WiFi has become indispensable in RV living, just like water and electricity. That’s why almost every RV park provides free WiFi access. However, connecting and maintaining a strong enough internet to stream and browse the internet can be quite challenging.
While we encourage minimal screen-time during vacation, it’s often important to access the internet, such as answering work emails, checking the weather forecast, communicating with others, or getting GPS directions for your next locations.
Unfortunately, when all RVs share the campground’s WiFi connection, there’s only so much bandwidth to share, and the more users, the slower the connection, even if it’s a strong signal.
A WiFi booster or extender is the best way to get a better WiFi signal in an RV park. This article will expound on why campground WiFi is slow, how to boost your WiFi signal, and the difference between a booster and an extender.
Why is campground WiFi slow?
Campground and RV parks have notoriously slow WiFi. There are several reasons for this, most completely outside your control.
You’re too far from the WiFi access point
This is a common issue in larger RV parks. Usually, your device is out of the effective range of the access point, hence very poor unstable connection or no connection at all. If having an internet connection is important to you, one way to fix this issue is to call the campground main office and book a site close to an access point.
Most campgrounds show where the access points are, so you can use this information to park as close as possible to one of these access points. If the campground doesn’t offer this information, the best bet is to book a site close to the main office as it likely has strong coverage. Alternatively, you can get a USB WiFi adapter to improve signal and performance.
Another more expensive option is a WiFi booster. This device connects to the RV park WiFi and then rebroadcasts it in your RV with a stronger signal. This is a popular option for full-time RVers or digital nomads who need consistent connectivity.
Other campground neighbors are streaming video.
Many RV parks and campsites prohibit streaming video for a good reason. Streaming video uses a lot of bandwidth. So a few people streaming Amazon Prime Video or Netflix can make the connection unusable for the rest of the people, especially those connecting to the same access point.
In this case, there’s not much you can do in this situation apart from asking those around you to stop streaming. Another option would be to get a WiFi booster which enhances the WiFi network and eliminates dead zones in an area of up to 3,000 square feet. WiFi boosters are also compatible with any standard router.
Campground WiFi doesn’t have enough bandwidth.
Most campgrounds have limited bandwidth, especially in rural areas and national parks. This is because these areas have internet service that is a DSL-based connection or a T1 line, both of which do not support many users. Campgrounds in more remote areas use a satellite internet connection, which is slower, even for one connecting user. So the connection will be slow if you’re in a crowded campground and most people are using the WiFi at once.
There’s nothing you can do to fix this situation since the technology cannot support many users. Your best option is to use a booster, go to a business that provides WiFi or use your mobile hotspot.
The campground doesn’t prioritize fast WiFi
Although some campgrounds consider full-time RVers, digital nomads, and others who need stable WiFi, some campground operators are usually less focused on connectivity. So even if the park has a decent amount of bandwidth, it’s likely not managed properly, or they haven’t updated old technology.
Using a WiFi booster should help. But if you intend on staying for a prolonged period and need WiFi, you should probably get another campsite with better connectivity.
Campground terrain
If the campground is sprawling with a lot of trees and elevation changes, you will likely deal with many dead spots in the coverage area. In addition, trees and hills can obstruct the signal as it moves from the transmitter to your receiving device. The best solution is to choose a clear line of signs to the access point. A WiFi adapter could also improve the situation but might not help if the forest is dense.
You’re in the RV or camper.
Accessing the campground WiFi while inside the RV could be a reason you’re experiencing a weak signal. The metal and aluminum components of the RV can actively block a WiFi signal similar to the previously mentioned trees, hills, and buildings. Furthermore, the camper’s fiberglass, electronic appliances, and furniture can also contribute to the bad reception.
If you can’t leave your camper for one reason, invest in a cell phone signal booster to improve your mobile hotspot for the internet.
Will a WiFi booster help in an RV park?
WiFi boosters help with signal range and even increase the quality of your WiFi signals and router. An RV WiFi booster works by pulling the WiFi signals from the access point or another public source, strengthening and extending those signals, and giving you a better, stable, and more secure connection. This makes them excellent for weak RV park WiFi.
