5 Tips for First-Time RV Campers: What to Know Before You Go!

Are you ready to hit the open road for your first-ever family RV road trip? There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new destinations with the comfort of home right behind you. RV travel is an exciting way to see the world but can also come with challenges, especially if you're a first-timer.

There's much to consider, from planning your route and packing essentials to learning tips and tricks from seasoned RV travelers. If you’re curious about what it takes to make your journey smooth, what tips to follow to avoid common pitfalls, or simply want to be prepared for anything that comes your way, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, we'll share five things we wish we had known or five tips for your first family RV trip. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an incredible journey!

Tip #1: Book Your RV Parks in Advance

Honestly, we made a mistake on our recent RV trip: not booking our RV campsites early. If you plan to stay at an RV campsite or RV park, we highly encourage you to do so. Believe it or not, these spots actually sell out really quickly.

Many RV parks have prime locations with extra perks, like scenic views, proximity to amenities, or pull-through spaces that make parking a breeze. By reserving early, you secure your spot and get a chance to pick the best available site for your needs. Plus, popular RV parks and campsites sometimes offer discounts or deals for early bookings, saving you money in the long run.

If you're thinking about driving a long day and just knocking on the door of an RV park expecting a vacancy, you might be mistaken. You might have to pull over on the side of the road for that night. So, do yourself a favor: book your RV park in advance.

Tip #2: Don't Overpack and Organize Your Storage

Believe it or not, RVs come with a surprising amount of storage space—probably more than you’ll need for your trip. But, as tempting as it may be to fill every nook and cranny, overpacking can lead to clutter and frustration. Instead, we encourage you to focus on packing only what you truly need. Think about the essentials for each day, and try to avoid packing too many "just in case" items. Remember, every extra item is something you'll have to manage and store on the go.

To make the journey even smoother, take the time to organize before hitting the road. Ensure that everything in closets, cupboards, drawers, and bins has its designated spot. This will help you know exactly where everything is when you need it and prevent items from shifting around while driving.

Investing a little time upfront to organize each area will save you a lot of hassle later on, making settling into each new destination much more accessible.

Tip #3: Secure Everything Before You Hit the Road

Before you set off on your adventure, you must ensure that every item in your RV is securely locked down or stowed away. Even though it might seem stable while you’re parked, the moment you hit the gas, anything left loose on countertops or tables can come crashing down.

On one of our trips, we learned this the hard way—leaving dishes, cups, and even small appliances on the counter led to quite a mess as soon as we got moving. Trust me, there's nothing quite as frustrating as having to pull over just to clean up a spilled cup or broken plate.

To avoid these mishaps, do a quick “sweep” of your RV interior before every departure. Ensure that cupboards and drawers are closed tightly, and use non-slip liners or storage baskets for items you need easy access to but don’t want to bounce around.

Tip #4: Understand How to Discard Your Waste

If anyone's seen the movie RV with Robin Williams, you probably know what I'm getting into. Make sure that you understand how to discard your waste. You know what I'm talking about the black or gray tube.

If you don't, ask your RV provider. If it's too late, just ask someone around the RV park. We were surprised at how helpful people were; they recognized we were new RVers and came to our aid.

You can also take it one step further and not let your family use the actual bathroom, scheduling pit stops and staying at RV parks that have their own restrooms.

Tip #5: Budget Accordingly

Going on an RV trip isn't necessarily a cheap vacation. Certain things will add up quickly, one being gas. Gas prices can be high, and if you're driving a large RV with a big tank, you'll spend a lot on fuel. We had to fill up several times on our trip, costing about $175 to $200.

Beyond fuel, dining expenses can also make a noticeable dent in your budget. While many RVs come equipped with kitchens, cooking every meal may not always be practical or appealing, especially after a long day on the road or exploring. Eating out is a great way to enjoy local flavors, but it can become costly if it becomes a daily habit.

If you’re hoping to keep costs down, consider preparing simple meals in your RV for most of the trip and saving restaurant visits for special occasions or unique local experiences. Minor budgeting adjustments like these can help keep your adventure both memorable and manageable.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it—five essential tips for first-time RVers, each learned the hard way on our recent journey. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting your RV adventures, we’d love to hear your insights and any tips we may have missed, so drop a comment below.

If you’re looking for a scenic, well-kept RV park in Conway, South Carolina, don’t forget to check out Crooked Oaks RV Park.

Remember: life’s an adventure—who are you going on it with? Let’s keep the spirit of exploration alive, one RV trip at a time!