Tips for RV Camping

RV camping is definitely unique. It gives a brand new definition to outdoor adventures, as this one involves your favorite off-road vehicle. 

If it is your first time to camp with an RV, this guide will help you out. Here, I listed all the things that you need to know to ensure that you can do this activity conveniently, safely, and happily. 

RV Camping Tips: All The Things That You Need To Know

Packing The Essentials 

There are essential items that you need to secure in an RV camping. Ideally, the preparation should be minimal, especially if you have equipped your RV with mobility and essential home items. 

But of course, I have to assume that you are still curious as to what you should bring on a camping trip with your RV. For starters, the following items should be present. 

Cooking Supplies 

• Plates, bowls, and cups
• Mugs and water bottles
• Cutting board, knives, and other cutting utensils
• Spoons, forks, and sporks,
• Spatulas 
• Pots and potholders
• Skillets and frying pans
• Lighters and matches 
• Coolers and containers
• Dish towels, napkins, and paper towels
• Stoves and grills
  

Clothing

• Footwear (sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, or depending on the weather and terrain)
• Rain gear
• Shorts or pants
• Sleeveless or long-sleeve shirts
• Extra socks and undergarments
• Hats and beanies
• Sunglasses 
• Bathing suits

Hygiene and Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorants 
• Menstrual kits
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellents and bug sprays
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap 
  

Other Personal Items

• Credit cards and cards
• Reservations and camping permits
• Compass, maps, and navigation equipment
• Identification cards
• Cell phone 
  

Safety Utilities

• First-aid kit
• Medicines and prescription drugs
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Survival whistles
• Survival knife
• Multi-tool
• Radios, walkie-talkies, and satellite phone
  

Be Aware of Boundaries

The outdoors seems to be free and borderless. Of course, that should be the case, especially if you are settling in a campground where the RV users are sparse and limited. 

But if it is otherwise, then you need to respect spaces. This doesn't mean that you have to draw lines as a physical perimeter between your RV and other RVs. You just have to respect borders and the belongings of other people. 

So how can you do this? Well, don't go to the areas where other RVs are camping. Well, if you are invited, then you can sit with them at their picnic tables. But as an unwritten rule, never enter on other people's RVs. Don't ever do that. 

Of course, this reminder is not only for you. It also goes to your party. Everybody should comply with this.

Be Friendly With Other RV Campers

In relation to the previous tip, I also suggest that you have to befriend your camping neighbors.  It is a prudent move that you should practice every time you are going to do an RV camping.

• First, you have to know you are with you. Get to know them a little, especially their behavior and the way they deal with other campers. It is easy to trust your gut feeling here. Your senses will ring immediately when something is off with a person. 

• Second, being friendly is just a nice thing. It tells other campers that you meant no harm, and that's essential. It eases your camping experience since you don't have to get awkward all the time. 

• Third, it enables you to settle issues with other campers if ever they arise. It removes the difficulties of solving problems and conflicts. 

Don't Litter

Respect Mother Nature whenever you are making outdoor trips. 

I usually don't emphasize this whenever I write posts about camping and backpacking guides. But this time, I am going to underline it just in case. 

You see, compared to hiking or trekking, RV camping produces more residues. Of course, your RV can carry a lot of things, and that's already a sign that you need to take extra care of your garbage. 

Surely, there will be a point that you'll get tempted to throw your garbage anywhere in the campground. But if you are going to throw it in a place that is not a garbage can, that's not an ethical thing. It is incredibly irresponsible.

Do not attempt to burn them either. The odor that the smoke emits might be foul and nasty. It will disturb other campers, and it might put you into a lot of trouble. You might get kicked from the campground. 

Choose Your Campground Wisely

One of the perks of RV camping is that you are free to go literally anywhere. As long as it can be reached by the wheels of your RV, then you can camp there. 

However, let me remind you that you need to be extra picky as to where you should camp. If you have preferences and personal reservations, then you need to be extra careful where you are going to settle in. 

If you want a lively surrounding, you might want to go on campgrounds within or near towns. Many locals go there, and most of them are jovial and like to party all night long.

However, if you want solitude and peace, you should be off the grid. Leave the city. Cover several miles and go to campgrounds near forests, national parks, and protected areas. There are specific regulations there that prevent people from being rowdy.

Moreover, these campsites are not frequented by people. You'll certainly have your peace there.

