it happens.

What About Partial Hookup?

Partial hookup means you are missing at least one service, often the sewer connection. These sites usually have water and electricity, but you’ll need to move your RV or use a portable tank (if you have one) to dump waste as needed.

• Electric + Water only: Common at older parks, especially where sites were built before big fifth-wheels and motorhomes were popular.
• Electric only: Sometimes used at fairgrounds or temporary camping sites.
• Dry/primitive camping: No hookup of any kind, you need to be self-contained with water tanks, batteries, and waste storage.

If you camp without full hookup, you’ll need to plan your trips to the dump station and watch how much water and power you use.

How to Use a Full Hookup Site

Your first time setting up at a full hookup site can be a little intimidating. Here is a simple rundown so you don’t miss anything important:

1. Level your RV before connecting to anything. Sites look flat, but they rarely are.
2. Connect power first. Use a surge protector if you have one.
3. Hook up water using a drinking water hose and a water pressure regulator.
4. Connect sewer hose to the RV and the ground receptacle. Make sure all connections are snug. Use disposable gloves.
5. Open gray and black tanks only when you are ready to dump, don’t leave valves open except the gray occasionally, or it can cause problems.
6. Check for leaks at all connections. Fix any issues before using water or power inside.

I always start with the electric because it is easy to test that first, and if there’s a problem, it is better to know it before everything else is set up.

What Can Go Wrong at a Full Hookup Site?

• Older sites might have worn or weathered sockets. Power can flicker, or provide low voltage. Test it before plugging in appliances.
• Some sewer inlets have loose lids or no locks. Animals, or smells, sometimes escape.
• Pressure in the water line can vary, especially at busy parks. Without a regulator, you risk flooding your plumbing.
• If it rains, sewer areas can get muddy. Use a plastic mat or grip pads if possible.
• Fittings may leak or not match. Carry extra seals and adapters just in case.

You want to solve these surprises before dark or a sudden storm, not after.

What Equipment Should You Bring?

You only get the most out of a full hookup site if you show up with the right gear. Even seasoned campers forget things sometimes, usually at the worst possible moment.

• Drinking water hose (preferably 25-50 feet)
• Water pressure regulator
• 30 or 50 amp power cord, with correct adapters
• Surge protector
• Sewer hose (20 feet or longer is a good default), elbow adapter, and hose supports
• Disposable gloves
• Leveling blocks or pads
• Seal or gasket for the sewer connection
• Basic toolkit for fixes
• Flashlight or headlamp (the utilities are often not well-lit at night)

I think it is smart to double-check your list before every trip, even if you camp often. I once arrived at a paid site, unpacked everything, and realized my power adapter was at home, 80 miles away. Not fun.

How Full Hookup Makes RVing Different

Campers with full hookup spots use their rigs differently than people in partial hookup or boondocking sites. You will:

• Shower daily without feeling guilty
• Run the AC or heat overnight on warm or cold nights
• Do laundry (if you have a washer/dryer combo)
• Flush as often as needed, including for kids or guests
• Watch TV, use WiFi boosters, or run entertainment systems full-time

Full hookup makes your RV feel closer to an apartment than a tent or cabin.

But, it can also make you “set and forget.” I’ve seen people camp with hookup for weeks and never check their tanks, then hit the road and have nasty surprises because seals dried out or a valve stuck. Routine routines still matter, even if you have full hookup.

What Full Hookup Does Not Include

These sites do not always provide strong internet, cable TV, or trash service at your space. You still may need to walk to a garbage area or bring your own WiFi boosters. Also, some hookups (like sewer) may be temporarily shut off for repairs if something breaks at the park, though it is not common.

If something isn’t listed in the park’s guarantee, you should ask instead of assuming it will be there. I’ve met lots of new RVers who thought a fancy-sounding park covered more than it did, and faced extra costs or inconvenience because they didn’t ask up front.

Common Myths About Full Hookup Sites

• All hookups are easy to reach. Sometimes the park’s design needs long cords or hoses.
• All full hookup parks are modern. Some have old wiring or plumbing.
• Sewer connections always seal well. Not every park invests in quality fittings.
• Power is always stable. Voltage drops happen, especially if the park is busy.
• Full hookup always means private restrooms or showers. Not true, these are separate from the hookups.

Even when a park says it offers full hookup, you have to expect some quirks, especially in rural areas or low-cost parks. The basics are usually there, but the quality varies.

Full Hookup Etiquette and Best Practices

• Coil and store your hoses and cords neatly so others do not trip over them.
• Never leave sewage valves open, except possibly gray tank just before leaving. It can cause a clog (yes, really).
• Do not let children or pets play around hookup points.
• Run water for a few seconds before attaching your hose to flush any dirt out.
• Rinse your sewer hose with clean water after each use. If possible, use a dedicated rinse area, not just a puddle at your site.
• If the next site is close, be mindful of generator hours and lights at night.

Most people are friendly, but a little care goes a long way. Neat connections and clean pads mean happier neighbors and park staff.

Costs for Full Hookup Sites

Winter and special events sometimes increase demand and price. In my own travels, I have found that a good, simple full hookup site is often worth paying extra for, just for the ease of use. But you have to balance that with your budget and your plans for exploring the area beyond the campsite.

How to Find Full Hookup RV Sites

• Check park maps online or call ahead, website photos sometimes do not show the details clearly.
• Watch for “W/E/S” listings, water, electric, sewer, when searching for campsites.
• Use phone apps focused on RV camping, they usually have filters just for full hookup locations.
• Ask at local RV dealerships or stores. Staff may know parks nearby with the best utilities.

What If You Don’t Get Full Hookup?

If your favorite spot only has partial hookup, or is booked solid, you can still enjoy RVing, you just have to watch your tank levels and conserve a bit. Portable waste tanks (“honey wagons”) can also make life easier at sites without their own sewer.

I don’t think lack of full hookup ruins a trip, but once you camp with all the connections at your door for a few days, it is tough to go back.

Is Full Hookup Worth It?

This depends on how you like to travel. If you want to stick around for several nights, have kids or a big group, or just prefer not to drive your rig mid-trip, then yes, it is often worth the extra cost. If you move every day or like boondocking, you may not need all three services every stop.

For many RVers, full hookup is the easiest way to make camping feel like home, no workarounds, no waiting for the next stop to wash dishes or take a hot shower.

Try it if you can, but be prepared for small surprises, and don’t forget your adapters, extra hoses, and a willingness to solve little problems along the way.