Internet Speed Test Tool Coming

[Janet H]

In the next few days you'll see a new option on the upper red RV LIFE bar to take a speed test. If you are camping at a park the info will be used to contribute to collective speed test data that we display at Campground Reviews on each park page. (RV LIFE Campground Reviews is our sister site). Your personal information will not be shared - only the carrier info associated with the internet connection and the test speed. If you are not at a park, you can still take a speed test anytime you like. The info will be only informational for you but it's still fun. Many RVers use Campground Reviews (and RV Life Trip Wizard) when planning trips, and having good connectivity at a park is a prime concern for many when choosing a park.

To enable this tool, we've set up a prompt to allow location services on your device. You can dismiss it if you're not interested but if you would like to take a speed test and you'll need to "allow location detection" The location info is not used for any other purpose.

Speed test info reported by real RVers is the most reliable info about what to expect for connectivity at a park and so we're excited at the possibilities for everyone who RVs.

 

[powercat_ras]

Will people who use this site understand to NOT use the tool UNLESS they are using the campground WiFi, if you expect to be reporting on the Campground WiFi performance?

So many of us use a cellular solution these days. Personally I use ATT modem or T-Mobile phone hotspot and almost never use campground WiFi.

 

[Janet H]

The speed test info displays the cell carrier or if it's park wifi (and carrier if known), starlink, etc.

We have been slowly collecting connectivity info at Campground Reviews (sister site) for several years as reviewers have submitted tests and thought that expanding this to the forums might speed up the process.

Connectivity on the road is a BIG deal for many, especially in remote areas.
As an example, here in the PNW there are still vast areas with no cell coverage. I can't camp on the WA or Oregon coast at a state park with a reliable connection unless I tote along a starlink dish. Good to know in advance

We have also found that some parks aren't entirely forthcoming about exactly how speedy their wifi is. Websites often say they have wifi but upon arrival it turns out to be very slow or restricted. Finally taking matters into our own hands and crowdsourcing the info...

 

[Wayne M]

Try speedtest.net

 

[Wayne M]

It's annoying when it keeps asking for a campground speedtest that I was at two months ago.