Of course, you need to plan things ahead of time. It is not good to make haphazard decisions. You should make a contingency plan if in case a particular campsite is full. 

Checklist For The Campground

• Clear all branches or any forms of obstacles present in the area
• Find the hookups for the sewage, water, and electrical facility of your RV
• Ensure that you park your RV near these hookups
• Chock the wheels of the rig
• Use the electricity of the campsite instead of the battery or fuel of your vehicle

Drive Carefully 

Another thing that you need to mind is your speed. Keep in mind that your goal here is to reach your destination as safely as possible. Moreover, you should be able to leave and return to your point of origin without any untoward incident.

RVs are technically more challenging to drive than ordinary cars. You need to be focused once you are in the steering wheel. You have to mind your surroundings and ensure that you can avoid any road hazards. 

Once you enter a campground, make sure that you observe the prescribed speed limit. Doing this will lessen the chance of getting into an accident with other RVs and pedestrians. 

Extra Tips:

• Accidents can happen inevitably and out of nowhere. Before you drive for a camping trip, you need to make sure that your vehicle is fully insured. Always remember that repairing RVs can be expensive. It will help if you have a policy that can cover the cost of vehicle repairs. 

• You also need to invest in a surge protector. This device connects an RV to an external power source. It works by monitoring the performance of the power source. Moreover, it can protect your vehicle's electrical system once there's a sudden power surge caused by lightning and bad wirings at the campsite.

• Also, you need to get a tire pressure monitor system. This utility alerts you if there are issues in your tire. It is often difficult to spot damages in the tires until it is too late. Once operating, this particular device will check the changes in the pressure and temperature of your rig's tires. 

• Do practice driving. It is essential to familiarize how your RV operates. It also helps in getting comfortable with the vehicle. 

• Bring tools for repair. You got to learn how to fix some of the minor issues that RVs typically encounter. Also, it would be best if you have spare parts with you. That would make your adventure free from inconveniences and unexpected costly repairs.

Learn To Be A Team Player

Honestly, RVs are the apple-of-the-eye of thieves and robbers. There are expensive items that are possibly stored in these RVs. For the vagrants, parked RVs are treasure troves. 

Because of this, all campers must be able to look out for each other. It is essential that you protect your belongings and the properties of other people at the campsite. Others will do the same, too. A community that is guarding one another will remain foolproof from looting and other vile acts.

Just like I emphasized earlier, you need to become a good resident in any campground. That will help you establish a positive rapport. 

Don't Be Noisy 

RV camping is all fun and games until someone in the campground complains about the noise you create. Don't see this as a crude remark. You have to assess first whether you are too cacophonous or not. 

Sure, you are on vacation, and nobody will ever stop you from enjoying the trip. However, this is not a license to disturb others. 

You might need to step away from peaceful campgrounds if your goal is to be jovial. As I said earlier, you got to be careful about choosing your campsite. Some places have a high tolerance to noise, while others have strict policies about it.

There are several noise sources in your RV that you need to be aware of. An example of this is the generator. Don't let it run in the middle of the night if it doesn't have a muffler. Similarly, your entertainment set should be turned down, too. Keep the volumes to the minimum as a respect to other dwellers. 

If you have your kids or pets with you, learn to hush them. Once they go blaring, other people will start reprimanding you. Again, it is just a matter of respecting personal spaces. Don't let your noise invade other properties.

Arrive And Leave On Time

Every campground has check-out times. They are similar to hotels and inns when it comes to this aspect. 

Fortunately, it is not difficult to keep track of your time. You just have to get reminded of your reservation schedule.  

Try to leave earlier so that you can avoid penalties and fees. You don't also want to delay your departure, as other RV campers will get delayed, too.  

Always remember that you are not the only one who thought about camping. Give a chance to those who are as giddy as you to enjoy the outdoors! 

Needless to say, the secret so that you can maximize the extent of your trip is by being on time. Arriving late will cut the time that you should have enjoyed.

Conclusion

These are the things that you need to remember when you are planning for a grand RV camping. 

First timers should comply on these guidelines, as they are the fundamentals that would make your trip safe and worthwhile. 

You’ll soon experience the various nuances of RV camping once you do it frequently. For the meantime, prepare and look forward to it. 

That’s it for now. If you have questions about RV camping and other matters related to outdoor activities, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.