Are you traveling in your RV and looking for an accessible campground to stay at? Whether you’re stopping at a campground for one night or one week, you’ll want to make sure that you plan ahead to ensure a smooth arrival and departure with your RV.

Two different types of campsites to keep in mind are pull-through and back-in campsites. Checkout our guide below to understand the differences and determine what would work best for you so you can enjoy your trip!

Pull-Through Campsites

This type of campsite is designed to let RVs enter from one end and exit from another end. This eliminates the need for RVs to back into any spaces. Pull-through campsites are typically beneficial for larger trailers and RVs, and allow drivers to easily drive in.

Campsites that have many rows of RVs and trailers generally offer pull-through spots so more vehicles can use the campground. While the process of entering and leaving can be easier, some RV drivers find that these types of campgrounds are more crowded and less secluded. Depending on your trip and preferences, you may like a more crowded place for meeting with friends and family, in which case, pull-through campsites would be ideal.

Additionally, pull-through campsites can be preferred if you’re just passing through for the night, because you can quickly leave when needed.

Back-In Campsites

Back-in campsites require drivers of RVs and trailers to back into their spots so they can properly hook their vehicles to the utility connections on the driver’s side. Back-in campgrounds tend to provide more privacy and space between vehicles, making them ideal spots for those looking for more seclusion.

Experienced RV drivers usually will have no problems with backing in, but someone with less experience may have a difficult time properly parking their vehicle. Backing in may also increase setup time when arriving at your desired spot, so this is another important factor to keep in mind when planning your trip.

What Are the Main Differences?

When deciding whether to stay at a pull-through or a back-in campsite, here is a breakdown of the main differences to keep in mind:

  • Maneuvering requirements – Pull-through campsites don’t require guests to maneuver their RV other than when pulling into their desired spot. Back-in campsites, on the other hand, require more adjustments made by your vehicle. Depending on your experience and time for setup, this is an important element that distinguishes the two campsites.
  • Privacy – Back-in campsites will offer more privacy for guests compared to pull-through areas because there will often be more space between each RV space. These types of campsites generally will provide more room for outdoor activities, while pull-through sites have RV spots in close quarters.Also, most back-in campgrounds face toward the campground or scenic views, so campers can enjoy the surrounding area more.
  • Vehicle size – If you have a larger RV, a pull-through site could be a better option because the spaces tend to be larger. Drivers also don’t have to worry about pulling their vehicle around to fit in a smaller space.
  • Setup time – If your trip has a tight schedule, a pull-through spot may work better because you’ll know that parking your RV won’t require a lot of time, allowing you to focus on vacation plans. If you want to relax on your first day, spending time backing in your RV may not be an issue.


Each type of campground offers elements that meet the needs of different types of campers.Choosing which site will work for you comes down to personal preferences and what you’re looking to get out of your trip. It’s always important to research the campgrounds that you’re staying at to have a full picture of your parking situation.

Why Emrick Lake Is Your Ideal Campground Destination

Planning your next RV adventure and looking for the best spot to park your RV? Emrick LakeCampground and Resort, voted Wisconsin’s #1 campground, offers both pull-through and back-in spots, letting you select the option that’s best for you.

Looking at our campground map, you’ll see our back-in spots in yellow and our pull-through spots in blue. Surrounding our RV parking, you’ll find various amenities that our campers love to enjoy daily, such as:

  • Pools
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Hiking trails
  • Playground
  • Shooting range
  • Volleyball court
  • Jumping pillow
  • Basketball court
  • Pickleball court
  • Frisbee golf course
  • Cornhole
  • Gel blaster
  • Movie screen
  • Waterslides
  • Dog parks
  • Golf course
  • Petting zoo

These amenities are all close to both pull-through and back-in spots, offering plenty to do during your stay. Along with that, our campground often holds fun events for campers that are family-friendly. Events we’ve held in the past include Spring Field Party, Pets on Parade, Carnival Weekend, Spooktacular Halloween, Friendsgiving Feast, and more!

Our goal is to give our guests the most memorable experiences with their family and friends, which is why people from all over the country travel to our one-of-a-kind campsite.

Book Your Trip and Bring Your RV to Emrick Lake

Your next RV adventure awaits at Emrick Lake Campground and Resort! Whether you prefer a pull-through or back-in campsite, we’ve got both! Book online today or contact our team with any other questions about our campground.