RV camping allows you to explore as you enjoy the comforts of your home.
It offers outstanding experiences you can’t get when staying in a tent or hotel. With RV camping, you don’t have to sleep out in the open, especially if the thought of it makes you cringe. It’s more cost-effective when traveling with friends or family. It gets you close to nature without skimping on luxuries and comfort. An RV’s vast storage capacity allows you to pack as much gear as necessary. Outlined below are six RV camping tips for beginners.
1. Make an RV camping budget
RV camping doesn’t have to be expensive. Camping spots, food, and gas take up the biggest chunk of your budget. Prioritize things on your budget depending on what’s essential for you and your loved ones. Based on your expected mileage during camping and your RV’s anticipated miles per gallon, you can determine how much gas you need for your camping trip. However, you add about 20% as a buffer. Reading online resources like Varied Lands can help you find more insights on budgeting for your RV camping trip.
2. Decide whether to rent or buy an RV
Buying an RV allows you to go on spontaneous camping trips. It’s the best option for those who wish to travel regularly. Owning an RV is convenient for anyone who wishes to go camping whenever they want. You can also customize it to your liking. However, all the costs of maintaining and keeping an RV are on you, significantly raising your budget. The vehicle needs parking when not in use. This could mean additional monthly costs if you have no extra room.
Renting is a great option for those who don’t want the responsibilities that come with ownership. When you rent an RV, it comes with everything you need for camping. Renting is cheaper than buying and doesn’t require finding a safe parking spot when not in use. Nonetheless, renting might cost you more if you plan on RVing more often. The decision to buy or rent an RV may be influenced by how often you’ll use it and the custom experience you’re looking for.
3. Find the best RV campsite
RV campsites are created differently. So, put some thought into finding the perfect RV campsite. Before selecting an RV campsite, look at the following:
- Length of stay: If you want to stay in one location for several days, pick a spot with essential amenities
- Budget: The campsite you choose will significantly depend on your budget
- Your camping style: This plays a vital role in selecting the perfect RV camping site. Do you prefer open spaces or a place with many amenities? Are you a loner or a social butterfly? Knowing what you’d enjoy enables you to pick campgrounds suitable for your style
- Proximity to planned tasks: When picking a campsite, ensure it’s close to where you’ve planned your activities and where you’ll park the RV
To find the best campsite, consider reading reviews about the sites you’re considering. If you’re going to a popular destination in a busy season, make reservations in advance.
4. Understand the various RV camping options
As a beginner RVer, you might find the different RVing options confusing. They include:
- RV parks: Unlike campgrounds, RV parks have more parking spots and less trees. You can also find amenities, such as playgrounds for children and clubhouses, and even sewer lines
- Campgrounds: Campgrounds are the perfect option if you love nature and want a simple parking place. You can find campgrounds in state and national parks
- RV resorts: They’re adequately maintained and have many amenities. RV resorts are appropriate for RV renters looking to become familiar with camping
5. Avoid camping during peak seasons
In-season RV camping might not be ideal for beginners because there will likely be more people in campsites. This makes off-peak camping a suitable option. During this period, campsites attract few campers, allowing you better access to in-demand parks and campsites. In addition, you might have to make reservations during off-peak seasons. RV camping becomes more cost-effective in the off-season because most campsites drop their prices or offer discounts.
6. Bring an RV toolbox
Things can break and malfunction during your RV camping excursion. As such, you should bring an RV toolbox packed with the items necessary for maintenance and repairs. When planning the tools to pack, look at your RV as a home and a vehicle. Bring items such as:
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- Vehicle fluids
- Emergency lights
- Spare tires
- A portable air compressor
- Tire pressure gauge
- Digital voltmeter
- Connectors and sewer hose
- A surge protector
- Road hazard lights
- Scissor jack, and more
While these tools are essential, the less weight and space they consume in your RV, the better. For light tool packing:
- Space heavy items evenly throughout your RV to ensure one side isn’t weighed down
- Use multiple toolboxes to separate tools and organize them by purpose while distributing the weight
While RV camping has multiple rewards, it might be challenging for newbies. Consider implementing these RV camping tips for beginners to ease things up.
