Whether you’re a camping novice, or an experienced seasonal RVer, a little preparation can go a long way in rewarding you with a fun and successful outing. So here are a few tips and reminders that will help any camper get started on the right track.
It’s important to find out beforehand what is included with your site and what amenities the campground has to offer. For example, a fire ring and picnic table are usually a given, but not always. Ask the person who takes your reservation, “What is the most forgotten item that people forget to pack?” The answer may provide a great reminder.
Always test out new camping gear before leaving your house! Don’t discover that your new tent has a hole when it’s too late to repair. Practice setting it up in the backyard, so you don’t struggle with instructions if you arrive at your site after dark. And consider using lights made for tent stakes. They’ll keep your kids safer and aren’t as obtrusive to neighboring campers.
When buying a brand-new RV, don’t be afraid to ask your dealer to demonstrate how everything works. Practice the features at home. Make a trial run at a campground nearby before heading out on a longer excursion. Camping communities are super friendly, and neighboring campers are happy to help with tips for both newbies and experienced RVers.
Perhaps the most important things to know about your rig and campsite involve water, sewer, and electric. It’s always a good idea to find out if the campground ‘s water source is from the city or a well. If it’s city water, you’ll likely need a pressure regulator to prevent damaging your RV. If it’s well water, a regulator may reduce the pressure enough to make tasks such as showering or washing dishes more difficult.
It’s super important to make sure your sewer is working properly. You should never leave your sewer drain open. Even on a full hookup site, you should wait for the tanks to be about 2/3 full. Leaving the drain open can cause a build up of toilet paper and other solids. Be sure to use only RV Safe toilet paper, and never flush wipes or other foreign objects which may cause a back-up in your camper or costly damage to the septic system.
While it’s nice that modern RVs offer most of the comforts of home, it’s important to know that the electrical systems are very different, and you still need to conserve electricity. Learn how much power it takes to run each appliance and adjust your usage – especially during those summer heat waves.
One of the biggest discrepancies from one campground to another may be amenities included with rental cabins. Make sure to find out before leaving home exactly what you need to bring, such as cookware and utensils, bed linens, coffee maker, board games, etc. Nobody wants to make a long drive to their vacation destination, and then have to make a shopping trip for forgotten items.
Both novices and seasoned veterans, whether camping in small tents or deluxe RVs, will discover that following these helpful tips will help make your next camping trip a memorable one.