RV Camping Tips for Beginners
So you finally got an RV camper and you're ready to vacation like a boss from campgrounds in Florida to Maine, and maybe all the way to the west coast. But before you hit the road in your new home on wheels, make the most of your experience with these RV camping tips for beginners.
Learn the Tricks for Budget Camping
Most beginning RVers are graduates from tent camping. RV camping fees are going to be higher, but you'll get more space and services. The costs of an RV campsite should range between $30 and $150. Still, this is cheaper than a hotel and over time, your RV purchase will pay off.
Depending on the location and season, you may even find free campsites.
Look for RV memberships from organizations like Passport America, Good Sam, or Thousand Trails to help save money. National and state parks offer reduced fees. Keep in mind that most RV park chains offer discounts for weekly and monthly stays.
Pro tip: RV parks fill up quickly. Make your reservations well in advance.
Choose the Right RV Campsite
Your campsite needs will depend on you and the RV camper you chose. Most RV parks offer electric hook-ups, but you may need more amenities. For example, if your RV doesn't have a shower, you'll want to look for a campground with bathrooms and showers. Other amenities you may need include water hook-ups, a septic, an onsite dumping station, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
You should also consider the type of vacation you want. Do you want to visit major cities, explore a national park, or play by the sea or a lake?
Families looking for an all-inclusive stay can find full RV hook-us, swimming pools, and game rooms. Or for kids, a simple playground may suffice and help you stay within your budget.
It's also important to consider the campsite's size. Most campgrounds at national parks are for units 25 feet or less in length. Private campsites usually accommodate RVs of any size. Be sure to check the RV park's website for this information.
Learn How to Set Up Your RV Campsite
Don't think just because everything is right there that setting up your RV campsite will go quickly. You should allow at least two hours of daylight to set up and break down your site.
Check for obstructions like trees and large rocks. And when towing a car, disconnect it. Park your RV so you'll have space for slide-outs if applicable, and with enough space for an outdoor sitting area with chairs and a table. A mat by the front door will help keep the floors in your RV clean.
If needed, use blocks to level your RV. If you have a trailer, keep it secure with wheel chocks. And don't leave awnings out for extended periods or in windy conditions.
Learn the Right Way to Dump
If your RV has a kitchen, toilet, or shower, you'll need to get familiar with holding tanks and dumping. Most RV parks have campsites with hook-ups for freshwater as well as gray and black tank emptying. If you choose an RV park with no hook-ups, a dumping station at the location is where you will dump your waste sewage.
A campsite with full hook-ups will allow you to connect hoses to gray water (shower and dishwater) and black water (bathroom waste) tank valves for emptying into the campground's septic system. Only use your freshwater hose for fresh water. Use a different colored hose for each type of water so you don't get them mixed up.
If you're going to camp for a week or so, keep the black tank's valve open to prevent dripping and smelly odors.
If you have to use a dumping station, dump your black water tank when it's half full. Otherwise, it will be too difficult.
Don't Overpack Your RV
Keep your camping list to a minimum in the beginning and only pack what you need to prepare meals, sleep comfortably, keep sanitary conditions, and stay organized. Resist the urge to buy lots of cool gadgets. As you advance beyond the beginning camping stage, you can start to add a few well-chosen accessories.
Beyond linens, pots and pans, and dishes, here are some helpful basic items to include in your RV:
- Adjustable kitchen drawer dividers to keep utensils organized.
- Storage organizers for underneath the bed, sofa, and kitchen benches
- Over-the-door organizers with clear pockets
- Small corner storage units
- A hand-held vacuum
- A whisk broom, mop, and bucket
- A couple of laundry baskets ( for dirty clothes, toys, etc.)
Learn How To RV Safely
Safety is another reason to pack lightly when traveling in an RV. It will be easier to drive, set up, and break down camp if you keep accessories to a minimum. Items should be kept secured against the wall or floor while driving,
Keep your RV's health in good condition. Frequently check the tires and gauges. If your RV is tall, always be aware of clearance heights for bridges and weight restrictions. Since RVs are large vehicles, drive more slowly and add time to your ETA.
Secure your RV's wheels (chocks, level, parking brake when parked. Know how to prepare properly for RV camping in cold weather.
Since water is very heavy, take as little with you on the road as possible. Don't travel with full tanks if your destination has water hook-ups. If not, fill your freshwater tank at the fill-up station usually located at the entrance to the campground.
Also, empty the gray and black water tanks before traveling.
Better gas mileage will be a bonus for traveling without full water tanks.