Introduction to the RV Park Area: At Big Land, which features a spacious grounds, the auto campsites—located in an area easily accessible by car—are also used as an RV park. There are 15 sites designated for use as an RV park, but two of them are reserved for parking tow vehicles when using a trailer, so the park typically operates with 13 sites. Since these are auto campsites, all of them are quite spacious. Additionally, the ground is covered with fine gravel, making it easy to hammer in tent stakes. When used as an RV Park, this has the advantage of preventing the ground from becoming muddy on rainy days and keeping vehicles from getting dirty. In terms of comfort while sleeping, the slope of the ground is a concern. I didn’t actually lie down on every site to test it, but based on my observations of the ground while taking photos, it seemed like it wouldn’t be a problem for people accustomed to sleeping in their vehicles. As is typical of a wooded campground, each site is designed to incorporate the surrounding trees, so the experience may vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive in. However, the facility staff are well aware of this. While at typical RV parks, users can sometimes specify which site they’d like when making a reservation, here the staff can guide you to the site they deem most suitable after asking for details about your vehicle. If you’re driving a large vehicle or feel uneasy about maneuvering in tight spaces, it’s a good idea to contact the facility in advance. Also, unless it’s a busy time like a weekend or a long holiday, they reportedly space out the sites as much as possible to avoid having campers next to each other, so I think it’s best to leave the site selection—including matching it to your vehicle—up to them.
The Difference Between an RV Park and an Auto Campground: Big Land is primarily an auto campground. Although we have an RV park on the premises, let me explain the difference between the two. Since Big Land offers its auto campground as an RV park, there is no difference in usability or comfort. However, while auto camping rates start at 5,900 yen per vehicle and per tent or tarp, the RV park is priced lower at 2,800 yen per vehicle per night. The reason for this difference in pricing—even though the location is the same—is that auto camping is a “camping site” that includes activities such as bonfires and outdoor cooking, whereas the RV Park is strictly a “parking space for overnight stays in vehicles,” and camping activities are not part of its intended purpose. Consequently, at RV parks, all camping-related activities involving open flames outside the vehicle—such as “campfires” and “outdoor cooking (including boiling water)”—are strictly prohibited. If you plan to sleep in your vehicle but also want to enjoy campfires and outdoor cooking, I recommend booking an auto campsite rather than an RV park. Let’s also touch on the power supply. While power is available at all sites, there isn’t a power outlet at every individual site; instead, the system uses a power reel to supply electricity from sites with outlets to other sites. As a result, there are limits on the amount of electricity you can use. Therefore, if you plan to bring and use equipment such as a camper van with an air conditioner or a microwave oven, be sure to discuss this when making your reservation. If you use electricity, a fee of 500 yen per night will be added to the RV park usage fee.
Other Facilities: While there are some restrictions on how you can spend your time at the RV park, you can use the baths and showers just like regular campground guests. The baths are available for private use by reservation, and the fee varies depending on the number of people. The fee is 1,000 yen for one person, 550 yen per person for two people, and 350 yen per person for three or more people. There are two bath facilities available, open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM in 30-minute time slots.
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