However, a WiFi booster is useless if there is no WiFi signal to boost. Also, if the campground WiFi is slow because of too many users, a WiFi booster will not help make it faster.
What is the difference between a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster?
WiFi boosters and extenders are not the same things. However, they all have one thing in common; they improve WiFi coverage. Even though some people use the terms interchangeably, their operation significantly differs.
WiFi booster
A WiFi reception booster or antenna is a network device that lengthens or extends the range of the already strong WiFi signals, thus eliminating dead spots and improving your internet connection. It is set up on the WiFi router itself and acts like an antenna that stretches the range of the network.
WiFi extender
A WiFi extender is a type of booster that receives the router’s existing WiFi signal, amplifies it, and transmits the boosted signal. An extender sits between the router and the dead spot area; it receives the WiFi signal and extends its reach to the hard-to-reach area. It improves the signal strength when there is a signal drop in the network.
Difference between WiFi Extender and WiFi Booster
| WiFi Booster | WiFi extender |
| Extends the range of the WiFi networks | Extends the range of the existing WiFi network |
| Established on the WiFi router | Installed between the router and the user device |
| Works as an antenna | It does not work as an antenna |
| Eliminates dead spots to get the signals to the user’s destination | Increases the signal strength to reach the user destination |
| Excellent for large organizations and residential buildings for range improvement | Excellent for private organizations for range improvement |
| For places where WiFi signals reach but are weak | For places where WiFi signals can’t reach at all |
| Installation is easier | Installation is complex |
| Relatively less costly | Costly |
| It offers faster speeds and supports more users at once compared to extenders. | It provides significantly less speed than WiFi boosters |
| Transforms the existing coax cabling into a fast, dependable network connection with increased signal strength | It extends or amplifies the signal but does not strengthen it |
Choosing between a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster boils down to your needs and budget. You should get a WiFi booster if the campground WiFi signal is weak. But if the signal is strong but not reaching far enough, then consider using a WiFi extender.
Simple tricks to get you a better WiFi signal in an RV park
There are many ways you can improve your WiFi signals in a campground or RV park, depending on where you are. They include:
Move closer to the access point.
Similar to other signals like AM, FM, and cell bands, proximity makes a big impact when it comes to WiFi signals. Locate the access points in the campground on their map or by contacting the park officials and try to park your RV as close as possible to them for better signal quality and speed.
Get a clear line of sight.
The line of sight between the WiFi signal transmitter and receiver plays a huge role in your signal performance. Obstructions like trees, buildings, hilly terrain, and other RVs will block the signals from reaching your devices.
Go outside the RV
As mentioned before, your RV can block signals outside from entering inside the RV at its highest potential. Recreational vehicles are made of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and other materials which can degrade signal quality. Add other electrical signals which make the problem worse. But simply setting up camp outside can improve your WiFi connection.
Set up a WiFi booster or extender
If you require an internet connection for an extended period, you should try investing in a WiFi booster or extender. Depending on brand and specifications, these devices will improve your internet connection. The booster will amplify the campground WiFi signal and remove dead spots, while the extender will strengthen the signal if it is weak.
Turn off other electronic devices
Using your device close to a running electronic device could cause connection issues. Electronic devices like microwaves, fridges, TV, and speakers can degrade WiFi signals. Try switching them off or moving away from them for a better WiFi signal in an RV.
Use a cellular hotspot
Although this is an expensive solution, it can work when you need to get online, for instance, for an urgent online meeting. Cellular boosters allow you to connect via 3G and 4G/LTE, which can then feed specialized routers transmitting the signal over WiFi for multiple devices. Since you’re using your cellular data, it’s best to avoid streaming videos and heavy downloads as it can get very expensive.
Check this too: Why is My RV Antenna Not Picking Up Channels?
Conclusion
When it comes to ensuring you have a good WiFi connection at the RV park, it’s all about planning. You can get online and stay connected easily with the tips mentioned above. However, if the campground’s WiFi is very weak, has limited bandwidth, and is poorly managed, there is only so much you can do to get quality WiFi. If access to the campground WiFi is difficult, you may have to resort to investing in your RV WiFi router.
