First Time RV Camping Guide

First time RV camping? Feel like you might be missing something? RVnGO has you covered.

Your first time camping in an RV doesn’t have to be intimidating. Although it may feel like you’ve got a list of questions a mile long when it comes to packing or picking out the right kind of RV, have no worries. We’ve compiled a list of the most common rookie mistakes made to ensure that your first time RV camping is nothing but smooth sailing.

Follow along and bon voyage!

Top 10 Travel Tips for First Time RV Camping

1. Check your towing capabilities

When it comes to towable RVs like fifth wheels or travel trailers, make sure that your towing vehicle is appropriate. Fifth wheels can only be towed by pickup trucks, with the gooseneck frame resting entirely on the truck bed. By comparison, travel trailers can be hitched to almost any towing capable vehicle. 

If you’re unsure whether or not your car can safely or easily tow a larger size RV, we strongly recommend going down in size. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to towing larger RVs, particularly if you’re unused to doing so. We also recommend practicing driving your RV rental briefly before you take it on the highway or through tight spaces to get an idea of how it feels.

For more information on fifth wheels vs travel trailers, click here.

2. Record your tail swing beforehand

Similarly to the first tip, measuring the tail swing of the hitched RV is vital when it comes to safety. In particular, travel trailers are known for higher sway from wind because of their towing design. However, tail swing doesn’t only apply to towed RVs. Driving any RV for the first time is an adjustment because of the 15-30 inch tail swing at the back of the vehicle during turns. To avoid swiping against gas pumps or even other vehicles, be sure to have someone help you measure the tail swing of your RV before you take it out on the road.

3. Don’t arrive after dark

If you’re arriving after dark there’s an assumption that you’ll probably be tired. Whether it’s from being up late at night or from a long day of driving—and it’s likely both—, you should count on your reflexes, eyesight, and judgment not being as good as they should be. This applies to parking safely, avoiding potholes and treacherous stretches of road, making sure you’re hooking up your tanks to the correct station, and other things that could go wrong when the sun goes down.

Although it may be difficult to plan for in your trip, arriving before it gets dark will help you out immensely.

4. Book a pull through site

Don’t be a hero— ask for a pull through site when you book a spot at the campground. Even the most experienced RV drivers will tell you that when it comes to parking, pull throughs are easier and quicker to use. This is compounded by situations like arriving at your campsite after dark, when it’s already harder to park. 

Most campgrounds have at least a couple pull through sites, but they’re likely to fill up fast. For this reason, it’s always recommended to book your reservation months ahead of time to make sure you get the best spot possible.

5. Dump your black tank first

Always dump your black tank first. Trust us.

When you’re at the pump, pull the black lever first and wait for it to drain entirely. Then, dump your gray tank after. Make sure that it’s around two-thirds full so that your hose gets washed out well through the process. After they’re done draining, close and then rinse the valves. 

6. Keep your RV leveled

Be absolutely sure to have leveling blocks with you in your RV rental. Don’t assume that the RV will always have a functioning hydraulic leveling system.

Many of the devices inside RVs won’t work correctly (or at all) if your RV isn’t leveled properly. Gravity is what helps keep refrigerators cool and food from spoiling, and uneven balance can even break them entirely. Plumbing may not drain properly, and tank sensors have been known to give false readings when not leveled. 

7. Prepare for bugs

Unless you’re camping somewhere incredibly arid, assume the worst when it comes to bugs. Although there’s nothing that beats camping out in nature, having dinner under the stars with family and friends, we’re sharing the camp at all times with its natural inhabitants. Plus, it’s not only nighttime that brings bugs out. If you’re camping in an area that experiences rainfall often enough, assume that mosquitos will be around during the day too.

To that end, pack appropriately! Whether it’s bug spray, bracelet repellent, or insect repellent clothing, make sure you’ve got plenty of it! 

8. Download maps

Don’t rely on data. Having maps and directions downloaded onto your phone is just as important to your travel checklist as a first aid kit. Even at campgrounds that aren’t off the grid, the internet is never a guaranteed commodity. Before you leave, download the entire area that you’ll be camping in off of Google Maps or Waze, plus directions. If you go through periods of data outage or WiFi blackouts, you’ll be thankful that you’ve got a sense of where you are and where you’re going.

9. Pay attention to the awning

It’s a rookie mistake to keep your RV’s awning up unattended. 

Awnings can generally take gusts of wind up to around 25 mph. However, strong winds can warp or even unlatch awnings entirely. To avoid any damage, always be sure to retract it when you’re not around. This goes for when you’re sleeping as well. Even if you don’t expect bad weather, it’s better to be cautious— particularly when the RV you’re using isn’t yours.

10. For winter camping, bring antifreeze and a dehumidifier

If you’re camping in the fall or winter months, or somewhere cooler in climate, there are numerous additional items for your pre-travel checklist. However, chief among them are antifreeze and a dehumidifier.

While the antifreeze is self-explanatory, you shouldn’t assume that your host will supply every single one of your needs without asking. To stay safe and keep your RV’s pipes from bursting, make sure to bring RV antifreeze.

A dehumidifier is important when it comes to keeping the RV in good shape for its owner. When cooking, doing dishes in the sink, or running hot showers, you’ll need to make sure the RV is well ventilated. Running a dehumidifier ensures that if you perform all of the following tasks without open windows or doors to keep the cold out, your RV rental won’t become a mold machine. 

Check out our guide to winter RV camping here for more tips on how to stay safe and warm even while off grid!

And lastly, for our bonus tip: make your first time RV camping an amazing experience by booking ahead with RVnGO!