If you’re new to RV park camping, here are some essential tips to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Listed below are some unwritten RV sites and campground etiquette and budget considerations, gear to bring, and how to get a good spot. Here’s how to make your stay a memorable one.
Unwritten Campground Etiquette
While camping can be a great way to get away from the everyday world, following unwritten campground etiquette is important to help you have a great time. Remember, other campers are also there to enjoy their vacation time, and you should do the same. Keep in mind that campgrounds usually charge a fee for leaving trash behind, so it’s important to take your garbage out with you.
If you’re new to camping, here’s some unwritten campground etiquette for beginners: Keep your dogs on a leash. Clean up after yourself, and don’t park next to a fisherman’s hole. If you’re new to the campground, read up on boondocking before you start camping.
Budget Considerations
Regardless of how much you spend on RV equipment and supplies, there are a few budget considerations you should consider when RV park camping. Fuel and vehicle maintenance can quickly add up, but if you’re traveling with a family, you may want to consider using your Passport America membership, which can pay for itself in two to three uses. The rest of your budget will be paid off immediately by the savings you’ll have during your stay at an RV park.
You should also consider the time of year you’re traveling. While you might want to spend as little as possible during peak travel seasons, you may find that peak rates are higher during off-peak periods. For example, traveling in early spring or late fall is an excellent time to save money in popular destinations. Avoid booking your stay near popular events, as this will increase costs. Another way to cut costs is to travel during shoulder seasons. If you’re traveling with children, try to avoid popular events like sporting events, which attract large numbers of people. This way, you’ll be able to save money on nightly accommodations, and you can cut down on fuel.
Gear To Bring
Whether you’re an RV park camping beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll need to pack your camping essentials. These items include RV accessories, kitchen supplies, and personal items. Cookware and other kitchen supplies can be cumbersome, heavy, and breakable. For this reason, many RV cooks pack just a few pots and pans, a coffee maker, a baking dish, and a salad bowl. Utensils are also important, and the list of essentials will vary from one person to another. A large zip-close bag is a must, as is a set of tongs and a serving spoon. Lastly, you’ll need hiking boots or athletic shoes, and any sports equipment you might want to bring, like a football or horseshoes.
As for clothing, it is best to bring comfortable clothing and a comfortable sleeping bag. You may also want to bring a sleeping mask or white noise machine to ensure that you’re comfortable during the night. A good camping blanket will also keep you warm, even if it’s not particularly warm. And for the day, bring plenty of sunscreen and aloe vera gel to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. You may also want to pack mosquito repellent and a lightweight blanket for the hot days.
Getting A Spot In The Park
The first step to obtaining an RV park spot is to research the different options and find out what is best for your needs. Visiting RV trade shows will allow you to network with other RVers and learn about the different options available in the area. Many of these events include information on road conditions and campground reviews. If you have never camped before, you can also try looking up different RV parks on the Internet.
Another great way to get a spot in an RV park is to find a Facebook group that is specifically for RVing. These groups will allow you to talk to RVers in real time and learn where other people have camped. You can ask them about specific RV parks and areas, or post photos. Taking advantage of this method will help you save time and money. The only downside is that you won’t be able to use the Facebook group to make reservations for the parks you are interested in.
