RV Camping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with thousands of Americans each year renting their very own RV, and taking their families on the road to camp out under the night sky.
Camping enthusiasts love RV camping, because it’s the perfect blend of a camping experience, and modern living. An RV features all the luxuries you’re accustomed to, while still being built for the outdoors.
That’s why RV campers aren’t just for camping lovers, it’s also for their hesitant friends who don’t want to leave the comfort of their own homes to live out in the middle of the forest somewhere.
If you’re interested in trying out RV camping for yourself, it’s necessary that you know what you’re getting into. Luckily for you, this guide has all the information you need to embark on your very own RV camping adventure.
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Renting an RV
Buying an RV is quite a commitment. Such vehicles are expensive, difficult to maintain, and rather impractical on a day to day basis. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to have fun RV camping. Rather than buying your own RV, you can just rent one for as long as you need it. If you and your family continue to go RV camping every year, or even multiple times a year, perhaps then you can consider buying one. But for now, renting should be just fine.
There are a number of different types of RVs to choose from, depending on your budget. Look for a reputable RV rental service, with positive customer reviews. After all, if you do rent an RV to camp in it, you wouldn’t want anything to go wrong while you’re stuck in the middle of the wilderness.
Types of RVs
There are numerous different types of RVs, each with their own specifications and features. Before you commit to renting one particular RV, assess your own particular needs and expectations. For example, how many people are you taking on your RV camping trip? That’s probably the most important question to ask. The different types of RVs include truck campers, travel trailers, campervans, class B Camper Vans, Class A Gas Motorhomes, and Class C Motorhomes. Don’t hesitate to ask your renter their professional expertise on which RV would be best suited for you and your fellow campers.
How to Operate an RV
If you’ve never operated such a massive vehicle before, the thought of doing so can be rather daunting. The reality is, driving an RV is actually quite easy. Anyone who’s driven a car before should be able to understand the basics of operating an RV, in no time. Some RV rental services may even teach renters how to operate the RV they rent, so make sure to ask your renter if such services are available.
What to Do If Your RV Breaks Down
Most RV rental services will be willing to send someone to assist you, if your vehicle breaks down. If your rental service doesn’t provide such a service, look for other RV mechanics in the area. It’s good to have the number of at least one mechanic on hand, in case anything was to go wrong, even though it’s unlikely that anything will.
What to Know About RV CampGrounds
Some campgrounds come equipped with amenities that allow you to take full advantage of your RV’s built in features. When choosing a campground, look for ones that are best suited for RV camping. Certain smaller campgrounds may be quiet and secluded, but you’ll have a difficult time maneuvering your RV, and you won’t have as much fun anyway. Before you begin your journey, call ahead and make sure your campsite can accommodate your RV at all.
There are generally three kinds of RV campgrounds, and it’s important that you know how to differentiate between each of them.
Primitive CampGrounds
Primitive campgrounds don’t have electricity, or water services. In fact, some don’t have working toilets or showers at all. Staying at such a campground is generally inexpensive. Primitive campgrounds are ideal for an authentic camping experience, during which you can reconnect with nature, without any of the luxuries of the modern world.
Partial Hookup CampGrounds
These Camp Grounds feature sites where you can find water and electricity, but they lack a built in sewage system. What this means is that you’ll have clean water and electricity, but you’ll have to dispose of your waste manually. Staying at such a camp site generally costs more than you would spend at a primitive campsite.
Full Hookup CampGrounds
A full hookup campground features sites where you’ll find clean water, electricity, and a functioning sewer system, so you don’t have to dispose of your own waste. That’s not all, some full hook up camp sites may even feature telephones, cable tv, and possibly even wireless internet.
What to Bring On Your RV Camping Trip
The great thing about camping in an RV is that you have so much space to pack everything you could ever possibly need, to make your camping trip a success. If you’re still unsure what to take on your trip, here are a few things we can recommend:
Now of course, these are just a few standard items you can take with you. This list can change based on personal preference, and other external factors, such as weather and landscape.
Now That You Know
Now that you know so much more about RV camping, what do you think? Are you excited to try it for yourself? Or would you prefer the more traditional aspects of camping?
Hopefully, this article proved useful to you, and convinced you to give RV camping a chance. Before you set off on your very own RV camping adventure, talk to local RV rental services, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get as much useful information as possible, so you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle.