Full hookup, partial, dry: what those words actually promise

Hookup language is not standardised, which is why two campgrounds can both advertise full hookup and deliver noticeably different stays.

Full hookup ordinarily means electric, water and sewer at the site. What it does not tell you is the amperage. Thirty amp and fifty amp are not interchangeable — on thirty, running air conditioning and a microwave together is a decision rather than a given. If a listing says full hookup without saying the amps, that is the question to ask.

Partial hookup usually means electric and water with no sewer, so you are relying on your tanks and a dump station. Worth knowing where that station is and whether it is included.

Dry or primitive means none of it. That is a fine stay if you planned for it and a miserable one if you did not.

None of this is exotic knowledge. It is simply information a listing either gives you or does not, and we would rather campgrounds gave it.

• Confirm amperage, not just electric.
• Ask whether the dump station is included or extra.
• Water pressure varies. A regulator is cheaper than a burst line.