The short answer
A full hookup site has three connections for your RV: electricity, fresh water, and a sewer connection. You plug in, connect a hose, and attach a sewer line, so you can use your RV’s systems much as you would at home without relying on your onboard tanks. You may see this written as “FH,” “FHU,” or sometimes “FF” in campground listings. Terms can vary, so read each park’s description.
The three connections
Electric
Most sites have a pedestal with outlets. RVs are typically wired for 30-amp or 50-amp service, and some sites offer both. Make sure your power cord, and any adapter, match what the pedestal provides. A surge protector or electrical management system is widely recommended. Using more power than the service can supply can trip a breaker, so be mindful of running multiple large appliances such as air conditioners at once.
Water
A water spigot lets you connect a drinking-water-safe hose and fill the RV’s plumbing directly. A pressure regulator on the spigot helps protect your plumbing from high pressure. Some campers also use an inline filter. Some parks offer a spigot only; others have restrictions on hose use or watering lawns.
Sewer
A sewer connection, often a pipe in the ground near the site, lets you drain your gray (sink and shower) and black (toilet) tanks using a sewer hose with a secure fitting. Many campers keep the black tank valve closed until the tank is fairly full, then empty it, and leave the gray valve open or open it as needed. Practice differs, so follow your RV manufacturer’s guidance.
Partial hookups and dry camping
- Partial hookup: Usually water and electric but no sewer. You would use the park’s dump station before leaving.
- Electric only: Common at some campgrounds and state parks.
- No hookups (dry camping or boondocking): You rely on your own tanks, battery, solar, or generator. Boondocking usually means camping without services, often on public land.
If you are new to camping, full hookups are often the easiest way to start. That is part of the advice in our beginner’s guide to RV camping.
How to connect
- Park, level, and chock the RV.
- Turn off the RV’s main breaker, then plug the surge protector into the pedestal and the RV cord into the protector, and turn the breaker back on.
- Flush the spigot briefly, attach the regulator, and connect your hose to the RV.
- Connect the sewer hose to the RV outlet and the site inlet with a good seal, supported so it slopes downhill.
- Check for leaks around all fittings.
Gear for all of this is covered in our RV camping checklist.
Choosing a site
Compare what the park actually offers. Check the amp rating, the location of the connections relative to your RV, and the site length. A pull-thru RV site is often paired with hookups and may make positioning easier. Full hookup sites often cost more than partial or dry sites, so decide whether you will use the extra services.
Frequently asked questions
What does FF mean in camping?
It most often stands for full hookup in campground shorthand, but not every park uses it the same way. Check the legend on the listing or ask the park.
Do I need full hookups?
No. Many RVs can stay a few days using onboard tanks and batteries. Hookups are about convenience and longer stays.
What is boondocking?
Camping without hookups, typically in a remote or undeveloped place. You manage your own water, power, and waste.