Full Hookup vs Partial Hookup vs Dry Camping for Beginners

When you book your first campsite, you’ll see “full hookup,” “partial hookup,” and “dry camping.” These labels describe what utilities the site provides, and they directly affect how comfortable the stay is. Many first-time renters book whatever is available without understanding what “partial” or “dry” means, then get surprised by the limits.

Photo by Tobi on Unsplash

What a Hookup Is

A hookup is a utility connection at your site:

• Water: a potable spigot feeding your fresh tank or direct plumbing
• Electric: a pedestal (30-amp, 50-amp, or 15/20-amp) powering appliances
• Sewer: a drain that removes gray and black waste continuously

Full Hookup

Water, sewer, and electric at the site. Tanks stay empty, the A/C runs all day, and you never think about power or waste. Private resorts (KOA and similar) charge $40-$90/night; many state parks offer full hookups at the lower end.

Partial Hookup

Usually water and electric, no sewer. You refill and run A/C, but you must visit a dump station before leaving. Common at older state and county parks, and typically cheaper than full hookup.

Dry Camping (No Hookups)

No connections—you’re self-contained. Manage your own water, power (battery, solar, or generator), and waste. Dry camping on public land (Bureau of Land Management and National Forest sites) is often free or $5-$15/night; dispersed boondocking is free where allowed. It’s the cheapest way to camp and the most work.

30-Amp vs 50-Amp

Smaller RVs use 30-amp; large Class A and fifth wheels use 50-amp. A $15 adapter connects mismatched plugs, but a 30-amp rig still only draws 30 amps—run the A/C and microwave one at a time.

Common Mistakes

• Booking partial and forgetting the dump. Build a dump stop into departure day.
• No surge protector. A $30 pedestal protector saves your electronics from bad wiring.
• Letting the fresh hose touch the ground. Keep potable and sewer hoses separate and off the dirt.
• Running everything at once on 30-amp. Trip the pedestal breaker; stagger high-draw appliances.

Campsite Checklist

• Confirm hookup type matches your plan
• Pack a 30-to-50 or 50-to-30 adapter
• Bring a pedestal surge protector
• For dry camping: full fresh tank, charged batteries, generator if you’ll run A/C
• Keep potable and sewer hoses separate

Pick the site type that fits how you camp, and the rest of the trip runs on autopilot.

Find hookup-friendly stops with our campground finder and budget nightly rates with our RV Trip Budget Calculator.