Home Camping Tips 6 Tips For First-Time RV Campers
6 Tips For First-Time RV Campers

5 min

September 7, 2023

Are you new to RV camping? At first glance, driving around in a huge RV can be a little intimidating, especially when you pull into the campground for the first time. Before setting out on your first adventure, here are 6 things to keep in mind to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

1. To Buy or Rent?
If you’ve never gone RV camping before, it may be beneficial to rent one and take it out for the weekend before you make the big purchase. Do you have friends or family who would happily take you along for a trip? Going camping with a seasoned RVer is not only educational, but it can be a fun way to learn the ins and outs of RV camping.

If you already have a good deal of experience with RV camping and you plan to go on multiple trips every year, it may be worth buying. If you’re only planning a single trip or just want to dip your toes in the water, it’s probably best to rent.

2. Spend Some Quality Time With Your RV
Before you pull the RV out of the driveway, spend some quality time getting acquainted. Play around with all of the features, test out the buttons, check how much storage you have, and get a good understanding of how everything functions.

We all know manuals are boring, but if the RV breaks down, you’re going to want to be able to diagnose the problem and potentially fix it.

3. Checklists and Research Are Your Friends
Soak in as much information about RVs as you can. Search the web for how-to’s, tips and tricks, destinations, and advice from seasoned RVers.

Make it a habit to go through a checklist before you leave for your trips. Simple things like checking the doors, fluid levels, and tire pressure will prevent unnecessary issues later on.

4. Don’t Be Spontaneous Your First Time, Plan Ahead
While it may be tempting to hop in the RV and go wherever the road may take you, it’s safer to plan out your adventure the first few times you go RV camping.

Take the time to choose your campground and find the best route. Nobody wants to drive through rush hour traffic in the city in an RV, especially on a first trip. Winding mountain roads may seem like fun, but again, these can be tricky in an enormous vehicle, have patience with yourself.

5. Don’t Forget Your Toolkit
Regardless of how careful you are, there’s a good chance you’re going to encounter issue while you’re on the road. Bring along a well-stocked toolkit full of wrenches, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, tire repair kit, spare fuses, and any other spare parts or tools that are unique to your rig.

6. Arrive At Your Campground During Daylight Hours
Parking your RV and trying to set everything up in the dark is no fun, especially if you’ve never done it before. Make it a goal to arrive early so you have plenty of time setup your rig and get everything in place without feeling rushed or going at it blind.

RVing is an amazing way to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Preparing yourself for your first RV camping trip is a great way to ensure you have a stress-free adventure. Looking for the perfect campsite to park your RV? Explore thousands of campgrounds nationwide on Camp Native!

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